De Puniet to stay on at LCR

The Frenchman joined the satellite Honda squad from Kawasaki this year, and the team have confirmed that they will take up their 2009 option on him as part of a deal that also confirms their continued customer deal with Honda.

"I think that Randy and Honda have big potential," said team boss Lucio Cecchinello. "Our aim was to continue with Randy and thanks to Honda HRC support we will co-operate together for next season as well. Besides I am happy to say that we have retained all our present team staff for our 2009 project with Randy."

De Puniet has yet to finish higher than sixth for LCR Honda, having often qualified higher only to fall in the races.

But he is confident that he can do better with the team in 2009.

"The 2009 season will be my fourth year in the MotoGP class; Honda is working hard to improve the RCV machine and the LCR team is very professional and they are like a family for me," said de Puniet.

"We have got the potential to make special results and we will do our best to achieve important goals."