Ducati is considering hiring Gresini CRT rider Michele Pirro for a test and reserve role.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 26-year-old Italian, a Moto2 graduate, would get a handful of MotoGP and Superbike World Championship races for Ducati next year alongside his test duties, ahead of a full-season ride in 2014.
Ducati team boss Vito Guareschi confirmed that Pirro was in the squad's sights.
"We have liked his approach and the indications he gave us," Guareschi told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"He is a potential jack of all trades, so having him on our bench would be important.
"I was a rider, I did get to that crossroad. Sometimes a step back with your career in mind can become a step forward."

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