de Puniet: unlikely to move to WSB

UNABLE to find success on the Pramac Ducati Randy de Puniet may be looking for a transfer to World Superbikes in 2012, riding for Kawasaki, possibly replacing Vermeulen. That's the story from French website Motosblog.

Ex-MotoGP riders Carlos Checa, Max Biaggi and Marco Melandri have found a new and victorious home in the production-based championship, currently in the top three positions in the standings.

However, these rumours have stemmed from Randy de Puniet's manager and may be a political move to counter pressure from the Pramac Ducati team over de Puniet's form this season by showing the team that unless he gets the parts he needs, he won't get the results they expect. Afterall, no sane manager would leak his rider's next move as this would destroy their trust and working relationship.

The other likelihood is that the Frenchman is weighing up his options for next season and sending out a message that he's available - should the Pramac team not renew his contract - further putting pressure back onto Pramac Ducati's side of the table.

Should Randy move to World Superbikes it would mean the ultimate battle of girlfriends with Lauren Vickers facing off against Manuela Raffaetà.