Ducati deny that Rossi deal is done
Added on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Ducati deny that Rossi deal is done
Ducati Corse has denied that a deal with MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has already been agreed, despite comments attributed to Gabriele Del Torchio.
The manufacturer issued a statement this afternoon claiming that any reports that a deal has already been sealed as “misreported”, claiming that it was just one of many rumours currently surrounding Rossi and a switch from Yamaha to Ducati.
“Recent news which has appeared on websites has been misreported and must be attributed to the many rumours circulating lately,” said a statement.
“Whether and when a deal is reached an official press release will be issued.”
The reports surfaced after Del Torchio told Cycle World Magazine that he was looking forward to seeing Rossi and current rider Nicky Hayden forming a successful partnership in 2011.
“Nicky is a wonderful person and a great rider. This year, he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino [Rossi] will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential,” he claimed.
Ducati reaffirmed that neither Hayden nor Rossi had been confirmed for 2011, adding: “Regarding the recent allegations attributed to Mr del Torchio, Ducati states that no agreement has been reached with the riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden for the future Moto GP season, although our interest in these riders remains.
