MotoGP Gossip: Ducati to consider Lorenzo if Dovi goes?

- Even if Andrea Dovizioso doesn't agree terms with Ducati for the 2021 MotoGP season, it's unlikely that current team-mate Danilo Petrucci will remain to join new signing Jack Miller next season.

Instead, according to Petrucci's manager Alberto Vergani, retired world champion Jorge Lorenzo - who recently confirmed he would take up a MotoGP offer if there was a chance to fight for another title - could then make a shock Ducati return.

Vergani told GPOne.com: "If there is no agreement [with Dovizioso], they can also decide for a return of Jorge. Certainly, Jorge did not retire last year in Valencia, I am sure of this, he cannot leave the scene in that way," (GPOne.com)

- Maverick Vinales will be one of Marc Marquez's biggest rivals for the 2020 MotoGP title.

That's the opinion of Vinales' rider coach Julian Simon, who told DAZN that although the Repsol Honda rider remains the man to beat over a short season, " I am sure that Maverick will be outstanding. He trains incredibly hard and will therefore be at a very high level. It will be a very entertaining World Championship.

"[Vinales] will be one of Marc Márquez's biggest opponents because he trains as hard as possible. He has a lot of confidence and I am convinced that he will do well."

[DAZN via Speedweek.com]

- Misano will not only have a place on the heavily-revised 2020 MotoGP calendar, due to be published next week, but is expecting to hold back-to-back events, possibly on September 13 and 20. The circuit is also hoping coronavirus restrictions will have eased enough to allow some fans to be present. [SkySport.it]

- While he considers his racing future, Danilo Petrucci has been out training with motocross legend Tony Cairoli: