Team Gresini sign Nakano for 2008

Today's news comes just days after Honda Racing Corporation director Kosuke Yasutake shot down Max Biaggi's chances of coming back to MotoGP with Gresini and adding that he wanted Nakano to stay in the series to race for the Italian team.

The 30-year-old Japanese rider, whose contract is for one year with an option, will be on his eighth season in motorcycling's top series, after one disappointing year with the Konica Minolta Team in which he scored only 45 points and three tenth places as best result.

Nakano and de Angelis, who has spent the last four years in the 250cc class, will take the place of Marco Melandri and Toni Elias. The Italian has been signed by the Marlboro Ducati team, while the Spaniard is expected to join the Pramac D'Antin Ducati team.

"I'm happy to announce Shinya Nakano, that together with Alex De Angels will be the colour bearer of our team on a Honda RC212V with Bridgestone tyres," said team boss Fausto Gresini.

"Shinya is a rider with a great potential, so far expressed only in part. We strongly believe in him as also Honda HRC and Bridgestone do.

"We have signed with the Japanese rider a one year contract with an option. We will start to prepare the new season immediately after the Valencia GP in an important session where our riders can start to get confidence with the Honda RC212V with Bridgestone tyres."

Nakano, who had used Bridgestone tyres in his tenure at Kawasaki before his move to Konica Minolta Honda, said he looks forward to working with Gresini and his new teammate.

"It's my pleasure to work with the Honda Gresini Team," commented Nakano. "I know Fausto, he was a rider before becoming a Team Manager and he has worked very well with Honda HRC for many years.

"I will be pleased to learn something from the team and to work with my new teammate Alex de Angelis. I believe we can have a good season together. I also look forward to work with Bridgestone tyres as well, I have good memories with them".