According to reports, Tech 3 Yamaha could be set to announce shortly that Andrea Dovizioso will join the team for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship season.

Honda, a few weeks ago, declared that it would keep only Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa as its rider’s line-up for 2012; leaving the veteran Dovizioso to look elsewhere for employment.

The Italian had first expected to be able to ride a full factory-backed 1000cc Honda in a satellite capacity, LCR Honda being one option, but that possibility close-down when Honda gave that opportunity to Marco Simoncelli.

We have now learned that Dovizioso has instead accepted a single-year deal with Yamaha's satellite operation with a view to progressing in an alternative direction for 2013, particularly as both Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies's contracts will be up for renewal.

Should Dovizioso be confirmed at Tech 3 Yamaha, LCR Honda is set to pursue Randy de Puniet or John Hopkins for 2012.