Baldassarri stays in Moto2 for 2020

Lorenzo Baldassarri, previously linked with a possible move to MotoGP in 2020, will remain in Moto2.

The Italian won three of the opening four races of the season, prompting rumours of interest from Ducati for a satellite ride in the premier-class.

But Baldassarri was cautious, saying on the eve of his home Mugello round that it had to be the right package: "To go to MotoGP as soon as possible would be a dream come true. [However] I prefer to have a good chance, not to stay just one year and risk going back to Moto2."

After the early flourish, Baldassarri has been off the podium for the past five rounds - dropping him from first to fourth in the Moto2 standings - and has now decided to remain with the Pons team next season.

Augusto Fernandez, a race winner in his first full Moto2 campaign and now ahead of Baldassarri in the standings, will also continue as his team-mate.

Assuming Jack Miller stays at Pramac Ducati and Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda, Avintia Ducati now has the only MotoGP seat still available for 2020 and is keen to sign a young rider to push the project forwards.

However, all the top premier-class rides will then be up for grabs in 2021.