News that honorary Brit Brendan Roberts has reportedly signed for the Guandalini Ducati squad in World Superbikes should now leave the door open for John Laverty to take up a seat in British Superbikes with NW200 Ducati.

Roberts was on Alistair Kennedy's shopping list for a seat in the team after Ducati Corse said they wanted a young rider on the only factory-backed Ducati in the series.

This meant Michael Rutter was moved to one side and offered a management role, which he has since turned down. Kennedy looked to have done a deal with the Aussie to get him back in Britain.

However Roberts, who comes with factory backing, looked at other options and has gone for the Guandalini team, which fielded Jakub Smrz in this year's WSB championship.

All this means Laverty should now be in the frame to take up the BSB seat proper after a scorching year in the BSB Cup, which he walked away with.

Rutter, meanwhile, is said to be looking at other British Superbike options, including running his own team using last year's Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000s.