Ten Kate to Moto GP?!?!

[.RJ]

Eeeeeeeeeeinteresting.

Ten Kate, Honda's leading team for many seasons in both World Superbike and Supersport, currently leads both championships courtesy of James Toseland (WSBK) and Kenan Sofuoglu (WSS) - with star rider Toseland having made no secret about his MotoGP ambitions.

The former world champion reluctantly turned down the opportunity of a satellite Ducati grand prix ride this year in order to maintain his relationship with Honda, which he hopes will result in a competitive RC212V seat next season.

And Toseland may not even need to change teams: Rumours are rife that Ten Kate could make the move with Toseland - and the Dutch team manager's recent appearance in the Jerez paddock fuelled speculation even further.

Speaking exclusively to Crash.net Radio, Ten Kate explained the reasons for his Spanish Grand Prix attendance - and confirmed that initial discussions for a MotoGP move have already begun.

"I'm getting this question more and more because people saw me wandering around in the MotoGP paddock at Jerez," replied Ronald. "My honest reason for going there was to discuss the latest version of traction control for the Fireblade and also to speak to the HRC people about the Suzuka 8 Hours, which James has been invited for, so we were making a schedule for that.

"On the other hand, I must admit that we have also spoken about a MotoGP future for us," he confirmed, "but it is really at the very beginning of things - we are just exploring budget plans and long terms plans like that, so I'm really not expecting any big news for the press or outside world until the second half of the season..."

Toseland and Ten Kate will take a 16-point lead over former MotoGP star Max Biaggi into this weekend's event at Donington Park, round three of the 2007 World Superbike championship.

[G.Irish]

JT is doing the 8 hour? Perhaps I shall revive my 8 Hours of Suzuka evil scheme...

[.RJ]

I wonder if this would happen as soon as 2008? Would Honda take on another satellite team? Would they have 2 riders again? Surely they wouldnt take Muggeridge with them to GP.... maybe they would be wise to snatch up Lorenzo or Dovizioso...

[G.Irish]

They already fired Muggeridge and I doubt Rolfo will survive the season either (unless he brings the sponsor bucks). I'm thinking it'll be a 1 rider deal or as you said, Dovizioso. No way Lorenzo is going to go to a satellite team. One of the factories is going to snatch him up, probably Yamaha or Ducati.

[.paul]

stoner + lorenzo

I am tired of all these honda's in GP

[G.Irish]

stoner + lorenzo

I am tired of all these honda's in GP

That sounds like the name of a comedy team. I think I'd rather see Rossi and Lorenzo because both of them are goofballs. I think it'd be rather entertaining. On the other hand it'd probably be even more entertaining if they were on different teams.