MotoGP: Loris Capirossi unlikely to partner John Hopkins at Kawasaki in 2008

Loris Capirossi is unlikely to accept an offer to partner American John Hopkins in Kawasaki’s factory squad in the 2008 MotoGP world championship.

Instead, the veteran Italian is widely expected to confirm he will replace John Hopkins in Suzuki’s factory squad to join Aussie Chris Vermeulen on the eve of this weekend’s Czech Republic MotoGP clash at Brno.

Kawasaki boss Michael Bartholemy confirmed to MCN he still has an offer in place for triple world champion Loris Capirossi.

But it seems likely the current factory Ducati rider will reject the bid made at last month’s German MotoGP to ride a GSV-R next season.

MCN understands the Kawasaki offer falls short of a rival bid by Suzuki, with Michael Bartholemy confirming he needed more time to match Suzuki’s offer if Loris Capirossi was intent on riding a factory ZX-RR next season.

Having secured the services of Hopkins earlier this season, Kawasaki’s rider salary budget doesn’t cover what Loris Capirossi could get paid if he accepts Suzuki’s move, which MCN understands he agreed in principal last month.

Michael Bartholemy said: “Having already signed John, I told Carlo that we would need to find money to pay for Loris too. At the moment I haven’t found the money to make that happen.

“We made him an offer in Germany and I understand that is still being seriously considered. I’m sure we will know more in Brno.”

With Kawasaki unable at present to find external investment, a third factory ZX-RR for 2008 seems a remote option, with Michael Bartholemy adding that increased involvement from the Japanese factory now likely to be postponed until 2009.

“It seems difficult for us to run a third bike at the moment, although we still have a little bit more time to make a decision. If we had the funds necessary we could make a commitment,” added Bartholemy.

That leaves current factory duo Randy de Puniet and Anthony West fighting for the one remaining ZX-RR with Hopkins in 2008.

MCN understands Aussie West has emerged as favourite following his impressive run of results since stepping in as permanent replacement for French rider Olivier Jacque.