Indianapolis MotoGP: Marco Melandri’s Kawasaki deal to be confirmed

Kawasaki will confirm Marco Melandri as the second rider in its 2009 factory team in Indianapolis this weekend.

MCN understands the deal will be announced either today (Saturday) or just before Sunday’s inaugural Indianapolis MotoGP clash.

Melandri confirmed he had agreed to switch to ride a factory ZX-RR to MCN during the two-day test session in Brno last month.

He will partner American John Hopkins, with Aussie Anthony West being axed for his disappointing results in 2008.

Ducati released Melandri only a year into a two-year contract with the Bologna factory.