Italian MotoGP star Marco Melandri has hinted a deal to run the Kawasaki bikes under a private banner may well be further down the line than anyone thought.

Dubbed the Dornizaki, the bikes are likely to be funded by MotoGP rights holders Dorna with just Melandri riding, leaving John Hopkins further in the wilderness.

According to the stout chaps at motogpmatters.com, Melandri said that he was not going to be able to win on the bike, which has suffered reliability issues in testing, but his season won't be as bad as 2008.

He continued that he will be on a bike with character that he likes and that even though it won't be super-competitive, he will be comfortable on it and will be doing all he can.