During 2016, Stoner combined his role as an occasional test rider - he tested three times in total - with his job as a Ducati ambassador. He was also giving advice to Lorenzo during the post-season test at Valencia, the three-time champion's first outing with his new team.

For 2017, the Italian marque has set itself the goal of fighting for the title, but Lorenzo has only ever known the Yamaha during his time in MotoGP, a bike that has nothing to do with his new prototype.

Stoner, the only rider who has won the title with Ducati (in 2007) could contribute to making the transition as smooth as possible for the Spaniard, who has made it clear to the team that he would love to have the Australian closer to him.

Ducati, meanwhile, admits that Stoner needs to decide whether he wants to increase his contribution, something that would mean getting more involved and travelling to the circuits more often.

"I'm not the one who needs to convince Stoner," Lorenzo told Motorsport.com. "I've already said that I think it's a very good option to have him watching me on the corners and to give me advice.

"Casey has a very strong character, very particular. We share the majority of the ideas, but some we don't. Of those things we disagree on maybe he is right and he can make me change my opinion.

"I'm open-minded. I like to listen, then I draw my own conclusions and decide whether to use that advice or not.

"Stoner is very talented and he explains himself very well. If we can take advantage of that, why not?"