Danilo Petrucci has confirmed he will be leaving the satellite Pramac Ducati team at the end of the 2018 season as he looks to secure a factory ride for 2019.
The Italian stepped up to the Pramac squad in 2015 after several years with the struggling Ioda team aboard CRT and Open class machinery, and signed a deal directly with Ducati to ride a GP17 in Pramac colours last year.
Speaking with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Petrucci revealed he has an option to step up to the factory Ducati team for 2019 should the Italian manufacturer wish, though he feels the potential for contracts to be decided early in the year will put him at a disadvantage.
“Paolo Campinoti (Pramac team owner) and I are both aware: he pulled me out from hell, but we knew this would be our last year together,” said Petrucci, who has scored five podium finishes for he Pramac team.
“I have a contract with Ducati, I have an option that expires in June to step up to the factory team – otherwise I'm a free agent.
“This is the dream, but I believe everything will be decided in the first few races and I don't think this is very fair.”
Petrucci was linked to a move to Aprilia for this season after the Italian marque terminated rookie Sam Lowes' two-year deal following a tough start to his campaign.
The Italian admits a move to the Noale factory was “very appealing”, but was not keen to opt out of his deal with Pramac and Ducati early.
“In 2017 there was a strong temptation to go to Aprilia, riding for another Italian team was very appealing.
“But I didn't want to be 'divorced while living together'. However, after seven years in MotoGP, the dream is this (to ride for a factory team).”
Earlier in the month, Gazzetto dello Sport reported double Moto3 race winner and Moto2 frontrunner Francesco Bagnaia was finalising a deal to step up to the premier class with Pramac for 2019.
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