Jacque's happiness

France’s Olivier Jacque has spoken of his joy at being given the chance to make a full-time return to the MotoGP world championship next season.

The former world 250 champion has been plucked out of the wilderness by Kawasaki following the departure of Shinya Nakano to the Konica Minolta Honda squad and will partner compatriot Randy de Puniet on the Kawasaki’s new factory 800.

Jacque was Kawasaki’s test and development rider in 2005 and 2006.

He said: “I was flying when Kawasaki told me I was going to be their official rider next year. I couldn’t believe it.

“It was like when they called me for Shanghai in 2005 but even better because now I am going to be racing for a full season.

“I have a target and I will put all my strength in this new challenge. I did some wild cards in 2005 but it was pretty hard to be there once, not be there for two months and come back.

“It’s really difficult to get motivation and be ready like that. And I told them I preferred not to do wild cards in 2006 because I was always knackered when I came there and not prepared. I can’t wait to be back full-time.”