Rossi nears Honda deal, no factory RCV for Biaggi.

Speaking at the pre-event press conference in Germany, Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi both gave announcements regarding their future with Honda, Rossi commenting on his contract negotiations and Biaggi his race machinery.

Reigning champ Rossi revealed that he was close to signing a new contract with Honda for next year, despite rumours linking him with a switch to Ducati.

Rossi nears Honda deal, no factory RCV for Biaggi.

Speaking at the pre-event press conference in Germany, Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi both gave announcements regarding their future with Honda, Rossi commenting on his contract negotiations and Biaggi his race machinery.

Reigning champ Rossi revealed that he was close to signing a new contract with Honda for next year, despite rumours linking him with a switch to Ducati.

''I am talking with Honda at the moment and there are just a couple of problems to resolve. They are my first option and I hope to be able to make an announcement in the next two or three weeks,'' said Vale, who may be forced to accept a two-year deal, despite openly admitting he wants a one-year contract.

Arch-rival Biaggi, who inherited his first victory of the season at Donington Park when Rossi was docked ten seconds for overtaking under a yellow flag, also had news of his own negotiations with HRC - quashing reports in the Italian press that he is due to be given a factory RC211V within the next two races.

''I have spoken with Honda and I have been told that I will not be getting a new bike,'' he declared. ''Hopefully that means I will be getting new parts instead, but we will have to wait and see what happens.''

However, cynics will say the two announcements are related and that had Rossi's negotiations hit further problems then Honda would have given Biaggi the equal machinery he desires - and many say - deserves... and that they may even have started the rumours to push their negotiations with Rossi along.

First practice for the German Grand Prix takes places tomorrow.

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