Nieto to make MotoGP debut with Kawasaki?
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:38 pm
Courtesy of http://www.crash.net
Former 250cc World Championship runner-up, Fonsi Nieto, has revealed that he could make his MotoGP debut this season - as a wild-card for Kawasaki.
The 28-year-old Spaniard is currently preparing to start his third season in the World Superbike championship, where he rides for the Kawasaki backed PSG-1 team, and will be aiming to build on a debut podium at Assen last year.
However, Fonsi told Spanish Sportspaper AS that he will also be involved with Kawasaki's MotoGP project - and could make occasional wild-card appearances alongside Olivier Jacque and Randy de Puniet.
"I will work with Kawasaki on the development of their MotoGP bike and it is possible that I'll be able to race in one or two grands prix this year. If I can help them, I will be delighted to do it," said the five-times 250GP winner.
Nevertheless, Nieto underlined that Superbikes will be his priority:
"I am delighted to be in the Superbike championship and we can do very well this season," he explained. "I'm not really thinking about returning to grands prix at the moment. I would like to do some MotoGP tests, but I'm not thinking about anything more than that. Next year, we'll see what happens...
"When I say that I'm happy in Superbikes I'm not just saying that," he insisted. "I have a good life, the environment is magnificent and the level of competition is very high - as we saw when Bayliss won the MotoGP race at Valencia and how well Barros has gone in testing this year."
After announcing his departure from 250GP racing at the end of 2004, Nieto was initially linked with a MotoGP ride for the Spanish d'Antin Ducati Team before heading for WSBK.
Former 250cc World Championship runner-up, Fonsi Nieto, has revealed that he could make his MotoGP debut this season - as a wild-card for Kawasaki.
The 28-year-old Spaniard is currently preparing to start his third season in the World Superbike championship, where he rides for the Kawasaki backed PSG-1 team, and will be aiming to build on a debut podium at Assen last year.
However, Fonsi told Spanish Sportspaper AS that he will also be involved with Kawasaki's MotoGP project - and could make occasional wild-card appearances alongside Olivier Jacque and Randy de Puniet.
"I will work with Kawasaki on the development of their MotoGP bike and it is possible that I'll be able to race in one or two grands prix this year. If I can help them, I will be delighted to do it," said the five-times 250GP winner.
Nevertheless, Nieto underlined that Superbikes will be his priority:
"I am delighted to be in the Superbike championship and we can do very well this season," he explained. "I'm not really thinking about returning to grands prix at the moment. I would like to do some MotoGP tests, but I'm not thinking about anything more than that. Next year, we'll see what happens...
"When I say that I'm happy in Superbikes I'm not just saying that," he insisted. "I have a good life, the environment is magnificent and the level of competition is very high - as we saw when Bayliss won the MotoGP race at Valencia and how well Barros has gone in testing this year."
After announcing his departure from 250GP racing at the end of 2004, Nieto was initially linked with a MotoGP ride for the Spanish d'Antin Ducati Team before heading for WSBK.
