Noriyuki Haga's Pata Aprilia World Superbike seat will be occupied by Italian youngster Lorenzo Zanetti for the 2012 season which leaves the series bridesmaid with a ride to find.

The relatively-unknown Zanetti finished third for BMW Italia in the European Superstock 1000 series and follows countryman and champion Davide Guigliano into the big class. It is thought the team will remain with Aprilia in 2012 and have a factory supported RSV4.

Haga, meanwhile, had been in talks with a leading British Superbike team but it is thought his wage demands were too high for the cost-cutting series. He one of two 2011 WSBK riders who haven't confirmed their 2012 plans.