Former World Superbike and 250GP Fonsi Nieto could find himself with a MotoGP ride if Kawasaki's team taken over by Jorge Martinez – despite currently being without a 2009 seat.

Halfway through 2008, Martinez attempted to put together a deal to run a third Kawasaki ZX-RR for this season but he was thwarted because his Spanish backers wanted a Spanish rider but Kawasaki reportedly insisted on running Shinya Nakano.

Now, with Nakano safely out of the way on an Aprilia World Superbike, Martinez will need an out-of-contract rider, of Spanish heritage, in order to please possible sponsors, which must include communications giant Telefonica.

Step forward Fonsi Nieto. Nieto has world championship pedigree, coming second in the 2002 250GP series and also brings sponsorship with him in the shape of Pepephone, a mobile phone firm.

Even though Nieto hasn't shone in recent World Superbike championship years, he is a very popular rider on his home turf and is seen as the David Beckham of Spain.