MotoGP Races

[Cloner]

From everything I've read, Philip Morris (Makers of Marlboro, et al) executives are pretty pissed at Stoner for his lack of willingness to appear in support of their marketing efforts, and for his handling of his current illness.  It is said that he simply told the team he was taking off without even bothering to consult them.  I know we're talking about the man's health, but he should have asked for their input into the decision just to present the illusion that he cares what they think.  Now it's obvious he doesn't.

Another story I've read reports that Philip Morris gave Ducati the green light to throw whatever money is necessary at Lorenzo to get him on board.  Rossi's salary was $12 million for 2008, $14 million for 2009, and will increase to $16 million for 2010 (numbers approximate, as his salary is actually paid in Euros).  Lorenzo currently makes less than $2 million from what I've read.  Reports of current salary offers include $5 million from Yamaha and as much as $8 million from Ducati, though nothing is certain until the ink is dry.  $8 million would make Jorge the second highest paid rider in the MotoGP paddock.  Bear in mind that Philip Morris also supports F1 efforts, among others, and has VERY deep pockets, so I lend this story considerable credence.

There is some confusion as to which rider, Stoner or Hayden, will remain aboard the second factory bike.  Some reports say Stoner is out, period.  Others say Hayden will be dropped to a satellite bike or will be looking at a satellite Yamaha.  I tend to think that they'd keep Stoner as a second fiddle (One of Lorenzo's demands is that he be the undisputed premier rider for any team he considers outside of Yamaha) and ask Nicky to ride a satellite bike, which he may refuse in favor of a Yamaha mount.  I have a hard time thinking Ducati would dismiss the only rider with a proven ability to put thier bike on the box, and the only rider in history to give Ducati a premier class championship EVER.

Regardless of what happens, if Lorenzo hops aboard the Ducati it's gonna be interesting.  Can you say "highside"?  I knew you could.  

[ducducgooseme]

I just dont see them getting rid of Stoner over this illness.  He has proven to be very valuable to them.  I would be surprised if they change that.

[DucMouse the Mighty]

that sucks for nicky, so where will he go ride and how much will they give him to break the contract...

i see him sweating bullets 

[Cloner]

that sucks for nicky, so where will he go ride and how much will they give him to break the contract...

i see him sweating bullets 

Nicky's current contract is a one year deal with a clause for a one-year extension if both parties agree to continue the relationship.  Basically, if either Ducati or Nicky wants to discontinue the relationship, it is disolved at the end of the year.

[DucMouse the Mighty]

Nicky's current contract is a one year deal with a clause for a one-year extension if both parties agree to continue the relationship.  Basically, if either Ducati or Nicky wants to discontinue the relationship, it is disolved at the end of the year.

i thought he signed a 2 yr contract...this stuff 

oh NNOOOOOO!!!!

i mean it sucks for him cause he is a good rider, i know he has no chance with ducati..he has what, maybe 2 races that were good..the other races were good cause everyone crashed out 

[Cloner]

Television schedule for the coming Indianapolis MotoGP weekend:

SPEED:  MotoGP qualifying Aug. 29, 5 p.m. Mountain Time
SPEED:  MotoGP 250 race coverage Aug. 30, 4 p.m. Mountain Time
FOX:  MotoGP World Championship race LIVE on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. Mountain Time.

Any viewing plans for the group?

[kingbaby]

Casa De King is always down. dusty, Goduc & I were going through withdrawls yesterday 

[DucMouse the Mighty]

 

[Cloner]

Casa De King is always down. dusty, Goduc & I were going through withdrawls yesterday 

See you Saturday afternoon!

Meanwhile, another story regarding Lorenzo and Ducati:  http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/rumor-lorenzo-ducati-deal/ 

I don't know whether or not to be happy, but I'm leaning toward enthusiastic, at least.

[DucMouse the Mighty]

  wow!

replace stroner huh...

has lorenzo even riding a duc or tested it? i hope he can ride the hell out it, i have no doubt....but dumping stoner...

this will be very interesting


i guess thats good for my hayden, means they still have some faith in him 

or just make him a tool for marketing in the US

[DucMouse the Mighty]

well it looks like no mroe waiting

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151386/1/jorge_lorenzo_signs_new_yamaha_contract.html

went back to Yamaha

[Cloner]

More grist for the mill....apparently Stoner is trying to renege on his current contract with Ducati and is talking with Yamaha.

http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/2009/08/24/casey_stoner_yamaha_or_retirement.html

This article presents several things that I haven't read anywhere else, in particular that Stoner supposedly refuses to eat for 12 to 14 hours at a time, then binges on candy and sweets.  No wonder there have been questions about his diet and workout regimen, huh?  Of course, the article states this might be inaccurate.  However, in my mind, the fact that the rumor is circulating at all means that there is probably SOME truth to it.  The article also discusses Stoner's reluctance to participate in promotional functions and his dislike of the Eurpoean media and Europeans in general.  

Wow....I had no clue he felt so alone.  I know that much of this feeling is in his head and in his attitude toward specific situations, but to openly feel so isolated and so far from home must be difficult for him.  It'd be a huge loss to the series, but maybe Casey is better off taking care of Casey and leaving MotoGP to those with more outgoing personalities and greater tolerance for ambiguity.  I, personally, feel greatly at ease in crowds, talking to strangers, and experiencing new things.  That makes it difficult for me to empathize with Casey and his current situation.  Makes me wish I was 20 years younger, 125 pounds lighter, and just a little prettier, so that I could take his place and make millions of euros doing something I love in front of adoring fans and jealous rivals.  

Huh...reckon Ducati has any interest in a fat, slow, old man to take Casey's place for a couple of races?  I might finish last....but I'll have more fun than the rest of the field combined!!!  Surely Mamola's two-up machine has enough spring and damping to carry a fat boy.   [moto]

[Cloner]

(Jorge) ....went back to Yamaha

I think that's the smart play for Lorenzo.  He does a one-year deal with Yamaha and has a chance to renegotiate a FAT contract next year after probably finishing second in the series this year and maybe as a World Championship challenger next year.  No better lubricant for big checks than success.

That, or he could switch to a bike that's notoriously hard to ride for a one-time fat paycheck that COULD compromise the remainder of his racing career if it's a bad year on the Ducati.  That kid is smart.  Period.

[DucMouse the Mighty]

ok as usual my man has another special helmet for INDY!!!

but this one really pimp again

http://www.nickyhayden.com/index.cfm/p/photos-indy-helmet-09

 

[kingbaby]

ok as usual my man has another special helmet for INDY!!!

but this one really pimp again

http://www.nickyhayden.com/index.cfm/p/photos-indy-helmet-09

 

Hopefully when Val laps him they will get a good shot of it.