Petrucci: Dovi's chosen, I can only wait

The completion of Andrea Dovizioso's new Ducati deal means the factory will now turn its attention to filling the remaining free places in its 2019 MotoGP line-up.

Top of the list will be the factory ride alongside Dovizioso, currently occupied by Jorge Lorenzo, who continues to be linked with a possible move to Suzuki.

Pramac's Danilo Petrucci - the third rider on a GP18 - is among those in contention to be Dovizioso's future team-mate, his present contract containing an option to join the factory team in 2019.

But that option is in the hands of Ducati and, until they take a decision, Petrucci is in limbo.

"Ducati had the problem with Dovi and now, fortunately, they are still together," said Petrucci, reacting to today's announcement in the Le Mans paddock.

"Now Ducati has to choose [my future] and the only thing I can do is push as best as possible, like every race.

"Sincerely I've been doing my best like every year. So I hope they are clever and don’t choose the future of the next two years in one race."

Pressed on when Ducati must decide, Petrucci replied:

"The expiry date of this option is at the end of June. They have to choose [by then].

"Unfortunately I cannot say I have many, many cards in my hand. I have to wait and try to do my best. The choice is not mine."

As well as Dovizioso, Moto2 star Francesco Bagnaia has already signed with the factory for next season, when he will be placed at Pramac for his rookie MotoGP campaign.

But the other 2019 Pramac seat is still to be decided.

Petrucci's team-mate Jack Miller (on an older GP17) also has a Ducati option. But while the Australian could either be retained at Pramac or move to the factory team, Petrucci's option is "only for the factory team".

Meanwhile, rival Italian manufacturer Aprilia, which has targeted Petrucci in the past, is again interested in his services should he become available.

"Yes there is still a [chance at Aprilia] but first of all I have an option with Ducati. So first Ducati have to say 'yes or 'no' and then I can look around. But first of all I have to respect my deal."

Petrucci was speaking after setting the 13th fastest lap time in Friday practice for the French MotoGP. However, the Italian is just 0.051s from Lorenzo and a place in the top ten, which would allow direct access to Qualifying 2 if he can find the time in FP3.

"We still have to adjust the bike because I'm not happy. There is still something missing, so first of all we have to understand which direction to go and then work a lot with the soft tyre both front and rear… My target is to go directly to Qualifying 2."