MotoGP: LCR Honda and Randy de Puniet deal close?

Honda satellite team boss Lucio Cecchinello has admitted his number one priority is to sign Andrea Dovizioso for 2008, despite intense rumours Randy de Puniet will replace Carlos Checa next season.

And in somewhat of a major surprise, Lucio Cecchinello has told MCN that reigning American superbike champion Ben Spies was also a potential target for his LCR squad.

Ben Spies, who recently he said he already a deal in place to come to MotoGP in 2009 with Suzuki, is under contract to the Japanese factory in America for next season.

But Lucio Cecchinello said: “Why not consider a champion rider from America? I don’t have close contact with him but HRC are considering Spies.”

Lucio Cecchinello though said his priority was to hire a 250 rider, with Dovizioso top of his wish list.

The former world 125 champion though appears to be heading to the current Konica Minolta Honda squad, with his Kopron Scot 250 MotoGP squad looking at a merger for 2008.

“Dovizioso is not fixed and he is our first priority and still Alex de Angelis is on the market and Randy did not sign yet with Kawasaki. 

“Randy is one option and I hope to decide before Misano. I have made an offer to Dovizioso but he has an option with his 250 team, but it doesn’t mean 100 per cent he must stay at Scot Racing.

“They are trying to make an agreement with Konica Minolta. We are waiting for his situation to be clarified,” said Lucio Cecchinello.