Shinya Nakano unsure of 2009 job prospects

Japanese rider Shinya Nakano has confirmed he has no firm plans in place for the 2009 MotoGP world championship.

Nakano claimed his season’s best result with fourth in Brno last weekend on his debut on board Honda’s current 2008 factory spec Honda RC212V.

But the Gresini Honda rider still has no deal in place for 2009, and he’s not sure whether he will be staying in MotoGP next season.

Aussie Chris Vermeulen and reigning American superbike champion Ben Spies have been in talks with the San Carlo-backed Gresini squad. And with Alex de Angelis looking like he might be staying, Nakano might be frozen out.

Nakano, who has scored points in all 12 MotoGP races in 2008, told MCN: “I don’t know anything yet. So far I have no information and I will probably know something around Motegi time.

“I’d like to stay in this team because with the new bike I feel better. I also understand the Honda bike now and I know the people, so my target is to stay.”