Gresini working on Simoncelli deal

Although he stopped short of confirming Italian press reports that the deal was already done, the Gresini Honda boss said that he was interesting in hiring Simoncelli and keen to complete a deal.

"It would be great news if true, but it still can't be confirmed by me," Gresini told Italia1.

"But obviously who wouldn't want Marco? Everyone would, everyone does. Obviously we are interested, and we're working on that project."

Simoncelli said earlier this week that he expects to be in the premier class next year, but was also adamant that no deal was done yet.

"I think that I will go to MotoGP," he told the official MotoGP website. "Having spoken a little with everyone I am now evaluating the situation. It is still to be decided."

The 22-year-old Italian won last year's 250cc title, and despite a disastrous start to his title defence he has now climbed back to third in the standings, 22 points behind leader Alvaro Bautista.