Jerez test crucial for Team Roberts' future

Kenny Roberts Sr. believes that this week's test at Jerez will be crucial to his team's future, as he fights to secure a budget for the season ahead

While on-track efforts are focused on making progress with their second new chassis, team boss Roberts Sr. is only too aware that they still do not have the full financial package in place for 2007.

This comes amid speculation that Roberts Sr. could pull the plug on the team if he has no guarantees that they can finish the campaign.

"We're still about 20% (of the budget) away from being a fully fledged racing team" he told autosport.com. "Last year was really bad, but if the sponsors actually paid me from last year I'd be a lot better off right now.

"All I know is that it's not in my bank account. We keep getting good reports, but the money hasn't hit town yet. It's not easy out there."

Roberts Sr. has bankrolled the team in the past, but that is now coming to an end. However, there are encouraging signs that the team may get the money they need to continue.

Roberts have many potential backers present this weekend at Jerez as well as a new sponsors in the shape of Motorpoint, a large car supermarket in the UK.

"We have a new sponsor on the bike and they are a good company." continued the American. "A lot comes down to this weekend, so we'll see. We're talking to everybody that's why I'm here, otherwise I wouldn't be here. The money's a little bit tight at the moment."

Team Manager Chuck Aksland said: "Team Roberts had little or no interested sponsors at this point 12 months ago, but after finishing sixth in the world in 2006, and being a genuine top five contender this year, we're happy to be busy this weekend with interested parties."