The superstar left everyone guessing when asked the question on the eve of the last GP of 2017.

“After a few races next year, to see if I am still fast and can be competitive, I will speak with Yamaha, and see,” he said.

This was one leading question of a growing storm of speculation about 2019, by when all major contracts are up for grabs.

Rumours linking Marc Marquez with a move to Red Bull KTM won’t go away, with the energy drink giant said to have offered him a blank cheque to leave Honda.