Suzuki coy on Joan Mir rumours

Suzuki MotoGP team manager Davide Brivio has confirmed that Suzuki could sign a 'young rider' in 2019, amid rumours that Moto2 rookie Joan Mir is in contention for a GSX-RR ride.

With Alex Rins re-signed but Andrea Iannone thought to be leaving, triple world champion Jorge Lorenzo has been the big name linked to the second Suzuki seat.

But reigning Moto3 champion Mir's name has also been popping up at Le Mans.

Paddock speculation suggests that Suzuki is now keen to sign another young rider from Moto2 (like Rins and predecessor Maverick Vinales) rather than go for a big name, after only limited success with Iannone.

"Let's say we have two ways to see our rider line-up for next year," Brivio told Dorna's Simon Crafar.

"We can go for an experienced rider or maybe again for a young rider.

"It is something we are discussing with Iannone's management and also some other riders.

"I can't say so much now. I hope by Mugello to know more…"

Mir has a multi-year contract with Marc VDS, but that is understood to contain a clause allowing him to join a factory MotoGP team.

The Spanish youngster has also been linked to the vacant Repsol Honda seat, alongside reigning world champion Marc Marquez.