Max Biaggi joked all weekend long at Assen regarding the rumor that he’ll be at Monza in two weeks time as a wildcard.
The former rider also displayed a scrap book with all the clippings from Italian newspapers and websites talking about his return.
Biaggi dismissed the rumor again both via Twitter and while he was commenting Saturday’s Superpole at Assen – while wearing his lid – but Francis Batta revealed that he did ask Biaggi to join Ducati and become their test rider, and help in the development of the still very green 1199 Panigale R, offering him a wildcard ride in return in the second part of the season.
“With Max we started talking in Australia, but it was too early and Ducati was still re-organizing after their acquistion by Audi.
In the last few days we’ve been talking seriously, and Biaggi asked me about a contract, and to find the funds we need no more than a week,” said the Belgium manager to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We have an intense testing program scheduled and Biaggi would have at least ten days on track in order to solve the problems and prepare for a return.
Our test track is Jerez and the championship races there on October 20th, and Max would have plenty of time to prepare properly.
”“We talk often and I can tell he isn’t happy.
On TV he comments the successes of rivals that only six months ago he was beating.
Ducati is offering him a chance to return to what he wants to be: a rider looking for exciting challenges.
“UPDATE:Biaggi has confirmed via Twitter that at Assen he has made a decision and that he’ll be testing in 10 days time.
The circuit has still to be defined.
That he is almost certain and tomorrow will release more details.