Mid-December's provisional 2008 entry list confirmed that Team Roberts is the only
MotoGP outfit yet to announce its plans, as it once again seeks the funding required to go racing.
With Honda unable to support the team's intention to grow from one to two riders this season, Team KR is targeting a switch to Ducati and - with only two months to go until the Qatar season opener - the most effective option would be to run complete Desmosedicis, rather than seek an engine deal.
But first the funding must be found. 2007 saw Team Roberts join forces with
F1 MAX-X and MGM's Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas - and it is thought that the team's 2008 plans hinge around expanding on that deal
"We are still working on the sponsorship," team manager Chuck Aksland told
Crash.net. "Nothing new, it is just talking longer then we had hoped, as these things normally do."
Team Roberts used Honda engines in its Banbury-built chassis during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The first year of the collaboration saw former world champion
Kenny Roberts Jr steer his father's KR211V to two podium finishes and four front row qualifying performances, but the new-for-2007 engine and tyre rules hit Honda and Michelin hard - and Team Roberts even harder.
A frustrated Kenny Jr withdrew from racing after five rounds to await technical developments and was replaced for the remainder of the year by younger brother Kurtis, who took a best finish of 12th.
