MotoGP majority head to Jerez for final test of 2008

Fourteen riders are set for participation in the Official MotoGP Test at the Circuito de Jerez this week, a two-day run-out at the Spanish track which marks their final action of the year. The riders will be on track in Southern Spain from Wednesday.

The only members of the provisional 2009 grid not riding in the final official outing before the testing embargo comes into place will be 2007 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner –recovering after a wrist operation- the respective riders from the Suzuki and Kawasaki factory teams, and LCR Honda´s Randy de Puniet. An additional entrant comes in the form of Vittoriano Guareschi, Ducati´s test rider.

Reigning titlist Valentino Rossi returns to his day job after rally and Formula 1 test appearances, back onboard the Fiat Yamaha M1. Teammate Jorge Lorenzo joins him, whilst the Tech 3 Yamaha duo of Colin Edwards and James Toseland undertake their first test since the season´s end.

Racewinner at this year´s Grand Prix at Jerez, Dani Pedrosa continues work with his Repsol Honda RC212V, as will the team´s new rider Andrea Dovizioso. The only other factory rider on track is the man whom Dovizioso replaces in his new garage, Nicky Hayden, who rides in his second test with the Ducati Desmosedici GP9.

The remaining names on the entry list are those of Toni Elias & Alex de Angelis (San Carlo Honda Gresini), Yuki Takahashi (Scot Racing), Mika Kallio & Niccolo Canepa (Alice Team) and Sete Gibernau (Onde 2000).

Highlights and interviews from the MotoGP Official Test can be seen with subscription to either the Off-Season Package –available in both standard and High-Resolution- or the Event Package. Both can be purchased here.