Lorenzo to Decide Future at Indy

The 22-year-olds contract with Fiat Yamaha expires at the end of the season. Currently sitting second in the rider standings behind teammate Valentino Rossi, Lorenzo had been linked with Repsol Honda earlier in the season but is now expected to choose between re-signing with Yamaha or joining Ducati Marlboro.

Lorenzo has been successful in his time with Yamaha, winning rookie of the year honors in 2008 for his fourth place finish.

Various reports out of Europe say Ducati has offered from 4 to 8 million euros ($5.7 to $11.5 million U.S.) per year on a two-year contract. The offer came after Ducatis Casey Stoner shut himself down for three rounds to deal with the mystery illness that has affected him for much of the summer.

With Ducati, Lorenzo may have a better chance of moving to the top of the pecking order. Stoners health is uncertain, but even if he were healthy, Lorenzo is a more marketable commodity for sponsorships, especially in Europe.

The downside for a move to Ducati? Lorenzo would be leaving the best bike on the grid for a machine that, so far, only Stoner has been able to tame.

Lorenzos manager told MotoGP.com that a decision could come during the Indy round. When Lorenzo does make his choice, it is expected to create a domino effect on other rider signings.

If Lorenzo signs with Ducati, the Italian team will likely not pick up the option on Nicky Haydens contract. The Kentucky Kid started poorly but improved as the 2009 season progressed. A return to Repsol Honda is unlikely, as Tetsuo Suzuki, president of Honda Racing Corporation, indicated Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso are close to re-signing with the team. Taking Lorenzos place on Fiat Yamaha may be Haydens only factory option, but Yamaha may instead opt to partner Rossi once more with Edwards.

Would Tech 3 be interested in Haydens services? Toselands status may be just as tenuous as Haydens, but the French team may have its eyes on another American racer. Ben Spies has been impressive racing on Yamahas World Superbike team. Many observers expected him to make the jump to MotoGP this season after competing in a few races for Rizla Suzuki in 2008.When Suzuki went with Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen, Spies moved on to WSBK instead.

Spies may want to stay on the WSBK circuit, but if he does switch to MotoGP, his options are more limited. MotoGP rules prevent factory teams from signing rookie riders. Rizla Suzuki could have gotten around the rule since they arent officially a factory team, but if Spies makes the switch, Yamaha will want to keep him in its stable.