Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. American 2008 WR250X-2009 ZX6-R -2005 ZX6-R Track Bike
Posts: 3,525
Official MotoGP Drama Thread SPOILERS!!!!
So I figured I'd start a thread to discuss any drama related to MotoGP, in particular what riders will go where.
So here are a few topics to get things:
1. Will Rossi stay with Yamaha? There seems to be a new golden boy in the garage in the form of Lorenzo, is there enough room for 2 #1 riders. That, combined with the whole differenent tire manufacturers could begin to be a strain for Yamaha.
2. When and where will Ben Spies move to MotoGP. He's said he definetely wants to make the move, and I think he is as ready as he will ever be. It appeared to be a done deal that he would be coming to Suzuki in 09 for a factory ride, but I've also read about trouble with the sponsor wanting a spanish rider instead of the american.
3. Will Hayden leave Honda? This has been rumored for years. The HRC spot is widely coveted, and Hayden has had his critics since day one. Despite winning Honda it's most recent championship, it's widely known that he still isn't their number one rider. And with Dovisioso looking impressive so far, it seems very plausible for HRC to look to another young gun from the 250 school. It was thought Hayden might move to Ducati in 08, until he finally resigned for this season. But what about 09? Melandri doesn't seem to be a good fit for the Ducati, but if anyone else besides Stoner can tame the beast, it's gotta be Hayden. Supposedly their riding styles are pretty similar.
4. Who will replace Ant West at Kawi? Of course it hasn't been determined that West will be released, but I can't imagine them putting up with the poor performances he has had so far this year much longer. Kawi has been throwig a ton of resources into their program to become competitive. I suspect they will go after another big name to compliment Hopkins. So who will it be? Marco? Hayden? Spies? Rossi? Sounds crazy, but they are all possible candidates.
5. Will Edwards leave GP? Before the season started, it was reported that this would be his last year in GP, witha move to AMA likely. But it appears he has gotten some renewed motivation recently. He is saying he wants to stay, and with his performance so far this season, I'd imagine he would be able to find a ride, even if the Tech team wanted to release him.
6. Who is the next young gun to immerge from 250? It looks like the talented Bautista is prime to make the move. Haven't heard anything specific about him, but there has to be some talking going on.
Ok, that's all I have for now. A bit more than I planned on bringing up, but I get carried away with this stuff. I love it. It's like my version of a soap opera since I don't watch any of that crap on tv.
1. Will Rossi stay with Yamaha? There seems to be a new golden boy in the garage in the form of Lorenzo, is there enough room for 2 #1 riders. That, combined with the whole differenent tire manufacturers could begin to be a strain for Yamaha.
Yah there are rumours that he will get choked out sponsorship wise because of Telefonica. But regardless, the past two races show him in top form. It's prolly too early to tell what will happen. But as of now Rossi IS MotoGP, whether he wins or not...people WANT to see him
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2. When and where will Ben Spies move to MotoGP. He's said he definetely wants to make the move, and I think he is as ready as he will ever be. It appeared to be a done deal that he would be coming to Suzuki in 09 for a factory ride, but I've also read about trouble with the sponsor wanting a spanish rider instead of the american.
I'm real curious to see how he does at Laguna and Indy MotoGP's.
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3. Will Hayden leave Honda? This has been rumored for years. The HRC spot is widely coveted, and Hayden has had his critics since day one. Despite winning Honda it's most recent championship, it's widely known that he still isn't their number one rider. And with Dovisioso looking impressive so far, it seems very plausible for HRC to look to another young gun from the 250 school.
I like Dovi...hope he continues to do well
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4. Who will replace Ant West at Kawi? Of course it hasn't been determined that West will be released, but I can't imagine them putting up with the poor performances he has had so far this year much longer. Kawi has been throwig a ton of resources into their program to become competitive. I suspect they will go after another big name to compliment Hopkins. So who will it be? Marco? Hayden? Spies? Rossi? Sounds crazy, but they are all possible candidates.
Marco seems like a likely reality. I like Vermulean...but dunno if he is available.
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5. Will Edwards leave GP? Before the season started, it was reported that this would be his last year in GP, witha move to AMA likely. But it appears he has gotten some renewed motivation recently. He is saying he wants to stay, and with his performance so far this season, I'd imagine he would be able to find a ride, even if the Tech team wanted to release him.
I think Tech Trois will bend over backwards for him if he continues this trek. One thing about him though is that he does make simple mistakes during races that cost him placement. If he can stay focused he could def place 3rd or 4th this year in the championship
You just reminded me about an article about the 250. Lemme go post it
__________________ "I always feel a little better after a ride" ~49k miles so far
1) If Rossi doesn't win the title back this season, he'll retire I think. He's nearing the end of his career and has said that he would like to retire from Yamaha, but I think he sees the writing on the wall. if he secures the title again, then I say he'll be back for one more year, but if not, he'll be done. he likes to win and hates to lose or play second fiddle. Lorenzo is Yamaha's new golden boy. I don't like his personality but I have to give him props as a rider.
2) I agree, we'll have to see what he does as the wild card in those races, but I think Loris will retire after this season with suzuki. Sure he's said he feels like he has one or two more seasons in him, but he hasn't exactly wowed anyone since joining Suzuki, neither has Vermulen for that matter. Spies could bring some fresh ideas to the package.
3) I hope Hayden does leave Honda at the end of this season. I'd say either Kawi or Ducati, but something about seeing him in the ubiuquitous red suit, I can't see it. He may be the only one to bring BOTH Ducati's to the level that Dingo is at since he's proved that he's the only one who can ride the thing. Loris was dissapointing last season and Marco is abyssmal this season with it. Dingo's package this year certainly hasn't been what it was in 07.
4) I agree, Melandri, or maybe Nicky Hayden. I seriously doubt RL Hayden would ever get a bump up to MotoGP. Sure he does the wildcard rides but with his injury hopefully he will still participate.
5) If he continues on his trend, Tech 3 would be dumb to drop him. He's a great test/development rider. Sure he does choke a lot in the race but they should stick with him. He said he want's to stay for another year at least. I'd give him one more year and then I see him going to AMA or back to WSBK.
6) Bautista, but i admit that I don't follow the 125 or 250 that much. Maybe the finnish guy from KTM, he's seemed pretty decent if you ask me.
strat1701, so you think Edwards would really go back to AMA? Has anyone ever done that? Would seem kinda like a wuss out thing to do right? Kinda like Kobe Bryant going back to college to play. WSBK seems more side-steppish
__________________ "I always feel a little better after a ride" ~49k miles so far
strat1701, so you think Edwards would really go back to AMA? Has anyone ever done that? Would seem kinda like a wuss out thing to do right? Kinda like Kobe Bryant going back to college to play. WSBK seems more side-steppish
Mladin did it. Of course, it wasn't known as "MotoGP" at the time. But yeah, Grand Prix >> AMA is a huge step back and WSBK is a lot more competitive than AMA, IMO.
__________________
"never underestimate the power of denial" -Ricky
Location: East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States.
Posts: 403
Do you guys remember hearing in the begining of the season that Hayden was still riding last years bike? Something about waiting for parts for his new bike. While Pedrosa had an entirely new bike for the 08 season.
yeah HRC is royally sticking it to Hayden if you ask me. Yes I believe in Qatar he had certain components of the 07 bike while Mini me had more newer components. Neither will agree to 'race' the pnuematic valve engine live in a race, which is why HRC is having a wild card rider in Mugello who will run a Honda RC212v with the pnuematic valves. remember what happened last year when Yamaha made rossi use the pnuematic valve engine at the GP of San marino? HRC is tooling their bike around their number 1 rider, Pedrosa. Even when Hayden was HRC's number 1 rider, he was still the testing guinea pig. How else in 06 could he have had the mech issues he did with his clutch all season long. They (HRC) saw mini me's potential and didn't want him not making points that season (06) so HRC could have an excellent shot at the title. They won it, but undoubtably focused all of their attention onto mini me for 07 and definetly now this season. Hayden I hope he leaves them soon. He would probably fit the Ducati well but I can't see him in a red suit. I think he'd be better at Kawi but I don't think he and Hopper get along that much.
Official MotoGP Drama Thread SPOILERS!!!!
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