With the possibility of a factory Ducati seat alongside Dovi next year and a handful of strong riders still without contracts, the competition is hotting up.
As well as Iannone, whose return to Ducati is considered unlikely but not impossible, another candidate is Danilo Petrucci, who told press that he has been offered but refused a World Superbike ride.
Iannone, French MotoGP 2018
His Pramac Ducati team-mate Jack Miller is also a likely prospect, after seven top ten finishes in the last seven races.
Asked today about he chances, he said: “We’ll have to wait and see. I just do my job, and if I’m seen as fit enough, that’s good.”
Miller, Spanish MotoGP 2018
By Michael Scott