Lucio Cecchinello's LCR Honda MotoGP squad have unveiled Playboy as a big sponsor for the 2009 season but the bikes will not be in the colours at every meeting.

Cecchinello has done an 'event title sponsor' deal with the US-based firm which means the team will sport the livery at selected events such as the Jerez tests, Japan and Spain races. But not Qatar...

“We have been in touch with Playboy US for a long time and, taking advantage of the opportunity given by the presence of some top executives from Hugh Hefner's entourage during his latest visit to Europe, we have defined the guidelines of a project allowing us to start negotiations with some of this evergreen brand’s global licensees," aid the Italian.

"Playboy Italy has positively assessed the project and confirmed the sponsorship for the early stage of the season (MotoGP Championship Launch during the tests in Jerez de la Frontera, GP in Japan and Spain as Title Sponsor) linking it to their activities in the view of relaunching the magazine in Italy.

"Currently, there are further ongoing negotiations with licensees in more countries, who have been presented with our 'projects by event' concept, which does not imply any millionaire investments."
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