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Page last updated at 15:11 GMT, Thursday, 26 February 2009

Melandri in one-man Kawasaki team

Marco Melandri
Marco Melandri in action for Ducati last season before he switched to Kawasaki

Italy's Marco Melandri will race in a new one-man MotoGP team this season after Kawasaki's decision to pull out of the sport was challenged.

The manufacturer cited the economic crisis for its decision to withdraw in January but Dorna, who hold commercial rights to the sport, threatened to sue.

American John Hopkins, who would have been Melandri's fellow rider in the usual two-man team, is without a ride.

The new season starts on 12 April with the Qatar Grand Prix.

606: DEBATE
markb09
A Kawasaki spokesman said: "Kawasaki announces that after constructive talks between Kawasaki, Dorna and other involved parties, a new one-rider team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP championship season, with Marco Melandri as rider."

Melandri switched from Ducati to Kawasaki at the end of the 2008 campaign.

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see also
MotoGP on the BBC
15 Jan 09 |  Motorbikes
Kawasaki could face legal action
15 Jan 09 |  Motorbikes
Kawasaki pulls team out of MotoGP
09 Jan 09 |  Motorbikes
Matt Roberts' MotoGP column
17 Jan 09 |  Motorbikes
Melandri announces Kawasaki move
20 Aug 08 |  Motorbikes
Melandri set to part with Ducati
12 Jul 08 |  Motorbikes


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