Even after Jorge Lorenzo found his way to success with Ducati, Claudio Domenicali continues to argue that it was not a mistake not to continue his partnership with the rider for 2019. Next year, #99 goes to Honda, with the formation of Borgo Panigale working with Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso.

The Ducati executive director explained to the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘Lorenzo is a great driver who could not make the most of our bike. Everything has its moment and I do not think we have erred in anything. We all had some information in hand, both we and Jorge, and we all made their decisions.’

Although he regrets the sporty decision, Domenicali is a believer in the pair Dovizioso/Petrucci: ‘From the sporting point of view, it’s a shame, but we are very happy with the future of the structure. We believe that Dovi has great potential and that Petrucci will help ensure that Dovi has enough points at the end of the season.’

The official also commented: ‘Lorenzo is a really good guy and I am very sorry that things have been like this for a very short time. We try to put you in the best conditions.’