Sources inside the Monster Energy drinks firm have confirmed they will be taking over from Santander as the Yamaha Motor Italia team's title sponsor for this year's World Superbike campaign

Rumours have been circulating for a couple of days that the money would go to either Massimo Meregalli's team or Herve Poncharal's Tech3 Yamaha team in MotoGP.
However, it is thought that the Tech3 deal hinged on Colin Edwards making way for John Hopkins in the team, a move that Poncharal has rubbished since the news Kawasaki had taken its MotoGP ball home.

Roby Rolfo has said he will ignore doctor's advice and race on through the pain. Hmmm. I understand his ride isn't that safe as Fonsi Nieto has been approached. Apparently.

Nieto was thought to be in line for a ride with Kawasaki's MotoGP team of it ended up being a customer outfit run by Jorge Martinez. That is now not on the cards, so Nieto could either replace Rolfo, or go back to the Alstare Suzuki team. Nieto is on his way to Portugal...

Airwaves Yamaha team boss Colin Wright is taking several technicians to the track over the next three to observe how Yamaha Italia use their Marelli electronics. Elastictrickry expert Christian Moretti will be learning new software which he will then take back to the Burton-on-Trent workshop to confuse chief technician Dave Parkes with.

Tommy Hill is super-confident about his season, saying he is fitter than he has even been. That's good work from the fan favourite as he has had to contend with a leg that has been broken twice in virtually the same place.