there may still be some hope
from superbike mag
February 17, 2009 - Kenny Pryde
Marco Melandri has revealed in the Italian press that he is hopeful of racing on a Kawasaki in MotoGP in 2009. Melandri was guest driving in a 'Speedcar series' race at Losail in Qatar when he suggested that he may indeed race again in 2009. "I'm ready to race for nothing, I'm prepared to invest some of my own money," said the young Italian.
"We're not so far behind in terms of testing, Olivier Jacque tested in Australia and there were other tests in Malaysia. At the moment I know Dorna and Michel Bartholemy are talking to try to get a bike on the grid. Hopkins has decided that money is more important, so he's not showing any interest. I'm ready to invest in me, so to speak and it'll be a one-man team."
Melandri sounded more hopeful than he had in the past, but recognised the team was up against it. "We are behind when it comes to sorting the logistics and the team, but I think it would be possible to put it all together for March 1. It wont be the same as racing for the factory team, which is what I had signed up to do, it will be a satellite team, but I know the people and the atmosphere will be good and the motivation high."
"All I hope to do is to get back on track after a really bad 2008 season. I know I wont be in the hunt for the title or race wins but I'm keen to get back on track and enjoy myself again. It'll be difficult, but not impossible. I was quite happy with the 2008 bike to be honest although I don't know the 2009 bike at all, I haven't ridden it yet."
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