Ducati boss says Lorenzo has no preference about MotoGP team-mate

The three-time champion's move from Yamaha was confirmed on Monday, in the lead-up to this weekend's first European race of the season at Jerez.

Both of Ducati's current factory riders Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone are out of contract at the end of this year, and Ciabatti said no decision had been made on who would stay on, and that Lorenzo was not fussed by working with either.

"We have not decided yet," Ciabatti told Sky Italia.

"First we wanted to ensure the signing of Lorenzo. Now we will wait to decide whether Iannone or Dovizioso stays.

"The two are exceptional and it will not be an easy choice.

"We have spoken to both of them and I don't think the uncertainty over their future will affect them.

"We spoke with Jorge and does not care which one is his team-mate."

Dovizioso is the more experienced of the Ducati pair, but finished two places behind Iannone last year, the latter's first with the factory outfit.

That was thought to have given Iannone the upper hand within the team, but he crashed out the Qatar season opener, then collected Dovizioso at the penultimate corner in Argentina, clouding matters.

However, that Ducati's 2016 Desmosedici GP has shown front-running pace so far this year made its life easier when pursuing Lorenzo, who has won his titles and 41 MotoGP races with Yamaha.

"We knew we wanted to ​​sign one of the best riders to allow us to win back a title," Ciabatti said.

"This season the bike has been very competitive and has enabled the two parties to reach an agreement.

"I think the bike we have this year and the fact we have demonstrated its competitiveness has been key to reaching this agreement.

"I would say it was not difficult to convince Jorge."