Very strong rumours in the MotoGP paddock at Misano state that Marco Melandri has been to Japan and tested the Kawasaki MotoGP bike, despite being still-contracted to ride the Marlboro Ducati for the rest of the season.
Melandri, who is replacing Anthony West at Team Green for 2009, apparently flew to Japan after the Laguna Seca round and tested the ZX-RR. It is not known how he got on with the bike but it begs the question why did Ducati allow him to do it?
If they sacked him for doing so, would it be more expensive for them to pay Sete Gibernau to ride for the rest of the season? If so,why not put Niccolo' Canepa on it? The mind boggles.