Checa delighted with Honda deal.

Carlos Checa has spoken of his delight at securing a surprise LCR Honda ride, on Michelin tyres, for the 2007 MotoGP season.

The 34-year-old Spaniard has raced in 173 premier-class grands prix over an 11 year career in which he has taken two wins, 24 podiums and three pole positions. For much of that time the sponsor friendly Checa had a reputation for crashing, but a strong season at Ducati in 2005 and then a tireless 2006 on a Dunlop shod Tech 3 Yamaha has revived his career.

Checa has taken the seat of rookie Casey Stoner, who has left the team - almost certainly for a factory Ducati ride. Checa and Stoner came close to being team-mates at Honda Pons this season, only for the withdraw of title sponsor Camel to end that project and force both Checa and Stoner to find alternative teams.

"Lucio Cecchinello, team manager of the LCR, has announced that I will join his structure for season 2007. That means that I will compete with the new 800cc Honda equipped with Michelin tyres," Checa wrote on his official website. "This is a very important challenge in my career after a season which has been marked by a non-stop struggling. I am very motivated for both the bike and the people; riding with Honda nine years after the last time is very stimulating, and I am also very glad because Lucio is not only a great professional but also a good friend of mine from a long time ago.

"I'll talk about this new fantastic project more in the near future, but now I must focused on the last grand prix of the season in Valencia as I would like to close this year with the best result possible for my current team. All at Yamaha Tech 3 have been doing their best during this year and they really deserve it. I want to take this opportunity to thank Yamaha, Dunlop and of course Herve Poncharal for their trust on me and their incredible effort during this season. I hope that giving my hundred per cent at Ricardo Tormo Circuit will be the best gift for them."

Checa has taken a best finish of seventh this season and sits 15th in the world championship standings - four positions and 45 points above team-mate James Ellison.

Meanwhile, Honda LCR has also announced that 20-year-old Eugene Laverty will make his debut in the 250cc World Championship next season, after finishing third in the British Supersport Championship this year.