Nieto favourite over Hodgson for Kawasaki ride

Neil Hodgson’s hopes of a shock return to the MotoGP world championship in the
French GP could be crushed.

A verbal agreement between Kawasaki MotoGP bosses and PSG-1 Kawasaki World Superbike rider Fonsi Nieto mean the Spaniard is hot favourite to partner Randy de Puniet in Le Mans, should Olivier Jacque be forced out through injury.

French rider Jacque is a doubt for his home GP on May 20, 2007 after suffering a deep wound in his right arm in a crash in Shanghai.

Although the injury is not as severe as first feared, with Jacque not requiring a skin graft when he returned to Barcelona last weekend, he is still facing a desperate battle to be fit for the Le Mans clash.

That opened the door for a surprise return to the premier class for Hodgson, who without a racing contract is currently testing for Bridgestone on a Ducati GP7 800.

Kawasaki confirmed Hodgson’s name had been mentioned in a team meeting in China, when bosses discussed potential substitutes for Jacque.

Hodgson has been given the blessing of Ducati, who confirmed they would release him from his testing contract should Jacque’s ZX-RR be offered to him.

Hodgson has declared his interest in making a first premier class appearance since 2004, when he had an unforgettable year in the D’Antin Ducati squad.

Kawasaki spokesman, Ian Wheeler, said: “There is no official agreement in place for Nieto, but there is a verbal agreement made at the end of last year that should a replacement ride become available, he would be the first pick.

“Neil’s name cropped up when we discussed a possible replacement rider, if we do decide to replace Olivier should he not be fit.

“That is not certain, but Neil would have plenty of benefits. He knows the track, has ridden an 800 MotoGP bike and knows Bridgestone tyres as well.”

Kawasaki will monitor the recovery of Jacque’s right arm daily, giving him as much chance as possible to declare himself fit for his home GP.