Race to sign Marco Simoncelli intensifies

Marco Simoncelli looks certain to be able take his pick of lucrative offers from every manufacturer in MotoGP as the race to sign the reigning 250GP champion intensifies.

The 22-year-old is arguably the hottest property in world racing at present, with Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati all in negotiations with the Italian.

He could be fast tracked into Ducati’s factory squad to replace Nicky Hayden in 2010, but he’s reluctant to be another casualty of the Desmosedici curse, with only Casey Stoner so far able to compete on the Bologna V4.

He’s also talked with Ducati’s Pramac satellite team, and his manager Carlo Pernat is in direct talks with HRC about a switch to the Gresini Honda squad, according to MCN sources.

MCN also understands Simoncelli held further talks with the Tech 3 Yamaha squad during last month’s Italian GP in Mugello, while Suzuki’s factory team has also expressed serious interest. Simoncelli’s manager Carlo Pernat said: “There is big interest in Marco and we are looking at the options.”