Matsudo stunned at Moriwaki chance.

Moriwaki Racing have revealed that they will field former 250cc World Championship regular Naoki Matsudo in the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, at Motegi on September 18.

Matsudo rode in 250GP from 1997-2004 with Yamaha machinery, claiming a best finish of third (twice) and a peak championship standing of ninth, before returning to Japan to ride a Moriwaki Motul Tiger Racing CBR1000RR in this year's All Japan Superbike championship.

Ukawa, Chinese MotoGP 2005
Ukawa, Chinese MotoGP 2005
© Gold and Goose

Moriwaki Racing have revealed that they will field former 250cc World Championship regular Naoki Matsudo in the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, at Motegi on September 18.

Matsudo rode in 250GP from 1997-2004 with Yamaha machinery, claiming a best finish of third (twice) and a peak championship standing of ninth, before returning to Japan to ride a Moriwaki Motul Tiger Racing CBR1000RR in this year's All Japan Superbike championship.

Motegi will mark the 32-year-old's MotoGP class debut and he admitted to being shocked at hearing he had got the ride.

"It was as surprising as thunder striking a blue sky when Mamoru (Moriwaki) suddenly announced that 'we will have Naoki riding for us at the Japanese Grand Prix' while we were having a party after the Suzuka 8 Hours!" revealed Matsudo, who finished 15th for Moriwaki at the endurance event - but had been running as high as third before team-mate Leon Camier fell.

"Although I had a chance to test ride the MD211VF, I had not expected a seat for the Japanese Grand Prix. It certainly was a big surprise, because a chance in the MotoGP class has been my long term dream and my biggest hope," he added. "I will try my best to make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

"Even though time is running out, I am happy that both the team and I are focussed on the same objective; building a competitive chassis. The RCV engine should have enough potential, so the main thing is how I will be able to set-up the chassis so I can ride at my best.

"I'll do everything I can and try to impress myself and others in the grand prix."

Moriwaki ran former factory Honda rider Tohru Ukawa (lower pics) at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in the season, the one-time MotoGP race winner finishing 15th on the RCV powered MD211VF machine on Michelin tyres.

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