Michael Ruben Rinaldi says he is hoping to have news regarding his future in the WorldSBK Championship amid talk he is first in line for a move to Honda should certain other deals go his way.

The Italian produced a timely reminder of his quality at this high level in WorldSBK by claiming a fine first victory of the season in Race 1, the Italian hunting down and overhauling Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu en route.

A fifth career WorldSBK win at the circuit where he claimed his maiden success in 2020 on the satellite Go Eleven Ducati, the upturn in form comes as Rinaldi continues his search for a 2024 WorldSBK seat after being ousted at Aruba Ducati.

With Axel Bassani seemingly poised to land the vacant factory Kawasaki ride in place of Jonathan Rea, Rinaldi has instead been linked to a factory HRC Honda berth.

As it stands, Honda team manager Leon Camier has stated it would be his preference to retain both Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge for a third season. However, Lecuona could find himself ported into Honda’s MotoGP line-up should Marc Marquez accept an offer to join Gresini Ducati.

With an announcement from Marquez expected in the coming day, Rinaldi says he hopes he can reveal his own plans very soon.

“It is interesting, I don’t know if my future depends on Marquez but I think now we are close to what I want to sign where I want to, so in Portimao I think there will be news…”

If Lecuona does stay at Honda, Rinaldi has potential options to replace Bassani on the Motocorsa Ducati, it is understood.