Nicky Hayden is at the centre of speculation surrounding the plans of LCR Honda and Forward Racing. Image: MotoGP.com.

LCR MotoGP Honda and NGM Mobile Forward Racing look set to play a pivotal role in MotoGP’s 2014 ‘silly season’, with both teams reviewing a host of big names for inclusion in their lineup.

Lucio Cecchinello’s squad is looking into the possibility of purchasing one of Honda’s ‘Production’ race bikes as developed by the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), and is making no secrets that 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden is in the frame for the ride.

“That is still a dream for me because, let’s say there is maybe some small possibility,” Cecchinello said. “We are still talking with HRC and HRC is talking with Honda here in America.

“We will try to see if there is some way to find the budget to organise a second bike here in this team.”

The team announced last week that it had signed current rider, German Stefan Bradl, to a one-year extension on HRC machinery.

Hayden, who is said to be fielding offers from within the MotoGP paddock as well as World Superbikes, described the LCR Honda opportunity as “interesting”.

“We don’t really know the level of the ‘production racers’ for next year, so we don’t really know how much potential they will have, but there are some good things coming and I am looking forward to the future,” said Hayden.

“There are some things that look very promising but still a lot of details to be worked out, so it’s still a long way off being close to any decision.”

The in-demand Hayden also factors in the plans of NGM Mobile Forward Racing, with team owner Giovanni Cuzari confirming that the outfit will lease not only M1 engines from Yamaha, but also the majority of the chassis.

The confirmation means the third major change in as many years for the team which ran a BMW-Suter combination in 2012 before switching to FTR-Kawasaki this season.

Under new ‘non-factory’ regulations, the team could take full advantage of the M1 package’s handling while running Dorna’s specific Magnetti Marelli ECU package, along with the larger 24-litre fuel tank and an additional soft tyre.

Cuzari says he will attempt to retain the current lineup but must also consider the requirements handed down by Yamaha as part of the lease arrangement.

“I will respect my two riders now – Colin (Edwards) and Claudio (Corti) – but of course I need to follow some requests from Yamaha,” said Cuzari.

“I’m speaking with Nicky Hayden, Aleix Espargaro and Jonathan Rea, so with a lot of very good riders. I’m not saying I don’t have good riders.

“I have very good riders, but of course I have to choose the best solution for me and my supporters – my sponsors that support me in this project.”