Ducati Monster Forum

may as well have a topic for it... the damn thing is already in full swing.

Graziano Rossi: "Valentino Will Stay With Yamaha Until He Retires" (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/01/21/graziano_rossi_valentino_will_stay_with_.html)

Ducati: Retaining Stoner is priority (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80885)

+ innumerable mentions already in other threads re what happens to the Big Four next year.  Honda is positioning themselves for a bigtime comeback as well.

I don't believe the parents comments on these issues. Wasn't it Spies mom who said he wasn't going to GP this year.

I started to make some predictions as to who would go where, but then I had like 20 permutations.  This is the only thing which I'd bet on:  Lorenzo and Rossi will not be teammates in 2011.  

Other random thoughts re 2011:
Stoner will either be at Ducati or Honda.
Spies will be on a factory Yamaha.
Hayden will be riding for John Deere.
Dovi will lose his factory ride or go to Suzuki (which is like a satellite team).
Simoncelli will not get a haircut.
Pedrosa will still be a douchenozzle.  

LOL!

1) The Zukes will still be backmarkers, even with the switch to 1000cc
2) Some douchebag guest commentator will call them "drivers" again
3) Someone, somewhere will miss Chris Vermeulen.

AND SOMEONE will lament the loss of the suck formerly known as James Toseland...

Toseland vs. The Mole in WSBK...the battle for 7th place will be epic!

[laugh]  the mole does really have a lock on 7th, doesn't he...

regarding the Suzuki factory-satellite team: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81001 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81001)

WOW...you are being REALLY nice giving them 7th to fight for...especially given the satelite 'Priller's and privateer Duc's that are highly competitive out in that field....I was thinking more like 10th/11th-ish...

uhh, based on what?  ;)

i still think there's a good chance that Cal and Johnny are going to stomp on JT a bit, but i don't think he'll be riding around in the back of the pack.

As much as I dislike JT, the guy can ride a SBK. I'd be surprised if he's lower than 5th on average.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156250/1/yamaha_boss_worried_ferrari_will_lure_rossi_to_f1.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156250/1/yamaha_boss_worried_ferrari_will_lure_rossi_to_f1.html)

There's plenty of precedent. Plus the money/fame is better there...

if you're not talking about rossi, maybe...

he's already one of the most famous, highest paid athletes in the world. last year's "highest paid athlete" list had raikkonen tied for 2nd @ $45MM and rossi in 9th @ $35MM. the second highest-paid f1 racer was lewis hamilton in 13th place @ $32MM.

the list:

1. Tiger Woods $110 million
2. Kobe Bryant $45 million
2. Michael Jordan $45 million
2. Kimi Raikkonen $45 million
5. David Beckham $42 million
6. LeBron James $40 million
6. Phil Mickelson $40 million
6. Manny Pacquaio $40 million
9. Valentino Rossi $35 million
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. $34 million
11. Roger Federer $33 million
11. Shaquille O'Neil $33 million
13. Oscar De La Hoya $32 million
13. Lewis Hamilton $32 million
13. Alex Rodriguez $32 million
16. Vijay Singh $31 million
17. Kevin Garnett $30 million
17. Jeff Gordon $30 million
17. Derek Jeter $30 million
17. Ronaldhino $30 million

Our list of the highest-paid athletes looks at earnings derived from salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements and licensing income between June 2008 and June 2009 and does not deduct for taxes or agents' fees. Overall the top 20 earned $789 million, down 1% from last year. The cut-off to make the list was $30 million.

Mickleson makes more than Rossi?

He never wins... :P

retired guy #3 on the list.. .sheesh.

That struck me odd as well.  :P

I suspect the $ gap from #1 to #2 may be a good bit less for '09.  [roll]

#3 retired guy though has a branded endorsement contract/agreement for liscencing unlike any other I've ever seen...between shoe and clothing branding and then motorcycle gear...and I know he is diversified...I remember reading something in S.I. a few years ago ( it was the swimsuit issue, the only reason I had really picked it up, but the article happened to be in there) he talked a little about how he has his hands in many pots for to keep him well for many a year to come....so I am not surprised he is on that list....as high as he is, yes, but on there...no.

Ferrari president: Rossi a potential F1 world champion (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156395/1/ferrari_rossi_a_potential_f1_world_champion.html)

I still say he goes

I still say he goes only after he has turned Lorenzo into a whimping blob who just sits in the corner of the asylum making throttle twisting motions and wetting himself.   ;D

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156549/1/jarvis_ben_spies_has_learning_year_ahead.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156549/1/jarvis_ben_spies_has_learning_year_ahead.html)

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/02/04/yamaha_press_conference_transcript_data_.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/02/04/yamaha_press_conference_transcript_data_.html)

Q. To VR: If you have to leave Yamaha at the end of the year, will we be more likely to see you with the red Ducati or the red Ferrari?

Valentino Rossi: I have decided to not speak anymore about 2011 because everything I say is good in one way and bad in another. I simply don't know what will happen.


Q. To VR: You will be 31 soon...

Valentino Rossi: Very soon! But I think if my body stays the same and the motivation stays the same then it will be possible to make two or three more years like this in MotoGP. But anyway it depends on my result because, I am Valentino Rossi, I won a lot of races, a lot of championships and when I understand that I can't do this anymore, I know it's time to stay at home, work in the garden...!

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/03/12/rossi_i_would_feel_like_a_traitor_going_.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/03/12/rossi_i_would_feel_like_a_traitor_going_.html)

Really interesting article on how the 2011 Silly Season will total negate any cost cutting they've done so far because of the salary bidding for the Aliens.  It predicts Lorenzo to Honda, Pedrosa to Ducati, Stoner and Rossi to stay put and The Ben to Fiat Yamaha.

http://www.motomatters.com/opinion/2010/03/21/the_price_of_success_how_the_2010_silly_.html (http://www.motomatters.com/opinion/2010/03/21/the_price_of_success_how_the_2010_silly_.html)

I hope he's wrong.

The bot will fail on the Duc too.

Geez I hope Pedro doesn't come over to Ducati.  :P

...although, since he is so tiny the D16 could probably launch him half way across the circuit!  :o   [laugh]

pedro would make the most sense on an M1.

...not that i want to see that.

I'd agree.

He requires predictable, and the Duc has never shown itself to be that.

Lorenzo says he wants to stay with Yamaha and would be fine having Rossi as a teammate.  Really, this whole thing boils down to what Rossi decides to do. 

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/03/23/lorenzo_happy_to_stay_at_yamaha_alongsid.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/03/23/lorenzo_happy_to_stay_at_yamaha_alongsid.html)

"I would like to stay with Yamaha, because [it's the best bike on the paddock.  and i don't want to be beat by The Ben on my bike if we go somewhere else.  Besides, the way it stands today, i get what i want at yamaha]..."

exactly.  other than money, there's, currently, zero reason* for him to want to go anywhere.  let's face it, in motogp you want rossi + JB on your side.


*edit: unless he convinces himself that the way to beat rossi is to not be on the same bike.  would be foolish imo, but you gotta consider it.  esp if Suppo is over there preparing a gigantic HRC check + a lot of promises.

I really think Lorenzo bolts for Honda with a big payday.  I don't think Yamaha can afford two top dogs, and you have to keep Rossi until he retires.  You already have The Ben in the back pocket.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83306 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83306)

btw.. in the course of the OEMs (probably) getting to run existing 800s or heavier-but-still-prototype 1000s as of 2012, honda and yamaha are the ones who have said we "want to keep the 800s".

valentino says the 800s are the biggest mistake of the last 15 years.

ducati would like to go back to 1000s.

just sayin'.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/stoner-to-repsol-honda-in-2011/11259.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/stoner-to-repsol-honda-in-2011/11259.html)


I know, I know...but this is a thread on silly season...my prediction:

Yamaha: Lorentho, The Ben
Honda: Stoner, Dovi
Ducati: Yeah, I'll say it...Rossi
Suzuki: Does it matter/Smurfy McDouchenozzle.

...and then the class implodes in 2012.

I'd say he'd be more likely to occupy the Scot Honda seat before the Suzuki seat....

Yeah, but I so badly want to relegate him to irrelevance...call it projection ;D

if that is the case then, get him on a Hayate Kawasaki!  LOL  ;)

Suzuki...Kawasaki...same difference these days ;D

FB Corse test rider?

Yeah, but I want him to still think he has a chance at the pointy end of the field.

LMAO! You guys are putting Spies on a factory ride over DanPed... lol, I'll have what you guys are drinking.l!! [wine]
A dour-faced git he maybe, but he can ride The Ben's pants off in GP's, I don't see that changing anytime soon.

i think it's pretty evident that yamaha has a plan for spies... he's already occupying the "factory" seat on the poncharal squad. whether it's next year or the year after, unless something catastrophic happens, i full expect him to end up on the official factory team when a spot opens up.

...as in when Rossi moves on...
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs024.snc3/11161_202836126390_201739466390_4409936_4180185_n.jpg)
 ;D ;D ;D

With Ducati's new engine not scaring away every rider in existence the way the old engine did and given Lorenzo's comments from a coupla days ago about how close he came to switching to the Duc, I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Lorenzo ended up in red rather than Rossi.

I really don't want to see it happen, but it's more of a possibility than I thought it was.

Pedrosa stays with Honda - pretty much forever. Puig is tied to Repsol pretty heavily and Spanish money demands a spanish rider

Rossi goes wherever he wants, but he has 2-3 more years.

Jorge stays at Yamaha - They need a lead rider for when Rossi retires, and Lorenzo is 2nd or 3rd in the paddock on talent and desire.

Hayden continues to do well, and moves up and up, REALLY stepping up when they go back to real engines.

Spies stays on the B team. He tragically has no personality and no endearing factors, and that sadly is what drives sponsor dollars. As an American he is locked out without a huge influx of talent on his behalf, i will be very difficult for him to ever find a front row seat in MotoGP. He is a great rider to roll around and get points and do some development, notice he is on the development team with CE2. Learnign how to develop a bike for a fast euro.

Stoner will NEVER, EVER ride for a team where Livio Supo is. Ever. Private story, but look at what happened in 2009, and you should be able to figure it out. He stay with Ducati, then moves to Suzuki for a season or two, then fades away.

Dovi on a Honda for the near future.

Simon' Becomes a rockstar in his own right over the next few years, having his huge personality drive him to big wins, big crashes and big paychecks.

fixed it for ya!  8) ;) ;D [cheeky]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice photochop!!!

lots of good stuff in this post me thinks.


mitt

yeah yeah i know, i'm supposed to get all huffy about this, etc..

...but that ^^ is hilarious!

What happened between Stoner and Suppo?
I haven't read anything about it down here.

GM, Dont get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of Ben, but in europe, its all about the money. Being European means you bring with you support from your homeland i.e. Dani and Repsol, etc.. We all know there isnt an American comapny that will sponsor a mostly euro sport. Ever been to MotoGP in europe? Pretty much ruins it for going to Laguna or Indy!

When the season cost 20+M to run, you need a LOT of money, from a lot of places, and it doesnt work that way for American riders, tragically.

 

Livio kinda threw him under the bus during the whole health problem

@RetroSBK... still, hilarious.  i don't feel like going point by point. 

 -- except "notice he is on the development team with CE2"... maybe you've heard of the rookie rule? 

anyway, we'll see.  he's for sure on a yamaha next year.  maybe it'll be monster livery, maybe it'll be fiat.

Tell me how Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden have been on ( current or past ) factory bikes if American money is the only determining factor.  I don't think sponsors are the issue.  You can throw John Hopkins in there as well, since he spent time on both factory Suzuki and Kawasaki rides.

The biggest reason we don't see a lot of Americans on factory seats or just in premier racing is due to fact there are simply more talented Euros that go through the typical progression of ranks and fall into those seats.  Many of them have been with the Euro sponsors/teams since they were teens and simply progress from smaller classes to the premier classes.

I think it would be great if Vale would switch to Ducati.

I'm sure the Italians would like that and it would prove if it's the bike that can't be ridden fast or the rider that can't ride the Duc fast.

Vale has proven that he can take a slower bike and win races.

On the faster Duc he should be able to win them all once he gets the feel for the " Big Red " machine.

It's always seemed odd to me that Vale rode a Yamaha since he is 1st of all an Italian , and 2nd he grew up near the Ducati factory.

Ducati deserves to have a Championship in MotoGP worthy of their Championship in World Superbike w, Troy.

Dolph     :)

i think ducati has always felt that "anybody" should be able to ride their fast bikes to wins... much like the honda mentality. just look at the way they treated melandri (and hayden until bayliss failed to impress at his test last year).


1) the yamaha team principle is italian

2) he wanted to win and the ducati sucked when he switched to yamaha

3) urbino is 2 hours away from bologna... that's like somebody in bakersfield saying they grew up near los angeles.

The Yamaha wasn't exactly a fire starter either Derby.  I'm sure Vale knew they were capable enough chassis builders, but Yamaha hadn't really done anything for quite some time.  I think the challenge to develop a winner would have been a somewhat similar adventure either way he went.

In the vein of Vale taking on new challenges, you might think he's giving Ducati a serious thought.  Whether or not he actually goes will remain to be seen.  Winning a championship on 3 bikes has to be a serious draw though.  Another part has to hinge on whether Burgess and his team are ready to make the move one last time.

the previous decade of gp had been dominated by honda, yamaha, and a lone suzuki. when the switch to 4-strokes was made in 2002, it pretty much became a honda/yamaha battle.

when rossi made his switch to yamaha, ducati had only been in the series for a single year AND they were on bridgestones (when they sucked).

it's not really faster anymore.  

funny thing about that though:

MotoMatters.com: First of all, you changed the firing order on the Ducati GP10, it's no longer a screamer, it's now a big bang. The riders always say the engine feels much more responsive. Why? Do you know why?

Filippo Preziosi: No. [Laughs]. So it's a very short question, very short answer! We have some ideas and have some measurements of that. We have some data and we did some analysis. But to be honest, there are some points in which there are numbers which show that the engine should be better, but there are also other numbers that show that the engine should be worse. So like usual, it's not easy to say the reason why.

re the switch to yamaha, valentino had two things: a lot of pinkie-swear oaths from yamaha and, as or more importantly, JB.

I haven't seen any of the races this year but it seemed like last year in a lot of the races Stoner was out in front which would lead me to believe he was on a fast bike but then often he lost the front end for what seemed was his fault ...no contact .

Stoner often set the fastest time for pole so the Duc he was riding must have been fast.

Then the illness rumors w, Casey and then he was out for 3 races .

Rossi is just the best rider and his record speaks to it.

Yamaha should have their suspension sorted . Afterall, they have had many years to perfect it like Honda from GP to MotoGP.

I think Ducati has a pretty good engine but is still trying to get their setup right on the Desmo. I feel the 1000cc engine is better suited to the way they have been trying to build the subframe and the swingarm.

Their setup is to stiiff for the smaller engine .The bike won't move around thus it's hard for Casey to know when he's at the limit and when he can give the bike a full twist of power as he moves through a corner.

They got the 1098-R right for Troy and you saw what he did to the Japanese bikes.

I feel the big Desmo will do better when MotoGP goes back to the big engine.

Dolph    :)

 

It's fast, but not the fastest since the first year. Stoner is just fast...especially from the start.


I'm pretty sure Casey knows how to ride the D16, and when he can crack the throttle open. No one has won more 800cc races than Stoner on the Duc (Derby will correct me if it's Rossi...but its close even if it is). The problem used to be other riders knowing how...but that seems to have changed this year with Hayden being fast as well.

Stoner's crashes from the front seem to be because he pushes it too hard when he's at the front trying to gap everyone...especially Rossi.

they're tied with 20 races each.

From what I understand, although the Yamaha has a fantastic chassis, the setup is on a razors edge and quite a lot of work to get perfect.

Why do you suppose Troy once he got the hole shot ( which was most of the time ) and was then able to open up a gap where as if Casey gets the hole shot he has a hard time opening up any kind of a gap ?

Dolph     :)

Stoner doesn't have a hard time opening a gap. Recently he has just had a hard time not wadding it after he opened the gap. Also, completey different bike, completely different rider, and completely different level of competition.

I'm not sure that should give Casey a pass .

I think if Troy had learned to ride the Desmo he'd have dominated MOTOGP as he did WSBK.

Dolph    :)

ok, now you're just being silly...

let's just use the 2001-2002 superbike seasons as a "control" and say that bayliss and edwards are pretty much equally talented.

edwards vs rossi on the exact same bike? yeah, rossi pretty much won that battle.

i suppose if ducati hadn't fired bayliss at the end of the 2004 season we might have gotten an answer to your assumption. in retrospect, having a superbike rider and a 500gp rider developing a new race platform from scratch might not have been the brightest course of action.

but then there was valencia '06... ;D

I should have qualified my statement about Troy dominating MOTOGP.

Had he gone to MOTOGP in '07 and learned to ride the Desmo ...I feel he would have dominated MOTOGP in '08 and '09 ...unless you don't think he could have mastered the "big Duc."

Dolph     :)

'splain that one away.... ;D

Davide Tardozzi !!!

alll this cross-comparison of the 1198 and GP bike is like listening to spies say "good" all the time.
completely different riding style, different tires (MAJOR issue), drastically different bikes.. you really can't take troy's ass whupping of wsbk and extrapolate GP success.  at all.  especially in the 800s.

and like derby mentioned again earlier, it was after they got bayliss to test the GP9 (and all the rookies that said 'no thanks') that they realized it really wasn't rideable by anyone other than casey. 

It's funny how people view Lorenzo and Stoner. Both have crashed a fair bit (Lorenzo has less time on the bike to be fair), both are really fast, both give Rossi a run for his money. Lorenzo is definitely a more Rossi-like rider, enjoys a scrap and can win from there. Stoner's more of a clear off and win type rider. Credit where it's due, same number of 800cc wins as Rossi, doesn't that say something? Him falling at the front gives me the shits but he's still stupid fast and *can* clear off on Rossi. On their day (Laguna is a good example) Rossi needs to be there with Stoner to win, when the track works in his favor, Stoner will probably lose. If Stoner can get a gap, he's gone (unless he bins it [bang]).

I rate Lorenzo a little higher than Stoner right now because he can fight better with Rossi but outright speed I think Stoner has the both beat.

that is a hard conclusion to come to with different machinery and set-up's and the only true way to settle it would be to put them on the exact same machine and see head to head what they do....

or, you have them race exactly as they have been.  since that's the series, and set of rules, they're in.

EvilSteve, i think rossi agrees with you.  and no doubt casey is stupid fast, but valentino has been right there with him since '10 testing kicked off.

I get all execited at the mere mention of that race.  Nicky even tweeted about it the other day:  

Shared the podium with this guy on the best day of my life!!!! http://yfrog.com/j5ejsgj (http://yfrog.com/j5ejsgj)
10:52 AM May 8th via Twitterrific

Rossi has been in Stoner's head since that fatefl day in Laguna. Whenever Casey gets the wholeshot, he feels he needs to open a huge gap so that Rossi can't catch him.

Anyway, I predict that Casey, Lorenzo and Pedrosa will all move on. I think Ducati goes after Lorenzo HARD. Honda dumps Pedrosa and grabs Casey. The Spanish Turd ends up in Suzuki. Ducati actually likes Nicky because the sponsors like him. The Ben moves up to to be Rossi's teammate. Dovi continues in HRC.

That scenario assumes that Repsol would be willing to give up their lone Spanish rider.  Which is possible, but it might not be something they want to do.

We all thought the same thing about Ducati giving up their lone Italian rider.

They didn't have an Italian rider.  They had some Italian guy in Marlboro gear riding sweep.  Besides, Marlboro--who pays the bills---isn't Italian.  Repsol is Spanish.

Marlboro was fighting to get Nicky probly  ;)

(http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/featured/capirossi_290x329.jpg)

I know, I know...not totally relevant. But it was heretofore unthinkable that they'd go with an American and an Aussie.

Maybe Repsol will go after Lorenzo instead or even drop their sponsorship all together. You never know since probably HRC is not the happiest with the turd.

i still don't understand that reasoning... in that other sport, they had a german and a brasilian... then they let the german go in favor of a finn (keeping the brasilian, still no italian driver on the team). and then they let the finn go in favor of a spaniard (yup, brasilian teammate).

wanna know what the current rumor is? letting the brasilian go in favor of a pole.

the only thing ferrari/ducati/marlboro care about is winning, they don't care who's in the car or on the bike when it happens. it could be borat or bruno, for all they care.

That's an awesome thought...

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eo2Equ6rnIk/SFwTMLto6uI/AAAAAAAABjQ/BtBe8qp6ewU/s400/jeangirard1.jpg)

Maybe Troy will quit racing hopped up muscle cars and come back to two wheels and show he can be " King " of MOTOGP !

Dolph      :)

We can only hope...
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/May/10050721a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/May/10050721a.htm)

  Veeerrrrryy Intresting !!

Dolph     :)

Probably not...but every time Troy gets on a bike, someone will say it's a sign of things to come ;D

OK, here's the latest unofficial bombshell:
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/unofficial-stoner-signs-for-repsol-honda/11425.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/unofficial-stoner-signs-for-repsol-honda/11425.html)

I don't believe it for a second. But I'll reiterate my predictions:

So it begins. I hate to quote myself, but...


So Ducati will either go after Rossi, which I doubt will happen, or go after Lorenzo.

I got it via this link -> http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/4354/bombshell-casey-stoner-signs-with-honda (http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/4354/bombshell-casey-stoner-signs-with-honda)

Interesting.

Personally, I'd love to see all the aliens swap bikes, not that it's an accurate comparison, just that it looks like a comparison. ;)

"The Australian is reported to have been lured away by Ducati MotoGP's former manager, Livio Suppo, following months of speculation as to whether Stoner would stop with Ducati.

"



who is right?


mitt

It may have already happened:

It's written in scripture or prophesies somewhere...this *has* to happen ;D

I'm just hoping it happens before I go to Misano this summer. Imagine what Tavulia would look like if that happened...riots on the streets ;D

So, supposedly:
Suppo
 - Threw Stoner under the bus

Ducati/Marlboro
 - Made a very lucrative offer to Lorenzo while Stoner was actually ill
 - Made several advances toward Rossi (who could blame them, he's so hot right now)
 - Didn't support him either
 - Changed the bike to help other riders and while they all say it's easier to ride (including Stoner), he's not at the front as much
 - Has made it clear they're looking to at least diversify next year, i.e. Stoner wouldn't be #1 in the team

Stoner
 - Seems to be a little finicky
 - Falls down at the front a bit
 - Was actually sick when he said he was but *allegedly* didn't communicate enough

I'm not sure it's so clear cut that Suppo was the bad guy or at least the worst bad guy from Stoner's perspective in that situation. Who's to say he'd have got the results he needed to win the championship if he raced those three races?

So it is spoken, so it is said. I think it's found on the lost book of Rossi.

I think that both Rossi and his manager have said countless times he will remain with Yamaha, but we the looming change to 1000cc this might be the best time to change, especially since you have to develop a new bike from scratch anyway. I still think that it will be easier to grab Lorenzo. I think the better question is if the Spanish Turd will remain with HRC and be Stoner's teammate.

And, a little more level-headed assessment:
http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/11/the_madness_begins_italian_press_reporti.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/11/the_madness_begins_italian_press_reporti.html)

Who needs level-headed assessment when you can have wild speculation about a seemingly awesome future?

My Bologna has a last name...it's R-O-S-S-I.... ;D

The worst scenario would be Rossi and Lorenzo and Hayden stay put and Stoner and Pedrosa swap.  Can you imagine a Hayden/Pedrosa pairing again?  Oy. 

I had the same thought, but I doubt it'd happen. Hayden would just bolt...to WSBK, Supermoto, or twiddling his thumbs. Pairing with Rossi again, OTOH... ;D [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

That's exactly why I never mentioned Pedrosa going to Ducati. Plus Pedrosa needs to go somewhere where he can call the shots 100%. Ducati or Yamaha don't fit that bill. So it would be either stay at Honda or move to Suzuki. My $0.02. More likely he would stay with Honda and they would get rid of Dovi. Then Ducati would offer Lorenzo Rossi type money after Rossi says 20,000 times that he's not moving from Yamaha.

Hayden definitely would not bolt.  He's not phased by difficult teammates.  He's been MotoGP teammates with Rossi, Biaggi, Checa, Pedrosa and Stoner.  He wouldn't be scared off by again being paired with T-Boney McKeeblerElf.

I don't think Pedrobot would go Duc because Ducati wouldn't want Puig as part of the package...but I am speculating of course.

more of the same..
http://www.roadracerx.com/breaking-news/stoner-to-honda/ (http://www.roadracerx.com/breaking-news/stoner-to-honda/)
@TwitGP: We're not ones for spreading uncorroborated rumours, but the little Aussie fella who hates milk is joining HRC next year.

I still wonder if part of the Ducati-Rossi offer is a new 1-bike team.

Livio Suppo: "No One Has Signed Anything Yet" (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/11/livio_suppo_no_one_has_signed_anything_y.html)

The Pharaoh: "So let it be written. So let it be done."

the 'media campaign in Italy to pressure Valentino Rossi into signing with Ducati' angle is pretty interesting..

Not to mention the collective will and positive thinking of Ducatista worldwide...
vibes...vibes...vibes...

Two rounds in and silly season is in full effect.  Awesome!  Now we have something to do between race weekends besides talk about whether Stoner is Rossi's equal or not. 

It's shaping up to be the silliest season eva!!

Wildly silly

8 pages into a thread about next year... i mean, this stoner rumor says the deal was done right after qatar!  sheesh!

[popcorn] [evil] :D

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may1110-burgess-hopes-rossi-will-stay/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may1110-burgess-hopes-rossi-will-stay/)

(yeah, i know.. mcn)

I dunno, man.  Last year was pretty silly with Casey's sickness and all the maneuvering and rumors and offers, only to have everyone stay put.   [laugh]  Add to that (1)  Spies' "maybe I'll go to MotoGP, maybe I won't", (2) all the new 250 riders and (3) DeAngelis losing his ride because (a) he kept taking people out and then (b) couldn't get himself sponsored by a country because the country was bankrupt.  It all made for a pretty damn silly season. 

I see in my crystal ball ...a time when Vale rides or drives RED !

Either Ducati or F!.

For big $$$$ and for Italy.

Dolph       :)

I just heard about Casey on the radio and I was all excited about starting a thread.


Lucky I came here first. Derby would have nailed me.  ;)

It's still early. What if The Ben decides that he wants to retire? What of Bayliss decides he wants to go back to MotoGP? What if they decide to implement those cool push starts like I was raving about on the other thread? Now wouldn't that be silly...

Actually, I heard Ago was going to come out of retirement and race Moto2 along with everyone else.

SILLY!!!!!!!!!!

Rossi says he is 99% certain to stay at Yamaha.

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/12/rossi_99_percent_certain_to_stay_at_yama.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/12/rossi_99_percent_certain_to_stay_at_yama.html)

That leaves the 1% hope and speculation.

it certainly doesn't close the door to possibility....

And the 100% chance that will change when Marlboro puts an 8-figure contract with contingencies and fringe benefits involving umbrella girls in front of him.

He's the #9 earning athlete in the world.   He's not hurting for cash.

I'm not sure that matters. People with money are often obsessed with getting more of it. It's kind of like heroin, if you think about it.

Keep in mind that Michael Jordan was 99% sure he was going to stay retired and look what happened.  Or Troy Bayless was retired and look what happened.  If they aren't 100%, then they might as well say "I'm not sure where I'll end up."

nothing is 100% sure until the dotted line is signed, and he doesn't have a contract yet.

it seems his preference is staying at yamaha, though they apparently haven't ironed out he details yet.

rossi has little left to prove in motogp and one of the few items left on his checklist is taking ago's all time win record. i'd think he'd want to be mounted on a known (to him) quantity to give himself the best chance at that.

yes, the duc can win races, but rossi knows HE can win races on the yamaha.

Dumb and Dumber 'There's a Chance' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Just when you think you know what is going to on .....somebody does something totally unexpected.

Who guessed Mr. squeaky clean , w, an impeccable record for over 14 years , endeared by millions, sponsored by some of the leading Corporations in the World , making more than any athlete in the World , married to a beautiful woman w, two children .....was banging bimbos left and right .

Dolph      :)

Capirossi's cheating?  ;D

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may1310-yamaha-boss-keeping-valentino-is-priority/?R=EPI-124030 (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may1310-yamaha-boss-keeping-valentino-is-priority/?R=EPI-124030)



"To be honest my priority is to keep Valentino more than Jorge. Valentino came to Yamaha in 2004 and he contributed a lot to us.

Ducati might like that the focus is on Rossi while they work the back channels to lock down Lorenzo.

given hayden's recent results, lorenzo is probably less scared of the ducati than he was last year.

plus he's already got a good starting point for the salary negotiations.

Yamaha just made Lorenzo's salary demands go down.  Ducati knows that Yamaha will ditch him if he forces them.  Because of that, Ducati doesn't need to pony up what they offered before.  And because (a) Casey's still a possibility (for now), (b) there isn't an added premium to the salary--like their was last year--because of the uncertainty of the bike, (c) there isn't the same desperation from Ducati to sign someone.

hmmm...ponder this...Hayden and Jorge on the Duc...who is the #1 rider then?...someone who has 2 years experience on it, or someone who is an alien batshit fast with a period of acclimation necessary to the machine?!?!?!

Whomever gets the more money.

Lorenzo.

whichever rider gets the results.

Since when has a job been dependent on results?  [roll]

i still think that there is or is going to be simultaneously a very very large check and effort from HRC to get Jorge on a repsol bike.

Only if they get rid of the turd. They hate each other.

Exactly...
(http://resources.motogp.com/files/images/xy/2008/MotoGP/n495806_236338_Colin+Edwards+in+MotoGP+test+in+Jerez-1280x960-nov27.jpg._original.original.jpg)

the question was "who is number one on the team?"

with the exception of repsol honda in 2006, it's generally the rider that's performing.

bah, colin was very successful in that role.

(..'that role' being valentino's tire developer)

Not sure I understand your logic about Jorge being less concerned with Ducati in light of Nicky's results lately.

I thought Nicky was running closer to the front.?

Wouldn't Jorge be more concerned with the fact that Nicky is getting the " hang " of it finally ?

Dolph      :)

Everyone was scared of the 800cc D16 because no one not named Stoner could ride it. Some fine riders, including Melandri and Hayden (1st half of last year) couldn't do much more then bring up the rear on it.

Hayden doing well now means Ducati may have tamed it a bit so other people can be fast on it...a good thing if Lorenzo is considering switching.

He probably doesn't care if Hayden is fast. He still went to Yamaha knowing Rossi was there.

Lorenzo is on a different level than others that have ridden the Duc.  There might be reservations, but I would doubt he'd go to the back of the grid on the bike.  I think if they toss the cash, he's leaving.

exactly... ducati had offered lorenzo €7 million ($9.3M, double his offer from yamaha)... you have to have a really good reason to turn down a $4.7M pay increase.


he went to yamaha (and stayed last year) knowing that rossi and burgess were there ensuring the yzr-m1 was a championship-capable machine.

look at my post above... they did offer the cash last year and he said "no thanks."

Things change.

Do the riders get money from the Sponsors like some of the other elite athletes do ?

Dolph     :)

Yup, hence the fact that Rossi is one of the top 5 paid athletes in the world.

I remember that, but I think Hayden's performance on the bike has eased all those tensions.

Rossi probably won't go to F1.

His other passion is Rally car Racing.

There's a good chance when he leaves MOTOGP he will compete in Rally not any other form of auto racing.

He has experience having already run in several Rally events.

His master plan a few years ago was to ride MOTOGP until he was 31-32 years old.

He's 31 now. His contract w, Yamaha is through 2010

Dolph     :)

He's way up there in earnings, but I don't think he's top-5:

http://www.gkmen.com/sports/north-american-sports/who-are-highest-paid-athletes-2010190210 (http://www.gkmen.com/sports/north-american-sports/who-are-highest-paid-athletes-2010190210)

with all the ties in that list, he receives the 5th highest compensation.

So if two guys tie for first, the third guy to cross the line gets second?  ??? 

Anyways, I wasn't disputing the original point: he makes obscene amounts of money.

where is the line from shitload to make the beast with two backston to obscene?

Shitload = 5 zeros
make the beast with two backston = 6 zeros
Obscene = 7 zeros

thank you for that clarification!

I make an obscene amount of nothing.

Do leading zeros count?

only if you are duccarlos making an obscene amount of nothing!

Unless you are worth a Billion like Tiger and get sued by his wife in the Divorce for $500,000,000.

Even still worth 1/2 a billion to think she could get a 1/2 a billion.

Incomprehensible  :o

Dolph      :(

She deserves every penny of it.

I concur.

Interview with Lin Jarvis:
http://www.motomatters.com/interview/2010/05/19/lin_jarvis_yamaha_will_be_the_best_place.html (http://www.motomatters.com/interview/2010/05/19/lin_jarvis_yamaha_will_be_the_best_place.html)

Pretty smart guy.

Think he was poking at Aprilia about the manufacturer that should be in the prototype arena?

Absolutely.

Perhaps in 2012 we'll see Max and Dani on little tiny 'production based' Prillers in MotoGP.

You guys are harsh. Poor ol Tiger was sufferring existential despair under the weight of making millions from a sport he loves for a living, having a Swedish model wife and being adored by millions of fans. [bang]

Cut the guy some slack. ;)

little tiny Prillers.... [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Waaay too much ego involved with Max and Puig for that to occur

Am I the only one that thinks she really wasn't all that hot?  There is just something about her that didn't do it for me.

I thought she was alright in a " I wouldn't kick her out of my bed" kind of way, but as far as if I'd look at her over others....hell no...


I think Max has a much bigger entitlement to his ego over Puig....

I agree, but don't tell Puig that. ;D

He might try to rip your lungs out through your nostril.

if they are even letting alberto in the paddock anymore by that point.  i think the only fan he has left in GP is dani.

and re biaggi, even IF they do set up the claiming rule teams in 2012, no way.  he's old and winning in wsbk.  he's never going to go somewhere where he's REALLY old and at the bottom of the pack.

...but maybe that was all rhetorical  ;)

She also wasn't a model...she was an Au Pair for another golfer on the tour, who introduced her to Tiger.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elin_Nordegren (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elin_Nordegren)

She started modeling in 2000, and appeared on the cover of Cafe Sport magazine in the summer of 2000.

(http://www.girlsgonetiger.com/EllenNordgren.jpg)

(i'll agree, however, that she wasn't some uber famous supermodel...)

IIRC, it was Jesper Parnevik who introduced them, and I think once the initial news broke he had some pretty harsh things to say about Tiger in a press conference.

w h o  c a r e s.

+1...this is the silly season for motorcycle racing thread...not the "who is shtupping who in Tiger Woods World" thread....hough..in the end...Boobies are Boobies still!!!

boobie haters   [cheeky]

it's a shame for his kids.  otherwise their situation is neither unique nor interesting.  and this aint NMC.

That doesn't make you any less of a boobie hater.   [cheeky]  Besides, there's talk of TW riding a GP11.  There, now it's racing related.   ;D

In other news, it looks like the Aliens are starting to get pretty frustrated with all the chatter. 
http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/20/motogp_le_mans_thursday_report_silly_sea.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/20/motogp_le_mans_thursday_report_silly_sea.html) 
The funny part is Lorenzo's bit about the Multistrada.   [laugh]

I thought boobies were the universal trump card no matter where on the board?

I think they should unify and just do what Spies did in the close of his AMA/Yoshimura chapter when he said just plain and simple like to everyone that was hounding him, that he wouldn't discuss any of it at all, his focus was on the job at hand and that is all he was willing to discuss, period! I think he was pretty similar in his comments at the end of last year in speculation of his seating arrangements for either WSBK vs. GP .  I think a unified front from them doing the same thing will put the STFU wall up and put a stop to some of this frenzy.

true, only there has never been a silly season like the one we're about to have.  or, are having.  even if the riders shut up no one else is going to.

It's gonna be unbelievably disappointing after all this chatter if everyone stays put (which is what Yamaha says it wants).

I'm starting to think it's less about what Rossi does (b/c increasingly it looks like he might stay put) and more about Casey.  If Casey splits to Honda, then Ducati has to make a play at one of the Yamaha boys b/c--let's be frank here--Pedrosa ain't gonna git it done.   

tbh, i'm gonna be surprised no matter what happens.  including nothing. 

i can come up with too many logical-emotional-financial-professional arguments for too many scenarios.

There's no way that at least a couple of the aliens will not move around. I think it will depend on Spies. If he can consistently be up there, then Yamaha will have a negotiating chip for Lorenzo. If not, then Lorenzo can push for a better deal.

if Spies starts getting consistantly in the top5 all the time...I think Lorenzo's bargaining chip becomes not as valuable as he thinks..either way...I am sure whatever the manufacturers are thinking...the end game of having a rider signed isn't just for next year...it is for the idea of acclimating them into the program to be for when the 1000's come into play...

Spies is definitely a commodity, but I'd be surprised if he damaged Lorenzo's bargaining position.  Didn't Lorenzo take second place in his first MotoGP race and win his third race?  He was second last year and the points leader this year, and Rossi considers him the biggest threat.  He's also Spanish and good with the sponsors (reportedly).  Spies is good, but not that good (yet).

He was also already familiar with the tracks, and used to the riding style necessary for the 800s.

Sure, I agree, but it doesn't matter what the reasons are; IMHO, he's closer to the top than Spies is.

absolutely he is.  but a) he came from the 250 series.  instantly better suited for the 800s.  and b) there was no rookie rule in 2008.

i'm not taking anything away from george.  he totally deserves to be where he is.  but any 2x 250GP champ is going to be better suited to move into MotoGP than a superbike rider is.  that's by design.

I agree.  I'm just saying that I think the reasons he had a leg up on Ben are irrelevant to his bargaining position. 

I'm a closet Ben fan, but I don't think he's close enough to the front to hurt Jorge's negotiations.  Maybe that will change later this year?

ben will be on a yamaha either way, so i don't think yamaha necessarily has him at the top of their must-figure-out list.  i'm sure they'd like to put him on jorge's bike IF they lose jorge.  but if not they already know he'll be back on the tech 3 bike for at least 1 more year.

Anyone think this is Rossi's last season in MOTOGP ?

Dolph     :)

no way... he's a season or two away from ago's all time win record.

only if Derby has a sex change and marries ducpainter.  ;)

as attractive as I find Chris...

I'm spoken for. :-*

Ok Chris,
 Once Rossi beats Ago's record or he is too old then he's done.

You don't think Rossi would keep racing beyond his years in trying to beat Giacomo's record if it doesn't happen in the next 3 -5 years.

Dolph       :)

Rossi will not retire any time soon.

If Stoner hasn't already got the deal with HRC done, it may not happen due to all his scratched plastics... *sigh*

Rossi has said before that he will hang it up if he can't run up front anymore.  So as long as he's in the top 4, I think he'll keep going until he hits the record.

it's not like he's got anything left to prove.  i think as soon as he stops having fun, he'll retire.

Actually, I think HRC is paying Stoner to scratch up his Ducati plastics.

[laugh]

Even I'm getting sick of Stoner's shit but that would be a bit much. ;)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83852 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83852)

That should be true for everyone, regardless of their profession. [thumbsup] And to quit on top in good health is perfect... ah, hello Bayliss???? ;D

He's not finished...

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160031/1/stoner_has_already_decided_to_go_fears_ducati.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160031/1/stoner_has_already_decided_to_go_fears_ducati.html)

Interesting.

I'd rather see Lorenzo on the Duc than Stoner in 2011. He's fast, and much more likeable. Rossi would also be great...but that would seem to be short term.

What if Stoner leaves and Rossi and Lorenzo stay? The midget (hopefully not)? Bayliss?

I don't think Troy's interested in GP. Superbike, yeah.

I think Ducati wouldn't hesitate to go after Pinty Mcmake the beast with two backsStick. I'd be damn torn over that.

Rossi to Ducati...mark my words. It's written in the scriptures somewhere...

And upon the forty-sixth sign of the apocalypse, a Mon-Chi-Chi shall become the anointed one, standing above all he surveyeth, he shall covet long bang no more.

- Bolognans 46:69

HAHHAHAHAHAHAAA....a Mon-Chi-Chi?!?!?!...you sure it wasn't a Furby?...perhaps maybe that Teddy Ruxpin guy?

that was good though!

(http://tiny.abstractdynamics.org/archives/MonChichi.gif)(http://194.249.196.220/proj07/r10/seminar2b10/valentino-rossi.jpg)

ahhh...now it is all clear grasshoppa!!!

(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/220383/images/simoncelli-pits.jpg)

Wasn't someone here saying that would never ever ever make the beast with two backsing happen?

Will?....

Is Dovi's contract up?

Cause I'd laugh for a week if all the top shelf riders told Honda to pound sand and they had to poach from their satellite teams.

he's got an option for 2011.

Yeah, it's MCN but...
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may2610-ducati-plot-lorenzo-swoop/?R=EPI-124294 (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/May/may2610-ducati-plot-lorenzo-swoop/?R=EPI-124294)

I know it is a long shot in many ways, but it would be bitter sweet if Rossi turned Ducati down, Ducati landed Jorge, and then went on to win the 2011 & 12 title, and put Rossi into a pickle of racing and not winning or retiring.

mitt

Not bitersweet for me...as much as I want to see Vale in red, seeing the championship return to Bologna would be an excellent consolation prize ;D

I'm a huge Rossi fan, but he's got to beat the best to the earn each title.  If Jorge can beat him on a Yamaha or Ducati, then sorry Rossi--tough luck.

If I had hair like Vale's .......I'd have the world's biggest Afro.

Dolph      :)

Stoner needs to go to MOTO2.

Dolph      :)

Does Rossi's injury make him more or less likely to stay at Yamaha?  Everyone was saying that as soon as Rossi signed, it was all over.  But all of a sudden, with Rossi out and Casey riding like shit, it looks like Jorge controls the silly season, not Rossi. 

If Rossi's injury was more of a career-threatening deal, I'd expect it to destabilize the silly season.

But it seems a pretty straightforward deal.

I think Jorge takes the title with Yamaha and then moves to another manufacturer.

That'd be harsh.  [laugh]

If Jorge wins the Championship .....why would he want to go w, a different make ?

Why not stay w, Yamaya especially if they thought Rossi was on his way out ?

Dolph      :)

because Rossi might not want Jorge on the superior Yamaha.

I don't think there is a superior bike, or #1 rider, on the factory Yamaha team right now. The only difference between them would be the different development directions each takes since they supposedly aren't sharing set-up info. this year. I'm sure they're both geting all the support they want/need as well. Rossi always will because he's Rossi (and he's always in the title hunt), and Lorenzo is in the title hunt. It's not like when it was Rossi and Edwards.

I think they'll both stay put (although I'd like to see Lorenzo on a Duc).

YEAH, but if you had your druthers of choice......whom would YOU rather see in Casey's seat?

Rossi or Lorentho

Rossi. It's written in scripture somewhere.

Lorenzo.

Rossi would be great...but it's a short term solution. Lorenzo could be dominant for a long time.

My reasoning is to prove his immense talent in a similar fashion that Rossi did.  Taking the title at Yammy gives him the prize and takes away the pressure of winning one.  Then you can chase the money and do whatever you want.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/rossi-hints-at-2011-ducati-move/11959.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/rossi-hints-at-2011-ducati-move/11959.html)
(http://www.visordown.com/uploads/images/Large/4818.jpg)

nothing new whatsoever: http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160531/1/ducati_to_make_a_bold_bid_for_rossi.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160531/1/ducati_to_make_a_bold_bid_for_rossi.html)

More rumors about Stoner to Honda

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/06/17/stoner_to_honda_further_details_emerge.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/06/17/stoner_to_honda_further_details_emerge.html)

I like the idea somewhat of Smrz on the Beemer

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jun/100616smrz.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jun/100616smrz.htm)

i think there's about a 99.9% chance that stoner goes to repsol

if the contract is actually signed...then I agree with you...but if for some goofy letigious reason it isn't signed and he keeps crashing and finishing poorly....then I don't give that probability of chance as high a percentage...

he's already won a title and has 20-some-odd race wins.  let's be fair: nicky won in 2006 b/c valentino lost, not b/c nicky won.  so, saving that, repsol hasn't won since valentino left at the end of 2004.  livio is there.  they want someone who can win.  minus the "sabotage" he was stupid fast on the honda in 2006.  the relationship with marlboro got damaged last year.  despite the crashing, he's always retarded fast.  he's going.

...i also think that valentino is going to ducati*.



*if JB will go.

I'd be happy with most any rearrangement of the riders, as long as the 'bot isn't on a Duc.

If Stoner goes to Respol, where else is the 'bot gonna go?  Maybe Suzuki for the salary?  It wouldn't be to win.  If Ducati gets stuck with Pedro and Hayden, they might end up being in the worst shape of the three competitive rides.   Rossi or Lorenzo HAS to come to Ducati, dammit. 

Maybe I'm just incorrectly assuming that Honda would hold onto Dovi over Douchemake the beast with two backs McTwatwaffle.  But Dovi has a contract and Pedro doesn't.

why do you assume it's pedro getting bumped?  or does dovi still have a contract next year?

I just added to my post while you posted.

Frankly, I'm not sure why I assume that, other than the contract situation.  But Repsol could easily buy Dovi out of his contract or send him to Suzuki for more $. 

I may be wrong about the contract situation.  I know that Dovi is signed for 2010 with an option to extend to 2011.  But I don't know if that's his option or Honda's.  

Where's derby when ya need him?   ;D

ah yeah, it's an option.  Honda's option.

Oh, I thought it was a solid contact for 2011.  Then he's gone.  Unless Crashy McSmurfdick asks for too much scratch or they finally realize the Puig is such a dick that it's not worth it.  Wow, a Pedro/Stroner Repsol pairing leave Ducati in a bind.  Marlboro would have to throw down some serious $ to get either Rossi or Lorenzo.  

Barring a miracle healing period, I don't think Rossi will ride another race on the Yamaha [evil]

the term 'blank check' has already been used... (for rossi)

plus, to the degree that puig has any goodwill left @ repsol (who knows..?), a stoner-pedro team would be good for him/them.  

unless they can get rossi back i REALLY don't think that repsol will get rid of pedro.  he does win races, he's spanish, and he can be that other 'top spanish rider' that gives jorge a run for his pesetas.

that's not to say that pedro himself wouldn't necessarily leave.  like, if he could get on an M1.

I actually doubt that it would be good for repsol to have a Lorenzo/pedro team. Lorenzo would poach off most of Thumbelina's Spanish sponsors. Also Puig being on the Honda board will do anything he can to sabotage this. And on the horrible chance that it does happen, I would hate to see Lorenzo being under any sort of influence from the man that has shown to be MotoGp's answer to Don King

i agree with you... but since you appeared to replying specifically to what i said, why are you talking about a pedro/jorge repsol team? 

It was the general talking about Repsol and Lorenzo-ness. I actually don't disagree with anything you said. Also, it's easier to hit quote on the BB than reply.

Don't worry, I only pick on you when it's about Elbowz  ;) [beer]

 [thumbsup]

Why you hatin' on the Ben? ;D

Not Hatin'. He's the other guy I root for in the championship. I'm just amazed at how the man is able to turn proud, grown ass men into Jonas-brothers type fans. I'm also still a little sore about Haga.  :-*

Why you wearin' the wifes panties? :P

Sometimes I like to dress up and put on make up in front of a mirror and reaffirm that I would do myself to cheesy 70's music. I also keep naked, chubby, young women captive in the well in the basement.  ;D

(Even I got a little disturbed while posting that)

 

agreed...

part of it is pretty disturbing. [laugh]

This latest rumor makes me wanna touch myself . . .

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160818/1/valentino_rossi_heading_to_ducati.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160818/1/valentino_rossi_heading_to_ducati.html)

Why do they torture us?

Cuz they can.  make the beast with two backsers.   >:(

I'm going to absolutely lose my shit if--after all this--everyone stays put for 2011.

don't worry, that aint gonna happen.

Yamaha says its not making any moves until it becomes clear whether Stoner is going to Repsol.  At first, we were all talking about the fact that the silly season depended on Rossi's move, not Stoner's.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84630 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84630)

I just can't figure out why Yamaha would wait.  As soon as Stoner moves, the cost of keeping Valentino and/or Lorenzo goes way up b/c Marlboro NEEDS one of the two of them and will pay accordingly.  If Jarvis can get either or both of them to sign before Casey moves, it'll cost less.  

Then again, maybe Yamaha doesn't have a choice but to wait.  

that article sounds like a lot of aspirational jibber jabber.

stoner is going to honda.  repsol will keep dani.  i don't know about dovi.  i don't know about nicky, but i bet ducati keeps him.  jorge stays, ben becomes his teammate.  rossi goes to ducati.

i think rossi can leave yamaha in good conscience and i don't think the italian in him can resist.

 [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
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 [popcorn]

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/hayden-i-think-rossi-would-win-on-the-ducati/12181.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/hayden-i-think-rossi-would-win-on-the-ducati/12181.html)

in other news, i think rossi would eventually win on anything...

...except the Suzuki.

In other news, scientists have found that the world is round.

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/06/24/rossi_s_dilemma_15_million_euros_at_duca.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/06/24/rossi_s_dilemma_15_million_euros_at_duca.html)

15mm Euro = $18.5 million

give burgess and rossi a season of free reign development on it and i'd say he could even win on that.

...if suzi spent more money.  but i guess that's what free reign means  ;)

yup...

Wonder if Rossi takes into consideration the possibility of having 3 GP championships with 3 different manufacturers? Has anyone ever done that? Seems it might solidify him as the GOAT if he isn't already.   ???

hell yes he does.  4 manus (you forgot Aprilia), 5 classes, finishing on an italian marque... i'm sure he is very aware of his growing legacy.

my only question is this....the 15million euro's being offfered....does it come from Ducati, or from Marlboro?....Rossi has said in the past how he has a rather distaste for cigarette sponsorship ( hence how Galouise quickly ceased being a sponsor prominantly displayed on Rossi's Yamaha M1 bike ( instead displaying "GOOOOOO!!!!!!" ) and then soon was replaced with other sponsorship....Rossi has happily driven a Marlboro sponsored Ferrarri and I hardly see Marlboro going anywhere without a fight...and though Rossi can link himself to many a speculative sponsor (see some of the many photoshops of the Sedici with Rossi number and sponsorship of Fiat, Martini, etc. plastered on the bike)...but Marlboro has the capital and IS willing to spend it.....so in the end...how does that figure in the equation?!?!?!

Red Bull is rumored to be considering sponsoring a GP team to counteract the Monster Energy sponsorship...just sayin :)

(ultimately) marlboro


the "GOOOOOOO!!!!!" was more due to tobacco advertising laws.


how will it figure into the equation? did you see what they (reportedly) offered lorenzo when casey was sidelined?

but Lorenzo doesn't have a problem or a conflict with cigarette sponsorship....so that doesn't matter...Rossi lining up sponsors for the bike either to replace or coincide with Marlboro changes the tune, hence my 2nd question...


and I heard that as well...but I thought it was rumored to be linked to the Zuke as a replacement for Rizla...

Take a 5 million Euro pay cut so that we can give it to your teammate/closest competitor.

...or ride a red bike, make more money, and fulfill the dreams and wishes of millions...

Fixed. 

No...now it's fixed:
(http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/valentino-rossi-ducati-livery/C_27_photogallery_1883_GroupPhotogallery_listphoto_itemPhoto_0_immagine.jpg)

rossi said he'd never race for tobacco money... and then he rode for gauloises. in my opinion, rossi's opposition to tobacco sponsorship ended there.


Marlboro Mkt cap 40.86B
FIAT Mkt cap 13.90B

i'm pretty sure marlboro will continue their sponsorship of ducati (and ferrari) until they just don't want to anymore.

he'll be sportin' barcodes.

hell...I am surprised he doesn't have his own personal barcode that he should be marketing...

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24062010/23/rossi-ducati-details.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24062010/23/rossi-ducati-details.html)


Please...please....PLEASE....

you are way too excited about this.

Not nearly as excited as I'm gonna be when he actually signs...hopefully while I'm in Italy...at Misano ;D

i'm tellin' ya, he's going to do it.  so you might as well start celebrating now.  =)

yeah...I agree. But I'm more excited to see the Italians' reaction.

the country will go into pandemonium and chaos...cats will kiss dogs...money will fall from the skies...oil will mix wih vinegar and water...men will understand women...and everyone will live in harmony!

I was thinking they'd be throwing molotovs in the street :)

Id rather see him go to Suzuki to solidify his god-like status and make a shit bike a winner. Or better yet Kawasaki.

The race commentators tonight mentioned a rumour in the pits that Rossi has signed for Ducati and Stoner has signed for Honda. Rumours mind you..

So let it be written...so let it be done!

More fodder:
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/ducati-and-yamaha-offer-rossi-2011-contract/12308.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/ducati-and-yamaha-offer-rossi-2011-contract/12308.html)

 [popcorn]

http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/news/braking-news/1043-rossi-ducati-perche-si-perche-no.html (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/news/braking-news/1043-rossi-ducati-perche-si-perche-no.html)


 [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]
 [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool]

OMG, please just sign the damn thing.

I hadn't really focused on the Red Bull thing til they started talking about it this weekend.  Dovi to a factory Honda on the RedBull team with Stoner and Pedrosa at Respol.  That set-up would make the most sense:

Yami:  Lorenzo/Spies
Ducati:  Rossi/Hayden
Repsol:  Stoner/Dickhead McRobot
RedBull:  Dovi
Zuke:  whoever wants to be in last place.

The weird part is that would leave (I think) four factory Hondas on the grid.  But I don't know if Simoncellis has an HRC deal for 2012 too. 

I'm wondering if Pintey McAssTard doesn't end up at Yamaha, alongside Lorenzo. That'd be amusing, especially if Puig comes along for the ride.

Tech 3: Capirossi/Edwards

Fixed to reflect new sponsor. 

...or LifeAlert.

I was thinking more Advil and Icy Hot.....they aren't quite qualified for the geriatric treatment yet...close...but not quite yet...

You're joking, right? The turd and Lorenzo would not survive the first photo shoot without at least one black eye. They can't stand each other.

That's why it'd be amusing [evil]

there's no way respsol.. not honda, respsol.. is going to let pedro go.  at least not without a fight, aka Great Big Check.

and i think the M1 he could conceivably get his tiny hands on is already pretty much spoken for.

Maybe. But the prospect of Stoner showing up might influence that. Does he displace Dovi?

dunno.  but Dovi is not as important to Respol as Pedro, nor is he as important to HRC as Stoner. 

but there is grumbling about 3 factory bikes now, one of them under Red Bull.

Hey, do you know what Simoncelli's deal is for 2012?  I thought he's on a HRC bike this year.  If he's got the same deal for 2012, that'd mean four factory Hondas on the grid.

why would it mean that over putting him right back where he is now?  a huge part of getting the san carlo sponsorship this year was contingent on there being 2 italian riders on that team.

or, if you mean that in technical terms, that's already the case now.  or was at the beginning of the season.  the gresini bikes started out as factory bikes, the only difference being the electronics package.

I didn't understand your post.

My understanding is that Simoncelli is riding a factory-spec bike this year.  If his deal gets him a factory-spec bike next year (does it?_ and Dovi is on a factory bike with Red Bull, that'd be four factory bikes on the grid. 

ah, i see what you mean.  dunno if his deal stipulates what bike he gets.  maybe he needs to perform at X this year to get it again next year.

and do we know that melandri's bike is not also factory-spec?  now that i'm thinking more about it i vaguely recall that it's not, b/c i remember thinking about it was a little sad that he gets a customer bike and simoncelli gets a factory bike.

either way, when i said 3 factory bikes earlier i meant at the HRC level, not the bike-spec level.  like, if the red bull thing happens dovi wouldn't be getting a demotion; he'd be getting a 'new' factory seat.  yes, it gets confusing when simoncelli's check comes from HRC but he's on the satellite team.  same with ben and yamaha.

That's how I remember it too.  Edit:  Yup.  http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151110/1/melandri_simoncelli_will_have_factory_honda.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151110/1/melandri_simoncelli_will_have_factory_honda.html)

Honestly, I don't understand the difference between (1) having a factory ride, and (2) having a factory-spec bike and getting your check from the factory.  Is the difference with the crew/engineers/development guys?

yes.  and the frequency/timing/amount of parts throughout the year.  pedros bike gets basically whatever he asks for and there are engineers actively tasked with making him win.  marco waits.

and in this case, the electronics have not been equivalent since the start.

Another thing to consider regarding the Honda and Pedrosa situation is thay honda have already declared that they're designing a "twitchier" bike to be easier for smaller riders and sinking a whole lot of money in electronically controlled steering dampers. Basically, all the R and D is going towards making the bike more Pedrosa friendly

geeee....pretty much hasn't the whole RC212V 800 bike been developed around Smurfy Mcmake the beast with two backsstick anyway??

Aren't the electronic steering dampers outlawed for 2011?

once you consider that dorna, repsol, and pedro are all spanish...

are you saying it was a conspiracy to get Pedro a championship by getting the 800CC spec in place and that by proxy he could rule the class via minibike?

More fuel for the fire...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/June/jun2910-World-Exclusive-Rossi-to-Ducati/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/June/jun2910-World-Exclusive-Rossi-to-Ducati/)
Yeah, it's MCN...but a guy can hope.

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-rossi-to-ducati-the-plotting-continues/ (http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-rossi-to-ducati-the-plotting-continues/)

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30062010/23/rossi-ducati-deal-announced-catalunya.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30062010/23/rossi-ducati-deal-announced-catalunya.html)

When I hear it from the horse's mouth...  [popcorn]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161149/1/rossi_2011_deal_could_be_announced_in_catalunya.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161149/1/rossi_2011_deal_could_be_announced_in_catalunya.html)

slightly more reliable than MCN..

Ok, so now that we know where all factory guys (suke doesn't count) and Spies are going, ;D what happens with Tech 3, Team Marco and the team of 50cc scooters that Suzuki is running?

sounds like there is a reasonable chance (strange as it is) that capirossi will take ben's seat at tech 3

and i wouldn't be surprised if team marco stays as is.

Gawd, when was the last time Capi had a decent bike?  2006?  It's easy to forget that he's still fast as shit.  

Crutchlow/Capi would be a wierd team if Edwards retires.  Though personally, I think Crutchlow needs another year in WSBK and should come to GP when the bikes switch to 1000cc and when everyone is at a disadvantage.

Please God, let him announce this week...

people, relax.  i'm tellin ya, he's going.


:)

You just want your Ben on the factory bike.

well, yeah. 

but i really think that this is rossi's next, and last, move.  i think it's a done deal.

We'll see.
Financially and egotistically it's a no brainer...

I'm not so certain it will work out for him competitively.

He is, however, Rossi.

Sometimes I think he could make the Suzuki fast. :P

he already did that with the M1.  give him a budget, JB and his mechanics, he'll do it.

btw, maybe the 2010 engine config on the desmo is just smoke to get casey to move.  maybe Vittorio "suddenly" goes back to the screamer next year...   [evil]

The question, in my mind, is will Preziosi leave his ego at home and allow the boys to work their magic?

Assuming that this will actually happen. ;D
Sure...

throw a wrench in the works. [laugh]

i'm sure the rossi contract says, in essence: here's lots of money; we'll do whatever you need to win.  when you leave we want an italian M1.

So how does this fit in?

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/June/jun3010-burgess-i-hope-rossi-doesnt-leave/_/R-EPI-125093 (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/June/jun3010-burgess-i-hope-rossi-doesnt-leave/_/R-EPI-125093)

Burgess --> "I have anticipated for a while that Valentino would renew his contract there, or go to F1 if the third Ferrari is possible, but I don't know if anything has changed that.

"I enjoy working at Yamaha and it has been the most enjoyable period of my whole career in Grand Prix racing.

"I see no reason for me, and I hope Valentino, to walk away from seven years of successful work."

Will Burgess go wherever Rossi goes?

well, it's MCN.

that said, i have a hard time imagining rossi going anywhere without JB.

...and I have a hard time imagining it hasn't already been discussed between them.

...and I have a hard time seeing Burgess not go with Rossi when he decides to leave ;D

I suspect it's a done deal from Rossi's perspective...and he's just trying to bring Burgess along with him. Of course, I won't put it past Ducati to not screw this thing up somehow...

so, in other Ducati oriented sillyness...what do you think the chances are of Checa replacing Haga on the factory Ducati for next year?

i'ma guess that corse has had enough of hiring the old dudes.  unless the 1198 is entering a GP8/9-like time and no one wants it.

Smrz is a likely candidate.  tho nori says he is years from retiring.

yeah, but giving away the championship last year to the Ben and then being the suck this year I am sure doesn't exactly instill confidence in your employer to renew your contract...

http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jul/100701a.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jul/100701a.htm)

They've kept a very positive public face on their relationship, but behind closed doors Rossi and Lorenzo have, at best, a very tepid working relationship. That said, the atmosphere of a race team and accompanying high stakes means that teammates rarely become truly friendly. Former Ducati race boss Eraldo Ferracci put it best, after seeing one of his riders chatting with a rival rider. He chastised him, saying, "The only reason you should be over there is to try and (have sex with) his girlfriend."

 [clap]   [laugh]

yeah, i thought that was more pertinent than the JB thing too.   [laugh]

giving away? seriously?

I think the most important piece of that is: "Rossi (31) has only worked with one crewchief for the entirety of his 500/MotoGP career and that man, Jeremy Burgess, said recently on Australian television that he will follow "his rider" wherever he goes, including, presumably, Ducati."

I thought this was pertinent...

In his book "What If I Hadn't Tried It" Rossi wrote that when he left Honda he was courted by both Ducati and Yamaha, but he found the atmosphere at Ducati's MotoGP program to be more like the Honda one he was leaving, where engineers are king and riders are tools, inferring that Ducati is purely an engineering firm and not as "rider friendly" as he would have liked. Has that changed since Rossi last spoke to Ducati?

I would venture to say yes their attitude has changed. At the time Ducati was a new player in the game. Their a little more established now and have an idea that the rider is important. Developing a bike for Nicky is proof. But otoh they didn't listen to Melandri.

(http://www.visordown.com/uploads/images/Huge/8823.jpg)

And in essence have developed a bike no one seems able to win on.

Will they listen to Rossi and give him what he needs to win?

Assuming he goes red of course.

I would hope they would be smart enough to recognize his and his teams talent to develop a bike. but we shall see  [popcorn]

yes...giving away....he was 88 points ahead of Ben at one point...he crashed at Nurburgring in an uneventful fashion and seemed to not even make an effort to get that bike back up and try and get back in it to salvage a few points....granted at Nurburgring, his shoulder wasn't fully healed and whatnot, but still...and then getting edged out by Spies in Race 1 at Magny Cours...and then crashing in Race 1 at Portimao....so yeah...I say he gave it away.

He gave it away.  AND The Ben took it. 

In other silly season chat, Elias needs to be back in GP and on a consistent ride.  He's shown he belongs there (not that he hadn't before).   

the bike was broke, dude.

I don't recall that...I recall it being turn 1 slow lowside and due to the angle of how it rested in the camber of that righthand downward turn, it looked like with his shoulder not fully healed, he just was not in the most optimal position to be able to get it flipped right back up quickly on his own...not that the bike was unrideable...

this is from memory of course...

with claiming rule teams coming and then Gresini having 2 years of experience running ~spec engines in prototype chassis, i bet we'll see him back on the grid then. 

Ducati needs to sell bikes....I don't think they even care if Rossi can win the championship in 2011 (although I'd like him to).  He and Nicky would be good as "teammates", too.....

Why would they let stoner go? He's the only one that can put the bike on the box? A stoner/Rossi combo would potentially put two bikes on the box every race. That would sell more than having Hayden on the team. 1) US is already the #1 market, 2) US doesn't watch Moto GP 3)2 bikes on the box, more sponsorship money.

Stoner's gone...straight to HRC and the waiting arms of Livio Suppo. And I doubt Rossi would share a team (much less a garage) with Stoner.

Why go and use logic with the fanboys?

He has to share it with someone.

But not one of the other aliens, who would command a larger portion of Marlboro's sponsorship money. Hayden's an easy choice to team with...been there, done that, and he's no longer a threat to Rossi.

Why would Rossi, the greatest of all time, be such a pussy about riding with another alien on the same equipment? I guess at the end of the day he just wants to win....

I'm thinking Rossi would prefer to embarrass Stoner on the same equipment...which he would in short order.

I think its easier for a team to work around one rider and what direction they want to go than two.  I'm sure Rossi is also tired of developing his top rivals' machine.  I think the 2011 Yamaha will still be top of the pile, but 2012 is where we'll see everyone get a fresh start.  I'm pretty excited and hope they do shake it up.  Its good for GP and switching teams will most likely keep Rossi around a little longer along with Lorenzo's talent also keeping the GOAT motivated.

+1 on Rossi not wanting to develop the bike his top rival will be riding. Also,Rossi moving to Ducati will open up a factory ride for Spies, and that will mean another rider up front battling for the win(at least i hope it does).

Another thing to consider is that no matter how much money ducati has, it would be difficult to pay two alien's salary. I mean Rossi is reportedly getting a cool 20 mil; if yamaha was having to cut his salary to afford lorenzo, I see it hard for a company that's a twentieth of it's size to afford two topp riders

you must not understand where this money comes from...

Marlboro Mkt cap 40.86B
FIAT Mkt cap 13.90B

It doesn't seem like Ducati has a choice of Stoner leaving.

I'm also not sure Marlboro would be willing to pay both Stoner and Rossi...but who knows. They can afford it, but are they willing to spend it.  ???

Well lets make a promise to start smoking if it happens.

(http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/smilies/smoking.gif)


I don't think its as much about the money as it is the challenge for Rossi, If the zukie was a strong bike he would be entertaining that offer as well.

lets take a look at this from a different perspective for a moment...from say a WDW perspective( as reported by a couple of people who were there)...if Stoner were the favorite son, then why was Nicky more mobbed for autographs than Casey and why was Nicky not marched around from event and activity like Casey was?...the answer to the latter is somewhat that Casey doesn't like doing to PR stuff and this has been a continuing problem with him...and that is just as much a part of their job for the factory and sponsor as riding...and Nicky is much more personable and endearing to this which does sell merchandise and bikes...have you seen a Stoner edition Ducati?...I've seen Bayliss bikes and Hayden bikes and they sold out...I just don't recall seeing a Stoner edition....do you think that if Rossi went to Ducati, you'de see a Rossi edition 'Sedici or 1198R?...I do...do you think he'd sell merchandise?...I do...and yet people would still buy Hayden stuff also...I don't think they'de buy Stoner stuff with Rossi on board....so from a marketing perspective...the Rossi/Hayden combo is MUCH more attractive than a Rossi/Stoner one IMHO....

Actually i know first hand that he does not like to do PR stuff. He feels like a piece of meat, but he doesn't understand thats part of the Job!!!! I do sympathize with him, he just wants to ride, everyone just wants him to sign make the beast with two backsen posters which half will lost on the freeway back to Valencia. I lost my poster on the freeway. Can't tell you why no Stoner edition, but maybe thats a good indication of corporate marketing attitude. Maybe the Auusies don't buy ducati's. Agreed Less market for Stoner stuff with Rossi on board. I guess there would be merchandising advantage with Rossi/Haden, but is that where the real money comes from?

there is more gross money to be made from merchandise and accessories than there is from a motorcycle purchase....

I was thinking big money sponsors for wining or top 3.

I've grown to dislike Stoner the past few years. For all the shite that is slung around here about Pedrosa, Stoner comes off as a way bigger tool then Pedrosa IMHO.  It is always annoying when a guy is getting paid an a$$load of cash to do something that comes with fame and he acts like he's pissed about it. Embrace it and go with the flow while it lasts. You'll have the rest of your life to be a wall flower.

You don't have to be Rossi or Jorge but at least be as pleasant and thankful for your situation as Nicky.  It is part of the job of being the face of the factory race team. Stop being a whiner.  Just my .02 cents.

PS Someone give his wife a hamburger as well! [laugh]

...or a sausage.

if stoner hadn't won his championship on a duc, he would've been labeled a douche on this board long, long ago...

I ride a duc and you guys still call me a douche ???

True, and i think he would be a little more PR friendly just to keep a ride.

And you keep coming back.




Kidding luv ya!  :-*

Absolutely.

I'm surprised for as long as Stoner has been around the game that he's still such a whiny pregnant dog about doing press work.  Every racer--even club racers--knows that it's an integral part of the sport.  You never just get to have someone pay you to race motorcycles and that's it. 

  ;D

  [evil]

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/07/exclusive-casey-stoner-signs-w.html (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/07/exclusive-casey-stoner-signs-w.html)

Casey's move being made official today....

Waiting for Vale... [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

 [roll]

I think maybe he might do it alongside the announcement of the assessment announcement of where he thinks his healing is and the time needed after his test on the Sterilgarda WSBK Yamaha today maybe?!?!?!....it'd be nice anyways...

I think Rossi is going to stay at Yamaha and Ducati will end up with Dovi.  [coffee]


 ;D

Blasphemy!

Stoner just wants to race, he doesn't like the rest of the PR shit, can't say I blame him but yes, it is his job and he should get over it.

I've been less than impressed with Stoner this season but I'm still a fan. I think if Rossi ends up at Ducati, the bike will be quickly made to suit him and Hayden will continue on. I think Rossi's ideal setup will suit Hayden much more than Stoner's ideal setup did.

I thought that occurred to me: I think they made the big bang version of the bike because they knew that Stoner would probably leave and felt it was a better bet to raise average results across the team than invest in Stoner who was going away anyway. Thoughts?

i said virtually the same thing earlier.  this thread, i think.

i kinda doubt it, but it would be funny if the GP11 is a screamer.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/stoner-to-repsol-honda-announcement-expected-today/12548.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/stoner-to-repsol-honda-announcement-expected-today/12548.html)

Stoner announcement expected today.

Finally the dominoes start falling. I used to respect that little whiney pregnant dog but the last couple of years have really made me dislike him.

you think?  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg718924#msg718924 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg718924#msg718924)

even though yours comes from a different link source...LOL

OH GOD!!  It's a self-linked paradox!!  Someone must have started the Hadron Collider!! 

  :o

[laugh]

good...I needed some chocolate and peanut butter put together...let me know when they are done assembling my snacks!!!

(http://www.csie.nctu.edu.tw/~movies/new/plot/Malkovich.jpg)

Malkovich? Malkovich? Malkovich, Malkovich.

probably because his personality's tolerable for exactly as long as he's winning? ;)

Capirossi maybe back to Ducati (satellite).

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/July/jul0810-capirossi-to-ducati/_/R-EPI-125299 (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/July/jul0810-capirossi-to-ducati/_/R-EPI-125299)

Not all that exciting...I just posted it for the following quote:

...but factory boss Alessando Cicognani told MCN: “Loris has the capacity to stay at the front with the top four."

Um, OK.  [laugh]

Maybe that's what the press is talking about...it's not Rossi going to Ducati, it's Capirossi.

I don't think that's entirely wrong.  On a bike that he can ride (which he hasn't had for years now), he can run with those guys sometimes.  Not consistently, but some of the time.  

2006 (990) he had 3 wins and 8 podiums.  2007 (800 devil bike) he had 1 win and 4 podiums.  he can run up there.

+1 GM2, Capo is highly underrated. Hell, he managed the unrideable much better than anyone bar Stoner.

Wasn't 2006 when Gibernau torpedoed half the grid and Capirossi busted his shoulder?

There was a lotta that going on in 2006:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/highsider/repsol.jpg)

The year he was seriously in the running for the championship?  Yes.  make the beast with two backsin' Sete.   >:(  

Video here:

http://motogpworld.net/2009/11/video-2006-catalunya-motogp-turn-1-crash-gibernau-capirossi-melandri-pedrosa/ (http://motogpworld.net/2009/11/video-2006-catalunya-motogp-turn-1-crash-gibernau-capirossi-melandri-pedrosa/)

I guess I can agree with that. I don't see him doing it on a consistent basis though.

2006, sete's brake lever of death, yes.

and granted we are hell and gone from the 990 era and the michelin-bridgestone passing eachother in the night thing, but you could argue that capi was going to give it a solid run that year.  if his teammate hadn't bulldozed him.

sorry, i can't let a mention of capirossi being taken out by his teammate go without pointing out it's karmic payback for loris' own team violation:

Moto 250 GP Capirossi vs Harada Crash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X47sTzsInOg#normal)

this is loris torpedoing his teammate at the final round of the 1998 season to take the championship. aprilia was so pleased that they fired him.

...and his wife is still hot. ;D

Tis confirmed that Stoner is going to Honda. Ducati sent an announcement an hour ago on facebook too.  Hopefully there will be more 2011 announcements now that this domino has fallen.


http://www.ducati.com/news/ducati_and_stoner_to_part_company_at_the_end_of_2010_after_four_fantastic_years_together/2010/07/09/1642/index.do (http://www.ducati.com/news/ducati_and_stoner_to_part_company_at_the_end_of_2010_after_four_fantastic_years_together/2010/07/09/1642/index.do)


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h6YjVK3vdY6-xEb8nOLiHd1iJMFQ (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h6YjVK3vdY6-xEb8nOLiHd1iJMFQ)

C'mon Vale... [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

...hopes to team Stoner with current factory riders Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso in 2011.

interesting that they're being open about keeping Dovi/having 3 bikes

i hope so, it sucks that it seems only the factory bikes have a chance at winning, and there are only 6 factory bikes on the grid (suzuki doesnt count). Hayden cant win anywhere other than Laguna so essentially 5. Dovi is kinda a random draw to win, so now were down to 4. Has anyone besides the top 4 won a race in the last few years? Excluding wet races.... 

Hate to say it but the factory teams are turing the racing to shit, unless they supply the sat teams with the same stuff. Why during the 990 years it seemed like there were many more sat teams that had a chance to win and did on occasion?

because most of those satellite riders were on the RC211V and that was one hell of a bike.

and there was tire competition.

and also there was the variance in riding styles which changed the charachteristics of passing and lines in the 990 era...

Good point.  Rain races excluded, when was the last time a non-factory bike won a race that wasn't a Honda?  Any in the four-stroke era?

Marco Melandri at Phillip Island in 2006?
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QJRjQSSumb8/0.jpg)

you talkin the whole 4 stroke era, or just the 800cc era?

None in the 800cc era, IIRC.

That was a Honda.

A coupla min skim of results shows none in the four-stroke era.

Didn't KR, Jr. led into the last lap @ Estoril '06 on the Honda/Roberts hybrid?

I think so.  IIRC, he miscounted laps, and ended up in third.  Elias won, Rossi second.

More fuel for the fire  [evil]

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/valentino-rossi-signs-two-year-contract-with-ducati/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/valentino-rossi-signs-two-year-contract-with-ducati/)

Fingers crossed and toes crossed. Maybe teeth crossed. Body position crossed. I don't know what else to cross.

I know most of you are not fans of Casey but its offical, and its killing me, I personally liked the Aussie on the duke.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/casey+stoner+and+ducati+corse+part+ways (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/casey+stoner+and+ducati+corse+part+ways)

derby ;D
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg720373#msg720373 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg720373#msg720373)

And more waiting for Vale stuff:
http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/news/in-evidenza/1252-rossi-ducati-alla-firma.html (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/news/in-evidenza/1252-rossi-ducati-alla-firma.html)

In the meantime, I'm making t-shirts :)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs126.snc4/36642_445832934223_589624223_6063090_2312483_n.jpg)

If Rossi doesn't win right away on a duc (which is a real probability), will it be blamed on equipment or he hasn't healed completely?


mitt

It'll be blamed on equipment and getting used to the bike.  Unless his shoulder problems last through the off-season (they could -- the injury sounds pretty bad).  Personally, I don't see him winning right away.  Lorenzo is just too good and has been on the same bike for too long.  Riossi and Burgess will have some catch-up to do, which we'll see in the first half of the season

It seems like in the change from a screamer, Ducati sacrificed something at the pointy end to make their bike more rideable for anyone who name isn't Stoner.  How that will affect Rossi is uncertain.  In the 500cc era, talent could make up for an inferior bike.  Not nearly as much now.  Rossi wouldn't win on the 2010 zuke, for example. 

Gives him 2 options for why he's not winning.

Rossi doesn't miss much.

Not surprisingly, Suppo says the Stoner move will be good for him (CS) because CS needs a change of environment.  In other news, the sky the blue. 

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85186 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85186)

The real target for Rossi/Burgess will be 2012 in my opinion.  The polished Yamaha is going to be tough to beat next year, but a change in the regulations will be a fresh start for everyone..... again.  I wouldn't rule the man out next year though and I think Stoner is going to fly on the Honda.

everyone thought winning in 2004 was impossible.  just sayin'.

It was a lot less about the bike back then.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/rossi-to-make-comeback-announcement-on-wednesday/12634.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/rossi-to-make-comeback-announcement-on-wednesday/12634.html)

That guy is a class act. Please oh please let hin join Ducati. If he does, I'm buying my tickets to Indy right now.

he's only announcing tomorrow whether or not he'll race this weekend.  and it's not like if when he does go to ducati, it'll be in time for indy  ;)

I would not go this year. I would buy ticket to see him in red next year.

http://motomatters.com/opinion/2010/07/13/wsbk_state_of_the_silly_season_dog_days.html (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2010/07/13/wsbk_state_of_the_silly_season_dog_days.html)

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-rossi-leaving-burgess-behind/ (http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-rossi-leaving-burgess-behind/)
Reports are indicating that Valentino Rossi's much-expected move to Ducati might not include a spot for long-time crew chief Jeremy Burgess.

that would almost be bigger news than the move itself

Looks like he'll be racing this weekend

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+back+in+sachsenring (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+back+in+sachsenring)

please oh please let JB stick around for spies...

Please, oh please, let JB move to Ducati and straighten them out ;D

+1

I've wondered if Preziosis' ego was a bit large for him to allow JB to come and solve issues that are 'rider problems'.

Too bad really if it turns out to be the case.

Of course if I were Rossi it would be a deal breaker. It's not like he needs the money, and if he balks at coming it would put the ball into Fiat/Marlboro's court, and I'm pretty sure they want Rossi.

Maybe there is no such thing as loyalty in racing...I dunno.

I'm also an idiot and broke , so everyone should disregard me. [laugh]

Also wonder if JB doesn't want to retire with Rossi in a couple years, and he didn't see any real benefit to leaving Yamaha...with The Ben coming in and all.  ;D

well, i don't think burgess is really interested in throwing away a(nother) well-developed race platform to reinvent the wheel at ducati.

Probably not...

but the Duc is not wooden wheeled by any means...

and is he ready to sit on the porch and drink....tea?

He's not that old. ;D

rossi announcement won't be until after Brno

In the meantime, a guy can dream...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs019.snc4/34294_448330839223_589624223_6123073_4039945_n.jpg)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85397 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85397)

Burgess hints he will stay at Yamaha

make the beast with two backs...hope this doesn't throw it off.

Valentino Rossi to test Ducati GP10 at Valencia: gentlemen's agreement with Yamaha

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/4830/valentino-rossi-to-test-ducati-gp10-at-valencia-gentlemens-agreement-with-yamaha (http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/4830/valentino-rossi-to-test-ducati-gp10-at-valencia-gentlemens-agreement-with-yamaha)

Why on earth would he do this unless he was switchin to Ducati?

 [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

valencia motogp is the final round. this is basically saying that yamaha is (allegedly) going to allow rossi to test the ducati prior to 2011.

note that "the Italian press is reporting," which is often times just as reliable as mcn.

or even less so.  they often make shit up in order to try to make it happen.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/21/whither_jb_the_mysterious_future_of_jere.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/21/whither_jb_the_mysterious_future_of_jere.html)

I say fugg it...he is going to develop a Hayate Kawazuki to kick everyone's arse as ridden by Gary McCoy!!!

 [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]

hmmm  http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/22/andrea_dovizioso_to_tech_3_yamaha.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/22/andrea_dovizioso_to_tech_3_yamaha.html)

Dovi would be a loss, but considering that Honda would have 2 of the 4 aliens, he becomes expendable. Dovi would fit pretty well at Tech 3.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5goUW_HPBAX0GHZ4doqILnsDckihg (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5goUW_HPBAX0GHZ4doqILnsDckihg)

he's just angling for his own job

I thought Dovi to Redbull factory Honda was pretty close to done, but there's chatter of an offer to him at Tech3:

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/22/andrea_dovizioso_to_tech_3_yamaha.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/22/andrea_dovizioso_to_tech_3_yamaha.html)

derby'd

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg730019#msg730019 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34111.msg730019#msg730019)

Wow, and from only a coupla posts up.  The dumb is strong with me today.

Veruca Salt.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/29/karel_abraham_to_ride_6th_ducati_in_moto.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/07/29/karel_abraham_to_ride_6th_ducati_in_moto.html)

Man, I wish my daddy would buy me a GP ride.

...and owned a world class track! WTF

Damn, kids got resources.  Is he any good?

He's hasn't been any good yet.  But Esparaigo was also nobody until he jumped up to the GP bikes, where--despite his crashiness--he's shown himself to be pretty fast.

Wikipedia has a chart of his 125/250/moto2 results:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karel_Abrah%C3%A1m (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karel_Abrah%C3%A1m)

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-decision-day-coming/ (http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-decision-day-coming/)


 [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

That's awfully nice of Mr Abraham, but to be honest, Karel isn't particularly bad either. He has shown promise in Moto2 with some pretty decent scraps and solid passing

Per the article he was supposedly decent on the GP10 in Mugello.

This is not really news, but Fiat has confirmed what we already know -- that Ben Spies will step up to the factory ride if Rossi leaves.

IF


why wont they just tell us?

Americans Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies are both free agents for 2011

huh?  ben's got a yamaha contract through 2011.


and that's a really great article otherwise.  as per usual for Dennis.

Edwards to Ducati WSBK would be great IMO.  [thumbsup] Hopefully he could win.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/July/jul3010-edwards-keen-on-ducati-wsb-deal/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/July/jul3010-edwards-keen-on-ducati-wsb-deal/)

 [thumbsup]

OTOH, just the other day Herve made noises about keeping Edwards at Tech 3 for another year.  I'd like to see him back in WSBK (and would love to see Toseland get over the bumps of this season).  They gotta do something about those air restrictions on the Ducs though.  And force Aprilia to actually homologate their bike, dammit.  I'll be glad to see Haga gone from Ducati.  He's just become sad, and it bums me out.  He's a broken man.  

I'm not sure Herve will have a choice. Sounds like Edwards is just sick of being mid-pack.

Hopefully they do something about the Ducs in WSBK, but honestly, I think they can win either way. Checa was flat out dominant at Miller...with it's long straight and all and giving up 6-8 mph. He would have crushed everyone both races had his bike not crapped out on him. It seems like the Duc should still be able to win.

Prediction: Spies on a factory GP ride will finish in the top 3 in 2011. I'd bet even money he could win it all.
And I rooted for Mladin all those years.

I wonder if the holdup on Rossi/ Ducati is him waiting to ride the beast? Maybe he'll say screw it, this thing is a beast and stay at Yamaha?

Rossi said at a press conference it was too early to announce a factory change at Laguna, and said perhaps a better time would be Brno.  Think that still stands?  Because that did come before the Yamaha allowing him to ride the Duc at Valencia news.

that 'allowance' is very circumstantial

No surprise here, but in WSBK, Biaggi is staying at Aprilia through 2012.

http://www.crash.net/world+superbikes/news/162177/1/biaggi_to_stay_with_aprilia_until_2012.html (http://www.crash.net/world+superbikes/news/162177/1/biaggi_to_stay_with_aprilia_until_2012.html)

i wonder how far into their 40s biaggi, corser, etc will go

 [evil] ;D [thumbsup] [moto] [drink] [beer] [wine] [clap] [bacon] [bow_down] [drool]

Not that we didn't know it was going to happen, but f*ck yeah!

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/ducati-ceo-confirms-valentino-rossi/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/ducati-ceo-confirms-valentino-rossi/)

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/rossi_to_ducati_in_2011_confirmed (http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/rossi_to_ducati_in_2011_confirmed)!_plus_inside_the_new_mega-monster_-_first_look/ducati_project_0803-_new_ducati_project_motorcycle_page_2

“Nicky is a wonderful person and a great rider. This year, he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential.”

What you hear is the sound of 1 million Italians spontaneously orgasming.
 [clap] [clap] [clap]

 [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs019.snc4/34294_448330839223_589624223_6123073_4039945_n.jpg)

Still no official press release.

So what are the odds that Rossi will be pissed about this unofficial announcement by Ducati, and it makes the deal go south?   :o

It's happened in baseball before.  ;)

If it's signed, then Yamaha is the only one that would be pissed, since it's a "gentleman's agreement" between Ducati and Yamaha. Rossi probably doesn't give a make the beast with two backs.

ducati denies it (for now):  http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/04/and_it_s_off_again_ducati_officially_den.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/04/and_it_s_off_again_ducati_officially_den.html)

This is comical.  [laugh]

Meanwhile, MCN has been reporting the move as fact for the last few weeks...as well as Spies jump to the factory team to take his place.

MCN is the National Enquirer of motorcycles.  and yamaha has actually acknowledged that if he goes ben moves up.. no surprise there.

I just read in a local bike magazine that Rossi will not be testing next years M1, this year.


Read into that what you will.  ???



 :P

...unless he has a signed contract to ride for yamaha in 2011.

common sense, really.

1+1=32

No, it's 46 ;D

That's what I was gonna write but it was too obvious.  [cheeky]

Can't believe no one has photo-shopped a Ducati red 46 yet!

Spies - even money to win on the Fiat Yamaha?

Been done a million times over the past several years...

(http://motomexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/RossiDucati02.jpg)
(http://www.flamingo-motortours.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rossi-ducati-2.jpg)
(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Valentino-Rossi-signs-Ducati-MotoGP-560x418.jpg)
(http://www.todoterrenotv.com.ar/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/85e36_valentino_rossi_ducati_2011.jpg)
(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/204333/images/scoopino.jpg)

Including here:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs019.snc4/34294_448330839223_589624223_6123073_4039945_n.jpg)

Cal to Tech 3.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162241/1/tech_3_cal_crutchlow_is_the_favourite.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162241/1/tech_3_cal_crutchlow_is_the_favourite.html)

Frankly, it would be a better move for him in 2012, but you gotta take the chance when and if you get it.  His stock might not be as high next year and there might not be an open seat.  So if it's there for 2011, take it.

He's gonna have a hard first year coming to grips with the bike, particularly with his riding style.  And then it's gonna be all-new for 2012.   That said, I hope it works out for him if he gets the ride.  He's a fun, brash character and I'd love to see him the GP paddock.  And Dorna will finally get a Brit back in the series. 

That shot at Elias from Herve was a bit much. 

yay, lucy on the GP grid!   ;D

Lucy's ah-aight, but she doesn't stack up the parade of girlfriends/wives of the Spanish and Italian riders.  And the Austalian one.   ;D

i got a thing for the pixie-alt-platinum stuff

 [thumbsup]

Great summary of the status of silly season with the GP factory teams:

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/10/motogp_2011_silly_season_part_1_the_fact.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/10/motogp_2011_silly_season_part_1_the_fact.html)

good reading  [thumbsup]

mitt

Part 2 -- the satellite teams and MotoGP departures:

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/11/motogp_2011_silly_season_part_2_satellit.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/11/motogp_2011_silly_season_part_2_satellit.html)

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162392/1/valentino_rossi_to_announce_future_on_sunday.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162392/1/valentino_rossi_to_announce_future_on_sunday.html)

Perfect picture on that article:
(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/PA793323.jpg)

...less than an hour

according to the motogp broadcasters, its a done deal. ;D

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Fiat+Yamaha+announcement (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Fiat+Yamaha+announcement)

anyone know what happened to LeBron?

wonder where he's going?

Rizla :)

some more meat in this article:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162441/1/official_valentino_rossi_to_leave_yamaha.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162441/1/official_valentino_rossi_to_leave_yamaha.html)

i'm still waiting to see what happens to burgess.

I'll be seriously shocked if Burgess doesn't come with him.

My concern is whether Rossi (and Burgess) will stick around the few years needed to really develop the bike properly or will Rossi retire in 2 years.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162442/1/ducati_confirms_valentino_rossi.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162442/1/ducati_confirms_valentino_rossi.html)

It's official

I don't think he will.

We'll see.

I've been more interested in Burgess' decision than Vale's ( since we've known that part for months ).  I hope he goes, but I'd say its 50/50.

I think Burgess might sit it out for a year (or even retirement), it's closer to home for the guy with the greying hair....

As for Rossi.....

"Many things have changed since that far-off time in 2004, but especially ‘she', my M1, has changed. At that time she was a poor middle-grid position MotoGP bike, derided by most of the riders and the MotoGP workers. Now, after having helped her to grow and improve, you can see her smiling in her garage, courted and admired, treated as the ‘top of the class'.”

"The list of the people that made this transformation possible is very long, but I would like to thank anyway Masao Furusawa, Masahiko Nakajima and ‘my' Hiroya Atsumi, as representatives of all the engineers that worked hard to change the face of our M1. Then Jeremy Burgess and all my guys in the garage, who took care of her with love on all the tracks of the world and also all the men and women that have worked in the Yamaha team during these years.”

"Now the moment has come to look for new challenges; my work here at Yamaha is finished. Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories, like when my M1 and I kissed for the first time on the grass at Welkom, when she looked straight in my eyes and told me ‘I love you!'"

YAYY!!!!  [clap]

I never thought it would happen. Apparently there's been a lot of changes and growth from both Vale and Ducati since they first courted back in 2003.

for one, the bike wasn't a championship-winner in 2003...

That, and Vale talks about the decision in his autobiography. Ducati at the time apparently had a very technical, almost clinical approach that was reminiscent of Honda's approach, whereas Yamaha gave equal value to rider input and some of the intangibles that Rossi valued more. You get the impression that the attitude was that if the engineers thought the bike was great but wasn't winning, the blame would be placed on the rider and the rider would be pushed before the bike was changed.

i would say that line of thinking continued through much of last season. bayliss' gp9 test was probably where it really changed.

oh so you're the one!   [cheeky]

My eyes aren't so good anymore...what's that printed on the other side of the paper?

yamaha press release?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+on+the+ducati+future (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+on+the+ducati+future)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/jarvis+on+yamaha+factory+line+up+2011 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/jarvis+on+yamaha+factory+line+up+2011)

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/16/valentino_rossi_ducati_was_not_about_mon.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/16/valentino_rossi_ducati_was_not_about_mon.html)

Classic :)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85996 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85996)

 [clap]

(http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/leno/1/DSC01744.jpg)

guess we'll see how long that kind of relationship lasts....once Ben starts regularly pipping into the front row regularly.

masao says:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162510/2/masao_furusawa_rossi_ducati_and_retirement.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162510/2/masao_furusawa_rossi_ducati_and_retirement.html)

"You must be subscribed...."

Please stop teasing those of us w/o MotoGp subs  [bang]

Based on the text (and Rossi's history), it's probably not wise for Yamaha to piss him off by denying him the desmo ride at Valencia...what do you think?

?

<snip>
Sorry Garrett.

I understand its a contract, but for everything Yamaha gained from Rossi, that's pretty weak.

and they know that any further contractual obligations Rossi is required to fulfill, he will without a problem...and Rossi could stir a virtual shitstorm in the media if he chose...he was rather quiet when Honda said no to him about testing the M1 at the end of 2003 and so he made it a mission to make a point of blacking Honda in the eye at every turn that year.

We really can't do that.

It is piracy.

Sorry.

no worries.. although at first i did think you were kidding  :)

silly thing is, the text is available w/o logging in... homeslice was complaining about not being able to watch the video.

I wish I was.

http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202466627090 (http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202466627090)

Chances are we'll never meet him, but I don't want to take chances.

f that guy.

=)

He's sooo not my type. ;)

as long as we don't discuss politics...we should be okay...but if someone from here does meet him...you want him popped in the mouth or whacked?....LOL...J/K

Pretty good interview transcript, journalists Q&A with Gabriele del Torchio and Filippo Preziosi.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=41661 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=41661)

Good answers to some silly questions.  [laugh]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162718/1/melandri_99_for_bmw_world_superbike_switch.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/162718/1/melandri_99_for_bmw_world_superbike_switch.html)

the best tidbit there is this ( IMHO ) ...


seems the previous flying rumors of a 3 bike factory squad may be in serious question...

^^

That's been known for quite some time.

Looks like Dovi's going to get the standard Honda treatment.

Yes, but Repsol is a lubricant at least.

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/26/spies_and_hayden_2011_contracts_to_be_co.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/26/spies_and_hayden_2011_contracts_to_be_co.html)

http://www.roadracerx.com/uncategorized/spies-confirmed-for-factory-yamaha/ (http://www.roadracerx.com/uncategorized/spies-confirmed-for-factory-yamaha/)

Ducati factory team out of WSBK in 2011. Now that is quite silly, but in a way smart. The new bike better be crazy fast or they will be huge backlash.

Hayden has 2 more years at Ducati.  [beer]

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=41756 (http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=41756)

You know, I read that article and I can just hear Nicky's trembly Kentucky drawl behind those words.  I think he and Rossi will make a good pairing.

+1 he's has always been a good teammate

an update...

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/09/01/2011_silly_season_update_who_s_confirmed.html (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/09/01/2011_silly_season_update_who_s_confirmed.html)

the one that makes me go "HUH??" is the Tony Elias to Rizla Suzuki....that just wreakes of WTF?!?!?!

Are the rumors that Suzuki will drop out of MotoGP in 2011 or 2012?

2012.  I *think* they're under contract with Dorna through 2011.  But as you can tell from the dogshit condition of their bikes, they're only half-heartedly living up to their contractual obligations. 

At least by giving them 9 engines rather than the 6 that everyone else is using, the Suzukis weren't dead last this part weekend.  And both of them didn't crash this time either. 

This may have been posted elsewhere, but . . . .

Melandri to Yamaha WSBK
Crutchlow confirmed to Tech 3

Good for Melandri. He's a good rider that has been stuck on bad bikes.

cal to tech 3 for 2 years, even.  nice.


rossi/jarvis/yamaha.. blah blah: http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100909jarvis.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100909jarvis.htm)

Eugene Laverty confirmed to Yamaha WSBK...Toseland sits @ home next year?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100910b.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100910b.htm)

No way.  Even with the up-n-down of the last three years, he's still way too good.  

Neukirchner is gonna be gone from Ten Kate, and it makes sense that JT would land there.

w00t!  well deserved!  



exactly.  i bet that's already done.

I'm sure he could find a ride in Moto2.  [coffee]

...or on a Suzuki in MotoGP :)

Rossi to have shoulder surgery:
http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/09/15/rossi-to-have-shoulder-surgery (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/09/15/rossi-to-have-shoulder-surgery)

I think I called this move a while back.  Now we'll see if he recovers completely for the start of 2011.

Perhaps Bautista will be the only MotoGP Suzuki rider in '11:
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100915suuzkiwsbk.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100915suuzkiwsbk.htm)

Which would mean that we are unlikely to see Elias in the GP paddock.

BTW, no comments on Rea staying with Ten Kate?  They better get that fookin' bike to work next year.  I thought he was gonna be a front-runner this year.  But then again, I forgot that Aprilia is allowed to run a GP bike. 

well...with the kybosh put on a factory Ducati team...I think the idea of staying with the Ten Kate/Buzz Lightyear Honda is probably alot better than most for Rea...it isn't the ideal, but he has a secure job for sure, and it'll be fun to see him outshine Toseland who'll be in the other seat in the paddock right beside him...as far as the Ape...the modifcation of the rules for 2011 will surely change the Priller's dominance a bit I think...that paired with the idea that maybe some development work might get done on the CBR and I think I read something yesterday that said Batta was going to bat at Suzuki to get some help and whatnot for to develop the GSXR...

that article sounded more like him trying to make sure they get at least some sort of factory support.  i suspect he suspects that japan may leave him hanging.

http://www.roadracerx.com/breaking-news/hrc-officially-extends-pedrosas-contract-through-2012-pic/ (http://www.roadracerx.com/breaking-news/hrc-officially-extends-pedrosas-contract-through-2012-pic/)

pedro stays at HRC.  shocking, i know.

No Way!!!

that is what I was thinking...but if they want him to run the GP team, like I read, then he is for sure going to lever something for his WSBK team....it'd be dumb for him not to.

transcript from a crutchlow interview.. some really good stuff

http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100916crutchlow.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Sep/100916crutchlow.htm)

I just finished it too....and I LOVED this...

burgess confirmed to ducati with rossi... should be hit the moto press soon.

W00t!

 [beer] [beer] [beer] [beer]

Good to see Colin Edwards sticking around the MotoGP paddock for another year!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=42021 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=42021)

Crutchlow is lucky to have him around for advice and mentoring.

The way Colin is riding, he may not be someone I'd ask for advice.  I'm really surprised they are bringing him back considering he seems to have thrown in the towel on quite a few occasions

he's more or less a known quantity and will provide some continuity to the team as a whole with cal coming on... put two newbies on the team and, unless you're dominating, you really don't know where you stand.

I agree. Who knows, maybe they gave him a pay cut to reduce costs and with no Ducati factory WSBK rides to look forward to he might as well take the Tech 3 ride and help Cal. He may not be having a great year but it's not like he doesn't know his way around MotoGP. Everybody has a funky year occasionaly. Hayden had one last year. Shit Rossi's having one this year. Then again a funky year for Rossi would be the season of a lifetime for others! [laugh]

I like how the header for the story on superbikeplanet has a nice jab at Toseland about this very story...I believe it goes something like " and Toseland is the "A" rider..."

i'm pretty sure he's been the "affordable" rider on the team for a few years.