LCR has confirmed the retention of both Randy de Puniet and Honda machinery for the 2009 MotoGP season.

"I think that Randy and Honda have a big potential," said team manager Lucio Cecchinello. "Our aim was to continue with Randy and thanks to Honda HRC support we will cooperate together for next season as well. Besides I am happy to say that we have retained all our present team staff for our 2009 project with Randy."

“We are very pleased to continue our association with the LCR Honda team,” added HRC managing director Kosuke Yasutake. “LCR is a very well managed team with excellent technical and software staff, their RC212V is always very well prepared. We wish them luck in the 2009 season."

Cecchinello brought his team into the premier MotoGP class with support from Honda in 2006, when he ran future world champion Casey Stoner.

Carlos Checa then rode the team's satellite spec RC212V last year, with de Puniet leaving Kawasaki to re-join LCR (with whom he raced in 250cc) on a two-year contract at the end of the 2007 season.

The fast but inconsistent Frenchman is currently just 16th in the world championship standings with a best race finish of sixth.

"The 2009 season will be my fourth year in the MotoGP class; Honda is working hard to improve the RCV machine and the LCR Team is very professional and they are like a family for me," he said. "We have got the potential to make special results and we will do our best to achieve important goals."