MotoGP Gossip: Kawasaki has MotoGP wildcard request rejected

- In an interview with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, he reveals Kawasaki requested a MotoGP wildcard entry for its Superbike team but were turned down by the series organisers. Ezpeleta also expects to retain its six current MotoGP manufacturers in the next round of factory contracts. (GPOne.com)

- Both Danilo Petrucci and Alex Rins predict Fabio Quartararo to become a MotoGP world title contender in 2020 with a factory specification Yamaha. The pair were speaking at a Nolan helmet event where they also said they both expect Marc Marquez to show his true pace by the opening round as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)

- Meanwhile Marquez’s manager Emilio Alzamora has confirmed his rider’s recovery from shoulder surgery remains on schedule and dismissed speculation that he requires a further operation due to complications. (AS.com)

- Johann Zarco says he must target top 5 finishes for Avintia Ducati if he is to become a genuine consideration for a factory Ducati spot in the future, while dismissing comparisons between his KTM split to Lorenzo’s Honda exit because he doesn’t care about the money. (Marca)

- Franco Morbidelli says he’s pleased to be an interest to other MotoGP teams as he weighs up his options but currently wants to impress on the track before making a call on his future. (Sky Sport Italia)

- After retiring from racing, Marco Melandri will continue to compete in 2020 as he enters selected rounds of the World E-Bike Series run by the UCI. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)