Should Ducati replace Marco now, and if so, with who? [merged]

[neninja]

Marco was slowest in morning warm up today - 4.5s slower than Stoner and 2.5 slower than Elias in the Alice Ducati (on a dry track). In fact he was lapping slower than the British Superbike front runners from earlier in the year on Pirelli control tyres (which in themselves are probably worth at least 1.5s)

Ducati should give him his marching orders with or without a replacement

[maxu05]

Poor old Marco. He is such a great rider, but just can't get used to the duke. He should have stayed put on the Gresini Honda IMO.

[fatman]

Marco marco marco.. where art thou marco ?

[Ranger]

It's becoming increasingly obvious that Marco won't be at Ducati next year. 3 seconds per lap difference means something don't gel here. Fortunately he has respectable achievements to lean back on, so he'll probably find another ride next year.

So... who's gonna replace him? Who's off-contract for next year?

Personally I'd get any possible replacement testing that Duc before they sign a contract (if that's possible). That way there won't find out too late that the combination is a dud.

[NinjaMaster]

I think everyone is aware and agrees that Marco is an enormous talent, an absolute class act, but his current situation is becoming increasingly bleak and pointless. The bike is clearly capable of so much more than Marco can get it to deliver when he is even outpaced by the Ducati test riders during tests. We are now at the season mid-point with no sign of improvement and I think for all parties that it would be best if he moved aside within the next couple of rounds for Canepa to gain experience.

[tha_jackal]

Melandri should be replaced by Evil Kenivel Jnr, whats his name? Robby or sum .. Yer, he could do a better job than a multiple MotoGP race winner.. Sheeshh, dont get me started..

[tha_jackal]

Should Ducati Replace Melandri Now? Uhm, NO! With who? Gibbernever? I think it's blatantly obvious that the GP8 is a very particular machine that only one massively insane Aussie rider can get the most out of.. Full ing stop...

[T-D]

troy bayliss.

seriously, it's gotta be nicky hayden.

[NinjaMaster]

Should Ducati Replace Melandri Now? Uhm, NO! With who? Gibbernever? I think it's blatantly obvious that the GP8 is a very particular machine that only one massively insane Aussie rider can get the most out of.. Full ing stop...

And that's the major sticking point, who would replace him and do a better job. The only guy I can think of who would be worthwhile trialling is Nicolo Canepa. Melandri would probably be the worlds most expensive test rider in history! The dilemma for Ducati is that Melandri shows no signs of any improvement in the near or distant future.

[ChrisS]

Nicky Hayden looks most likely to ride for Ducati next season

I read a rumour that Sete will ride a factory spec bike for Alice/d'Antin and Aspar team will get the 4th Ducati