Rossi backs Redding for Ducati
Although Valentino Rossi has not announced he's leaving Ducati, the Italian has directed the team to two possible replacements should he opt out.
On Monday it was confirmed that while MotoGP was taking a brief break after Sunday's United States GP, Moto2 riders Andrea Iannone and Scott Redding will have an opportunity to test the Ducati at Mugello.
Ducati Team manager Vittoriano Guareschi made the announcement which comes on the back of reports that Ducati are eager to start a satellite team for next year's Championship that will give young talent a chance to find their feet in the premier class.
However, the tests could also be viewed as an audition should Rossi, who has yet to reveal his plans for next season, opt to walk away from Ducati.
And it seems the nine-time World Champion believes that in Redding and Iannone Ducati could find two stars for the future.
"I am very close with the Ducati guys for the future and so they ask for my advice about young riders and I spoke about Iannone but also Redding has high potential," the Italian told Motorcycle News.
"First he is the English hope after Cal (Crutchlow) but he has good potential and he is a young guy and he can be fast."
