Kawasaki results "must improve"

The boss of the Japanese manufacturer's racing team says the pressure is mounting on them and expects that he will be sacked if there isn't a dramatic upturn in their form in 2009.

"It's clear that we'll have to do a lot better next year," he told Motosprint. "There is great pressure on us, we have been told we must get results. The message comes from the boss at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tamba.

"The pressure on me is enormous and perhaps my next chance will be the last for my work. If we don't get the result, I will probably lose my position."

Kawasaki finished fifth and bottom of the manufacturer standings this season, 93 points behind fourth-placed Suzuki, and John Hopkins and Anthony West finished 16th and 18th respectively in the riders' standings.

The team have drafted in Ducati exile Marco Melandri to partner Hopkins next season and they tested away from most of their rivals at Phillip Island last week, though both riders were pleased with the progress made so far.