Rumours Mills 2008/09 [Archive]

2nd June 2008, 17:34

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jonny hurlock

4th June 2008, 21:25

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/164227-0/new_sponsor_to_fund_rossi_pay_rise.html

there is a possible rumour that yamaha will be sponsored by telefonia next season?

maxu05

5th June 2008, 02:38

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/164227-0/new_sponsor_to_fund_rossi_pay_rise.html

there is a possible rumour that yamaha will be sponsored by telefonia next season?

Perhaps Yamaha are trying to offset the cost of re hiring Rossi ? It makes sense, as some of the other manufacturers may be keen to get Rossi on board, and would be throwing some cash about to lure him. Yamaha would be trying hard to retain him, but want some more sponsors to help foot the bill.

jonny hurlock

6th June 2008, 02:18

aspar and ducati may team up for motogp in 09?

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/164405-0/aspar_turns_to_ducati.html

ChrisS

6th June 2008, 13:20

Perhaps Yamaha are trying to offset the cost of re hiring Rossi ? It makes sense, as some of the other manufacturers may be keen to get Rossi on board, and would be throwing some cash about to lure him. Yamaha would be trying hard to retain him, but want some more sponsors to help foot the bill.

Telefonica are there mainly because of Lorenzo, they always sponsored Spanish riders. Rossi is a "bonus"

jonny hurlock

8th June 2008, 12:54

I heard a rumour that marco melandri at ducati could be replace by Sete Gibernau!!! or alex barros for the rest of this season!

NinjaMaster

8th June 2008, 15:12

I find the Gibernau one very hard to believe. Barros would be more possible but still highly unlikely I would think. I don't think they will replace Marco til season's end unless they can test someone who proves to be faster on the bike.

Roby44

9th June 2008, 02:36

Sete back in motoGP on a Ducati!!

I'd like to see that.. Sete and KC as team mates... :eek: :eek: Crikey!!

Sete was at the track this weekend..maybe he was talking "comeback"

Wasn't there some talk of Marco "buying" his way out of his Ducati contract..

Roby44

9th June 2008, 07:02

Kawasaki closing in on 2009 MotoGP targets

By Matthew Birt (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/)
MotoGP
04 June 2008 13:19

will have whittled a 2009 rider shopping list down to just two riders after this weekend’s Catalunya MotoGP in Barcelona.
A short list of five riders, including struggling Aussie Anthony West, has been compiled and a final decision on who will partner John Hopkins in 2009 will be taken after the Dutch MotoGP in Assen at the end of June.
Colin Edwards is believed to be one name on Kawasaki’s hit list (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100643), with Chris Vermeulen and Andrea Dovizioso believed to be other targets.
Kawasaki team boss Michael Bartholemy refused to confirm any names in Mugello last weekend, but told MCN: “The list is finished and the final selection will be finished on Monday after Catalunya.
“We want to be down to two names by then. After Assen I will go to Japan and then we can decide.”
With Kawasaki (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100331) still to commit to running a third motorbike in 2009, Bartholemy denied Edwards would be shrugged aside if the factory remained a two-rider effort.
Some Kawasaki (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100313) management are believed to oppose to having two American riders, but Bartholemy added: “It is not a big advantage for the market to have two American riders but if our management says its okay for us I think he is very good to develop a bike and he has a lot of experience.
“I think that would be a benefit for us but we haven’t talked about money and signing. But he could be interested and I said to him we could be interested in having a rider with his experience.”
Edwards began tentative discussions with Kawasaki in Le Mans last month.

Roby44

9th June 2008, 07:06

Tech 3 Yamaha cool on Ben Spies link

By Matthew Birt (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/)
MotoGP
03 June 2008 18:30

Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal has played down speculation that he would look at signing reigning American Superbike champion Ben Spies (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100697) if Colin Edwards departed from the Tech 3 team.
Poncharal is desperate to retain Edwards alongside fellow double World Superbike champion James Toseland in 2009, but the Texan has already held preliminary talks with Kawasaki’s factory squad.
Poncharal hasn’t targeted any potential replacements yet while he tries to secure a deal to retain Edwards (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100798), who is currently fifth in the world championship standings.
Poncharal met with Yamaha bosses again last weekend in Mugello to further discuss 2009, but while he confirmed Spies had made contact, no recent talks had taken place.
The Tech 3 Yamaha boss though would consider Spies (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100410) as a serious option if Edwards (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100643) moved, he confirmed to MCN.
“If Colin (Edwards) did leave the 250 class has been emptied of its main strengths with Dani (Pedrosa),Casey (Stoner (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared/PageTemplates/Article.aspx?id=100797)), Andrea (Dovizioso), and Jorge (Lorenzo) all leaving.
“Now I think the 250 class has to rebuild strong talent to provide riders in the future and it will happen. I think Alvaro Bautista is clearly the main guy at the moment that could switch to MotoGP, but from what I have been told he is very much linked with Jorge Martinez.
“Marco Simoncelli is a good prospect but he needs at least one more year. We know that Ben is young and he is fast. I met him last year in Valencia.
“I know he has a big interest to come to MotoGP, ideally with Suzuki, but he is checking other options. One of them could be Ducati (http://www.ducati.com/) and if Colin would leave then Ben could be a candidate for sure and somebody we would look at. But I don’t want to talk to anybody because I want to keep Colin.”
See more on Edwards’ and Spies’ 2009 prospects in tomorrow’s MCN, out Wednesday, June 4, 2008

jonny hurlock

26th June 2008, 17:01

rubens xaus will be with BMW next season in the Wsb for a two year deal

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/165434-0/xaus_signs_for_bmw!.html

jonny hurlock

26th June 2008, 17:01

nicky hayden to ducati next season as a rumour what i heard on the bbc on sunday

neninja

26th June 2008, 17:30

Corser is rumoured to be the 2nd rider in the BMW team

tha_jackal

27th June 2008, 14:47

NinjaMaster

27th June 2008, 15:17

West joining Haga at Yamaha sure would be nice with Corser developing the BMW into a race winner. Sounds good to me. Who will join Hoffman at Aprilia (assuming he's already their rider)? WSB gets more exciting every year I reckon.

vivaldi

28th June 2008, 15:47

Xaus in action!!

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11872_6.jpg
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11874_6.jpg
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11876_6.jpg
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11875_6.jpg
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11873_6.jpg

The pictures are from motorsport-aktuell.com

NinjaMaster

28th June 2008, 16:11

Is that really Xaus? Doesn't look like him to me and I'd be surprised if Ducati/Sterilgarda would be so keen to allow him to test the BMW during the middle of the racing season. Courtesy's usually don't extend that far!

vivaldi

28th June 2008, 16:52

One of the riders is Kevin Courtain!!!

Mach24

29th June 2008, 00:35

Steve Martin and Kevin Curtain

Roby44

29th June 2008, 05:01

Westy to take either a factory Yam WSBK seat next year, or the Aprilia WSBK ride (after letting him down so many times in 250cc) .. He needs something after Kawasaki have let both he and Hopper down so badly this year..

Ant did really well there though didn't he as replacement rider for Kevin last year. So maybe he will go back and do very well..

But he really wanted to be in MotoGP didn't he??

What a decision for him to have to make and at this time of the year for it to be out there swirling about..

No wonder some of these riders get "confused" mid year... :confused:

Roby44

29th June 2008, 05:02

Xaus in action!!

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11872_6.jpg
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/images_msa/11874_6.jpg

The pictures are from motorsport-aktuell.com

Love the black....

29th June 2008, 06:56

Rider with the black lid, sharp facial features like Kev Curtain and black & white boots has to be Ruben Xaus. (Kev Curtain is under contract to Trinder Bros /MV Agusta in Aus.)
The other rider depicted with the multi-coloured lid and the red on his boots riding the bike with the yellow logo on the side of the muffler and sitting in the garage appears to be Steve Martin.

maxu05

4th July 2008, 13:20

Where are you mx11 ? We need rumors Matt :D

tha_jackal

4th July 2008, 13:31

Here's some rumours, from over at motogpmatters.com

- Kallio to D'antin Ducati next year.
- Vermeulen to Tech 3 next year, either that or Xerox Ducati.
- Gibernau to take over on the Ducati from Brno onwards.
- Chaz Davies to ride the ZX-RR at Laguna Seca.

Anyone else heard anything new?

NinjaMaster

4th July 2008, 13:35

AMA Superbike riders Jamie Hacking and Roger Lee Hayden also in line for Laguna wildcard (if RL is fit).
I had wondered about Vermeulen to Tech 3. Marco would be a chance to I would think.
Forwarding on from Marco losing his ride at Brno, MCN (believe at your own peril) report that he may be on a Kwak, either still filling in for Hopkins or a 3rd bike with a contract for 2009.

ArmchairBikeFan

4th July 2008, 15:28

D'Antin would be a kiss of death for Kallio, he should be going to a proper team.

Can't see Edwards getting the boot from Tech 3, especially since it's basically a Michelin-funded team and Edwards it their blue-eyed boy, taking a pole position and being a regular podium challenger.

Gibernau to Marlboro Ducati from Brno onwards sounds fair enough.

As I understand it, the Kwaka wildcard deal for Laguna is off. Can't remember where I read that, though.

Corny

4th July 2008, 15:57

BTW, Formula one will host the British GP on Donington from 2010 on.. I've red that they will rebuild the circuit, I hope for formula one that they will make it longer, because it's far too short for F1 right now..

Does this bring MotoGP back to Silverstone again? We'll see

maxu05

4th July 2008, 22:49

It's being considered that Silverstone could replace Donington, but I think it would be another boring track for bikes. Doningtons facilities are said to be terrible, but, at least the track has character.

Roby44

5th July 2008, 05:00

JIR Scot Honda target Nicky Hayden
By Matthew Birt

Despite intense rumours that Nicky Hayden has already penned a deal with Ducati’s factory squad, JIR Scot Honda bosses want the American in 2009 in a swap deal with current rider Andrea Dovizioso.

Virtually resigned at losing former world 125 champion Dovizoso to the Repsol-backed factory team, JIR Scot Honda boss Gianluca Montiron wants Hayden in return, even though he is certain to join reigning world champion Casey Stoner at Ducati.

Montiron will submit his proposals for 2009 to Honda management at the end of July, with another aim to persuade HRC to run a third factory RC212V outside of the official team that currently runs Dani Pedrosa and Hayden.

HRC operated the same policy in 2004 with Sete Gibernau and Fausto Gresini’s squad and a repeat would allow Montiron to hold onto prize asset Dovizioso.

“This team was created to work with a young rider for the next three or four years. That plan includes Andrea. I am talking with Honda and a third factory bike might be an option. Why not?

"This could be a way for me to keep Andrea and Honda gets him on a factory bike without moving him. If this doesn’t happen then I would like Nicky in return, “said Montiron.

Roby44

5th July 2008, 06:10

MCN

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/IMG_6319.jpg

Corny

5th July 2008, 09:31

D'Antin would be a kiss of death for Kallio, he should be going to a proper team.

I'm sure if he would be an Italian or a Spaniard, he could race for one of the top teams..

8th July 2008, 09:52

Quote attributed to Peter Mueller of BMW from WSBK website yesterday

"We are speaking with many other riders not just Troy Corser because at the end we do not know who will sign," said Mueller. "But I think it will be an experienced rider because we are new in this game and other teams have great experience, so having a proven Superbike rider would be useful for us. We are talking to some other riders, but in September we want to have everything in place."

ArmchairBikeFan

8th July 2008, 12:45

Everybody knows that BMW would be crazy not to hire Corser to develop the bike. I reckon they just said that to warn Troy that he can't demand the moon on a stick, he could price himself out of the market. Surely they'll come to some agreement, though.

maxu05

9th July 2008, 05:57

If I was BMW, I would start a new trend. I would offer the riders a base salary for the year and the riders would get a bonus amount for the place they finish. As an example;
$3 million for the year
$100,000 for a win
$60,000 for second
$30,000 for third
etc
etc
etc.
I don't know what most riders get for a contract, I am just using a rough example of how it could work. My point is made because of what I see with the Melandri situation. He, or his manager, asked for this much cash for the contract, as he was in the top 5 riders in the paddock, and he was expected to perform at a certain level. Well we all now know how Marco has faired this year. Why should Marco get the rest of this years pay, plus a percentage of next years pay when he has not done the job, and his team mate is a race winner on the same bike for less pay ? Bring in performance bonuses. If a rider approached my team saying that he was so good, I would say, "Prove it with results, and the money will come". If I was in third place, and second place was 2 tenths in front of me, if I overtake and get second place I double my pay for the weekend. I would ride a lot harder I bet. Just an idea :)

leopard

9th July 2008, 08:04

The idea is good. :)

This might have tendency not to teach the riders certain level of loyalties to teams. They would do at their utmost for the money, not because they perform the job as they are part of community and each personal have their own tasks all of which would do the job with pride.

Incidental bonuses maybe a way-out, team may give riders incentive once they can perform their job exceeding certain minimum target, contract can mention the rules or enough a verbal agreement, but the number is not mentioned explicitly therein.

ChrisS

9th July 2008, 10:06

Thats not a new trend. performance bonuses are common practise for unproven riders.

13th July 2008, 06:12

Harley Davidson has apparently signed to purchase 100% of the shares in MV Agusta/Cagiva and deal should be finalised in several weeks.
Could be interesting to see how things unfold over the remainder of the year.
On the Aussie scene, Kev Curtain's finishing positions on Trinder's MV Augusta are on the improve. Scored 2 x fifth placings at Lakeside Queensland yesterday.

Mach24

14th July 2008, 08:07

Scored 2 x fifth placings at Lakeside Queensland yesterday.

Lakeside closed many years back, the racing was at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich.

14th July 2008, 08:18

Lakeside closed many years back, the racing was at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich.

Ahhh well...........Another case of my fingers going faster than my brain....shows how old I am. I can't remember when I last forgot anything. :grenade: :grenade:

ChrisS

14th July 2008, 13:18

So HD Agusta then, I wonder what they will do with the 2 extra exhaust pipes on the F4 :p

racer69

16th July 2008, 08:19

Ahhh well...........Another case of my fingers going faster than my brain....shows how old I am. I can't remember when I last forgot anything. :grenade: :grenade:

DOn't worry, its much better to think of them racing at Lakeside than watching them at QR (not that i think QR is that bad of a track, just that Lakeside was one of the best in Australia, even with the motorcycle bus stop they had round the back)

Roby44

16th July 2008, 08:57

Lakeside.....I can remember that!! :eek:

Team Stranglers... :p

neninja

19th July 2008, 10:38

Yamaha have confirmed that Rossi has signed a new contract

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080718j.htm

T-D

19th July 2008, 13:58

anyone else hear about the toni elias to wsbk yamaha italia replacing corser?

jonny hurlock

20th July 2008, 01:40

anyone else hear about the toni elias to wsbk yamaha italia replacing corser?
interesting, his not had a good season on the alice team this season at all

http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/07/18/edwards-extends-yamaha-contract/

glad to see edwards staying on the tech3 yahama for the near future

26th July 2008, 08:57

I missed this article in June but thought it may be of interest to members.

Damo Cudlin Wins on Weird Prototype Kalex AV1 Scores Pole and Victory in Pro Thunder... World Endurance regular Damian Cudlin has been filling his time between endurance races by competing – with some success – in the IDM German Supersport Championship. After this weekend, he can also add “winning Pro Thunder races” to his cv. http://www.race24.com/news/news08061101.jpg Damian gave the prototype Kalex AV1 it’s dream road race debut with pole position and the race win at the first round of the German Pro Thunder Championships at Schliez. The AV1 uses an Aprillia Mille engine, but the the KALEX engineering company have designed and built the rest of the machine from the ground up. The bike uses a computer designed frame, swingingarm, and Carbon Fibre body. Cudlin has taken on a development role in the team and he surprised the paddock with the new bike's rapid increase of speed. After a timid start, the KALEX team transformed the bike over the practice sessions as Cudlin got comfortable with the unique machine. http://www.race24.com/news/news08061103.jpg “This bike is really unlike anything else I’ve ever ridden. It’s incredibly light weight and it’s braking power is mind blowing. It’s also one of the most agile bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s a buzz to ride.” Using the final qualifying session as a chance to 'see what this thing could do' Cudlin stormed to pole position. “Getting pole was a real surprise as we were really treating it all as a testing session, but once I got comfy on it, I really wanted to see what the bike was capable of. It sure surprised a few people.” http://www.race24.com/news/news08061102.jpg Action photo: Dennis Witschef
Starting from pole, Cudlin blasted into the lead and was never headed in the 12 lap race, winning by 5 seconds and leaving a hoard of Ducati 1098’s in its wake. “I’m really happy to have steered the AV1 to its first race win and am so pleased for the KALEX crew. They’ve really done a great job with this machine and I’m really excited to be playing a part in something with so much potential. I’m sure this won’t be their last race win.” http://www.race24.com/news/news08061104.jpg Cudlin will do more development work with the KALEX group as plans for production of more AV1’s grows.

Dr. Gellar

28th July 2008, 05:40

What a coincidence! :) While thinking about some MotoGP-related issues and threads, I remembered this bike and started checking out information about it yesterday and this morning. Glad to hear they have been successful racing it so far...very cool!!

leopard

28th July 2008, 05:46

Would they be another Ilmor, with their short project in motogp? :)

Dr. Gellar

28th July 2008, 05:57

Would they be another Ilmor, with their short project in motogp? :)

If they were to compete in what MotoGP is now...probably. They would need to come up with a "prototype" engine for the bike if so. I'm guessing this team is even smaller than what Ilmor was or would have been. It's too bad, cause it would be really good for MotoGP if smaller efforts such as these guys, if they were interested (as well as former teams such as Team Roberts, WCM and Ilmor), could compete. But the way things seem to be at the moment, only big factories and manufacturers can play. And even they can't seem to fill the grid unfortunately... :(

leopard

28th July 2008, 06:27

If they were to compete in what MotoGP is now...probably. They would need to come up with a "prototype" engine for the bike if so. I'm guessing this team is even smaller than what Ilmor was or would have been. It's too bad, cause it would be really good for MotoGP if smaller efforts such as these guys, if they were interested (as well as former teams such as Team Roberts, WCM and Ilmor), could compete. But the way things seem to be at the moment, only big factories and manufacturers can play. And even they can't seem to fill the grid unfortunately... :(

If they are frightened of that the japanese bikes and those are currently competing in motogp, why wouldn't they try the smaller classes which the top-4 manufacturers didn't pay the same focus as they give for motogp. It seems more they come without a clear and proven concept that they can survive any longer rather than only entering motogp as an acid test case.

Dr. Gellar

28th July 2008, 06:59

If they are frightened of that the japanese bikes and those are currently competing in motogp, why wouldn't they try the smaller classes which the top-4 manufacturers didn't pay the same focus as they give for motogp. It seems more they come without a clear and proven concept that they can survive any longer rather than only entering motogp as an acid test case.

From what I get looking at their website and reading elsewhere, this is a VERY small effort, as in just a few guys working on this project in their spare time. I'm guessing they are very content racing in Germany's Pro Thunder series at the moment. I'd doubt they have any intentions of actually competing in MotoGP (just a guess), but what they've done is still nothing short of amazing and totally cool!! :cool:

ChrisS

28th July 2008, 10:25

I think they just 2 guys making their own bike. Their initial intention was just to make their own bike for them to ride. If they do go into production they will probably have to use more standard parts to pass as road legal and save on costs. Their Aprilia/Rotax RSV engine is about to go out of production too.

leopard

28th July 2008, 11:13

If not, they only modified here and there one of existing bikes to meet standard requirement of racing. Modification may include engine bore-up, or cannibalize the original part with those designed specifically for racing. Then they name the bike with their own. It doesn't seem easy to run a project producing bike for personal use from economic point of view.

ChrisS

19th August 2008, 15:41

So as far as I can tell this is how the grid looks so far. confirmed riders in bold. I have no idea whats going on with Alice and LCR so if anyone else can fill that please do

Yamaha
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo

Repsol Honda
Dani Pedrosa
Andrea Dovizioso

Ducati Marlboro
Casey Stoner
Nicky Hayden

Tech 3 Yamaha Team
Colin Edwards
James Toseland

Rizla Suzuki
Chris Vermeulen
Loris Capirossi
Ben Spies*

San Carlo Honda Gresini
Shinya Nakano
Ben Spies*
Marco Melandri**

JiR Honda***
Alex de Angelis

Team Scot Honda***
Yuki Takahashi

Kawasaki Racing Team
John Hopkins
Marco Melandri**

LCR Honda

Aspar Suzuki/Kawasaki/Ducati

* American Honda seems to be willing to help meet Spies financial demands inorder to have an American rider on a Honda bike

** Melandri favours Kawasaki because he feels he will be able to have a direct impact to the bike development rather than waiting for HRC to hand him down parts

*** Scot and JiR will split next season. Scot wants to run their own team most likely moving their 250cc rider to MotoGP. Montiron (JiR's manager) said he also plans to run a team next season

Corny

19th August 2008, 15:42

Melandri will ride for Kawa next season, he announced that today..

So Kawasaki with Hopkins and Melandri, and probably a second team for Martinez with Bautista

ChrisS

19th August 2008, 18:37

No official announcement was made. MCN reported that Melandri told them

jonny hurlock

19th August 2008, 20:05

JiR Honda***
Alex de Angelis

Team Scot Honda***
Yuki Takahashi

Kawasaki Racing Team
John Hopkins
Marco Melandri**

LCR Honda

Aspar Suzuki/Kawasaki/Ducati

* American Honda seems to be willing to help meet Spies financial demands inorder to have an American rider on a Honda bike

** Melandri favours Kawasaki because he feels he will be able to have a direct impact to the bike development rather than waiting for HRC to hand him down parts

*** Scot and JiR will split next season. Scot wants to run their own team most likely moving their 250cc rider to MotoGP. Montiron (JiR's manager) said he also plans to run a team next season

Melandri will ride for Kawa next season, he announced that today..

So Kawasaki with Hopkins and Melandri, and probably a second team for Martinez with Bautista

whats happening with alice ducati for next season, also i've heard that marco has sign for kawasaki for next season already here the link anyway,

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/167826-0/melandri_to_kawasaki.html

ChrisS

19th August 2008, 23:26

I did mention Alice but forgot to list them.

Around the time d'Antin left the team there was talk about Ducati getting involved in running the team, Red Bull as a sponsor and Kalio as a rider. I dont know if there is more than that

Pantah Jack

20th August 2008, 00:06

Melandri Confirmed to Kwaka on motogp.com

So as far as I can tell this is how the grid looks so far. confirmed riders in bold. I have no idea whats going on with Alice and LCR so if anyone else can fill that please do

Yamaha
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo

Repsol Honda
Dani Pedrosa
Andrea Dovizioso

Ducati Marlboro
Casey Stoner
Nicky Hayden

Tech 3 Yamaha Team
Colin Edwards
James Toseland

Rizla Suzuki
Chris Vermeulen
Loris Capirossi
Ben Spies*

San Carlo Honda Gresini
Shinya Nakano
Ben Spies*
Marco Melandri**

JiR Honda***
Alex de Angelis

Team Scot Honda***
Yuki Takahashi

Kawasaki Racing Team
John Hopkins
Marco Melandri**

LCR Honda

Aspar Suzuki/Kawasaki/Ducati

* American Honda seems to be willing to help meet Spies financial demands inorder to have an American rider on a Honda bike

** Melandri favours Kawasaki because he feels he will be able to have a direct impact to the bike development rather than waiting for HRC to hand him down parts

*** Scot and JiR will split next season. Scot wants to run their own team most likely moving their 250cc rider to MotoGP. Montiron (JiR's manager) said he also plans to run a team next season

NinjaMaster

22nd August 2008, 12:42

I haven't seen anything to suggest Suzuki will run 3 bikes next year which means that Ben Spies will have to replace one of the incumbent riders (unlikely I would think) or head to a rival team which the seats are filling fast. I reckon Francis Batta might get his wish and have Spies in WSB.
Also, if JiR and Scot split, are Honda willing to supply more bikes to accommodate both teams? Maybe JiR would run a 3rd Zook?

jonny hurlock

30th August 2008, 18:54

i've heard that Andrea Dovizioso could be on his way to rizla suzuki next season! what i've heard on the bbc coverage early on, does that mean Ben Spies is off to repsol honda to team up with pedrosa?

jonny hurlock

31st August 2008, 13:00

Álvaro Bautista will be staying in 250cc says his team boss, Aspar will conform about motogp at indy, kawasaki bike and Toni Elías as driver for 09

jonny hurlock

31st August 2008, 13:12

a big rumour that dani pedrosa will test on bridgestones tomorrow

patnicholls

31st August 2008, 14:18

Randy Mamola's interview with Nicky Hayden during the race hinted that Dani will be on Bridgestones for Indy but Nicky will stick with Michelin.

BBC's coverage had Ben Spies taking the JiR Honda seat next year which Dovi will be vacating.

jonny hurlock

31st August 2008, 14:31

BBC's coverage had Ben Spies taking the JiR Honda seat next year which Dovi will be vacating.

heard the same, was it JIR, I thought it was driving for Repsol honda instead, watch it again on the iplayer later on, I might imaginary it, james toseland manager was talking about Spies is going to honda, at the end of the bbc show,

Corny

31st August 2008, 14:52

Álvaro Bautista will be staying in 250cc says his team boss, Aspar will conform about motogp at indy, kawasaki bike and Toni Elías as driver for 09

Noo, Toni should stick with Ducati :( they are doing so well now

NinjaMaster

1st September 2008, 07:53

Noo, Toni should stick with Ducati :( they are doing so well now
There must be some problems behind the scene's with Toni and the Alice team, I reckon, for him to be released after his last performances.
Hopefully Aspar's rumoured involvement at Kawasaki next year can see them raise their level of professionalism and see Toni and Team Green realise their full potential.

Jarman

3rd September 2008, 08:49

A Spanish rumour:

Sete will ride in 2009 with a fifth Ducati in the Onde 2000 team (the team of the Nieto's family).

http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/moto-gp-motociclismo-sete-nieto/dasmot/20080903dasdaimot_2/Tes

patnicholls

3rd September 2008, 12:55

Some rumours are more open than others...

Apparently at Misano Nicky came into the riders' briefing and sat down next to Marco Melandri, who responded by putting his red Ducati cap on Nicky's head :)

T-D

3rd September 2008, 13:28

now, alice publicly stating they want to retain toni the tiger.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168471-0/alice_eager_to_retain_in-form_elias.html

ChrisS

3rd September 2008, 13:44

Ducati signing Nicky is only held back because Indianapolis is coming up and he is going to be Honda's poster boy. After he does all the PR with Honda I expect he will be free to announce his deal with Ducati.

ChrisS

5th September 2008, 11:42

Capirossi and Vermeulen confirmed at Suzuki for 2009

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168533-0/capirossi_vermeulen_stay_at_suzuki.html

The Phantom

5th September 2008, 23:13

Capirossi and Vermeulen confirmed at Suzuki for 2009

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168533-0/capirossi_vermeulen_stay_at_suzuki.html

I reckon that's good news - they seem to be working well together (aside from banging elbows from time to time :) ) and the bike is finally getting closer to the pace that it saw 2007 out with. A race win for either is unlikely this season, given the formidable opposition, but at least they can mix it with the customer Hondas and Yamahas.

edlalu

6th September 2008, 18:30

If Hayden going to the Ducati factory is a done deal (which I still content is a mistake) then who is going to take his seat at Repsol Honda?

Roninho

6th September 2008, 21:28

Pedrosa is already on the team.

Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Vermeulen, Capirossi, Edwards and Toseland already are signed for next year.

Melandri's stock has fallen dramatically due to his dismall season.
Elias and de Angelis have had a few decent runs, but that isn't enough to secure one of the top drives. Hopkins might have had a shot a year ago when his reputation was better.

I don't see anyone in 250cc that they would put on the factory bike, anyone they'd be interested in they would put on a sattelite bike (and i'd have no idea who they even would be interested in). Same for Ben Spiess imo (with mladin already under contract i see no one in US sbk that goes to motogp). I don't see anyone in world superbike, they are allready to old or simply don't have the reputation to warrant the ride (like Neukirchner).

So that leaves imo only Hayden, Dovizioso and Nakano for the ride. Hayden because of being an american champ, Dovi because of being 5th as a rookie, and Nakano because of running good this year and being japanese. I'd sign Hayden for a 1 year deal and run Dovi & Nakano on the satelite teams. Hayden still has the potential of being a great rival on another bike and imo it will be more interesting to see who Ducati is going to sign if Hayden decides NOT to sign with them. I don't see Dovizioso going to ducati since he'll have the Honda factory ride within 2 years anyway, and ducati won't be interested in Nakano (because they don't need the japanese presence). And there aren't any topriders left basically.

The Phantom

6th September 2008, 23:18

Hayden to Ducati appears to be a done deal - lots of info in other topics here on his defection. It *could* be a good move on his part.

Nakano and Dovi are the contenders for his HRC seat.

ShiftingGears

7th September 2008, 00:31

Dovisioso.

jonny hurlock

7th September 2008, 01:05

http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127399&page=4

edlalu

7th September 2008, 01:17

Nakano would be a good pick in my book. Dovi is a bit fresh faced yet. How locked up is Biaggi in WSB?

Once again for the record, I'd rather see Sete on the Ducati (and that would make me pretty ill) than Hayden, but what can a Duc fan do?

gco0307

7th September 2008, 02:39

Dovisioso should be the first option but the question is whether he would take the ride given the influence of Puig in the garage in terms of equipment supply.

There were reports during the week that Pedrosa was comfortable with Dovisioso but that Puig werento, interesting to seet he outcome of that.

A second issue could be the makeup of the team's tyre supplier. Will it be all Bridgestone or will we see a split garage?

IMO, if HRC do NOT pickup Dovisioso they have stuffed up big time (this is levelled out oif he refuses to go which would not be a good move IMO).

Garry

tha_jackal

7th September 2008, 02:47

NinjaMaster

7th September 2008, 05:30

Just think, if Melandri had of stayed with Gresini this season, he would have got the chance to test the factory spec RC212V that Nakano is on now and would have almost certainly been given the vacant seat at Repsol Honda for 2009..

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but choices make careers..
But realistically, being offered a ride with the world champion factory team versus hanging with the leading privateer in the hope that Hayden has another poor season and is dumped opening up the other factory Honda ride is a no-brainer.

For mine, Dovizioso is the obvious choice for Repsol. The only thing to stop him leaving Team Scot is if they can secure the factory bike that Gresini currently have. Andrea has very much followed the path that Dani paved in being brought through by Honda and I see him continuing that next year at Repsol. Even with the Puig factor, it is still a step up for him on the support he gets now. The guy is a star and deserves top machinery.

CaptainRaiden

7th September 2008, 06:54

I think Dovi is the most obvious choice as well. The last time he had top machinery, he won the 125cc championship easily. Since then I don't think I have ever seen him riding top machinery, which is really sad IMO.

As for Hayden going to Ducati, I have a feeling, just a feeling, that this might actually work. Hayden's "slideways" style might actually be faster on a Duc than a Honda, since Stoner also rides in the same style. Plus, the Duc is big enough for Nicky. I dunno, I maybe talking crap here, but it was a feeling.

Hotlavaaaa

7th September 2008, 08:34

As for Hayden going to Ducati, I have a feeling, just a feeling, that this might actually work. Hayden's "slideways" style might actually be faster on a Duc than a Honda, since Stoner also rides in the same style. Plus, the Duc is big enough for Nicky. I dunno, I maybe talking crap here, but it was a feeling.

I think/hope you're right. Nicky always says he needs more power to suit his riding style and the Ducati has it.

ShiftingGears

7th September 2008, 08:37

I think/hope you're right. Nicky always says he needs more power to suit his riding style and the Ducati has it.

I don't think he would suddenly be more competitive on a Ducati. If a rider needs more engine power to be faster than his teammate then he obviously isn't fast enough.

MrJan

7th September 2008, 13:02

It's a no brainer to put Dovi in that seat :)

The Phantom

7th September 2008, 14:04

IMO, if HRC do NOT pickup Dovisioso they have stuffed up big time (this is levelled out oif he refuses to go which would not be a good move IMO).

Honda makes some seemingly strange decisions.

They failed to make the most of having Bayliss on a satellite bike, they didn't give Vermuelen a ride despite his WSS/WSB credentials, they even passed up on Stoner when they could have grabbed him from LCR at the end of 2006. Hmm, all Aussies, hope I don't sound like I have sour grapes :D because I don't, all those guys have done pretty well for themselves without Honda... internal politics (sponsorship, the various market distributors, HRC brass personal preferences etc.) play a bigger part in HRC than in any other GP team.

So you can never really guess what they are going to do.

KrJr isn't doing much and he did ok with a Honda V5 a couple of years ago... :s mokin:

Pantah Jack

8th September 2008, 08:43

Originally Posted by ChrisS

The silly season .... So what else have we ????????????

** denotes not confirmed

Yamaha
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo

Repsol Honda
Dani Pedrosa
Andrea Dovizioso **
Ben Spies **

Ducati Marlboro
Casey Stoner
Nicky Hayden **

Tech 3 Yamaha Team
Colin Edwards
James Toseland

Rizla Suzuki
Chris Vermeulen
Loris Capirossi

Alice Ducati
Tony Elias **
Sylvain Guintoli **

Nieto Ducati
Sete Gibernau **

San Carlo Honda Gresini
Shinya Nakano
Ben Spies**

JiR Honda
Alex de Angelis **

Team Scot Honda
Yuki Takahashi**

Kawasaki Racing Team
John Hopkins
Marco Melandri**

LCR Honda
Randy de Puniet **

Aspar Kawasaki
Tony Elias **
Ant West **

* American Honda seems to be willing to help meet Spies financial demands inorder to have an American rider on a Honda bike

* Scot and JiR will split next season. Scot wants to run their own team most likely moving their 250cc rider to MotoGP. Montiron (JiR's manager) said he also plans to run a team next season

Pantah Jack

9th September 2008, 21:37

Originally Posted by ChrisS

The silly season .... So what else have we ????????????

** denotes not confirmed

Yamaha
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo

Repsol Honda
Dani Pedrosa
Andrea Dovizioso **
Ben Spies **

Ducati Marlboro
Casey Stoner
Nicky Hayden **

Tech 3 Yamaha Team
Colin Edwards
James Toseland

Rizla Suzuki
Chris Vermeulen
Loris Capirossi

Alice Ducati
Tony Elias **
Sylvain Guintoli **

Nieto Ducati
Sete Gibernau **

San Carlo Honda Gresini
Alex de Angelis
Shinya Nakano ** maybe factory test role.
Ben Spies**

JiR Honda
????

Team Scot Honda
Yuki Takahashi**

Kawasaki Racing Team
John Hopkins
Marco Melandri**

LCR Honda
Randy de Puniet **

Aspar Kawasaki
Tony Elias **
Ant West **

* American Honda seems to be willing to help meet Spies financial demands inorder to have an American rider on a Honda bike

* Scot and JiR will split next season. Scot wants to run their own team most likely moving their 250cc rider to MotoGP. Montiron (JiR's manager) said he also plans to run a team next season

ArmchairBikeFan

10th September 2008, 09:04

Honda makes some seemingly strange decisions.

They failed to make the most of having Bayliss on a satellite bike, they didn't give Vermuelen a ride despite his WSS/WSB credentials, they even passed up on Stoner when they could have grabbed him from LCR at the end of 2006. Hmm, all Aussies, hope I don't sound like I have sour grapes :D

So you can never really guess what they are going to do.

They don't just screw over Aussies. They also screwed double WSBK champion Colin Edwards. Oh wait, he's half Australian... :)

patnicholls

10th September 2008, 22:47

BikeSport News - usually pretty good on rumours in my humble experience - has Tom Sykes as signed for Yamaha Italia for next year to replace Nori Haga who presumably is going to Xerox Ducati:

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=CROFT_BSB_SYKES_SIGNS_FOR_YAMAHA_W SB_1

Time will tell!

ChrisS

10th September 2008, 23:09

jonny hurlock

12th September 2008, 00:45

the worst kept secret confirmed

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168838-0/nicky_hayden_confirms_honda_split.html

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/168836-0/official__sykes_to_wsbk_with_yamaha.html

second worst secret confirmed

tha_jackal

13th September 2008, 00:44

From another forum..

"Looks like Toni Elias is now on his way to returning @ Gresini. He said after Misano he was a free man although after his good results Alice Ducati wanted to keep him. This is what is most likely @ the moment: http://www.motogp-news.nl/MGP2009.html I think the colours speak for itself"

If Elias takes the second gresini bike... PLEASE let Westy nab the third Kwaka. His Wet weather form will do his chances no harmm.. :D Cmooon Ant!!

NinjaMaster

13th September 2008, 03:21

tha_jackal

13th September 2008, 04:26

My thoughts exactly Jackal. I read the same thing here - http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080912rn.htm

Interestly, if JiR miss out on a Honda bike, I wonder what possibility there would be of them running a 3rd Zook with Spies on it? Also, if Elias goes to Gresini and Guintoli is said to be unlikely to be re-signed, who will ride for the satellite Ducati team next year, especially given that all of Simoncelli, Bautista and Barbera are all staying in 250 in 09.

Alice Ducati - Kallio & Canepa (good choices IMO)

As far as the third Aspar bike goes, I've heard talk of Debon (his nationality and sponsorship $$ the main attractions im sure) or Nakano, but to me, they would be pretty poor decisions, plus Nakano is likely to take the role as official HRC test rider from Okada for 09..

Time will tell.. Just hope Ant DOESNT end up on a Kawasaki in WSBK/WSS, that would be a career killer IMO...

13th September 2008, 06:14

Time will tell.. Just hope Ant DOESNT end up on a Kawasaki in WSBK/WSS, that would be a career killer IMO...

Would you expand on those thoughts a bit. I am a bigger fan of superbikes than motogp and am not sure why it is seen as a career killer to go to superbikes, expecially if that's where a rider does best. Is it the combination of Kawasaki and SBK that you seen as a bad move or do you see West as a better Motogp rider.

tha_jackal

13th September 2008, 06:51

Would you expand on those thoughts a bit. I am a bigger fan of superbikes than motogp and am not sure why it is seen as a career killer to go to superbikes, expecially if that's where a rider does best. Is it the combination of Kawasaki and SBK that you seen as a bad move or do you see West as a better Motogp rider.

I have no problem with SBK at all, it's Kawasaki that i have a problem with..

The WSBK/WSS Kawasaki's are (if possible) worse than the MotoGP bike.. Ultimately, id like Ant to remain in GP, however if this isn't a possibility (likely) then id rather see him aboard the Yamaha in WSBK or a sattelite Ducati/Honda..

Anything but a Kawasaki..

Hope that clears things up a bit.. Nothing wrong with WSBK =)

Corny

13th September 2008, 09:24

Alice Ducati - Kallio & Canepa (good choices IMO)

Noo Toni should stick with Alice Ducati :(

jonny hurlock

14th September 2008, 00:44

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168972-0/aspar_targets_checa_for_motogp.html

If I was Aspar team, I would go for Elias instead of Checa at this moment of time.

tha_jackal

14th September 2008, 05:14

Anyone but Checa! Please god no! Gibbernau returning is bad enough..

ChrisS

14th September 2008, 10:24

The good thing about Checa going to motogp is that it will free a seat at Ten Kate and with Sofuoglu moving back to WSS both Pitt and Rea can move up

Corny

14th September 2008, 11:05

I'd like to see Biaggi on a Ten Kate!

or what I'd like even more: that they move up to MotoGP

ChrisS

14th September 2008, 17:49

Kawasaki has officially confirmed that Marco Melandri will ride for them in 2009

jim mcglinchey

14th September 2008, 17:53

Good luck Marco!

patnicholls

14th September 2008, 19:09

At the completely ridiculous (probably) end of the rumour mill, Angel Rodriguez (ex-125s, now leading the Spanish CEV Supersport championship) to Alice Ducati next year? :p

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=MOTOGP_INDY_SOLVING_THE_DUCATI_FIV E-SEAT_PUZZLE_1

To be fair, that'd be quite nice to see - Angel - through Matt/mx311 - has competed in our very own Fantasy League a couple of years ago, as are a couple of riders this year who did not wish to be named. Especially since one of them's in last position!

jonny hurlock

14th September 2008, 20:22

whats going on with nakano and Ben Spies for next season? ive heard elias is off to Gresini, heard spies could be staying in ama for next season with yamaha?

ChrisS

14th September 2008, 21:33

LCR Honda will continue in MotoGP in 2009 with Randy de Puniet. de Puniet was on a 2 year contract for 2008-09 and Honda agreed to supply the team with bikes (and I'm guessing if they will run de Puniet, lots of spare parts) for 2009

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Cecchinello+De+Puniet+and+HRC+reach+agreement+for+ 2009

ChrisS

14th September 2008, 22:07

whats going on with nakano and Ben Spies for next season? ive heard elias is off to Gresini, heard spies could be staying in ama for next season with yamaha?

Do you have a source for Spies staying in AMA with Yamaha?

Yamaha is the only manufacturer that said they will support the AMA/DMG series next season. It will be a great blow to the manufacturers if their star rider and champion chooses to stay to AMA rather than following them to the new USSB series

NinjaMaster

15th September 2008, 11:19

Pretty sure I read an interview from Spies that said he wouldn't be racing in the U.S. no matter what with the current situation. Dunno what worthy options are left for him in MotoGP or WSB though.

MrJan

15th September 2008, 11:32

Steve Parrish on BBC said that SPies was all but confirmed as an AMA rider with Yamaha next season with the gurantee of MotoGP after that.

Suzi Perry also said that Elias was a Gresini rider next year and that he never rides for the same team for 2 years :D

tha_jackal

15th September 2008, 11:38

Spies has priced himself out of the MotoGP market for now.. Greedy b'stard.. Anywho, Yamaha in 2010 with a few more wildcards next year sounds pretty good IMO..

Ranger

19th September 2008, 07:59

Correct me if I'm wrong but this is what we have so far for 2009:

Fiat Yamaha:
#46 Rossi (the champ going into '09)
#48 Lorenzo

Marlboro Ducati Corse:
#27 Stoner
#69 Hayden

Repsol Honda:
#2 Pedrosa
#4 Dovisioso (open secret here)

Rizla Suzuki:
#7 Vermeulen
#65 Capirossi

Monster Kawasaki:
#21 Hopkins
#33 Melandri

Honda Gresini:
#24 Toni Elias
-vacant- (but probably #56 Nakano)

Tech 3 Yamaha:
#5 Edwards
#52 Toseland (have they both been confirmed?)

Alice Ducati:
-vacant-
-vacant-

Team Scot:
-vacant-

New team??
-vacant-

Simoncelli, Kallio and Bautista are probably in contention for those last 4-5 vacant seats along with AdA, RdP, Guintoli and West.

leopard

19th September 2008, 08:49

Bautista will be likely to stay riding 250cc.

Dovisioso in the last interview stating his willingness to ride HRC, although he will not make any statement in rush towards something isn't yet confirmed. But I think he will have no objection if the offer comes to him, and to make people happy. :)

19th September 2008, 09:06

I remember the commentators saying during the Indy race that there was talk about Shinya Nakano leaving Motogp racing but he was going to be a test rider for 2009. They were hoping that this was only a rumour - me too.

leopard

19th September 2008, 09:20

I think Nakano is different, there was suspiciousness if finally Honda give him their best place to him there must be conspiracy or something behind it. Honda have been supplying their best bike to promote him to the better place. He doesn't seem to be quite up to handle the task.

NinjaMaster

19th September 2008, 09:49

Simoncelli and Bautista are both staying in 250 next year.
Tech3's lineup is confirmed.
Alex deAngelis has re-signed with Gresini after his 2 good races.
Team Scot is likely with Yuki Takahashi.
Alice Ducati reportedly will run Mika Kallio and Nicolo Canepa.
Ducati will apparently have a 5th bike run by Angel Nieto and ridden by Sete Gibernau.
JiR, who knows? If they get a Honda next year then Ben Spies appears likely.
But, of course, all this has been covered in the Rumours thread. ;)

19th September 2008, 09:58

A merge on the way then?

leopard

19th September 2008, 10:04

ChrisS

19th September 2008, 10:41

De Angelis is confirmed at Gresini and de Puniet is confirmed at LCR. Elias is not yet confirmed at Gresini. Nakano may end up as HRC test rider.

Bautista was Aspar's first choice but since he wants to stay in 250 Aspar is going after other high profile Spanish riders. West may also have a small chance.

Ducati want Canepa on a Satellite bike. Kalio seems to be the most likely team mate especially if they get Red Bull sponsorship. Giuntoli may have an outside chance if the Kalio deal falls through.

The Gibernau on a 5th Ducati appears to be a done deal but with all the rumours about Sete this season I will only believe it after an official announcement.

The most complicated scenario seems to be with Honda. Dovi will almost certainly go to Repsol but Scot that has a contract with him for 09 is trying to get an RCV to let him go. JiR also want to continue running an RCV. Its not clear if Honda will supply one more bike in 09.

If Scot get the bike they will probably move Takahashi up as there isnt much point in running the old Honda in 250.

If JiR gets the bike, they may get Spies with help from American Honda who are willing to bankroll Spies in MotoGP. The latest rumours however want Spies to replace Edwards in 2010 after staying in AMA with Yamaha for 2009.

As far as I know this is a possible field with text in bold confirmed
Telefonica/Santander Factory Yamaha
46 Valentino Rossi
48 Jorge Lorenzo

Tech 3 Yamaha
5 Colin Edwards
52 James Toseland

Ducati Marlboro
27 Casey Stoner
69 Nicky Hayden

Alice/Red Bull Pramac Ducati
36 Mika Kallio or 50 Sylvain Giuntoli
59 Niccolo Canepa

Onde 2000 Ducati
15 Sete Gibernau

Repsol Honda
2/26 Dani Pedrosa
4 Andrea Dovioso

San Carlo Gresini Honda
15 Alex de Angelis
24 Toni Elias

LCR Honda
14 Randy de Puniet

JiR Honda
11 Ben Spies

Scot Honda
72 Yuki Takahashi

Monster Kawasaki
21 John Hopkins
33 Marco Melandri

Aspar Kawasaki
6 Alex Debon/7 Carlos Checa

Rizla Suzuki
7 Chris Vermeulen
65 Loris Capirossi

patnicholls

19th September 2008, 11:54

A merge on the way then?

As requested :)

Ranger

19th September 2008, 13:19

As requested :)

Cheers, I probably should have read the thread saying rumour mills! :D

I wasn't aware of 5 Ducati's next year, nor of Ben Spies coming over. I'm still thinking Nakano will be in MotoGP, in this modern era of top-flight motor racing it seems unlikely that there won't be a Japanese rider present.

Looks like a solid 21 riders next year :up: . The only problem now is to re-address the racing deficit that has existed since the switch to 800's beyond 2006.

jonny hurlock

19th September 2008, 13:26

biaggi to aprilia for 09,

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/169217-0/biaggi_set_for_aprilia_move.html

patnicholls

19th September 2008, 20:09

I was just pondering the possibilities for the WSB 2009 lineup.

It might look something like this:

[some of this is confirmed, some popular speculation, and some total hearsay on my part. Believe it only when you see it on the grid!]

Xerox Ducati: Haga? & Fabrizio
Sterilgarda Ducati: Alessandro Polita? & Gregorio Lavilla?
RG Ducati: Lanzi
Guandalini Ducati: J. Smrz
Boulder Ducati?: Byrne? & Brendan Roberts? [new American team]
Ten Kate Honda: Kiyo, C. Checa & Andrew Pitt/Jonathan Rea?
Ten Kate jnr?: Rea?/Sofuoglu?
Vent-Axia Honda: Lavilla/Walker?
DF Honda: Muggeridge & Sofuoglu/Rolfo/M. Smrz?
Althea Honda: Tommy Hill & ?
Alto Evo Honda: S. Aoyama & Matt Lynn?
Stiggy Honda?: Brookes? & Harms? [rumoured to move up from Supersport]
Yamaha Italia: Corser? & Tom Sykes
YZF Yamaha: Nakatomi [I think they're a test squad, may not appear again - shame if so]
GMT94 Yamaha: D. Checa & Gimbert
Grillini Yamaha: Zaiser
Alstare Suzuki: Neukirchner, Kagayama & either Fonsi Nieto to stay or someone like Xavier Simeon moving up?
PSG1 Kawasaki: Tamada & Badovini?
Pedercini Kawasaki: Iannuzzo? & ?
Aprilia: Biaggi & Hoffman/Rolfo/Bryne/Laconi?
BMW: Xaus & Laconi?

--------------

OK, some of that I've just cut 'n' pasted in this year's lineup with a question mark after it, but the rumour goes that Boulder Ducati will join us and Stiggy Honda move up, plus the two new manufacturers to join with two riders each (and KTM in 2010 hopefully).

Some of those listed may not make it (although it would be splendid if they did), but potentially I've got about 38 regular entries listed there!

Corny

19th September 2008, 20:44

Ten Kate will remain the same riders next year, but there could be changes in the class they ride.. Sofuoglu will probably go back to Supersport, to let Pitt fill his SBK seat, but that's not sure..

That's what Ronald Ten Kate said himself ;)

tha_jackal

20th September 2008, 02:19

I heard that Ten Kate were going to reduce their WSBK bikes back to two for 2009?

Westy could be a bet for the Stiggy ride alongside Brookesy (as Harms has been dissapointing this year) ..

West has a good relationship with Johan Stigefelt from their days as teammates in the 250cc class.. Keep an eye on that one IMO..

Johan had been begging Ant to shift to WSS for years while struggling as a 250cc privateer (2003-2006) he may finally link up with his friend?

Other than that, looks pretty accurate, although ive heard Brendan Roberts is likely to ride for Sterilgarda Ducati, not Boulder..

And perhaps Westy should be a ? for PSG Kawasaki, as sad as it is :D

neninja

22nd September 2008, 15:21

Ten Kate will run 3 bikes in 09 - Checa, Kiyo and Rea

Sofouglu will return to their Supersport bike and Pitt is rumoured to be in talks with Sterilgarda

Although elsewhere it has been claimed that Shane Byrne has signed for them alongside Polita

Corny

22nd September 2008, 16:07

Ten Kate will run 3 bikes in 09 - Checa, Kiyo and Rea
I don't believe that the Ten Kate men will put Rea on a Superbike before he has got World Champion in Supersport ;)

jonny hurlock

22nd September 2008, 19:11

Shakey could be off to Sterilgarda Ducati, worldsbk for next season

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/169346-0/byrne_plays_down_wsbk_rumours.html

billiaml

23rd September 2008, 03:20

It'll be interesting to see Spies on a Honda -- for me, anyway -- after seeing him on a Suzuki in AMA SB. Then again, with the Kentucky Kid goin from Honda to Ducati, it just shows that no one stays anywhere forever anymore.

tha_jackal

23rd September 2008, 04:19

Sylvain Guintoli has been busted secretely testing the WSBK R1 at Valelunga..

see here: http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/2008/09/22/sylvain_guintoli_spotted_testing_haga_s_.html

ChrisS

23rd September 2008, 09:09

I read Guintoli was going to GMT94 in a few French websides a few days ago. Going to Yamaha Italia makes much more sense.

neninja

23rd September 2008, 09:41

I don't believe that the Ten Kate men will put Rea on a Superbike before he has got World Champion in Supersport ;)

I'm pretty sure that when he joined them it was on the basis that he would step up to the Superbike in 2009. Why put another old rider on the Superbike when you have a young up and coming talent?

Pitt is apparently looking elsewhere

ChrisS

23rd September 2008, 16:40

Guy Martin will ride for Rob Mac Racing Yamaha in 2009, is Rob Mac focusing on TT now that GSE got Yamahas in BSB?

Also Yamaha World Supersport team has signed Cal Crutchlow to partner Frenchman Fabien Foret for the 2009 World Supersport Championship.

neninja

23rd September 2008, 17:02

It's also rumoured that Leon Haslam has signed to ride for Stiggy Motorsport on the Honda in WSB

racer69

23rd September 2008, 19:07

Who is going to be left in BSB at this rate?

It leaves 3 plum seats up for grabs in BSB, the two HM Plant Honda's & a Rizla Suzuki, who is rumoured for those?

Mach24

24th September 2008, 00:45

Also Yamaha World Supersport team has signed Cal Crutchlow to partner Frenchman Fabien Foret for the 2009 World Supersport Championship.

Parkes?

neninja

24th September 2008, 12:11

Who is going to be left in BSB at this rate?

It leaves 3 plum seats up for grabs in BSB, the two HM Plant Honda's & a Rizla Suzuki, who is rumoured for those?

As I see it there are at least 5 good seats available

Both HM Plant bikes
Both Rizla bikes - regardless of contracts etc, I really can't see Watanabe being there in 2009. He didn't seem to gel with the tracks or living in the UK.
One GSE Yamaha assuming that Camier stays with them
Ducati are bound to have a presence next year so let's say 2 factory Ducati's

Walker is talking about a to return to BSB plus Hodgson may decide to come back - it would be good to see that rivalry again.

neninja

24th September 2008, 17:12

Rea confirmed on Ten Kate Superbike for next 3 seasons

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/169448-0/rea_confirms_ten_kate_wsbk_promotion.html

jonny hurlock

24th September 2008, 23:23

Who is going to be left in BSB at this rate?

camier, rutter, ellson, michael laverty, harris, a few will step up from british supersport

It's also rumoured that Leon Haslam has signed to ride for Stiggy Motorsport on the Honda in WSB

I his better off staying in BSB for 09 imo he possibility be on 6th, 7th best honda

Walker is talking about a to return to BSB plus Hodgson may decide to come back - it would be good to see that rivalry again.

my time machine has worked, only joking, walker is possibility, hodson will like to get a ama superbike title, be the first/only driver to win the superbike triple crown (bsb, wbk, ama) another two drivers only need a title to complete triple crown is Troy bayliss (needs ama) troy corser (needs bsb title) if that makes sense

tha_jackal

25th September 2008, 09:49

Corser to BMW for 09 confirmed, you heard it hear first :D

neninja

25th September 2008, 09:57

Mattia Passini is rumoured to be switching to KTM in 250's for next year to replace Mika Kallio who is tipped to be joining Alice Ducati

25th September 2008, 10:50

Corser to BMW for 09 confirmed, you heard it hear first :D

Who is rumoured as his replacement?

NinjaMaster

25th September 2008, 10:55

Corser to BMW for 09 confirmed, you heard it hear first :D
No longer rumour but confirmed.
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2008/September/corser_bmw.htm

ChrisS

25th September 2008, 10:56

Who is rumoured as his replacement?

Ben Spies, Guintoli also tested Haga's bike but it seems he is more likely to race for Yamaha France/GMT94 that will be using this years Yamaha Italia bikes

neninja

25th September 2008, 11:57

Jake Zemke has also been rumoured to have tested on the Yamaha this week. Jason DiSalvo the current AMA Yamaha rider is also rumoured to be chasing a WSB ride.

Or those options Spies would have to be favourite. His MotoGP performances have been impressive as has the way he's shown Mladin the way for the last 2 years.

A Sykes / Spies team would lack knowledge of most of the circuits though which would be a handicap.

neninja

25th September 2008, 14:02

Rolfo rumored to have signed for Aprilia alongside Max in WSB

Mach24

25th September 2008, 22:18

Who is rumoured as his replacement?

Broc Parkes is on the short list.

26th September 2008, 05:38

Corser officially to BMW.........A top development rider with a cool head and still a front runner after so many years.

ChrisS

26th September 2008, 13:17

Honda seats are now sorted. Scot gave Dovi to Repsol and got an RCV in return, JiR is out and looks elsewere for 2009 (possibly running the Aprilia SBK team)

Only 3 seats unconfirmed from the excising teams remain plus the possible 2 new teams/bikes.

Text in bold confirmed
Telefonica/Santander Factory Yamaha
46 Valentino Rossi
48 Jorge Lorenzo

Tech 3 Yamaha
5 Colin Edwards
52 James Toseland

Ducati Marlboro
27 Casey Stoner
69 Nicky Hayden

Alice/Red Bull Pramac Ducati
36 Mika Kallio or 50 Sylvain Giuntoli
59 Niccolo Canepa

Onde 2000 Ducati
15 Sete Gibernau

Repsol Honda
2/26 Dani Pedrosa
4 Andrea Dovioso

San Carlo Gresini Honda
15 Alex de Angelis
24 Toni Elias

LCR Honda
14 Randy de Puniet

Scot Honda
72 Yuki Takahashi

Monster Kawasaki
21 John Hopkins
33 Marco Melandri

Aspar Kawasaki
6 Alex Debon/7 Carlos Checa

Rizla Suzuki
7 Chris Vermeulen
65 Loris Capirossi
[/QUOTE]

patnicholls

26th September 2008, 13:24

The Takahashi move has been widely slated on less knowledgable areas of the internet [i.e. all other forums :D not to mention a few hyperbole-based websites], but I reckon he could be a dark horse. Now that he's free of injury again (2007 was a write-off), he's working minor miracles on a bike that's had little done to it in the last couple of years in the 250s.

MrJan

26th September 2008, 13:24

Is Elias not confirmed yet? Virtually a done deal with Gresini isn't it?

NinjaMaster

28th September 2008, 09:29

I completely agree there Pat. I reckon Yuki will be a revelation next year on a factory(?) Honda given how impressive he's been on a comparitively rubbish bike for the last couple of years. He'll fly the Japanese flag in MotoGP with pride.

MrJan

28th September 2008, 17:19

Don't know if this has been mentioned but the Beeb was saying at Motegi that Yamaha are trying to convince Colin to leave Tech3 and go back to WSBK. Not sure who they'd line up alongside JT if that happened though.

T-D

28th September 2008, 21:42

crash.net confirms shakey to wsbk with an as yet to be named team. my guess: sterilgarda ducati.

themo

29th September 2008, 20:41

Shane Byrne will graduate to the World Championship in 2009 after signing with Sterilgarda Ducati.

ChrisS

29th September 2008, 21:06

Ten Kate also named their lineup for SBK and WSS

Checa, Kiyo, and Rea in SBK, Pitt and Sofuoglu in WSS

ChrisS

1st October 2008, 11:08

Spies confirmed at Yamaha SBK team

ChrisS

1st October 2008, 13:01

As far as I can tell, this is how the SBK grid looks for 2009

Bold = confirmed
Italic = current lineup

Ducati Xerox Team
41 Noriyuki Haga*
84 Michel Fabrizio*

Sterilgarda Go Eleven
53 Alex Polita
67 Shane Byrne

Guandalini Boulder Team**
96 Jakub Smrz
98 Jake Zemke

R.G. Team Ducati
57 Lorenzo Lanzi

Hannspree Ten Kate Honda
7 Carlos Checa
23 Ryuichi Kiyonari
65 Jonathan Rea (jr team)

Hannspree Honda Althea
6 Tommy Hill

Stiggy Motorsport Honda
91 Leon Haslam

Alto Evolution Honda
50 Matt Lynn
88 Shuhei Aoyama

D.F. Racing Honda
22 Luca Morelli
31 Karl Muggeridge

Ventaxia VK Honda
9 Chris Walker
36 Gregorio Lavilla

Yamaha Motor Italia
66 Tom Sykes
?? Ben Spies

Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94
50 Sylvain Guintoli
94 David Checa

YZF Yamaha
38 Shinichi Nakatomi

Grillini PBR Team Yamaha
73 Christian Zaiser

Alstare Suzuki
10 Fonsi Nieto
34 Yukio Kagayama
76 Max Neukirchner

Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse
55 Régis Laconi
100 Makoto Tamada

Team Pedercini Kawasaki
13 Vittorio Iannuzzo
86 Ayrton Badovini

Aprilia Racing
3 Max Biaggi
44 Roberto Rolfo/66 Alex Hofmann

BMW Motorrad Motorsport
11 Troy Corser
111 Ruben Xaus

* Haga and Fabrizio are set to race for Xerox Ducati but there is no official confirmation yet
** Guandalini Racing could join forces with the new Boulder Motorsport team, Smrz is confirmed at Guandalini

themo

1st October 2008, 21:32

neninja

2nd October 2008, 10:24

jonny hurlock

3rd October 2008, 14:29

Just to really complicate things, Aspar are now chasing Nakano to ride the 3rd Kawasaki for them but have to get the approval of their Spanish sponsors. Debon has also been offered a deal but hasn't yet agreed it.

Imo nakano should look at the Aspar ride instead being the Honda test rider. also, why has ant west hasn't been looked at for that drive as-well.

btw leon haslam confirmed for worldsbk's for next year.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/169853-0/haslam_to_lead_stiggy_wsbk_effort.html

imo i've said early on why is he choosing a 5/6th best honda in worldsbk, then staying put in bsb being the top works honda driver with hmplant honda?

andypitt56

3rd October 2008, 21:28

Any more news on shinya nakano apparently they are waiting for the big guns to approve it at kawasaki and it was supposed to be sorted out today in phillip island

Corny

3rd October 2008, 21:59

IMO Nakano should retire.. There are many faster riders

tha_jackal

4th October 2008, 01:28

IMO Nakano should retire.. There are many faster riders

Like? He's 10th in this years Championship Standings.. Not too shabby IMO.. Plus he has Kawasaki experience..

4th October 2008, 03:34

IMO Nakano should retire.. There are many faster riders

uh! He may choose to become a test rider but that's a whole lot different than "should retire". Are you serious or just doing a wee bit of stirring again?

5th October 2008, 22:40

Ben Bostrom back to WSBK in 2009?

patnicholls

5th October 2008, 22:45

Ben Bostrom back to WSBK in 2009?

We had that mentioned to us on Eurosport too - there was a possibility mentioned of him joining the RG Ducati team (currently running Lorenzo Lanzi), possibly a 2-bike effort with Luca Scassa - former Superstock front-runner/champion? - as team-mate. Emphasis on 'possibility'... :)

Ghostwalker

6th October 2008, 21:47

Does anybody know how the tv coverage will look like next season?.

From what i heard the rights have been bought by someone else next year meaning Eurosport wont have the right to show it.

This also means that Scandinavia wont have a coverage at all since i heard that the new rights holder doesnt broadcast in Scandinavia.

Does anyone have any news about this?

ps. not sure if this should go in this thread or in another.

ChrisS

7th October 2008, 05:24

Press release from yesterday

Dorna Sports confirmed today that it has reached an agreement with Viasat to screen MotoGP across Scandinavia until 2011. Servicing Denmark, Norway and Sweden the satellite broadcaster came to an agreement with the commercial and television rights-holders to the MotoGP World Championship to screen the sport for the next three years.

On a new platform dedicated to motorsport, all MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc races will be shown live throughout the season. Meanwhile, there will also be broadcasts of practice and qualifying sessions, for the most comprehensive coverage of MotoGP in Scandinavia ever.

Head of Sports for Viasat, Peter Nörrelund commented, “We are looking forward to having MotoGP as part of our offerings to the Scandinavian viewers. It is a world class sports event and the production itself is second to none when it comes to sports broadcasting.”

Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of Dorna Sports commented, “We are proud to agree this deal with Viasat, which will give MotoGP excellent exposure in Scandinavia. It will be the best coverage we have ever had in the region, and as well as having a dedicated signal in each of the countries, will also be backed up by widespread promotion.”

Viasat is the main broadcaster for major sports in Scandinavia, and the home of UEFA Champions League and Formula 1.

Ghostwalker

8th October 2008, 11:35

oki thanks ChrisS

mx311

9th October 2008, 23:49

Just a few MotoGP related notes:

1) Bradley Smith and Julito Simon to ride for Aspar Aprilia in the 125's next year. Gabor Talmacsi to join Alvaro Bautista on the 250. Sergio Gadea and Hector Faubel both free agents.

2) Lotus Aprilia is completely up in the air, reports are they haven't even made a request to Aprilia for bikes yet.

3) Red Bull KTM look set to keep Hiroshi Aoyama for 2009. They need to replace Mika Kallio, Mattia Pasini was favourite (now that Polaris World are gone) but KTM have said he's far to expensive.

4) The Onde2000 Ducati deal is on the rocks supposedly because of a roadblock during negotiations due to Sete Gibernau wanting is longtime head mechanic on the team whilst Ducati want all their own inhouse personal.

5) The Aspar Kawasaki deal died, was bought back to life and has died again. It could still come back but the problem lies with the proposed rider, Aspar and their sponsors want a Spaniard (Toni Elias and Carlos Checa said no, Kawasaki said no to Alex Debon) and Kawasaki want Shinja Nakano. It remains a possibility that if the Onde2000 deal is dead then Sete Gibernau may get the ride with Aspar.

6) Reports from Spain are that Red Bull will sponsor what is currently the Alice Ducati squad next year. Mika Kallio and Nicolas Canepa are expected to be announced as the riders.

Allyc85

11th October 2008, 18:02

Sylvain Guintoli is expected to confirm his switch from MotoGP to British Superbike by signing for the Rizla Suzuki team.

The Frenchman has been dropped by the Alice Ducati team for 2009, and is on the verge of clinching a deal to replace Tom Sykes in BSB.

Confirmed :)

Great to have a moto gp rider coming to the series, especially with a few riders moving onto the world stage.

Corny

11th October 2008, 18:37

He may choose to become a test rider but that's a whole lot different than "should retire"
As a GP rider, of course.. Test rider should do well

T-D

12th October 2008, 21:05

would be great to see the red bull livery back in motogp again.

patnicholls

12th October 2008, 22:09

Following the conclusion of BSB today, we should expect some announcements over the next few days/weeks re: next year there.

With Shakey, Tom Sykes, Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow moving on up (to Sterilgarda, Yamaha Italia, Stiggy Honda WSB and Yamaha Supersport respectively), there's a few plum seats on offer.

The hot tips at the minute are for the HM Plant Honda seats to be Gregorio Lavilla returning to BSB and Glen Richards partnering, although Steve Brogan may also be a contender there.

There's then Shakey's seat at GSE to partner Leon Camier on a Yamaha next year - James Ellison is the rumoured candidate there although it could be someone like Simon Andrews (who's had a superb season with the smaller Jentin team).

Steve Plater also may have options back in the top class it seems, although I suspect will stay with AIM Yamaha in Supersport to do the World Endurance Championship as well. He's only done a partial season this year in BSS but is riding as well as ever at 40 years young!

Eurosport's BSB coverage also had a brief chat with Eugene Laverty about his plans - he says he hopefully will be on a Honda in World Supersport next year, which we believe will be with Parkalgar (i.e the late great Jonesy's seat). Again, I think he'll do well there - excellent choice, if confirmed :up:

jonny hurlock

13th October 2008, 23:28

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/bsb/news/170433-0/ellison,_hydrex_honda_part_ways.html

ellison part ways with hydrex, either GSE Yamaha or HMPlant Honda for next year

neninja

14th October 2008, 10:51

Max Biaggi is testing the Aprilia at Valencia today and tomorrow (with permission of Sterilgarda)

It'll be interesting to see what sort of times the RSV4 is doing

neninja

14th October 2008, 10:57

Haga has also now been officially confirmed with Ducati alongside Fabrizio

Haga has gone down in my estimations this year. He seems to have displayed a fair bit of petulant behaviour especially at Donington.

At Donny, he knowingly stayed on the racing line with a blown motor all the way back to the pits (which caused several crashes and put other riders at risk) and then red lined the bike in the pits until the motor was totally destroyed and dropped its remaining oil on the floor and he then dumped the bike in his pit garage and stomped off.
His punishment was a ride through penalty which he ignored and instead left his bike against the pit wall on a live circuit.

Personally I think he should have been given a race ban for the next round for his behaviour.

I'll be hoping Sykes and Spies both beat him in next years championship but I guess with a 200cc advantage that's unlikely.

T-D

14th October 2008, 14:47

neninja, fear not. i think kiyo has all the tools necessarily to compete for a championship next year. kiyo and haga will take it to the wire for the championship.

themo

15th October 2008, 11:34

GSE Racing have confirmed Leon Camier and James Ellison will form their rider line-up for the 2009 Bennetts British Superbike season.
The team made the announcement just days after concluding their championship winning 2008 season and ahead of their high-profile switch to Yamaha machinery in 2009.

ChrisS

16th October 2008, 15:19

West to WSS with Stiggy Honda

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/170578-0/west_to_wss_with_stiggy_honda.html

patnicholls

17th October 2008, 00:45

Mach24

17th October 2008, 04:39

BikeSport News reports Glen Richards and - surprisingly - Josh Brookes will be riding for HM Plant Honda in BSB in 2009:

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=RICHARDS_AND_BROOKES_SIGN_FOR_HM_P LANT_HONDA_1

Regarding Brooksey, word at the last round of the BSB was that he would ride for HM in BSB.

I think this is a positive move for Josh. He is a top rider and I believe a chance to take the title in 09. As we have seen this silly season, a good BSB season can lead to a good ride in WSBK.

There was/is a posibility of Stiggy WSBK.

jonny hurlock

18th October 2008, 11:47

Just a few MotoGP related notes:

4) The Onde2000 Ducati deal is on the rocks supposedly because of a roadblock during negotiations due to Sete Gibernau wanting is longtime head mechanic on the team whilst Ducati want all their own inhouse personal.

5) The Aspar Kawasaki deal died, was bought back to life and has died again. It could still come back but the problem lies with the proposed rider, Aspar and their sponsors want a Spaniard (Toni Elias and Carlos Checa said no, Kawasaki said no to Alex Debon) and Kawasaki want Shinja Nakano. It remains a possibility that if the Onde2000 deal is dead then Sete Gibernau may get the ride with Aspar.

looks like aspar deal is not gonna happen

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/170671-0/third_kawasaki_abandoned.html

imo if theirs only 18/19 riders and no less than that at each gp, its not a problem for me.

tha_jackal

19th October 2008, 10:50

Alice "Junior" Ducati have announced Canepa and Kallio for 09.. Great team IMO..

patnicholls

19th October 2008, 22:53

jonny hurlock

19th October 2008, 23:00

Today's bombshell - and it's a massive one - is that Brands Hatch isn't on the provisional WSB calendar for next year:

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=BRANDS_HATCH_MISSING_FROM_PROVISIO NAL_WSB_DATES_1

All we can hope is that they get the money matters sorted out.

thats make me sad, that not in provisional date yet, I really hope it comes back onto it, look at it, we've got five british riders who riding in world sbk next year, only one round, shame : (

Corny

20th October 2008, 13:53

for the ones that can speak Dutch: you can read on http://www.rtlgp.nl that the FIM has put Brands Hatch off the WSBK calendar for 2009.. WTF are they doing there?

This would be the same as if FIA would not come to Monaco anymore

Allyc85

20th October 2008, 16:48

I was shocked to read this in MCN last week. Apparently WSB want more money from Brands,who are obviously refusing.

Corny

20th October 2008, 17:32

I thought that it had something to do with Jones' crash

alleskids

20th October 2008, 18:49

andypitt56

20th October 2008, 22:38

Ive read on motogp.com that there is a glimmer of hope that Aspar will run a third Kawasaki, as he is trying to find a sponsor that is willing to pay enough with super Shinya at the helm :D

Jarman

21st October 2008, 16:15

The latest news from Aspar says that is talking with Suzuki for to have a Bike in 2010 with Bautista.

jim mcglinchey

21st October 2008, 20:02

CaptainRaiden

21st October 2008, 21:49

On the thursday before the Valencia race the Ondo 2000 Moto GP team will be revealed. Driver will be Gibernau, Pablo Nieto wil be teammanager, Angel junior wil be assistent teammanager. Ducati Corse wil have 3 engineers in the team, the same construction as Pramac/Ducati Team. Gibernau will test for the 2009 season immediatly after the Valancia race.

If that actually happens, I don't know how good Gibernau would be on the Ducati. Only Stoner so far has been able to extract any consistent performance out of the Desmosedici. Sete wasn't really setting the world alight on the Duc in 2006.

IMHO Gibernau needs a factory Honda to show his real skills.

Mach24

22nd October 2008, 03:18

If that actually happens, I don't know how good Gibernau would be on the Ducati. Only Stoner so far has been able to extract any consistent performance out of the Desmosedici. Sete wasn't really setting the world alight on the Duc in 2006.

IMHO Gibernau needs a factory Honda to show his real skills.

IMHO Gibernau had that a few years back when he was at his prime and could not deliver the goods!

This is disappointing having a retiree returning to take a seat in the 'best' (arguably) motorcycling championship in the world.

We need all the bikes on the grid we can get, but it would be great to see someone with a vision of the future, not the past.

tha_jackal

22nd October 2008, 04:28

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/bsb/news/170821-0/hm_plant_honda_confirms_richards_brookes.html

Glen Richards and Joshua Brookes will ride for HM Plant Honda in 2009.

leopard

22nd October 2008, 07:42

Insofar as sponsor and manufacturer have willingness and interested in veteran rider albeit we notice him doesn't have enough capability, he is concerned a worthy investment that can potentially attract benefit for them.

I don't think I have reason not to welcome Sete back to the premier class of motogp. He will certainly strengthen Spaniard brigade to make championship more evenly spread out. Currently two classes have decided their champion, we need it in good balance to counter Italian riders whose domination in the field get strong and stronger ...

NinjaMaster

22nd October 2008, 08:47

IMHO Gibernau had that a few years back when he was at his prime and could not deliver the goods!

This is disappointing having a retiree returning to take a seat in the 'best' (arguably) motorcycling championship in the world.

We need all the bikes on the grid we can get, but it would be great to see someone with a vision of the future, not the past.
None of the available 250 riders are better than Sete so I have no problem with him coming back into the fold. He was quick in testing the Duc straight away so he should be competitive. At the end of the day, the only title contenders I see are the factory Honda, Yamaha and Ducati teams, the rest are making up the numbers title wise. Even then, I think that Dovi, Lorenzo and Hayden will all be behind their teammates.

The HM ride for both Brookes and Richards is good reward for lots of years of toil and hard work. I wonder if Parkes is in line for the second Stiggy seat where he can get schooled by Westy again just like in 07!

tha_jackal

22nd October 2008, 10:29

More importantly who's in line for the second Stiggy WSBK ride??

Mach24

22nd October 2008, 10:53

None of the available 250 riders are better than Sete

Perhaps you should look beyond 2fiddy?

I can only hope Sete has a 1 year deal and is replaced by an up and comer there after. If this is the case it is worth it.

I reckon Jake has a name worth a mention.

NinjaMaster

22nd October 2008, 12:07

Perhaps you should look beyond 2fiddy?

I can only hope Sete has a 1 year deal and is replaced by an up and comer there after. If this is the case it is worth it.

I reckon Jake has a name worth a mention.
I don't see anyone in WSB, WSS, BSB, AMA or wherever that jump up as obvious candidates better than Sete. Sete tested during the year and was instantly fast. Who cares about his age if he's competitive? If he's not then move him on. Would love Westy there but there's still no guarantee that he could adapt to the Duc anymore than he could adapt to a Kwak developed for his teammate.

themo

22nd October 2008, 21:49

Centurion Racing has announced that it will field two bikes in the 2009 British Supersport Championship for Dennis Hobbs and Daniel Cooper.

leopard

24th October 2008, 10:40

here is characteristic of Ducati, bike Gibernau will ride

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4530/gibernauonde20004ak1.jpg

tha_jackal

24th October 2008, 11:11

Max Neukirchner over Gibbernau for me :D Just coz i rekon he'd be nuts.. as far as proven GP winning experience goes, can't really look past Sete to be honest, regardless of his age..

andypitt56

24th October 2008, 15:37

on mcn website it says nakano is in talks with aprillia as they are keen to run two experienced riders, personally i reckon not a bad choice as a development rider look what he did with the kwaka 2 thirds and a 2nd

CaptainRaiden

24th October 2008, 20:47

here is characteristic of Ducati, bike Gibernau will ride

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4530/gibernauonde20004ak1.jpg

That Duc for some reason looks gigantic. It looks much bigger than the GP9 Stoner and Melandri are running this year. Even when Sete was sitting on it for some other pics, and Sete I believe is definitely bigger than both Duc factory riders.

Is that just a giant demo bike or am I seeing things because of lack of sleep? :eek:

I mean....

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/114085.jpg

Mach24

26th October 2008, 07:59

I don't see anyone in WSB, WSS, BSB, AMA or wherever that jump up as obvious candidates better than Sete. Sete tested during the year and was instantly fast. Who cares about his age if he's competitive? If he's not then move him on. Would love Westy there but there's still no guarantee that he could adapt to the Duc anymore than he could adapt to a Kwak developed for his teammate.

Age is no limit, just as money should not be the deciding factor!

Lets move forward and not backward.

Good luck to Sete, I hope he fills the numbers well.

NinjaMaster

26th October 2008, 14:40

Age is no limit, just as money should not be the deciding factor!

Lets move forward and not backward.

Good luck to Sete, I hope he fills the numbers well.
Absolutely, which is why there should be a third Kwak with Nakkers or West next year, not nothing because an adequate Spanish rider couldn't be found.
And Sete gets a look in because he was fast when he tested the Duc during the year. If he wasn't he'd still be retired. I think he will leave youngsters Canepa and Kallio in his dust.

leopard

27th October 2008, 04:48

That Duc for some reason looks gigantic. It looks much bigger than the GP9 Stoner and Melandri are running this year. Even when Sete was sitting on it for some other pics, and Sete I believe is definitely bigger than both Duc factory riders.

Is that just a giant demo bike or am I seeing things because of lack of sleep? :eek:

I mean....

Firstly, the Duc is just basically bulky.

Anything bright or white, plus the crossing dark line on it will elongate the real size of it. It's a fata morgana. :)

ChrisS

27th October 2008, 07:41

Sete always used a larger windscreen on his bikes, I think that makes the front look even bigger

CaptainRaiden

27th October 2008, 08:57

Firstly, the Duc is just basically bulky.

Anything bright or white, plus the crossing dark line on it will elongate the real size of it. It's a fata morgana. :)

That was my first thought too when I saw it. I think you're right. The black and white livery and those lines makes it look much bigger. Especially the front part.

Sete always used a larger windscreen on his bikes, I think that makes the front look even bigger

I don't think the windscreen really is that much of a difference. I made some comparisons between this and the factory Duc, and the windscreen looks almost the same.

http://www.powerslide.net/forum/uploads/1198198308/med_gallery_1159_1_59896.jpg

T-D

27th October 2008, 16:14

having seen all the motogp bikes up close, i can attest that they are all very small bikes, with the 2007 honda stretching the limits of what is accaptable for a normal sized adult.

NinjaMaster

29th October 2008, 11:30

Stiggy have completed their rider lineup with the addition of Gianluca Vizziello.
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/170886-0/wss_stiggy_completes_2009_line-up.html

Also, apparently DFX are now Kawasaki's WSB team with Tamada and DFX want to keep Muggas.

Broc Parkes to Althea Honda in WSS.

Jake Zemke and Jakub Smrz to ride for the Boulder/Guandalini Ducati Team.

Kawasaki have a new WSS team - Provec Racing Team - said to be strongly factory backed and running Kats Fujiwara and Joan Lascorz.

Wonder what is/will happen with JiR?

ChrisS

29th October 2008, 17:23

Italian sites are reporting that Nakano has signed for Aprilia in SBK

patnicholls

29th October 2008, 22:59

tha_jackal

30th October 2008, 03:26

BikeSport news have Roby Rolfo partnering Leon Haslam at Stiggy WSB next year:

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=PORTIMAO_WSB_ROLFO_TO_PARTNER_HASL AM_AT_STIGGY_1

They now seem to be the source for news - amongst other things they led Donington getting F1, Tom Sykes going to Yam Italia, Brands Hatch losing WSB for 2009 (although I believe a rescue mission may be on for that one), and several other things. They tend to be right!

Roby Rolfo to HANNSpree Stiggy Honda, wreaks of a 'personal sponsorship' move to me..

He's lucky to be in WSBK for next year after this seasons performance, would have demoted him to WSS and given Westy a go aboard the big bike, having come directly from MotoGP..

Meh.. Sponsors Shmonsors... :mad:

leopard

31st October 2008, 09:03

That was my first thought too when I saw it. I think you're right. The black and white livery and those lines makes it look much bigger. Especially the front part.

yeah ...

http://www.moto-live.com/motogp/photos/2007/girls/diapoa_045.jpg

NinjaMaster

1st November 2008, 02:50

:rotflmao:

jonny hurlock

3rd November 2008, 10:18

Italian sites are reporting that Nakano has signed for Aprilia in SBK

well shock on that! nakano to aprillia, I quess that aspar are not coming in motogp next year

CaptainRaiden

3rd November 2008, 22:15

yeah ...

http://www.moto-live.com/motogp/photos/2007/girls/diapoa_045.jpg

Bahahahahahahaaa :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Ahem, nice front end. Do you think that's aerodynamically efficient?

NinjaMaster

3rd November 2008, 23:36

Now rumours of Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) running the Kawasaki Superbike Team next year (which is better than DFX in my opinion). Thoroughly unimpressive and amateurish the Kawasaki international circuit racing program. To get to this point with no announcement of team or riders for next year is very ordinary. They should take a leaf out of their own MX teams book on how to be successful.
Makoto Tamada and Broc Parkes are rumoured to be the riders. I'm torn though because I really like Parkes but I also reckon Badovini deserves to be in the factory team after his efforts this year.

leopard

4th November 2008, 02:09

Bahahahahahahaaa :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Ahem, nice front end. Do you think that's aerodynamically efficient?
My understanding such aero works extremely fine in wet ... races.

tha_jackal

4th November 2008, 02:51

how the new 09 R1 sounds: http://superbikeplanet.com/sound/newr1superbike.mp3

http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/509530.jpg

Spies did a few laps during yesterday's 'press testing' session.. A full days testing today/tommorow will take place for WSBK/WSS riders..

Eugene Lavery also did one or two laps aboard his new Parkalgar Honda..

http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/509542.jpg

good luck to the lad.. WSS should be cracking next year:-

Sofuoglu, Pitt, West, Laverty, Crutchlow etc.. Should be exciting..

Mach24

4th November 2008, 07:38

Now rumours of Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) running the Kawasaki Superbike Team next year (which is better than DFX in my opinion). Thoroughly unimpressive and amateurish the Kawasaki international circuit racing program. To get to this point with no announcement of team or riders for next year is very ordinary.

Could not agree more. The Green machine needs as much prep and solidity as possible. I am not against the move to Birdy, I just hope the planning is well under way and just becoming public knowledge.

Somehow I feel this is not the case and Team Green are piecing it together on the run, will 2009 be another year wasted?

tha_jackal

4th November 2008, 07:47

Broc Parkes is rumoured to be riding for Paul Bird's Kawasaki team.. Career suicide much?

Mach24

4th November 2008, 09:01

Broc Parkes is rumoured to be riding for Paul Bird's Kawasaki team.. Career suicide much?

Broc is at the crossroads. He should have at least one WSS title under the belt by now, but does not.

His career is not on the up and up, Paul Bird's Kawasaki is a life line. And who knows, maybe results may come?

Corny

4th November 2008, 14:35

FIAT and yamaha to continue another 2 years.. Blugh, that livery is so ugly :(

leopard

5th November 2008, 07:01

FIAT and yamaha to continue another 2 years.. Blugh, that livery is so ugly :(
Which one, Multipla?

ChrisS

5th November 2008, 08:08

Alto Evolution Honda will be renamed to Team Pro Ride Honda for next season.

Alto Group sold the team to its General Manager, Marco Nicotari. Alto will remain as the title sponsor, the structure and the staff will remain the same and
Gregorio Lavilla is expected to join the team. he already tested at Portimao

ChrisS

8th November 2008, 09:11

Its official, Paul Bird Motorsport will be running the Kawasaki factory team next season

Wim_Impreza

8th November 2008, 11:18

With riders Makoto Tamada and Broc Parkes, I suspect Kawasaki would be struggling again in 2009. Tamada doesn't scored a single point in the second half of the season!

patnicholls

8th November 2008, 22:45

Here's my provisional list for WSB at the minute - some of this is just this year's lineup cut-and-pasted in for now:

Xerox Ducati: Haga & Fabrizio
Sterilgarda Ducati: Alessandro Polita & Shakey Byrne
RG Ducati: Ben Bostrom(!)/Luca Scassa/Lorenzo Lanzi?
Guandalini/Boulder Ducati: J. Smrz & Jake Zemke
Ten Kate Honda: Kiyonari, C. Checa & Jonathan Rea
PBM (Vent-Axia) Kawasaki - Tamada & Broc Parkes
DFX Honda: Regis Laconi? & Lorenzo Lanzi?/Muggeridge?
Althea Honda: Tommy Hill & ?
Pro Race Honda: Lavilla
Stiggy Honda: Leon Haslam & Roby Rolfo
Yamaha Italia: Tom Sykes & Ben Spies
YZF Yamaha: Katsayuki Nagasuga (Japanese SBK champ; replaces Nakatomi)
GMT94 Yamaha: D. Checa & Gimbert?
Grillini Yamaha: Zaiser?
Alstare Suzuki: Neukirchner, Kagayama & Fonsi Nieto/Xavier Simeon?
PSG1 Ducati?: Badovini? & ?
Pedercini Kawasaki/Ducati?: Iannuzzo? & ?
Aprilia: Biaggi & Nakano
BMW: Xaus & Corser

If everyone listed above appears, plus the question marks get filled in, that could be about 38 regular riders!

Getting a point or two is already looking like a decent achievement!

racer69

10th November 2008, 06:56

Ben Bostrom on an RG Ducati, would be good to see :)

Much of a chance of happening?

mx311

10th November 2008, 08:42

I just thought I'd add my provisional lists for the MotoGP series in 2009.

MOTOGP
Fiat Yamaha Team - Valentino Rossi / Jorge Lorenzo
Repsol Honda Team - Dani Pedrosa / Andrea Dovizioso
Ducati Marlboro Team - Casey Stoner / Nicky Hayden
Tech 3 Yamaha - Colin Edwards / James Toseland
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP - Chris Vermuelen / Loris Capirossi
Monster Energy Kawasaki MotoGP - John Hopkins / Marco Melandri
Red Bull Ducati Team - Mika Kallio / Niccolo Canepa
San Carlo Gresini Team - Toni Elias / Alex de Angeles
Team Scot - Yuki Takahashi
LCR Honda MotoGP - Randy de Puniet
Onde 2000 Ducati - Sete Gibernau

250cc
Metis Gilera - Marco Simoncelli / [Roberto Locatelli]
Team Toth Aprilia - Imre Toth / [Mattia Pasini]
Emmi Caffe Latte Aprilia - Thomas Luthi / [Lukas Pesek]
Thai Honda PTT SAG - Rattapark Wilairot / [Hector Faubel]
Cardion AB Aprilia - Karel Abraham / [?]
Mapfre Aspar Aprilia - Alvaro Bautista / Mike di Meglio / [Alex Debon]
MOL Aspar Aprilia - Gabor Talmacsi
Pepephone Pons-WRB Aprilia - Hector Barbera / [Axel Pons]
Team Scot Honda - [Simone Corsi]
Team 48 Aprilia - [Aleix Espargaro] / [Joan Olive] / [Alex Debon]
Yamaha Pertamina Indonesia - Doni Tata Pradita / [?]
Racing Team Germany Honda - Toni Wirsing / Bastien Chesaux
Zongshen Team - Frederico Sandi / Ho Wan Chow
Diana Zschoch Racing Team - Stevie Bonsey / [Hector Faubel]
[Red Bull Kiefer Aprilia] - [Stefan Bradl]
[Repsol Team] - [Hiroshi Aoyama]

125cc
Belson Derbi - Pol Espargaro [F] / [Joan Olive] [F]
Ajo Motorsports Derbi - Dominique Aegerter [F] / Sandro Cortese [F]
Blusens Aprilia - Scott Redding [F] / Tito Rabat
Red Bull Kiefer Aprilia - Robin Lasser / Robert Muresan / Marvin Fritz / [Stefan Bradl] [F]
Pons-WRB Aprilia - Nico Terol [F] / [Axel Pons]
IC Team Aprilia - Andrea Iannone [F] / Lorenzo Salvadori / [Takaagi Nakagami] [F]
Degraaf Aprilia - Randy Krummenacher [F] / Danny Webb
Bancaja Aspar Aprilia - Bradley Smith [F] / Julito Simon [F] / [Sergio Gadea] / [Adrian Martin]
Maxtra Team - Michael Ranseder / [Matthew Hoyle]
KTM Racing - Marc Marquez / Cameron Beaubier / [Tomoyoshi Koyama] / [Jonas Folger]
[Racing Team Germany Honda] - [Marcel Schrotter] / [Jonas Folger]

* - [brackets] means not confirmed, [F] means factory bike from Aprilia, ie the RSA.

The big news within the 125/250 ranks is the 'retirement' of Dani Amatriain. Both Delson Derbi and the team that was known as Lotus Aprilia will continue. Lotus Aprilia will now be known as Team 48 (they are hoping to resign Lotus Watches) and the team is now owned by the team members themselves. The retirement of Amatriain many link to his bust up with former protege Jorge Lorenzo, that's also the reason Jorge is on the lookout for a new racing number, (I hear he wanted #0 but Dorna said no so he has reserved #23 and #99).

patnicholls

10th November 2008, 13:26

Those are some pretty interesting lists so far Matt.

It's good to see the Pons WRB team expanding to 250s with Hector Barbera, they did a great job last year in 125s (I notice Nico Terol won 'privateer of the year' which meant Corsi must've had a factory bike within that same team, in which case Terol's results were even more remarkable to take 5th overall). Also looking good with Aspar running three 250s hopefully. Do you know if we're expecting Campetella's team back? They always brighten up the grid even if the results have gone south recently.

In terms of 125s, do you know much about satellite KTMs? It was a bit of a sloppy effort from them this time round - Tomi Koyama won't be remembering 2008 fondly after winning a race and finishing third in 2007, and Randy Krummenacher struggled with illness throughout after his emergency spleen trouble. Any news on Onde 2000 continuing a 125 effort?