Another piece of the 2008 MotoGP jigsaw into place

[FourWheelDrift]

Kawasaki ride Randy DePuniet has signed for LCR Honda, replacing Carlos Checa.

Autosport said:

Randy de Puniet has signed a two-year deal with Lucio Cecchinello's Honda MotoGP squad, renewing a relationship which saw the Frenchman riding for the squad in the 250cc class during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

De Puniet was in talks with Kawasaki for the second seat alongside John Hopkins, with final discussions expected to take place next weekend at Misano.

The news, however, have put an end to de Puniet's talks with Kawasaki.

Lucio Checchinello said: "We are very happy to work with Randy again.

"Our past collaboration gave the team some impressive results, and thanks to Honda, our technical partners and our sponsors' support, Randy will be able to demonstrate his huge potential once again in the most prestigious and competitive class in the world during 2008."

With Pedrosa not yet resigned for Honda and his mentor Alberto Puig not running Honda's in 125cc does this mean he might still sign on the dotted line for Kawasaki? Although I'd like to see Nakano back on the green meanie, he left on good terms and put in good performances before it's clear improvement this year.