German MotoGP blog: Saturday.

Saturday, 12th July 2008

Crash.net columnist Mike Nicks is running an exclusive blog during this weekend's German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring - check back regularly to read his behind-the-scenes news...

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If they ran a third machine, Kawasaki would insist that it be as a factory bike and not as a satellite operation. Any potential sponsor would also have to go along with Kawasaki’s protective policy over its distinctive green branding.

Wheeler confirmed that Kawasaki has spoken to the retired Sete Gibernau, who appears set to replace Melandri at Ducati from the Czech grand prix at Brno on August 17.

"But it was in Catalunya [in early June], and we didn’t talk seriously about him riding," Wheeler said. "I think he was just finding out what was available and what was not."

And what of American Superbike champion Ben Spies, who is reviewing the MotoGP market?

"I’m not 100% sure what the situation is with him," Wheeler added. "Last year we looked at him as a possibility for this year, but eventually we went John Hopkins and Anthony West."