Speculation thrashing around Motorcycle Live and the Valencia MotoGP paddock over the weekend put WorldSBK exiles Loris Baz and Xavi Fores in the frame for rides in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship next season.

It is thought that Frenchman Baz, who rode with Rob McElnea’s team for half a BSB season in 2011, is in advance negotiations with Honda Racing to partner Andrew Irwin.

Fores, who was replaced in the Barni Ducati team by Michael Rinaldi, is thought to have done a deal with Tyco BMW for next season.

These two could, however, be interchangeable and Jordi Torres, also out of work for 2019, also expressed interest in joining the world championship exiles.