Meanwhile, the new process of selecting tyres before the grand prix weekend had begun caught Michelin off-guard, compared to
Bridgestone, which had effectively been operating in that way since joining the premier-class. Add to that the unique characteristics, and therefore tyre demands, of the KR211V and Team Roberts were left in difficult situation.
At first Team KR concentrated on the most significant component under its control, the chassis, and tried to build its way out of the early-season problems. Kurtis Roberts replaced exasperated brother Kenny as that process took place but, although progress was made, it was soon apparent that engine power and more appropriate tyres were needed to lift the team from the back of the grid.
Neither looks likely in the three remaining rounds of this season, but Team Roberts now has one eye on the creation of a full, sponsor-friendly, two-rider team for 2008 - which would mean an end to the Honda partnership.
"Our priority is still to continue in
MotoGP at this moment. We have potential sponsorship coming from a couple directions, but this is only for a two rider program. We find it nearly impossible to sell a one-rider MotoGP program," Aksland explained.
"Honda has already said they will not supply our team to run two riders, so they will not be an option for us for 2008. If we had to run one rider again, it could only be on the condition that the manufacturer would work with us to go for two riders in the future.
"Honda seem to have their hands full at the moment and it does not look likely that they would work with us to expand our program. Hopefully by Valencia we will have more news about what we are doing for 2008," he added.
One of the reasons a single-tyre rule is being proposed for MotoGP in 2008 is an excessive demand for Bridgestone's tyres, forcing the Japanese company to turn down requests from the likes of Repsol Honda. Team Roberts were rejected by both Bridgestone and Michelin in the past, with no such consequences, but Aksland - like
Valentino Rossi and
Dani Pedrosa - welcomes the possibility of one tyre brand for all.
