It seems Ducati wants Jorge Lorenzo to leave the team in the “cleanest” way possible, and today, when questioned if the Italian brand would prohibit Jorge Lorenzo of testing with his new 2019 team in post-season tests, Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati motorsport manager, said the Spanish rider will be allowed to test with Honda.
Usually, manufacturers have no problem to allow their contacted riders to test for their new teams in post-season tests, even if the contract is valid until December 31. But when a rider switches for a rival manufacturer, like Lorenzo is doing, moving from Ducati directly to Honda’s factory MotoGP team, there’s always a bit of tension.
But Ciabatti made sure to let everyone know Ducati won’t make it hard on Lorenzo
“We will let Jorge test with Honda and his new team, it’s normal. He is going to be a Ducati rider until Valencia, but after that, there’s nothing that could make us say no to him testing with his new team. It’s clear there’s some things we need to consider because of sponsors, but he will be able to do the tests in Valencia and Jerez”, said Paolo Ciabatti today in Austria, where this weekend the MotoGP paddock visits the Red Bull Ring for another round.