Hi, the MotoGP will start as is planed.
Like you said the minimum number is 18, and I know rumors about a second Honda for the LCR Team, the team of Lucio Cecchinello; so the number it will be 18 rider at the start.
Moreover, Marco Melandri is looking for a bike and, he said, he has the sponsors....let's hope so!!!
Now that Kawasaki decided to withdraw from MotoGP in 2009. Do we still on for a MotoGP in 2009?
I ask this because without Kawasaki, MotoGP now comprises 17 riders, one less than the minimum set forth in the International MotoGP Federation (FIM) regulations.
And it is unlikely that the FIM will change its regulations...