Mercedes have opened the door for a potential MotoGP test for the team's reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Last year, the Briton said: "When my dad bought me my first go-kart I actually wanted a motorbike. I'd love to test a MotoGP bike just to see what it's like."

The natural fit for a Hamilton test would be the MotoGP team Yamaha, as it boasts 'superstar' counterpart Valentino Rossi and a sponsor - the energy drink Monster - in common with Brackley-based Mercedes.

Rossi admitted last year that he would like to see Hamilton try the Yamaha, and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has now told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "It would not be a problem for us if [Hamilton] wanted to do it.

"On the contrary, it's a fun idea. Besides, I think he has already ridden a motorcycle in the past."

Also on board is Lin Jarvis, Yamaha's MotoGP chief.

"For now it is just an idea, but clearly it would be very interesting," he said.

Hamilton came third in this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.