The complex JiR/Team Scot situation, described in Tuesday's
'Meetings in Japan' story, looks closer to being resolved - with Team Scot expected to announce that it has secured the sixth (and presumably final) RC212V for the 2009 MotoGP season.
This is despite JiR claiming to have an agreement in place with Honda for next season, but means that Yuki Takahashi will be promoted from the 250cc class to become probably the only Japanese rider in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship, with Gresini's
Shinya Nakano expected to switch to a HRC testing role.
"We are almost certain to move up to
MotoGP, so I am really happy about this," Takahashi, a Team Scot rider since 2005, told the official MotoGP website. "I like the team and they are a good fit for me.
"I never rode a MotoGP bike before and, although I am excited, I'm also worried at the same time," admitted the double 250GP winner. "It will be an interesting feeling, and maybe after this season is over I will try to ride the 800cc bike."
Gianluca Montiron's JiR team is thus facing an uncertain future, whilst Ben Spies, who had been linked to JiR, looks to have seen his final chance of a 2009 grand prix ride evaporate.
JiR Team Scot's current MotoGP rider,
Andrea Dovizioso, will replace
Nicky Hayden at Repsol Honda next season.
