Kawasaki to retain West for 2008

The Australian was recruited to replace Olivier Jacque in June, after the Frenchman had suffered a number of injuries.

Prior to getting the Kawasaki chance, West had been on the verge of quitting the MotoGP scene following a difficult season in the 250cc midfield. He has since scored points in all of his five starts for the team, with a best result of seventh at Laguna Seca.

"I think a lot of people in the paddock were surprised when we brought Anthony into the team at Donington Park," said Kawasaki competition manager Michael Bartholemy.

"His route to a factory team in MotoGP was not an orthodox one, but his performance so far this year aboard our Ninja ZX-RR was enough to convince Kawasaki that he was the right choice for next season.

"Now the pressure is off him, and I think we will see this reflected in his racing for the remainder of the season. As for his potential for next season, who knows? He's young and he has the chance to show what he can do, and I'm confident he will perform.

"Together with John Hopkins, we have a very strong line up for the 2008 season. They're both very determined riders and it's great to see a fantastic team coming together."

West said he was relieved to learn that he would be retained.

"I feel great about how things have worked out. As you can imagine, it's a huge weight off my shoulders," he said.

"This is definitely something I've been stressing about: whether I can stay in MotoGP and, if so, for which team.

"But this really is the best opportunity for me, to stay with Kawasaki, as I'm really happy here. It's such a good team and a great bike with all the support from the factory. Now, I've got one thing less to worry about so I can just concentrate on riding.

"It will be cool to be in a team with John Hopkins, too, as I know him pretty well and we get along together. He's riding really well at the moment, so hopefully I can push him next year."

He added that he had never expected an opportunity like the Kawasaki ride when he was struggling in the 250cc series three months ago.

"This is such a massive difference to where I was earlier this year in 250s," West said.

"I didn't even think I was going to be racing again and now I'm in one of the best teams in the paddock and staying another year, so it's a big turn around. I'm just so glad I kept trying and stuck at it.

"With the chances that Kawasaki are giving me, it's really paid off, and I am looking forward to repaying their faith in me with some good results aboard the Ninja ZX-RR, both this year and next."

West's current teammate Randy de Puniet recently announced that he would leave the team for LCR Honda next season.

Kawasaki had also been linked with their 2006 rider Shinya Nakano, who currently rides for Konica Minolta Honda.