Team Roberts absent from 2008 entry list

Motorcycling's governing body, FIM, unveiled on Friday an updated entry list for the 2008 MotoGP championship, with Team Roberts absent from it

The other two significant differences from the previous list are the number changes of Dani Pedrosa and Chris Vermeulen, who will ride bikes number 2 and 7 respectively this year.

Team Roberts, present on the previous list revealed in December, were absent from the new one, increasing speculation that the American squad could miss the start of the 2008 season.

The team, who haven't tested since the end of last year, are yet to confirm their plans for this season, including bikes, engines or riders.

Team Roberts' Chuck Aksland said last month they were in talks with possible sponsors and didn't rule out joining the season halfway through.

"We have an entry on the grid and that entry will be there for us even if we are ready mid-way through the 2008 season," he told autosport.com.

2008 MotoGP entry list:

 1.  Casey Stoner         Ducati Marlboro Team
 2.  Dani Pedrosa         Repsol Honda Team
 4.  Andrea Dovizioso     JiR Scot Team
 5.  Colin Edwards        Yamaha Tech 3
 7.  Chris Vermeulen      Rizla Suzuki
13.  Anthony West         Kawasaki Racing Team
14.  Randy De Puniet      LCR Honda
15.  Alex De Angelis      San Carlo Honda Gresini
21.  John Hopkins         Kawasaki Racing Team
24.  Toni Elias           Alice Team
33.  Marco Melandri       Ducati Marlboro Team
46.  Valentino Rossi      Fiat Yamaha Team
48.  Jorge Lorenzo        Fiat Yamaha Team
50.  Sylvain Guintoli     Alice Team
52.  James Toseland       Yamaha Tech 3
56.  Shinya Nakano        San Carlo Honda Gresini
65.  Loris Capirossi      Rizla Suzuki
69.  Nicky Hayden         Repsol Honda Team