[theophil]

Max Biaggi's chances of competing in MotoGP next year have received yet another blow this week after Kawasaki team boss Harald Eckl revealed that tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has stopped plans for the Roman Emperor to ride a third Ninja ZX-RR alongside Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet.

Biaggi had looked set to unveil the deal to his fans at this week's Bologna Motor Show, saying: "I hope to be able to give you, with Camel friends, some good news about my future."

However, the Italian's MotoGP career now looks set to end following the news that Bridgestone have refused to supply Kawasaki with tyres for a third bike next season despite a deal being met between the rider and the team.

"I was very enthusiastic to have Max with Kawasaki, despite all the potential problems we faced," Eckl told this week's Motor Racing News. "I had a lot of discussions with Max and I had a feeling we could have made it work. The negotiations had been going well and, to be honest.

"I have to admit that I did not consider the tyres would be the problem," he added. "Bridgestone have already made their plans for 2006 and weren't willing to change to enable us to run a third bike for Biaggi."

Biaggi's only hope of making it onto next year's grid lies with the privateer teams of Ducati D'Antin, Yamaha Tech 3, WCM and Team Roberts. Tech 3 team boss Henri Poncharal has already refuses to take on the Italian, but with the possibility of Camel money coming, anything can happen.

WCM will run KTM engines next year while Team Roberts have landed Honda V5's, but whatever team Biaggi may force his way into to, it is likely that he'll find it difficult to finish races in the top ten let alone return to winning ways.

"When I spoke to him it was obvious to me that Max was very disappointed," Eckl added. "I think it finally dawned on him just how serious his situation has become. He just kept telling me that he couldn't believe it."

Should Biaggi fail to find a seat for next year, then Camel could return to Honda Pons or join Poncharal's Tech 3 outfit.