Hayden and De Puniet rip at Laguna Seca image by lil' timmy huntington

There is considerable curiosity over how the Kawasaki MotoGP team will fill their 2008 seats.

Kawasaki have stated they think their bike is capable of winning races and they want top riders on board next season. The team already signed John Hopkins to a big money deal, but the list of top riders is shrinking. Loris Capirossi likely will sign with Suzuki. Dani Pedrosa is unlikely to leave Honda. Colin Edwards probably has a home with Yamaha in some capacity.

The partner or partners to John Hopkins on the ZX-RR for next season are open. Remember, Kawasaki has stated they want to field a third bike for next season, if there is a proper budget.

Randy De Puniet and Ant West currently race the bike. Both have shown flashes this year. Maybe not race winning flashes, but both are younger riders who may continue to improve.

Another rider possibly in the mix is Roger Hayden. The factory pilot currently racing in America in the Supersport and Superbike classes rode impressively as a wild card last month at Laguna Seca. He also has a tie-in with Monster energy drinks, as does John Hopkins. Could Monster (who sponsors the American Kawasaki roadracing and motocross teams) extend their deal to MotoGP next season?

So keep your eyes peeled to see how West and De Puniet perform the rest of the season. And if Hayden tests the bike again or rides more wild cards this year.