Roberts to decide on team this weekend

The American is facing a budget shortfall for the 2007 campaign and, despite securing new backing prior to last week's test at Jerez, he still needs to find more money to keep his team alive.

Speaking to Italian magazine Motosprint, Roberts said that he was still unsure about his plans - but a decision was imminent.

"At the end of this weekend I'll decide whether to carry on or not with this team," he said.

"I don't want to make a big drama. I know (series promoter) Dorna is giving us a hand and Honda help us with the engine supply, but this is my reasoning: after the adventure with the KTM engine in the 2005 season we had to redo everything and, since last year, we have built a lot of new material.

"Let's just say I've spent a lot of money and KR isn't a big company with sales people throughout the world proposing my team to companies. I don't want to spend my money anymore, even though I understand it's not easy to find sponsors."

Roberts secured some backing from Motorpoint, Britain's largest car supermarket, before the Jerez test and is looking at new ideas that could help his team.

"At the moment I think I can get to the middle of the season and maybe with a bit of help we can get to the end," he added. "I've found very interesting the business with Fiat (who are set to sponsor Yahama).

"Even though it's not very clear to me what a car manufacturer has to do with the role of sponsor of a bike company, it's an interesting avenue. Besides, there isn't anymore the tobacco industry supporting the entire series single-handedly, so there's a need for new ideas."

A meeting between MotoGP teams has been planned for April 12 to discuss sponsorship in the sport.