Aleix Espargaro set for switch from Suzuki to Aprilia in MotoGP

The Spaniard had been keen to stay with Suzuki but was disappointed with how his contract negotiation was handled, with the factory subsequently signing Moto2 championship leader Alex Rins as its second rider.

Aprilia has emerged as Espargaro's most likely next destination, and he was scheduled to appear in Thursday afternoon's pre-event press conference for the Dutch TT to announce the move.

However, he did not arrive on time amid widespread air-traffic delays in Europe, with Spanish media suggesting that Espargaro was also set to sign his Aprilia deal upon his arrival at Assen.

Currently seventh in the MotoGP standings, Espargaro will partner British Moto2 rider Sam Lowes next year.

Lowes will test a MotoGP bike for the first time at Misano next week, starting with one day on Aprilia's 2015-machine rather than its current RS-GP.

A decision on whether Lowes will undertake more tests later this season will be made based on the status of his Moto2 title bid.

BRADL AND BAUTISTA LOOKING ELSEWHERE

Espargaro's recruitment means incumbents Stefan Bradl and Alvaro Bautista are now looking for rides out of Aprilia, and possibly even out of MotoGP.

Bradl joined the team midway through last year, and says he got "the message" following the last round at Barcelona and had expected Espargaro's announcement to be made on Thursday.

"Actually I don't know," Bradl said of his 2017 plans.

"I just started to look around to see what the future can bring, I'm not only looking in MotoGP of course, there are not so many good seats left, and there is [World] Superbikes which is another option.

"It is my hope I can find some guys to talk with and I'm sure also that something will come up.

"It's not a nice feeling for me right now, especially because I feel at home here."

Unlike Bradl, Bautista believed the situation was not settled on Thursday afternoon, saying: "Aprilia told me they wanted me to remain in the team.

"I think it is a 50/50 chance [to stay]. Now it is difficult because they want three riders but they only have two bikes."

The Spaniard added that staying in MotoGP "is my priority", with the Aspar satellite Ducati team appearing his best outcome.