2010 Silly Season

[ducpainter]

ok, he majorly messed up in estoril '06 and he has no (american) personality, but, seriously, what is so wrong with pedro?  i don't get it.

He lacks certain human qualities. Anyone making millions a year riding motos in GP should be so happy they vibrate.

It's tough to get excited about a robot...regardless of the tricks it can do...

and the guy running the joystick is enough to make most people puke.

Otherwise Dani is cool.

One guys perspective.

[potomacduc]

you haven't heard the rumors that they may lease yamaha motors?


kallio did just that a few weeks ago AND he's already on the duc.

Operative words: "rumors" and "may"  If they do, they won't be near factory bikes like Tech 3 or Gresini.  They would be second rate bikes incapable of running up front like Scot and LCR.

Kallio is on a SATELLITE Duc.  That's a big difference no matter what the folks at Corse say.  Even though his results on the full factory bike haven;t been much better, he'd take the ride on the full factory if it was offered.  Besides, since we're dealing with rumors, supposedly Kallio is in the the top 3 to land at Tech 3.  He'll only end up in WSBK if the Tech 3 spot falls through AND Ducati and Pramac seriously low-ball him.

[zooom]

Operative words: "rumors" and "may"  If they do, they won't be near factory bikes like Tech 3 or Gresini.  They would be second rate bikes incapable of running up front like Scot and LCR.

 

hey hey hey...the Dornasaki fielded by Hayate had nothing...no development and a bunch of crap leftover to deal with from the year previous and no promise of anything for the future and then you add in 1 riders determination and you get results...Marco has not been running last like the Scot bike has consistantly been doing...and LCR...DePuniet has been doing a damn good job getting that bike through the field and dicing with the Tech3 and Gresini bikes...so the bottom line when it comes to a non factory bike is how motivated and ready to push the envelope the rider is...or so it seems...or maybe they have better set-up technicians when it comes to making a bike ready to rock...so I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater when talking about Hayate if they end up with Yamaha motors....

[potomacduc]

The third tier bikes occasionally dice with the second tier bikes, but they don't dice with the full factory bikes and they don't end up on the podium (generally).  With a determined rider, great set-up and perhaps a bit of luck, bikes sometimes fight one level above their factory weight class, but they almost never fight two classes above.  DePuniet and Melandri have had some nice races this year, I give you that.  Nonetheless, I am sure either of them would tell you that the chances of them taking a podium are slim and none. 

[Jester]

The third tier bikes occasionally dice with the second tier bikes, but they don't dice with the full factory bikes and they don't end up on the podium (generally).  With a determined rider, great set-up and perhaps a bit of luck, bikes sometimes fight one level above their factory weight class, but they almost never fight two classes above.  DePuniet and Melandri have had some nice races this year, I give you that.  Nonetheless, I am sure either of them would tell you that the chances of them taking a podium are slim and none. 

Oh common, the second and third tier bikes dice with the factory zukes and ducati all the time.  What are you talking about?   

[EvilSteve]

That's a big difference no matter what the folks at Corse say.

Didn't Kallio say that the bikes weren't that different? It's kind of moot because no one but Stoner has really bonded with the bike anyway.

I think that it's in Ducatis interest to sign Pedrosa out from under HRC unless the believe that one of the up-and-comers represent a better opportunity. That's a bit risky compared to the robot & organ grinder (Pedro & Puig).

[derby]

http://www.racer.com/Ducati-hasnt-given-up-hope-on-Pedrosa/article/147824/

[potomacduc]

Oh common, the second and third tier bikes dice with the factory zukes and ducati all the time.  What are you talking about?   

Well, you've got a bit of a point there, but hopefully with Nicky's new found form and the return of Stoner the days of a factory Duc near the back of the pack are over.  If I was Ducati, I would use Nicky as "Exhibit A".  His recent results aren't much worse than his last year on the Repsol Honda.  In his last 5 races he's had a 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th.   

As for Kallio, what do you expect him to say when he's not running well, "The bike is faster but I am still not doing well"?  He looked good early in the season, but has fallen off lately.  My guess is his drop and Nicky's rise are the difference between being on the factory team and a satellite.  It's not just the bike you start with, it's how it's developed through the season and set up every week.  No doubt Corse has more development/set-up talent and resources compared to Pramac.

[EvilSteve]

Pedrosa considering Ducati move: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78250

[zooom]

Pedrosa considering Ducati move: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78250

would that be because maybe a bike with even more Carbon Fiber might be easier for him to lift?  http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/motogp/indy/3/_D7P8250.htm

HAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAA

[gm2]

Pedrosa considering Ducati move: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78250

those are some pretty lucid reasons for considering the switch.  and so true: since the start of the 800 era honda has started every season behind the 8 ball.

[Spidey]

I read Pedrosa's comments as using Ducati as a bargaining chip to get what he wants from Honda.  If they don't land Pedrosa, Ducati HAS to keep Hayden and he HAS to do well (or at least continue as he has been).  Otherwise, they'll never get anyone else to ride that bike.  Both Pedrosa and Lorenzo are scared--understandably--of the f'n thing.

[EvilSteve]

Ducati retains Hayden for 2010: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78285

[mitt]

Ducati retains Hayden for 2010: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78285

     He deserves 1 more year after the learning curve then bad luck in early 2009.


mitt

[Triple J]

Ducati retains Hayden for 2010: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78285

Awesome!!