World Superbike champ Ben Spies and MotoGP World champ Valentino Rossi (Photo: Yamaha Racing)

Yamaha boss Jarvis continues to insist his wants to retain Rossi and Lorenzo, but with Stoner apparently in Honda's clutches then Rossi is Ducati's only option, backed by Marlboro's bottomless pit of money.

“We have always said that we won’t enter into a financial battle for our riders," Jarvis said. "If other companies such as Phillip Morris or whatever come in with a huge offer, I don’t think we could match it.”

Ducati poaching Rossi with mega money could be a blessing in disguise for Yamaha. It would free up budget to satisfy Lorenzo, who deserves a substantial pay rise -- he is number one in the market right now -- and it would allow Spies to move into the factory squad next year.

Lorenzo, 23, and Spies, 25, on M1s with the backing of Yamaha's strong technical team is a tasty proposition that would ease the short term pain of losing the legendary Rossi, who will turn 32 next February.