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Reports are coming in claiming that Kawasaki will be announcing an immediate withdrawal from the MotoGP championship on January 5th, 2009. If the reports are true, and there is little reason to doubt them, riders Marco Melandri and John Hopkins will be stuck without rides for the season.

A devastating blow to the sport, coming at a time when the economy is in shambles. No reasons have been given yet, but it’s likely down to a previous lack of results over the years, and money.

The FIM has released the provisional entry list for 2009. 19 riders will be taking to the grid next season, one more than the 18 of last season. Of note, Dani Pedrosa has changed his number to his finishing position in 2008, the number 3. Returning contender Sete Gibernau, will use the number 59. Jorge Lorenzo has forgone his normal 48 for 99, and Casey Stoner has returned to his old number 27. No surprise, Valentino Rossi, 2008 World Champion, has retained his number 46 in lieu of his finishing position, number 1.

No  Rider               Team                        Bike
 3  Dani Pedrosa        Repsol Honda                Honda
 4  Andrea Dovizioso    Repsol Honda                Honda
 5  Colin Edwards       Tech 3                      Yamaha
 7  Chris Vermeulen     Rizla Suzuki                Suzuki
14  Randy De Puniet     LCR Honda                   Honda
15  Alex De Angelis     San Carlo Gresini           Honda
21  John Hopkins        Kawasaki Racing             Kawasaki
24  Toni Elias          San Carlo Gresini           Honda
27  Casey Stoner        Ducati Marlboro             Ducati
33  Marco Melandri      Kawasaki Racing             Kawasaki
36  Mika Kallio         Pramac Racing               Ducati
46  Valentino Rossi     Fiat Yamaha                 Yamaha
52  James Toseland      Tech 3                      Yamaha
59  Sete Gibernau       Grupo Francisco Hernando    Ducati
65  Loris Capirossi     Rizla Suzuki                Suzuki
69  Nicky Hayden        Ducati Marlboro             Ducati
72  Yuki Takahashi      Scot Racing                 Honda
88  Niccolo Canepa      Pramac Racing               Ducati
99  Jorge Lorenzo       Fiat Yamaha                 Yamaha

Buy it here

James Toseland wrote a book chronicling his rookie season in MotoGP. Published by Virgin Books on November 27th, 2008, It is available for sale at Amazon.com now.

James Toseland is one of the hottest properties in motorsport. Two times World Superbike Champion, James is ready to take on the best riders in the world in his first season in MotoGP. As the only British rider in the 2008 competition, the country’s hopes rest firmly on James’ shoulders. James gives a unique insight into what it’s like to compete at the very top level. What are his hopes and fears as he enters his first season? What does he think about the competition, including current champion Casey Stoner and the legendary Valentino Rossi? And what’s it really like being part of the MotoGP circus, with sponsorship commitments and international travel, not to mention the ‘bikes and birds’ lifestyle? Packed with stunning photographs from every race of the season, as well as events off the track, James’ account gives an honest picture of the highs, lows and inevitable crashes of a season in MotoGP.

He’s also written an Autobiography which is available here: James Toseland: The Autobiography

Gibernau’s Wednesday operation to remove a metal plate on his collarbone went well and without problem.

“It appears that the bone has recovered very well.” said Gibernau “I don’t have to do any kind of special rehabilitation for my collarbone, so I will make the most of the time to be with my family over Christmas. I am nonetheless excited about the opportunity to ride again”

Previously: Gibernau heads to surgery

December 1st marks the start of the Winter testing ban for all classes of MotoGP. The ban lifts January 21st, 2009. No on-track activity is permitted during the ban, though manufacturers may continue developmental work and riders may continue to train.

The first post ban test is set for Feburary 5th-7th in Sepang.

This week marks the final chance to test in 2008. The test will take place at the Circuito de Jerez starting Wednesday morning. Fourteen riders will take to the course, including Ducati test rider Vittoriano Guareschi. Missing from the action will be Casey Stoner, who is rercovering from surgery on his wrist that took place after the closing round this year. Randy Depunet of LCR Honda and the riders from both Kawasaki and Suzuki.

Andrea Dovizioso’s and last year’s Jerez race winner, Dani Pedrosa, will be testing the RC212V of Repsol Honda. New Marlboro Ducati rider, Nicky Hayden, will take to his second test aboard the Ducati Desmosidici GP9. This will be Tech 3 Yamaha’s riders James Toseland and Colin Edwards first test since the close of the season.

Valentino Rossi will put last weeks Formula 1 testing and Rally Racing firmly behind him as he concentrates on the task at hand. Defending his newly regained World Championship Title. Joining him on the factory Fiat Yamaha M1 is Jorge Lorenzo.

Sete Gibernau will be with his newly formed Onde 2000 team on the Ducati Desmosidici GP9. Rounding off the list of riders are Toni Elias and Alex De Angelis with San Carlo Honda Gresini, Yuki Takahashi with Scot Racing, and Mika Kallio and Niccolo Canepa with the Alice Team.

It’s long been a rumor that Sete Gibernau may return to action next year and it’s just been confirmed as fact. Sete Gibernau, nine time MotoGP race winner, will return to action under the newly formed team ONDE 2000 on a fifth Ducati. After retiring from Marlboro Ducati at the close of 2006 he’s sat out most of the last two seasons only to return for a one off test at Mugello this year. From there he returned to test a few more times as the possibility of a return to racing became more of a reality.

Formerly number 15, Andrea Dovizioso’s current number, Gibernau will ride next year under the number 59. Team owner is Francisco Hernando, a property developer, and will be run by brothers Gelete Nieto and Pablo Nieto. Pablo is a current 125cc rider who will make his final appearance in the class after ten years this weekend. Chief Engineer is Luca Gasbarro.

Ducati will field their biggest ever effort for 2009 with five riders. MotoGP Champions Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden on the Marlboro Team, Mika Kallio and Niccolo Canepa at Pramac, and Sete Gibernau at ONDE 2000. This also brings the total number of riders up to 19 from 18.

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