Capirossi unsure about third Ducati plans

The Italian team announced on Sunday that Melandri would partner Stoner from next year, but in a statement they added that Capirossi would be offered a third bike for 2008.

However, Capirossi has said that he is not happy with the way the situation has been handled, and his management is also unsure about Ducati's ability to run three factory bikes.

"I knew about Melandri, but not that they would have announced it here," Capirossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The announcement left me a bitter taste. I've always said my first intention was to stay in Ducati, now the situation is different and I can't be happy with the way it has evolved."

Ducati have said that they will have talks with Capirossi this week, but the 34-year-old also said that many things would have to change if he were to stay with the team for another season.

"I don't know if I'll go to the meeting," he said. "My manager will be there, while I still need to decide. Many things have to change."

Capirossi's manager Carlo Pernat was not too keen on the idea either. He added: "Seeing that the second bike often breaks down, I can't see how they could do it with three."