MotoGP 2009 will, apparently, have five Ducati Desmosedicis on the grid and we know that Nicky Hayden will partner Casey Stoner in the main Marlboro squad.

We also know that former Ducati man Sete Gibernau will return to boys in red running a satellite GP9 with Angel Nieto in the manager's chair and probably Telefonica money funding it.

So what about Alice Ducati? Well, Sylvain Guintoli is out of there and he knows it. He has already been making noises about a ride in World Superbikes but I think he thought the Santander Yamaha ride was an option - not so says Tom Sykes.

Toni Elias has, so far, refused to sign for the team, was linked with the third Kawasaki run by Jorge Martinez and has now, apparently, signed for Gresini Honda.

So, that means there are two seats available. One is very likely to be filled by Ducati test rider Nico Canepa but what about the fifth and final ride?

Ben Spies has proved he can ride a MotoGP bike in the wet or in the dry but it is thought the team management have their collective eye on an unnamed rider on the Spanish CEV Supersport championship. It could well be Angel Rodriguez who has the same surname as Alice logistics co-ordinator Felix...