From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HONDA CONFIRMS BARROS FOR TOP RIDE

Following the recent announcement by Alex Barros in Brazil that he is free to seek a new MotoGP ride for the 2004 season, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) today (Tuesday, 20 January 2004) can confirm that the 33-year-old Brazilian will ride alongside Nicky Hayden in the official HRC Repsol Honda Team for 2004.

Barros is making a good recovery following surgery before Christmas on a past shoulder injury and is due to ride the 2004 Honda RC211V at Sepang, Malaysia on February 11, 12 and 13 before moving down to Phillip Island, Australia on February 17, 18 and 19 taking part in the official HRC Winter Testing Programme.

His new team under Crew Chief, Ramon Forcada, is working in Sepang at the moment with a view to making a flying start with Barros in the February tests. Forcada worked with Barros for two years in the West Honda Pons team in 2001 and 2002 and guided the Brazilian to two victories and two podiums in the last four races of 2002 when he was given the opportunity to ride the 4-stroke RC211V.