2013 Silly Season?...maybe spoilers

[duccarlos]

don't underestimate the value of being able to directly compare your bike against others in race conditions.

But at what cost? From the article I read a few weeks ago, where they showed the spy photo, it sounded like Suzuki was not even sure what engine configuration they would use. I would think that they would have learned from Ducati that you should not develop a bike in a hurry. Nothing is impossible, but I'm not sure if the end justifies the means.

[mitt]

No matter the planning by motogp, I think Europe could financially implode by next year, with Spain and Italy being the hardest hit.  Repsol might be doing good just to be in business and not bought up.

mitt

[zooom]

But at what cost? From the article I read a few weeks ago, where they showed the spy photo, it sounded like Suzuki was not even sure what engine configuration they would use. I would think that they would have learned from Ducati that you should not develop a bike in a hurry. Nothing is impossible, but I'm not sure if the end justifies the means.

exactly why a wildcard 1 off ride against the competition would be a great measuring stick to see where they are in development...

[duccarlos]

No matter the planning by motogp, I think Europe could financially implode by next year, with Spain and Italy being the hardest hit.  Repsol might be doing good just to be in business and not bought up.

mitt

They actually mentioned this on the broadcast as one of the reasons that MotoGP will likely have a round in April in Argentina. 2 rounds in Spain will likely disappear. Repsol will be fine, but having 2 Spanish riders might put them in better marketing position.

[gm2]

But at what cost? From the article I read a few weeks ago, where they showed the spy photo, it sounded like Suzuki was not even sure what engine configuration they would use. I would think that they would have learned from Ducati that you should not develop a bike in a hurry. Nothing is impossible, but I'm not sure if the end justifies the means.

or the press wasn't sure.

remember that the factory had a 1000 prototype ~complete before the accountants pulled the plug.

[gm2]

Ok, maybe I had a brainfart and just forgot the "oh, that's why Rossi can't ride for Repsol!" explanation. . . but why wouldn't Repsol want Rossi over Pedrosa?  Here's all I can come up with . . .

1.  Rossi will be significantly more expensive, but he's worth a ton more in marketing, even to Spaniards.  And they'll have Marquez, who is Spanish.

2.  Rossi talked shit about them after 2003 and they hold a grudge.

Is that it?!?  If so, snatch him up.

while they have already publicly softened on this point, don't underestimate #2.  shame in the japanese culture is a giant button.

but - HRC is a racing company.  and they hate not winning.  which is why i think there's all the talk about a new team of his own on factory honda machinery.  they get to win + they get to cut the corner on having him 'back'.

[Jester]

I read that they are limiting manufacturers to 4 bikes total next year.  So it looks like Rossi running his own team is gone.

[gm2]

I read that they are limiting manufacturers to 4 bikes total next year.  So it looks like Rossi running his own team is gone.

except that carmelo (?! - so odd, at this point in the season) is talking about rossi on a competitive bike next year.  so that rule will have an asterisk.. or something.

[duccarlos]

Unless they give the Turd da boot

[zooom]

Unless they give the Turd da boot

which means giving Puig the boot as well, which would make HRC happy...

[gm2]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/181371/1/lorenzo_no_wall_if_rossi_returns_to_yamaha.html

[ducpainter]

which means giving Puig the boot as well, which would make HRC happy...

That would make everyone happy...

[DanTheMan]

Looks like rookie rule is officially gone.

[OT]

I read that they are limiting manufacturers to 4 bikes total next year.  So it looks like Rossi running his own team is gone.

MotoCRT.....



Ducati throwing in the towel....?

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/ducati-engine-only-hope-keep-145505347.html



I say Rossi to Honda...he still has Agostini's totals in his sights and has two years without a win to make up for..

[koko64]

More Rossi throwing in the towel with Ducati and justifying his move.