Contrary to initial claims, Kawasaki are set to confirm a third entry for 2009, possibly for Anthony West.
This week has been a busy one for Kawasaki following their best combined result of the season in Brno and the news that they are almost certain to sign Marco Melandri to their team in 2009, but speculation still surrounds the prospect of them running a third bike.
The Japanese manufacturer has long been expected to run a third bike in the series so as to acquire crucial data and establish greater competitiveness alongside their rivals.
However, while a Kawasaki source this week told Crash.net that they have not been approached by a any party interested in sponsoring, or running, a third ZX-RR in 2009, their Competition Manager Michael Bartholemy has now confirmed that plans to expand the team are being finalised.
As for the finer details, there is no word as to who could run the bike, while there is little indication as to who will be riding it either. Alice's Toni Elias is an early candidate, as is 250cc rider Alvaro Bautista, although that will likely depend on whether his Aspar team get involved as they are rumoured to be.
However, there is also a strong possibility that Kawasaki's current rider Anthony West could be eased onto the third bike now that it has been confirmed he will not occupy one of the seats in the factory team next year.
"If we do run a third bike it would be up to the sponsors and the management who the rider is, but Anthony West could be part of the package that we offer," Batholemy told MotoGP.com. "In Misano we should be able to confirm that Melandri has joined us and we should be able to clarify the situation with the third bike."
West's future, however, is with Kawasaki regardless, with Bartholemy suggesting that he could make the switch to the World Superbike Championship in 2009, probably with the factory supported PSG-1 outfit.
"With regard to Anthony he will not be part of the main Kawasaki MotoGP team next season but we want to offer him a contract to remain as a Kawasaki factory rider, because we have invested a lot in him to bring him up a level since he joined us last year. That could mean that Anthony rides for us in another World Championship series."
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With only 18bikes on the grid its not really a championship, come on doorna chang the rules at least 25 bikes, instead of making stupid rules like one tyre, one electronic divice and things WE WANT TO SEE RACING, AND WE ARE NOT SEEING IT YET
Thats nice to read another bike on the grid, Weldone Kawasaki, why not give to bikes to aspar get yourself a extra team, get some extra data from them en have more bikes on the grid, MORE FUN FOR THE FANS , MORE FUN FOR THE SPONSORS, AND LOTS MORE FUN FOR KAWASAKI and me of cause.
The real problem for Ant West is not his ability nor his performance to date. He is currently 18th in riders table, while teammate Hopkins lies in 17th place. Remember Hopkins placed 4th in the championship last year, so lack of performance is a Kawasaki problem. Its the lack of big corporate sponsorship dollars West brings to any team.
Australian companies dont back Australian riders, like how European companies do, especially for Spanish and Italian riders. The problem is that the Australian companies dont get the same benefit from supporting motorcycle riders, as most races are held in countries which are not part of their customer base.
I mean this as no slight against European companies or riders.
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