After a tough second season with Honda engines, Team Roberts had intended to field a full two-rider team, with Ducati machinery, in 2008 - but sponsorship negotiations have dragged on too long to make the start of this season.
Providing the sponsorship is eventually secured, Team KR's main options are either to return later in the year, or to concentrate fully on 2009. The team's removal from the permanent entry list means there will be just 18 full-time riders this season - and could well signal the end of 2000 500cc world champion
Kenny Roberts Jr's grand prix career.
Other changes to the provisional entry list include the presence of San Carlo as Honda Gresini's new title sponsor, while the team's rookie rider
Alex de Angelis has now decided to use the #15 - instead of the ex-Max Biaggi #3 he was previously listed with. Dani Pedrosa's recently announced switch to the #2 is also officially confirmed.
The full 2008 entry list can be seen below:
#1
Casey Stoner AUS
Ducati Marlboro Team#2
Dani Pedrosa SPA
Repsol Honda Team#4
Andrea Dovizioso ITA
JiR Scot Team#5
Colin Edwards USA
Yamaha Tech 3#7
Chris Vermeulen AUS
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP#13
Anthony West AUS
Kawasaki Racing Team#14
Randy de Puniet FRA
LCR Honda MotoGP#15
Alex de Angelis RSM
San Carlo Honda Gresini#21
John Hopkins USA
Kawasaki Racing Team#24
Toni Elias SPA
Alice Team#33
Marco Melandri ITA
Ducati Marlboro Team#46
Valentino Rossi ITA
Fiat Yamaha Team#48
Jorge Lorenzo SPA
Fiat Yamaha Team#50
Sylvain Guintoli FRA
Alice Team#52
James Toseland GBR
Yamaha Tech 3#56
Shinya Nakano JPN
San Carlo Honda Gresini#65
Loris Capirossi ITA
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP#69
Nicky Hayden USA
Repsol Honda Team
