MotoGP: Miller eyeing Petrucci's factory seat

Ducati’s MotoGP bosses have told MCN that Jack Miller is in line for Danilo Petrucci’s factory seat next season and that the time when they need to make a decision on who will partner Andrea Dovizioso in 2020 is rapidly approaching. The announcement comes after Miller took a strong third place onboard his 2019 spec Pramac Ducati at CoTA.

Ducati Corse boss Paolo Ciabatti told MCN after the race they’re aware a difficult decision is looming, but that Petrucci still has some time to get back to podium form and hold onto his seat.

He said: “When we have to make the decision it will be a difficult one because we like Danilo and we like Jack. For the moment, it’s too early, but we respect them and we won’t delay it until the point where they might lose other opportunities. Three races is too early but we will start to make up our mind around Mugello or Barcelona.”

Miller did his cause no harm at all during Sunday’s race in Texas, delivering an impressive performance to return to the podium and third place for the first time since his stunning victory at Assen in 2016. The Aussie ended the day as the number one Ducati, ahead of the factory bikes of Andrea Dovizioso and a significant 13 seconds clear of Petrucci.

“For sure my main goal is to try and secure a factory seat and I would love it to be at Ducati,” said Miller. “We’re doing a good job so far this year, out- qualifying and finishing ahead of Petrucci in both races I’ve finished. It’s been a good year but we’ll wait and see because I’ve always started my season strong and then around Mugello the wheels have fallen off my wagon. Hopefully this year we’ll be able to keep them on and see what happens.”