Andrea Dovizioso fires warning shot to Yamaha, saying he has alternatives

The Italian, currently at satellite squad Tech 3, has made no secret this year of his desire to land a works ride with the Japanese manufacturer from 2013.

Four podiums in the last five races have helped Dovizioso make an increasingly strong case for himself, but the Italian admits it is perfectly possible he could miss out on the ride.

"Yamaha hasn't decided, it's buying time. I've already understood that meritocracy doesn't count so, despite my results, I already know that it's possible I may never have the factory bike," he told Motosprint.

"But I have alternatives - other teams and other makes - and I'm also considering something very different."

Asked whether he could be open to a switch into Superbikes, he replied: "Yes, that. My objective in MotoGP is to get back on a works bike, because only then could I aspire to get the results I still lack: to fight for the title. If I don't get that, then I might as well go for different experiences."

Despite Yamaha confirming Lorenzo and Honda Moto2 starlet Marc Marquez alongside Dani Pedrosa, there remains a deal of confusion about every other rider - with the future of seven-time champion Valentino Rossi playing a pivotal part.

The Italian has openly criticised Ducati at times this season, and talk of a move away from the Italian manufacturer gathered momentum. He held positive talks with Audi management at the Sachsenring, but insisted ahead of Mugello that his future was still open.

A return to Yamaha remains an option for Rossi, while HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto told Motosprint he would be interested in placing the Italian in a works-supplied satellite team.

"I'd like to work with Valentino. When he was at Honda I was on the Formula 1 programme, so the only time I've seen him racing with us from our pits was at the Suzuka 8-hour race," he said.

"It hasn't been possible to place him in the works team, but I'm ready to supply him with a factory bike in one of our satellite teams."

Aside from Dovizioso, Rossi's decision could also hold the key to both Cal Crutchlow and Nicky Hayden's futures.