Odds on Scott Redding lining up on the Bennetts British Superbike starting grid in 2019 shortened dramatically at Silverstone yesterday.

As he bid an almost tearful farewell to the large crowd of MotoGP fans gathered for the “Day of Champions” his mind was turning to an offer made to him earlier in the day.

It came from BeWiser Ducati team boss Paul Bird who, together with faithful lieutenants Phil Borley and Johnny Mowatt, had helicoptered down to the Northamptonshire circuit to meet with Redding and his management. The discussion was described as 'positive', a further meeting is scheduled for next week.

Frustrated with the performance of his team in the last two BSB meeting meetings at Thruxton and Cadwell Park,  Bird is desperately looking for a successor to multi-BSB champion Shakey Byrne and doesn’t appear to be finding it with the present lineup. And the possibility  of playing second fiddle to Moto Rapido Ducati, with Tommy Bridewell in the saddle, will have weighed heavily.

It has to be said that the current number one, Glenn Irwin, is battling with a shoulder injury -  not helpful especially at Cadwell - and brother Andrew has put in some good times since being drafted in following Byrne’s crash while testing at Snetterton.

But it seems that is not enough for the hard-bitten Penrithian. He already has his eyes on one of the bright sparks of BSB, just in case the Redding deal falls through - or as well as.

Redding’s options are limited having been ditched by Aprillia. And there is no doubt he would like to stay in MotoGP should a real opportunity arise. But it seems not. Discussions have been held with more than one World Superbike team but, tired of scrapping for tenth place, he will find the chance of going to a team capable of winning very attractive.  

He will also, no doubt, be trying to increase the number of noughts on the cheque and be assured that Ducati will continue giving their full backing when the new V4 Panigale is unveiled for next season. It would be surprising if Bird hasn’t already had that confirmed having been spotted talking to Paolo Ciabatti.

Little doubt that promoters MSV will be giving their full support - someone like Redding will be a real coup- as they seek to bolster what is already the world’s most successful domestic series anand strengthen their case with Dorna as to how a Superbike Championship should be run.