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MotoGP: Who's going where in 2009? - The latest
By Visordown News
NICKY HAYDEN is expected to be announced as Casey Stoner's Ducati team-mate for next year. According to his management team (the rider was absent from Brno), though a few details remain to be finalised, the contract is all but completed. It's a risk, Hayden has admitted in the past. “Seems it's a bike that only Stoner can ride fast.” But Honda has made it clear he has no place in the factory Repsol team next year, and he is unwilling to downgrade to a satellite machine. His place alongside Dani Pedrosa in the Repsol-backed factory team is expected to go Andrea Dovizioso.
Ben Spies is close to signing up with the satellite Gresini Honda team, with Honda US contributing to the Italian team's budget in return. According to Spies manager Doug Gonda: “There are discussions, and things are moving fairly rapidly right now. But there are some decisions that are beyond out control. We hope to know in about ten days.” Asked why Suzuki was not trying harder to keep him, he said: “That's hard to figure. They tell me they'd like to keep him, but they haven't indicated to me how they would like to do it. There's been no firm offer.”
This would leave Alex de Angelis looking for a job. One possible slot might be that vacated by Dovizioso, but the San Marino rider will have to adjust his asking price - one reason why the cash-strapped Gresini team are prepared to let him go.
Shinya Nakano is expected to stay with the team next year, as Honda's nominee … unless he is taken back to Japan as a test rider.
Rizla Suzuki is close to completing contract renewal with Loris Capirossi, who will stay with the team for a second year. But Chris Vermeulen's position is still under negotiation, with no guarantees he will stay.
“It's not clear yet,” said team manager Paul Denning. “It's based on Suzuki's approval from Japan. We have a strong understanding that he is under consideration. “Chris is the only rider to win a four-stroke GP on a Suzuki, and has been on the podium wet and dry. He's very likeable, and his career path has been one of steady progress.” This being so, why not sign him up at once? “Team Suzuki and the Suzuki corporation are not the same. My recommendation is that Chris is one of the best options we have. The decision is Suzuki company's.”
It is understood that a clause in this year's contract required him to be in the top six by the mid-point, whereas he is in fact seventh. But rumours that his contract will be terminated were, said Denning: “at this point, very premature. There are certain conditions that might change things.”
As for Ben Spies, he was under consideration, if a place became available. “The factory has been dealing with Ben and his management more than I have,” he said.
Yamaha is all settled: Valentino recently signed for two more years and Lorenzo has a year to run. Both Tech 3 riders are also contracted to stay next year.
Veteran Sete Gibernau is a surprise candidate for the second Kawasaki seat. The Spanish rider is currently on a second sabbatical year, after being dropped by Ducati in favour of Stoner, but has been testing effectively for the Ducati factory.
Another strong possibility to replace Anthony West is Marco Melandri, after Dovizioso rejected the green team's advances. John Hopkins has one more year of his contract to run, but the team is seeking a replacement for Anthony West. But the Australian rider, who has struggled to find form, may stay with Kawasaki, riding the factory-backed World 600 Supersport machine.
It would surprise me if Vermeulen were to part ways with Suzuki, I would've thought Capirosi was the one on the bubble. But they are ready to re-sign him.
I think Nicky is playing with his cards tight to his chest because of wording in his contract that forbids him from openly discussing any negotiations. I hope the rumors are true with Ducati, that bike may be the best fit for him.
__________________
For as dumb as you are, even you will remember this. - Lee Ving/ Fear
Ever feel you've been cheated? - Johnny Rotten
I go Beltway blitzin' on my mad mofo musclebike WFO. Its a true choice, a god-like experience if you will. The thought that I could buy the farm in a spectacular fireball...................well, that gives me a stiffie! Tesco Vee/The Meatmen
__________________ my resume Book Collection: Idiots Guide to Motorcycles, Total Control, A Twist of the Wrist, A Twist of the Wrist Volume 2, Smooth Riding The Pridmore Way, Sport Riding Techniques, Riding in the Zone TEAM ALFALFA.
not sure how much more successful Hayden will be on the Ducati than the Honda. its a new bike, its built around another rider (Stoner), there is nothing similar betwen the GP08 and any of the RCv bikes Hayden has rode, new team, new management and different tires. he's basically starting over from ground zero. i'll bet Casey is less interested than Pedrosa in sharing data with Hayden.
anyone who thinks this will translate into Hayden winning another championship keep this in mind. the only modern day riders who one championships on two makes are Rossi, Lawson and Agostini.
Look how they treated Rossi??? Honda wants to be the boss no matter who's piloting and how well they're doing for them and the team.
For the first part of your comment: it's funny that Honda took a run at Rossi before he re-signed with Yamaha.
And the way Honda treats their riders, they're a perfect match for Michellin, who won't listen to the riders either.
__________________
For as dumb as you are, even you will remember this. - Lee Ving/ Fear
Ever feel you've been cheated? - Johnny Rotten
I go Beltway blitzin' on my mad mofo musclebike WFO. Its a true choice, a god-like experience if you will. The thought that I could buy the farm in a spectacular fireball...................well, that gives me a stiffie! Tesco Vee/The Meatmen
Malik, in all honesty you're right. It definitely isn't going to be a walk in the park if Nicky does wind up at Ducati, but right now as it stands, Ducati would be the best fit for Nicky.
BTW, MCN is reporting that Nicky will sign with Ducati at Misano. They say they're very sure of this.
It would've been cool to see Spies on the Suzuki, but apparently he scared them by asking too much for his services.
If Vermeulen left Suzuki, he'd probably end up back in WSB. I think JIR Team Scot may have an open seat, but that team may implode.
__________________
For as dumb as you are, even you will remember this. - Lee Ving/ Fear
Ever feel you've been cheated? - Johnny Rotten
I go Beltway blitzin' on my mad mofo musclebike WFO. Its a true choice, a god-like experience if you will. The thought that I could buy the farm in a spectacular fireball...................well, that gives me a stiffie! Tesco Vee/The Meatmen
Malik, in all honesty you're right. It definitely isn't going to be a walk in the park if Nicky does wind up at Ducati, but right now as it stands, Ducati would be the best fit for Nicky.
BTW, MCN is reporting that Nicky will sign with Ducati at Misano. They say they're very sure of this.
It would've been cool to see Spies on the Suzuki, but apparently he scared them by asking too much for his services.
If Vermeulen left Suzuki, he'd probably end up back in WSB. I think JIR Team Scot may have an open seat, but that team may implode.
It would be cool to see Hayden on the Duc.
It would be a shame to see Vermeulen leave MotoGP because nobody is smart enough to give him a spot. He clearly has enough ability to be competitive; I was very impressed with his riding at the Laguna Seca MotoGP.
PhilB
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'93 Ducati Monster 900
165,000 miles (so far)
^^ Yeah, I think Vermeulen has shown more this year than Capirossi. From what I'm reading, it sounds like Suzuki is going to re-sign Vermeulen, they may change a few details in his contract, but it doesn't really sound like he's going anywhere.
__________________
For as dumb as you are, even you will remember this. - Lee Ving/ Fear
Ever feel you've been cheated? - Johnny Rotten
I go Beltway blitzin' on my mad mofo musclebike WFO. Its a true choice, a god-like experience if you will. The thought that I could buy the farm in a spectacular fireball...................well, that gives me a stiffie! Tesco Vee/The Meatmen
MotoGp news on Nicky, Ben, Anthony, etc.
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