Yamaha play down Lorenzo deal reports

Team boss Davide Brivio conceded that Yamaha had an eye on Lorenzo - who has won five out of seven races so far this season - as a future MotoGP rider, but said that no decision had yet been made about who would ride their second bike in 2008.

"He is one of the young riders we are following in 250cc, as well as (Andrea) Dovizioso or (Alex) de Angelis," Brivio told AS newspaper.

"After winning the title last year and seeing how he is doing now, it's normal that he is already seen (to have a future) in MotoGP.

"He is a young rider, interesting and brave, but I all I can say is that for 2008 the only sure thing is we will have Valentino with us and that the rest will be decided from now on."

Rossi's current teammate Colin Edwards has had a disappointing season and is currently only 10th in the standings.

Brivio also denied paddock speculation that Rossi would decide the identity of his teammate, and that the Italian was pushing for Yamaha to become a one-bike team.

"At the Yamaha team we need to have two riders and Yamaha decide who they are, not Valentino," said Brivio.

"He is one of them and we still haven't renewed Edwards' deal. We'll see what we do with him."