De Puniet - WSB over CRT or Moto2

SHOULD a competitive ride in MotoGP not present itself to Randy de Puniet he would rather switch to World Superbikes than spend a season in a Claiming Rule Team or dropping to Moto2 - but only if the Frenchman is given a bike he can win on.

This season de Puniet has been unable to perform competitively on the Pramac Ducati after expectations that his all-out style would work with the Desmosedici.

On his blog the Frenchman wrote of hopes for staying in MotoGP with either Pramac, a return to LCR Honda, Tech 3 Yamaha or Gresini: “There is a place at LCR if it does not happen with Dovizioso and Bradl, a place for Tech 3 if Colin leaves, and then there is Pramac and maybe Gresini.

"So it's either one of these options, and then Superbike if we can find a competitive bike. If I go to SBK, it is to be in front, not to be eighth or ninth." De Puniet has been linked to a transfer to the factory Kawasaki team, as rumours emerged that he was in talks with the WSB manufacturer.

“Otherwise, it will be home waiting to be called as a replacement. What is crystal clear is that will not ride a CRT bike or in Moto2.”

Ruling out the two options of a CRT or Moto2 bike has possibly come from the lack of competitiveness shown by the BMW-engined Suter in the 1000cc tests and Moto2 doesn't seem a great prospect following the poor form from the returning Toni Elias - the inaugural champion of the 600cc series.