MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo Could Switch To Suzuki From Ducati In 2019

Three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo isn't in the best form at Ducati currently, could be joining the Suzuki Ecstar team for the 2019 FIA MotoGP World Championship. A recent report from Motorsport.com suggests that Suzuki is keen to bring Lorenzo on-board next season to partner Alex Rins with the Spaniard stepping into Andrea Iannone's place as the new lead rider. While neither Suzuki, nor Lorenzo have commented on the development, the switch just might be the boost that the ex-Yamaha rider could be looking for.

The report states that the Hamamatsu factory team has run out of patience with Iannone with respect to his dismal performance, and looking for a replacement instead. As Suzuki's lead rider, Iannone hasn't been able to match up to what was expected off him last year, while the Italian finished ninth and tenth respectively in the first two races of the season. Suzuki feels Lorenzo would make for an ideal replacement to Iannone, while the GSX-RR too would suit his riding style.

(Andrea Iannone hasn't been able to live up to Suzuki's expectations)

Having moved to Ducati from Yamaha in 2017, Lorenzo has been struggling to find pace. His debut season with Ducati was disastrous and the Spaniard is still struggling to find his comfort zone on the Desmosedici, having scored only a single point in the first two races of the 2018 MotoGP season.

Add to that, Lorenzo's teammate Andrea Dovizioso had his most successful career finish in 2017 on the same Desmosedici, while he also picked up the first win of the season in Qatar. This, is increasingly making it difficult for Lorenzo to justify his 12 million Euros per year pay check. The Spaniard's two-year contract with Ducati ends at the end of this year, and while the team is likely to retain Dovizioso for another year, Lorenzo could make the switch back to Japan, for different team though this time.

The next couple of races will be crucial for both Ducati and Suzuki as the teams will be evaluating both Iannone and Lorenzo's performance. With the middle order riders showing some exemplary pace this season, it's only going to get difficult for Lorenzo to make a comeback to the top spots. However, it will be something we look forward to.