Miller: Factory or not, I'll have a GP19

It's no secret that Danilo Petrucci and Pramac team-mate Jack Miller lead the list of riders ready to replace Jorge Lorenzo, if the triple MotoGP champion does not renew his contract with Ducati for 2019.

While Andrea Dovizioso announced a new two-year deal at Le Mans, team-mate Lorenzo's future at the team is uncertain at best.

With the Spaniard scoring just 16 points for 14th in the world championship - compared with 38 points and eighth in the standings at the same stage of his first Ducati season - enthusiasm to extend must surely be seeping away from both sides.

Meanwhile, the Pramac riders are already contracted directly to the factory and have an option for 2019.

But while Petrucci's option is only for a move to the factory team - if not it seems he will be out of Ducati - Miller can remain at Pramac or join the official squad.

"It’s their option. From what I understand they’re going to use it. If not, I’ll have to go and talk to some Moto2 teams or something and try and be rookie of the year!" Miller joked.

Petrucci's timely second place at Le Mans on Sunday, his best result in a fully dry race, made him the only Desmosedici rider other than Dovizioso to stand on the podium so far this season.

The result also drew significant praise from Ducati Corse general manger Gigi Dall’Igna, who told Sky Sport Italia: “If Petrucci continues like this, he deserves an official Ducati.”

If Petrucci - who already has the latest GP18 - does get the 2019 factory team ride, it seems Miller won't be too upset.

The young Australian - currently riding a year-old GP17 - also rode a strong race at Le Mans in the form of fourth place and confirmed he will have GP19 machinery next season, whichever team he is in.

"The decision I guess is entirely up to Ducati," Miller said of his factory team chances. "For me, I’m content. Of course, like I’ve said all along, I’d love to be in that spot.

"But either way I’m going to be on the same bike next year [GP19], with or without the [Factory team] contract.

"But of course it’s every rider’s dream to be on a factory team. I would love to get there, that’s for sure.

"We’ll see what happens. Keep our fingers crossed."

Miller, who is sixth in the world championship, just five points behind Petrucci added:

"This is by far my best dry result ever. To fight with those guys, and just to have visual of Marc the whole race does so much for your confidence and your self-belief."

Moto2 star Francesco Bagnaia is already confirmed on one of the Pramac machines for 2019.