Gresini Honda secure Hannspree backing.

Following the departure of tobacco manufacturer Fortuna, the Gresini Honda Team has secured backing from Hannspree for the 2007 MotoGP World Championship.

"I'm proud to announce this agreement with such a great and prestigious company as Hannspree," declared team principal Fausto Gresini. "I'm very happy to represent their brand in the world of motorcycle competition at its highest level. I'm sure that together we can achieve great results. With Marco Melandri, Toni Elias and all the team we wait for you on track."

"We believe that, thanks to the professionalism and the experience of the Gresini Honda Team and its two riders Marco Melandri and Toni Elias, our brand, Hannspree, will enter with great prestigious in the MotoGP World Championship," added Hannspree managing director Kevin Chang. "Together with [sales and marketing director] Fabio Scatola, we wish you an exciting 2007 racing season."

Hannspree, a Taiwanese based producer of TVs and LCD monitors, will also sponsor the Ten Kate Honda WSBK team and the Honda Martin Motocross grand prix team.

Melandri won three races during the 2006 season, while Elias took a thrilling debut victory at Estoril. Both were retained for 2007, when the team will switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres.