Gabarrini currently works as crew chief to Jack Miller at the Marc VDS Honda squad, but the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that the Italian will not feature in its plans next season.

It was revealed in June that Lorenzo will not take his existing Yamaha crew with him to Ducati next season, with the exception of long-time mechanic Juan Llansa - leaving the reigning champion in need of a new crew chief.

Gabarrini oversaw Stoner's successful title bid in 2007, and moved across with the Australian to Honda in 2011, where the duo claimed a second title.

After Stoner's retirement, Gabarrini remained linked to Honda as Santi Hernandez was brought in to head up Marc Marquez's crew, and was assigned to Jack Miller last season when the 21-year-old made his MotoGP debut with the LCR team.

He stayed with Miller as he moved to the Marc VDS squad for the start of this year, but is now set to return to Ducati and mastermind Lorenzo's bid to bring the Italian marque its first title in a decade.

Lorenzo's current crew chief Ramon Forcada will stay at Yamaha to work with the Japanese manufacturer's new signing Maverick Vinales.