The Italian rider is being kept an eye on by the Ducati bosses ahead of making decisions about their 2024 MotoGP lineup
It seems that Tony Arbolino is already being scouted by the Ducati bosses to slot into their 2024 MotoGP lineup. It is no surprise that the riders who is first in the Moto2 Championship would be linked with MotoGP rides, but Ducati team members themselves have confirmed their interest.
In a recent interview with motogp.com Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti had this to say about the Moto2 title contenders: “Yeah, Pedro (Acosta) is one of the most promising riders since his Moto3™ years and we know he has a connection with KTM, which is understandable. Tony Arbolino is also doing a good job. Let's see, it's a little too early, we need a couple more races before considering next year.”
Ciabatti also mentioned Acosta but it has been rumoured in recent weeks that Acosta has been in talks with HRC and KTM for his future in MotoGP so a move to Ducati is less likely. However, when it comes to Arbolino it would not be surprising to see him on a Ducati next year.
The 22-year-old is currently leading the Moto2 Championship by 25 points and has won two races so far this season and has two further podiums to his name. There have only been five races so far this season so agreeing a move this early would be too hasty from both sides.
But if Arbolino is to sign with Ducati then the question would be which squad would he likely slot into? Well it seems there is only once place he could end up, and this would be in the Gresini squad.
The Italian rider would most likely replace fellow Italian rider Fabio di Giannantonio in the Gresini squad if Ducati are interested in bringing Arbolino into the MotoGP fold.
The MotoGP silly season will kick into full gear in a couple of weeks in the summer break, when more rumours around riders like Arbolino will start to appear.