MotoGP team Honda Gresini have confirmed that they have extended Alex de Angelis' contract so the San Marino driver will be back for the 2009 season.

There remain some questions as to who will join him though. Rumours are saying that AMA Superbike three times champion Ben Spies could join the squad but most observers believe that the American will go with JIR.

Current rider Shinya Nakano is one of only two riders to score in every race this season and is now eighth in the overall standings, compared to de Angelis' 13th.