JiR keeps Konica, Honda backing - rider undecided.

Crash.Net, October, 2006

JiR (Japan Italy Racing) will keep the backing of title sponsor Konica Minolta, and Honda, for the 2007 MotoGP season - but claims that no decision has yet been taken about who will ride for the team. The team was formed in 2005 around double 2004 race-winner Makoto Tamada - but the switch from Bridgestone to Michelin tyres virtually extinguished the Japanese rider's threat and he has only taken one podium finish in the two seasons since.

With just one round to go in the 2006 season, Tamada is just 13th in the championship - and the lowest placed of the seven RCV powered riders - making him almost certain to be replaced by countryman Shinya Nakano, whose departure from Kawasaki has already been confirmed. Should Nakano sign, the team is also expected to switch back to...

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