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You can count the places still available in MotoGP for next season on one hand, quite literally in that there are still 4 spots to be filled. An Aspar Ducati, two Avintia Ducatis and a Honda with Marc VDS, and that's it.
The Aspar situation is the clearest, with Karel Abraham close to renewing, while various riders are in contention for the other three bikes.
Let's start with Marc VDS, left riderless after Miller's departure. The Belgian team would have liked to have Alex Marquez alongside Morbidelli next season, but the Spaniard prefers to stay in Moto2.
One of the possibles for 2018 is another intermediate class rider: Tom Luthi. The Swiss rider isn't exactly a beginner, having made his debut in the world championship 15 years ago, and he wants to move up to the reigning class, after having tested the KTM last year. He has previously made contact with Lucio Cecchinello and now has his sights set on Marc VDS.
If the team chooses him, they would have two rookies but if we look at the recent past this might not be a problem. Just look at Tech3 which took a bet on Zarco and Folger and is enjoying the fruits of that gamble. Marc VDS would also have the two strongest Moto2 riders, who currently lie 1st and 2nd in the standings.
Still in the Moto2 camp, Xavier Simeon's name is being linked to one of Avintia's Desmosedicis. In this case, there is more interest in what the rider can bring rather than the results per se, as he would be bringing the team a 7-figure sum.
The Belgian is not the only one to knock on the Spaniards' door, as Tito Rabat is also awaiting an answer. He too could bring significant financial support.
Meanwhile, Loris Baz is trying to convince the team to renew his contract (in the last 4 races he's finished in the top ten on two occasions). While Barbera's days with Avintia seem to be numbered as his results have proved disappointing.
