Rumour Mill 09/10

[Mach24]

Is John Hopkins returning in 2010 and does he have a ride? Will there be new commentators for WSBK? - just wishful thinking on my part I know, but please post the minute there's a teeniest hint of a change.

I guess the WSBK future of Little Johnny Hopper hinges on Stiggy.

If, and it appears a big IF, Stiggy return, I am sure they will be looking at Hopper.

There are 2 video clips posted on youtube by Hopper's wife Ashleigh. Part 2 clip shows the damage he sustained to his hand ....well have a look. Really feel for the guy. http://www.youtube.com/user/ashleigh7leo

[Roby44]

It is a great lineup but I reckon all the Japanese manufacturers have great lineups.
Ten Kate Honda - Jonathon Rea, Max Neukirchner
Yamaha WSB - James Toseland, Cal Crutchlow
Alstare Suzuki - Silvain Guintoli, Leon Haslam
PBR Kawasaki - Chris Vermeulen, Tom Sykes

The Euro brands are also strong with Ducati (as always) the pick of them.
Xerox Ducati - Nori Haga, Michel Fabrizio
WSB Aprilia - Max Biaggi, Shinya Nakano(?)
BMW Motorrad - Troy Corser, Ruben Xaus

Is it possible that next year could be even better than this year? I hope so!

Shinya Nakano has announced his retirement from racing......

[NinjaMaster]

Shinya Nakano has announced his retirement from racing......

Yes, Leon Camier would be the obvious (and deserving) replacement given his Portimao results - racing and testing.

[Rod Richardson]

It's no rumour but Godbye to Buell video

http://bikerpunks.com/category/2/vid...isttype=newest

[Corny]

Ducati's testrider will be the teammanager next year of the factory Ducati team

And now rumours tell that Livio Suppo will move to HRC.. That would be a good step for HRC IMO

So, where to for Tardozzi then? We won't know the truth of whether he was being pressured to "manage" Fabrizio to aid Nori Haga's championship bid, it's certainly not what Haga wanted. Maybe Tardozzi's motivation wasn't the same after Bayliss left, but anyway his departure from Ducati could be another team's gain.

[STU69]

Definately some mouthwatering lineups next season and even more changes to come in year after with Rossi sayind he wont be teammates with Jorge in 2011! Anyone got any ideas on dates of WSBK calendar release for 2010?

[Roby44]

Phillip ISland 26th to 28th February 2010

[Rod Richardson]

Article appeared on crash.net site

MOTOGP »
Rossi: It's me or Lorenzo at Yamaha in 2011!
During an interview with the BBC, Valentino Rossi warned that Yamaha must choose between keeping him or team-mate Jorge Lorenzo for the 2011 MotoGP season.

"Yamaha have to decide between me and Jorge for 2011," he said. "I have a great option to join Ducati."

Lorenzo has been Rossi's closest rival this year, only losing the title to the nine time world champion at the penultimate round of the season.

Rossi has repeatedly stated his displeasure at developing a bike that will also benefit his closest championship rival. 2009 marks the first time that Rossi's team-mate has finished second in the championship.

Both Rossi and Lorenzo will remain at Fiat Yamaha next season.