The much-hyped Sauber MotoGP engine appears not to have found a home, as there was no mention of an entry in the revamped series for 2002.

The 13 teams that will compete in next year's renamned MotoGP class were announced at Motegi on Friday, and included Team MZ, but no Sauber team or privateer outfit running the Formula One concern's revolutionary engine.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta revealed he had spoken to Sauber on the morning of the announcement, but claimed that it could not confirm an entry. The Swiss operation may still enter its three-cylinder four-stroke machine through another team, although Proton Team Roberts would seem the only option.

It had been rumoured that retired British star Niall MacKenzie would test the engine in a bespoke Harris-built frame.

Honda will enter five teams next year, through the HRC, West Honda Pons, Hardwick Racing,Team Gresini and Kanemoto Racing operations. Yamaha will enter four - with Yamaha Racing,Team D'Antin, Tech 3 and WCM - while Team Suzuki, Aprilia Racing, Proton Team Roberts, and Team MZ complete the list.

Each team will enter two riders apart from Gresini and Kanemoto, which will run one.

Ezpeleta also confirmed that both Ducati and Kawasaki will join the championship in 2003.