Fausto Gresini and Shinya Nakano are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement for the 2008 season. The experienced Japanese rider, Shinya Nakano, 30 years old, along side the Italian Alex De Angelis, 23 years old, at his debut on Motogp, complete the Gresini Honda riders line up.

Fausto Gresini
I'm happy to announce Shinya Nakano, that together with Alex De Angels will be the colour bearer of out team on a Honda RC212v with Bridgestone tyres. Shinya is a rider with a great potential, so far expressed only in part. We strongly believe in him as also Honda HRC and Bridgestone do. We have signed with the Japanese rider a one year contract with an option. We will start to prepare the new season immediately after the Valencia GP in an important session where our riders can start to get confidence with the Honda rc212v with Bridgestone tyres.

Shinya Nakano
It's my pleasure to work with the Honda Gresini Team. I know Fausto, he was a rider before becoming a Team Manager and he has worked very well with Honda HRC for many years. I will be pleased to learn something from the team and to work with my new team mate Alex de Angelis. I believe we can have a good season together. I also look forward to work with Bridgestone tyres as well, I have good memories with them.