Kawasaki have revealed that Marco Melandri is a surprise contender to replace the injured John Hopkins at the German Grand Prix, if the Italian rider parts way with Ducati.
Melandri has had a torrid time at Ducati Marlboro this year, failing to match the pace of teammate Casey Stoner and struggling even to score points.
His difficulties have left his future at the reigning world champions in doubt, and speculation he could be replaced soon has mounted with news that Sete Gibernau is once again testing for the team at Mugello.
And Michael Bartholemy, Kawasaki's competition manager, has suggested that if Melandri is available then he could land the seat as stand-in for Hopkins in Germany.
"It's a complex situation," Bartholemy told Gazzetta dello Sport. "At Laguna Seca we should have an American rider on track. If Hopkins won't be there, we'll have one of the Kawasaki USA riders.
"At Sachsenring, however, the bike is available. If Ducati tell us that Marco has no links with them, that there are no kinds of strings attached, then if he's interested he might get the ride."
Hopkins suffered leg injuries in a crash during qualifying for last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix and is doubtful for the next two races in Germany and America.
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