KTM Motorsport boss Pit Beirer has batted away rumours that Ducati pilot Andrea Dovizioso could switch to the Austrian manufacturer’s MotoGP outfit for next season.
Dovizioso has been increasingly linked to a future outside of Ducati, with rumours suggesting the Italian is frustrated with the continual lack of progress made with the Desmosedici by the marque.
This has reportedly caused problems with Ducati chief designer Gigi D’alligna, with Dovizioso recently having been linked to the likes of KTM as well as Honda.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Beirer confirmed though that KTM were looking to continue with its current rider pairing of Pol Espargaro-who scored the team’s maiden podium finish at the Valencian finale in 2018-and ’20 rookie Brad Binder.
“This is a difficult time to change riders, because no races have been run, no one can assess the evolution of both [rider and bike],” he said. “At the same time, we can’t wait too long either.
“We are currently negotiating and the objective is to extend the current contracts [we have].”
Beirer also declared his intention to keep both Miguel Oliveira and new recruit Iker Lecuona at KTM’s satellite Tech 3 squad for at least ’21, adding he was looking at drawing up contracts for factory team’s aces before MotoGP competition gets underway at Jerez in July.
“I only focus on continuing with the four riders (Espargaro and Binder, and Oliveira and Lecuona at Tech 3) that we have.
“In these times, the family must stay together. I hope to renew Pol and Brad before the first race.”