Aprilia MotoGP boss Massimo Rivola has this morning confirmed he is in talks with American Moto2 star Joe Roberts at the Portimao round.

It would appear that Roberts has replaced Chaz Davies as the favourite for the ride but Fabio Giannantonio is also still in the frame.

“Yes, for sure Joe is on the list but to be honest we didn’t take any final decision,” said Rivola, speaking at Portimao this morning.

“This morning I have to meet with other riders or managers but it is good there is this movement around us.

“We will try to take the best decision for the team and the brand also.”

Aprilia have Jerez booked for a test early next week where the 2021 RS-GP will be available to Aleix Espargaro and whoever gets the nod.

The firm will be having to find a balance between the best rider option and the market place in which they will sell most bikes. The USA is possibly a better bet than Spain or Wales.

Roberts already has a contract with Italtrans for next season, so Aprilia will have to buy him out of that.