Yamaha MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis has confirmed that reigning world champion Jorge has received the best possible offer his factory could come up with but is probably waiting on an offer from Ducati before he makes a decision.

Lorenzo’s management today said the Mallorcan had been given the best offer of his racing career by Yamaha but, with the timing of Rossi’s announcement, it wasn’t the time to sign it. Jarvis thinks that Ducati are circling Lorenzo as they want one of the four aliens to lead its development.

“The situation with Jorge is that we knew about his request to confirm his contract before the start of the season, hence we are so early because we prepared his contract. We finished the negotation, we gave him our very best offer and he has that. So he decided he would like to take more time,” said Jarvis, speaking at Qatar.

“The way we run our team is equal treatment so at the same time at Jorge, we prepared Valentino’s agreement as it would not be correct to do one without the other. The negotations go on for weeks and Valentino’s was only concluded at this race.

“I am completely happy with the proposal we put to Jorge and his manager confirmed it is the best offer they have had in Jorge’s racing career. There are other competitors, there will be other teams and constructors looking to secure his services. I hope he stays with Yamaha. With a bit of luck Jorge will soon decide to go on with us.

“My guess it that it would be Ducati because Honda already have a leading rider. Ducati have to very good riders but they want a top gun, one of the top four to lead the development.”