Johnston missed the 2023 event due to life-threatening injuries sustained at the North West 200, but he plans to make a return to both events and also compete in the British Supersport Championship in 2024.
It’s considered something of a formality, and reigning double MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has confirmed he is close to agreeing a new contract with Ducati.
During Monday’s team launch, Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna teased that the reigning MotoGP champions have some new aero that is "extremely different from the ones we have used so far".
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has played down the possible “headache” the team would have if Oscar Piastri claimed his maiden F1 victory before Lando Norris.