Nakano provided with machine upgrade for Brno

Satellite Honda rider Shinya Nakano will be using a factory HRC 800cc prototype as of the Cardion AB Grand Prix Ceske Republiky, with the hope that he will simultaneously improve his own results and assist in development of the machinery which the Japanese giant will offer to satellite teams in 2009.

The Asian veteran and World Championship leader Valentino Rossi are the only two riders to have scored points in every race so far this year, with Nakano´s worst finish being thirteenth at the opening round in Qatar. Since then he has not been outside the top ten, and it is hoped that with his experience he can help to further develop the bike he is set to receive.

Nakano will get the factory-standard bike when MotoGP resumes after the summer break in the Czech Republic – the machine being a 2008 factory bike as used by the Repsol Honda team, most probably with standard engine specification.

Nakano´s team boss Fausto Gresini confirmed to motogp.com: `Shinya will have a new bike in Brno, which will basically be the base for developing the satellite version of 2009 Honda. HRC will rely on our team and Shinya, as it´s much easier in terms of communication with the Japanese engineers.´

`For us this is obviously a privilege and the fruit of the close collaboration that has been going on for years between the Honda Gresini team and HRC.´

Meanwhile, regarding plans for the his team´s 2009 line-up, former 125cc World Champion Gresini added, `We´re already working towards next year. We´re on it and we may have something to announce after Brno.´