Kawasaki won't replace Hopkins for Germany

Despite speculation linking the team to struggling factory Ducati rider Marco Melandri, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to field a single ZX-RR Ninja for Anthony West in the German Grand Prix.

According to Kawasaki's competition manager Michael Bartholemy, the team felt any new rider would be at a disadvantage climbing on the bike without any prior testing.

"When we learnt the full extent of John's injuries we looked at putting a replacement rider on the bike for Sachsenring, but time was against us," said Bartholemy. "It was felt that it wouldn't have been fair to put someone on the bike who'd never ridden it before, and there just wasn't time to organise a test ahead of the race, so Anthony will be flying the flag for Kawasaki on his own this weekend."

West, whose best result this season was a tenth place in the wet at Donington, will be seeking to erase memories of his crash at Assen nearly two weeks ago.

"The Sachsenring is a circuit that should suit our Ninja ZX-RR very well, and that should stand us in good stead this weekend," said the Australian. "After Assen I'm determined to finish inside the top ten, and I hope it will be possible to improve on my tenth place finish at Donington this weekend."