3 kawasaki's for motogp ??

[Rossi]

Kawasaki team manager Harald Eckl has revealed that discussions are underway to put a third ZX-RR on the 2005 MotoGP grid.

Speaking just after Sunday's season ending Valencia Grand Prix, Eckl confirmed that both Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann will remain with the team next season – but then revealed that 'team green' are considering a third entry.

"Our aim next year is to move another step forward with our two contracted riders Shinya and Alex," he said. "We will concentrate on two riders, but we are discussing the possibility of entering a third ZX-RR in the championship.

"If this can be organised and budgeted for, and a good rider is available, then three ZX-RR machines on the grid remains a possibility in 2005," stated Eckl.

Crash.net understands that any third machine would be run by the factory Kawasaki team - rather than a satellite outfit - indicating that it will fulfil some form of test/development type role. This would be in keeping with Eckl's statement that "we will concentrate on two riders".

Outgoing Ducati rider Troy Bayliss had been linked with a seat at Kawasaki, but the latest rumours strongly place Bayliss - who took a podium finish in the season finale - on a Camel Honda for 2005.

Therefore, it may be that the likes of Neil Hodgson, Marco Melandri, Norick Abe, Jeremy McWilliams and Shane Byrne - to name but a few - will be in contention for any extra Kawasaki seat.

Kawasaki finished fourth in the 2004 constructors' world championship - behind only Honda, Yamaha and Ducati - and took their first ever MotoGP podium this season, with Nakano, who also finished tenth in the 2004 riders' world championship.

[mrmina]

Outgoing Ducati rider Troy Bayliss had been linked with a seat at Kawasaki, but the latest rumours strongly place Bayliss - who took a podium finish in the season finale - on a Camel Honda for 2005.

just heard the news of that at the start of the valencia gp.

[Phil]

Therefore, it may be that the likes of Neil Hodgson, Marco Melandri, Norick Abe, Jeremy McWilliams and Shane Byrne - to name but a few - will be in contention for any extra Kawasaki seat.

we'll of those guys I would only consider Marco Melandri and shakin Shane Byrne to be worthwhile.

Hodgson is over rated IMNSHO and Mcwilliams is getting on, he'll be 41 next year. Abe whilst good is past his best.

[Colette]

Ugh! Anyone but Melandri!!

[redzedx7r]

Ugh! Anyone but Melandri!!

i agree he'll kill himself on the ZX-RR, i heard that they're fitting airbags to the Ducati for Chucca.

What about Roger Lee or Tommy Hayden with Michael Jordans money?

[red_dave]

I heard Abe was going to be a test rider with Yamaha and not actually race... Bayliss would have been good, as would have McCoy (now that they have sorted the bike out a bit better) but it doesn't look like they'll be there...