Alice Ducati's Toni Elias may have chucked a considerable spanner in Kawasaki's works. The Spaniard had been the prime target to ride a third MotoGP ZXRR for a Jorge Martinez-run satellite team but has apparently signed for Gresini Honda instead.

It is only very strong rumour at the moment but Elias has also refused to sign for his current team, which might pave the way for Nico Cannepa to get his MotoGP seat.

Martinez still plans to field the third Kawasaki but who will sit on it is anyone's guess. Alvaro Bautista has committed himself to another season on 250s but could be tempted into a change of mind.