World motorcycle racing champion Valentino Rossi added to the intrigue surrounding his future when he said he might yet ride for Ducati next year.

"Maybe, it's possible (I might be with Ducati), yes," Rossi said after arriving in Australia ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Rather than clarify the speculation surrounding his MotoGP deal for 2004, the newly-crowned world champion fuelled the persistent rumours.

Rossi has been widely tipped to move to Yamaha for a reported $A17.5 million next season.

He rejected Honda's initial offer for next year, but said money was not the issue.

Rossi was unable to expand on the problems involved in re-signing with the Japanese manufacturer, saying it would take "three hours" to explain.

It is understood the contract is too restrictive and has too much call on his off-track time.

Instead, Rossi's manager has re-written the proposal, for a one-year deal, and presented it to Honda to consider.

"We gave our offer to Honda in Malaysia but they said they need more (time) ... I don't know exactly the situation," Rossi said.

The stalemate has created problems for several other riders, whose immediate futures depend on Rossi - a situation which bemuses the Italian.

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