Aegerter to test Kawasaki MotoGP prototype?

Moto2 race winner Dominique Aegerter has been invited by Kawasaki to test a 'prototype' at Jerez later this month, prompting speculation Team Green is still interested in MotoGP.

Aegerter told Speedweek.com: "The test team of Kawasaki will work with me. I will ride a prototype. The invitation came directly from the factory. I don't know exactly what I will test. The machine is equipped with Michelin tires. But not those being developed for the 2016 MotoGP class."

Aegerter, who previously tried Avintia's ZX-10R-based Open class entry during last year's Barcelona post-race test, added that it will not be easy to go straight to a MotoGP machine after being off a race bike since November.

Avintia racer Hector Barbera blasted Kawasaki last season, claiming they backed away from providing the team with factory support. The episode underlined that Kawasaki had at least shown official interest in grand prix. Avintia has now switched both its entries to Ducati.

Kawasaki officially raced in MotoGP as a factory team from 2003 to 2008, when it announced a withdraw due to the financial crisis - but was ultimately forced to run an unofficial 'Hayate' entry in 2009 for contractual reasons.

While Suzuki and Aprilia will return to take on Honda, Yamaha and Ducati in MotoGP this season - with KTM planning a 2017 debut - Kawasaki continues to focus on its world championship winning WSBK project.

MotoGP will introduce control electronics as well as switching to Michelin tyres in 2016.