2011 Silly Season

[Jester]

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 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.

[ngk12]

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).

[El Matador]

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

[derby]

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

[Triple J]

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. 

[DanTheMan]

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.




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.

[zooom]

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.

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....

[DanTheMan]

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?

[zooom]

  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....

[DanTheMan]

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.

[GregP]

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!

[desmoquattro]

PS Someone give his wife a hamburger as well!

...or a sausage.

[derby]

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.  

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

[Grampa]

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

[DanTheMan]

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

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