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Andrea Dovizioso believes Ducati would be “stupid” to not sound out Marc Marquez over a possible switch to the MotoGP manufacturer in 2021.
Marquez completed a new deal with Honda running to the end of the 2020 season earlier this year, and is likely to be at the centre of rider market speculation for ’21.
Italian media reports suggest Ducati has already made tentative contact with Marquez’s party about a future switch, although this has been denied by team manager Davide Tardozzi.
Asked for his take on the rumours, Dovizioso said he would be surprised if Ducati was already thinking so far ahead but that Marquez should be considered.
“I know there were rumours that Ducati has already made an approach, but I don’t think this is the case, because it wouldn’t be smart on their part,” said Dovizioso.
“We still have two years ahead of us together and clear objectives.
“I think that everyone is focused on this, but then it’s logical that if there is this possibility, they will always move in good time.
“If in two years’ time everyone wants Marquez, what’s new?
“Ducati would be stupid not to think about it, just as Honda would be stupid not to try and keep him.”
Dovizioso is committed to Ducati until the end of 2020, but the 32-year-old said he would have no problem going up against Marquez in the same team.
The Italian came close to joining Marquez at Honda in 2017 when Dani Pedrosa was linked with a move to Yamaha.
“It would be a good thing [to be team-mates with Marquez],” said Dovizioso.
“When you are alongside a champion, as I am now with [Jorge] Lorenzo, you always learn something, regardless of your relationship with them.
“Every champion has his own characteristics and it would be a great thing to be able to have the data in your hands and understand what he does.
“When you study an opponent who rides a different bike, certain details you can’t see. So it would be very interesting.”