Rumour Mill 2007

[jim mcglinchey]

I see Lorenzo has been 100% confirmed as Valentino's team mate for next year......... errrghhhhhhh.

I've read some stuff on here about Rossi not liking Horgay and trying to veto his move to Yam, but is there any truth in any of it? What has Horgay ever done to Vale?....er, about from rip off his post race ostentations.

[osg]

Davies on the D'Antin for the remaining rounds after Hoffman does a DuHamel at Estoril????

Thoughts?

[tha_jackal]

Well Hoffman has been offically sacked, so it will be either Davies or Silva for the remaining races...

[ChrisS]

So here's how MotoGP is shaping up for 2008

Bold = confirmed
Normal = very likely
Italic =rumored
??? = no idea

Team
Title sponsor -tyres
1st rider
2nd rider

Ducati
Ducati Corse
Marlboro - Bridgestone
Casey Stoner
Marco Melandri

d'Antin MotoGP
Pramac - Bridgstone
Sylvan Guintoli
Toni Elias

Yamaha
Yamaha Racing
FIAT, Fortuna - Michelin
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo

Tech 3
??? - Michelin
James Toseland
Colin Edwards

Honda
Honda Racing Corporation
Repsol- Michelin
Nicky Hayden
Dani Pedrosa

Gresini Racing
??? - Bridgestone
Alex de Angelis
Shinya Nakano

Team LCR
??? - Michelin
Randy De Puniet

JiR
Scot Construction - ???
Andrea Dovizioso

Suzuki
Suzuki MotoGP
Rizla - Bridgestone
Chris Vermeulen
Loris Capirossi

Kawasaki
Kawasaki Racing
Monster- Bridgestone
John Hopkins
Anthony West

Team KR
??? -???
???

[ChrisS]

Troy Corser and Noriyuki Haga confirmed at Yamaha Motor Italy

[namarow]

Ben Spies said he would be doing some wild card runs next year on Speed.

[ChrisS]

Pedrosa signed with Repsol Honda for 2 more seasons, no tyre confirmation yet.

http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=6&id=154712

[osg]

Won't be bridgestone......... bridgestone themselves have ruled that out.

[tha_jackal]

Kev Curtain will be riding for MV Agusta in ASBK for 2008..

[ChrisS]

shame his international career ended like this, around this time a year ago he looked certain to win the WSS championship

is the MV a private or a factory/dealer supported bike?

[patnicholls]

To link the Foggy 'not happening' news in with this thread, the story goes that Team Roberts will be coming to World Superbike next year to run the MVs. There is nothing to confirm this.

Eurosport's chat also suggested (as was rumoured here a couple of weeks ago) that Roby Rolfo will leave Ten Kate to go to Althea Honda, who will step up to WSB from WSS.

There was also a possiblity mentioned of Martial Garcia's Yamaha team running a second superbike next year again (they run Shinichi Nakatomi - who may be retained - and David Checa and Sebastien Gimbert in WSS under the GMT94 banner).

[NinjaMaster]

Also, Triumph have confirmed their entrance into World Supersport with the Caracchi Scuderia SC (?) team. I think I read it will be a two rider team with a Brit and Italian rider likely. Hopefully it is as good a racebike as it is a roadbike.

[Mach24]

shame his international career ended like this, around this time a year ago he looked certain to win the WSS championship

is the MV a private or a factory/dealer supported bike?

Source: http://www.mcnews.com.au

After months of speculation, multiple Australian Champion and world no 2 Kevin Curtain has signed a 2 year contract with (TBR) Trinder Brothers Racing to contest the Australian Superbike Championship for MV Agusta Racing. After contesting the highly competitive World Supersport Championship for the last 4 seasons in which he finished an amazing 2nd in the championship twice, Kev has decided to concentrate his efforts with TBR aboard an MV Agusta for the Australian Superbike Championship and possibly much more.

After speaking to Team Manager Steve Trinder this week regarding the teams future plans, it was revealed there are a lot of developments in progress.

“Craig (Trinder), Paul Feeney & I are off to Italy in November to sit down with the factory and discuss Kevin’s role with MV Agusta internationally, however our plan is to win the Australian Superbike Championship first and foremost. We also plan to have a world spec bike here for Kev to wild card the WSK race at Phillip Island to coincide with the world wide launch of MV Agusta back into world Championship racing”.

An all out assault on the Australian Championships with factory backing from the Italian MV Agusta headquarters, MV Agusta and Kevin will be a championship favourite right from the first round.

“One of the reason’s I signed is I have a great relationship with the TBR team, We know how to win together, and with the MV Agusta connection I will still be able to give the world championship regulars a hurry up, but this time in Superbike”.

Trinder said, “We have been talking to Kevin about this possibility for sometime, however the fact that Kevin could still have an international career through TBR and MV Agusta was a definite factor in gaining his signature”.

“The year Kevin last rode for us, our riders struggled for speed and handling on the brand we were using compared with the Suzuki’s and we still won 3 out of 4 championships. Even though the Japanese manufacturers are a lot more even these days, we won’t have those same problems again now with MV Agusta. We are really looking forward to next year, it’s exciting,” commented Trinder.

The first hit out for Curtain and his new team will be the WPS Queensland Championships, which the team is using for Kev to get acquainted with the new MVF41000.

[The Phantom]

Although it would be great to see Curtain continue on the world stage, he is not a young man anymore. He'll do great things with the MV in Aus SBK, and might surprise the WSB regulars at PI if the bike is sorted. He may even get a leg-up into a Team Roberts MV squad if that comes together - he's no stranger to contesting Australian and World series at the same time!

[jonny hurlock]

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~155340.htm

team kr may not be on Honda engines next season, or on michelin niether, they more or likely on dunlop two team, also, Not going to WSBK with MV Agusta thankfully

[maxu05]

Could it be the "KR Ilmor Dunlop Team" with Kurtis Roberts as the rider ? May as well just get yourself neutered and take up ballet :laugh:

[tha_jackal]

KR Dunlop could be right! Ive heard a rumour that KR may run a two bike outfit with 07 spec Ducati engines next year, majority of their funding coming from, yep you guessed it, Dunlop.. Also heard they've offered Elias a ride.. Time will tell..

[b_king]

so.. what do you think about the new 2008 lineup?
any guess who will be the second dantin rider?
where will de puniet be next year?
will elias stay at gresini?

[b_king]

1

[b_king]

any bets??
no2 in gresini(elias,nakano,de puniet)
no2 in dantin(baros)
lcr?
konicaminolta honda?
third kawasaki
if anyone has ideas ?? answer please.
tanxx

[NinjaMaster]

any bets??
no2 in gresini(elias,nakano,de puniet)
no2 in dantin(baros)
lcr?
konicaminolta honda?
third kawasaki
if anyone has ideas ?? answer please.
tanxx
Most of this has been answered previously in this very thread.
DePuniet has signed with LCR.
Only chance of thrid Kwak appears to be if Nakano brings Konica Minolta money. Seems unlikely.
Dovizioso has signed with Honda, likely his 250 team will merge with JiR team.
I think Nakkers will go to Gresini and Elias to D'Antin and perhaps Barros to KR.

[patnicholls]

An article of complete speculation on the 2008 BSB field, some may be of interest:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2007/september/sep24-30/sep2407britishsuperbikeswhogoeswherepart253/

-----------

EDIT: the whole BSB rumour mill has been turned upside down after GSE revealed that they've pulled out as of today (October 14th). So everything's completely up in the air.

Whether GSE will come to WSB is also highly uncertain.

[edlalu]

Can someone gimme a quick summary of who is going where next season. We were sitting discussing the AUS race and we could not remember who is teamed with Rossi on the factory Yamaha team. Edwards is going to Tech 3, right?

THX

[maxu05]

Can someone gimme a quick summary of who is going where next season. We were sitting discussing the AUS race and we could not remember who is teamed with Rossi on the factory Yamaha team. Edwards is going to Tech 3, right?

THX

Hi there edlalu, you will find a list of teams and most riders on page 13 of the rumor mill thread. Hope that helps you.

[edlalu]

Yes that helps. There is no way I wanted to sift through all that just to find that entry.

THX!

[patnicholls]

Once we get to New Year time and a few more things are confirmed, we'll start up the MotoGP 2008, WSB 2008, etc threads. For now aside from MotoGP everything's a bit sketchy

[tha_jackal]

According to MCN and crash.net Team GSE have withdrawn from the BSB series and have no plans to go racing in WSBK.. A real shame for a very professional outfit.. To cut a long story short, it comes down to a disagreement between GSE and Ducati concerning piston use, trivial really..

This will kick the BSB and even the WSBK silly season into gear, big time..

[Mach24]

To cut a long story short, it comes down to a disagreement between GSE and Ducati concerning piston use, trivial really..


Actually I think the disagreement is between BSB & GSE/Ducati regarding oversized pistons.

Well done BSB, don't let any manufacturer dictate terms.

[ChrisS]

The problem is that Ducati asked to use racing pistons but didnt say why they need to use them.
If they could show it was for safety BSB would allow it

[tha_jackal]

KR and Ilmor to team up in 2008? Sorta makes sense and stranger things have happened..

http://blogger.xs4all.nl/daisy/archive/2007/10/17/305842.aspx

[jonny hurlock]

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/156057-0/biaggi_leaves_suzuki.html

[tha_jackal]

I cant see where Max will end up? Im almost certain he burnt all his bridges in the GP paddock.. As mentioned in the article, he may have to convince a factory WSBK team to run a third bike..

[jonny hurlock]

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/156078-0/gresini_opens_biaggi_talks.html

never gonna to happen. one word 'Honda', what happen at the end of 2005 no change of hell!

reasons why:
http://archive.motorsportforums.com/vb2/showthread.php?threadid=115402&pagenumber=1

[Ranger]

Bridgestone and Rossi on brink of deal:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63408

Would be funny if Michelin were the faster tyre next year! :laugh:

[maxu05]

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/156078-0/gresini_opens_biaggi_talks.html

never gonna to happen. one word 'Honda', what happen at the end of 2005 no change of hell!

reasons why:
http://archive.motorsportforums.com/vb2/showthread.php?threadid=115402&pagenumber=1

I for one, would love to see Max back in MotoGp, I think he would liven things up a bit.

[NinjaMaster]

Nah, Max ha's had his go, time for the young'uns to come through. Lorenzo should liven things up enough. ;) Besides, it's because of his greed he is no longer in WSB so I have no sympathy for him.

[leopard]

No further talks but short of news that Max finally signs

Biaggi finally signs (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/user/21458/October/Biaggi-finally-signs/?&R=EPI-95377)

[neninja]

Nah, Max ha's had his go, time for the young'uns to come through. Lorenzo should liven things up enough. ;) Besides, it's because of his greed he is no longer in WSB so I have no sympathy for him.

I don't think Max is being greedy.

He was offered a lower salary for 2008 than he was paid in 2007 - by about 200,000 Euros I believe.

Would you accept a 20%+ pay cut from your current employer if you had exceeded all expectations, won races and come very close to winning the championship at the first attempt?

[NinjaMaster]

I don't think Max is being greedy.

He was offered a lower salary for 2008 than he was paid in 2007 - by about 200,000 Euros I believe.

Would you accept a 20%+ pay cut from your current employer if you had exceeded all expectations, won races and come very close to winning the championship at the first attempt?
As I understood it neninja, he was demanding double what he was paid this year which I consider greedy. Going on past form, I assume this to be the case. I guess that's the problem with all these 'reports' of what is going on, there are many mixed messages. Either way, I don't see him adding anything to MotoGP anymore compared to what he brings to WSB. Clearly his supposed 'new found love' for WSB isn't as strong as many believed.

[jim mcglinchey]

On the Rossi tyre issue, MCN reports that Bridgestone have been threatened with expulsion from the 08 MotoGP if they dont supply Rossi, and Dorna will switch to a single ( Michelin ) tyre rule. This could turn ugly.

[NinjaMaster]

On the Rossi tyre issue, MCN reports that Bridgestone have been threatened with expulsion from the 08 MotoGP if they dont supply Rossi, and Dorna will switch to a single ( Michelin ) tyre rule. This could turn ugly.
That was also suggested by Julian Ryder on SuperbikePlanet.com. I think it's pathetic that the controlling body have such a bias towards one rider.

[ArmchairBikeFan]

Max is said to be staying in WSBK on a full factory Ducati 1098 with the British GSE team, according to Dennis Noyes:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/moto/worldsuperbike/41197/

[patnicholls]

Max is said to be staying in WSBK on a full factory Ducati 1098 with the British GSE team, according to Dennis Noyes:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/moto/worldsuperbike/41197/

<raises eyebrow of suspicion>

I'll believe this one when I see it, I think. It may also be time to resurrect the seperate Max thread...again :p

As far as that article goes, the team lists bit doesn't mention Sofugolu, and Lorenzo Lanzi is already sorted on an RG Ducati for next year in WSB as opposed to Sterilgarda (though there's possibly a link-up between the squads...I had Lanzi down for Sterilgarda before the year ended).

That said, I would like to see GSE in WSB with Max, if it happens.

[neninja]

It's being quite widely reported that Max will be with GSE on a factory 1098 partnered by Leon Camier

Shimano is reported to be the team sponsor which makes sense as they are a personal sponsor of Max

I really hope it happens. With current champ JT leaving to MotoGP, WSB couldn't afford to lose Max too plus they need a Brit as the UK is still biggest market for WSB.

[tha_jackal]

Dean Ellison?? :cheese:

[NinjaMaster]

A comeback from Niall McKenzie? :D

[tha_jackal]

Good news for British fans out there, Bradley Smith has signed on with Polaris World Aprilia for 2008, he will be the only rider in the team and have an official Aprilia at his disposal, watch out for young Brad!

Also, 14 year old Scott Redding (from the Red Bull Academy) has signed a three year deal to ride with Blusens Aprilia next year, starting for two years in the 125s with an option to move to 250s in the third..

Happy days for u brits then :)

[JETFX...]

On the Rossi tyre issue, MCN reports that Bridgestone have been threatened with expulsion from the 08 MotoGP if they dont supply Rossi, and Dorna will switch to a single ( Michelin ) tyre rule. This could turn ugly.

All he needs now is find a bucket of red paint and another 20 hp mmaybe?
And I keep getting asked why I dont respect Val more..... :rolleyes:

What ya mean 'could' turn ugly its a little beyond that already eh!

[neninja]

Everyone is now reporting that the GSE link to WSB is now off again

The current rumour is now Max alongside Xaus at Sterilgarda

[fireblade1000]

Didn't see the max/GSE thing happening.

GSE to wsbk was off a while ago when the sponsor they had lined up pulled out. Don't even see them in bsb next year if the rules aren't changed to suit ducati, which is areal shame as the are a top team.

Also Camier to GSE?, wouldn't they take haslam with them if they had been going to wsbk.

[ChrisS]

Toni Elias has been confirmed at d'Antin

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/156427-0/elias_gets_a_ducati.html

MotoGP lineup all done, only team KR left IF they are in motogp next year

[leopard]

All he needs now is find a bucket of red paint and another 20 hp mmaybe?
And I keep getting asked why I dont respect Val more..... :rolleyes:

Was Max already in the list?

[mx311]

Just thought I'd do a quick update on the state of play for '08.

MotoGP is all done except for Team KR as Chris said...

Marlboro Ducati - Casey Stoner & Marco Melandri
Pramac d'Antin Ducati - Sylvain Guintoli & Toni Elias
Fiat Yamaha - Valentino Rossi & Jorge Lorenzo
Tech 3 Yamaha - James Toseland & Colin Edwards (CE still not confirmed)
Repsol HRC Honda - Nicky Hayden & Dani Pedrosa
Gresini Honda - Alex de Angelis & Shinya Nakano
LCR Honda - Randy de Puniet
JiR/Scot Honda - Andrea Dovizioso
Rizla Suzuki - Chris Vermeulen & Loris Capirossi
Team Kawasaki - John Hopkins & Ant West (Monster sponsorship still rumoured)
Team Roberts - TBA (rumoured to run Ducati engines or possibly Kawasaki bikes)

The 250 class is coming together nicely, not all of this is confirmed but much of it is highly likely according to sources. The big question mark seems to be over the Gilera team and their riders Marco Simoncelli and Roberto Locatelli. If rumours are to be believed then Aprilia have promised Loca a full factory RSA if he chooses to race on next year. There are supposedly six RSA's for 2008, I'll mark them with a *.

Master Aspar Aprilia - Alvaro Bautista* & Hector Faubel*
Fortuna Aprilia - Alex Debon*
Caffe Latte Aprilia - Thomas Luthi* & Lukas Pesek
Polaris World Aprilia - Mattia Pasini*
Team Toth Aprilia - TBA (Hector Barbera is expected to stay here unless he loses the RSA bike. Roberto Locatelli rumoured to move back here if Gilera quit and he stays on for one more year)
Red Bull KTM - TBA (Hiroshi Aoyama, Mika Kallio, Julian Simon & Hector Barbera are all linked to KTM's, not necessarily on the Red Bull team though)
Repsol Puig - TBA (expected to switch to KTM's meaning Shuhei Aoyama may be out. Julian Simon is very likely to be retained)
Thai Honda - TBA (it was thought that Ratthapark Wilairot would team with Yuki Takahasi in '08, but lately there has been talk that Wilairot may move teams)
Team Silica - Federico Sandi
Kiefer Racing Aprilia - Stefan Bradl

And finally the 125 class. As usual the 125 class is the last to get sorted but things are looking a little clearer now. KTM look like supplying six bikes in '08 while there will be eight Aprilia RSA's (again marked with a *). Derbi look like running RSA Aprilia's too, but painted red and with the words Derbi written on them.

Bancaja Aspar Aprilia - Gabor Talmacsi*, Sergio Gadea* & Pere Tutusaus
Skilled Racing Aprilia - Simone Corsi* & Nicolas Terol
Polaris World Aprilia - Bradley Smith*
Red Bull KTM - Tomoyoshi Koyama & Randy Krummenacher
Valsir Derbi - Pol Espargaro* & Joan Olive*
Repsol Puig - Esteve Rabat & Marc Marquez (expected to be KTM's)
Blusens Aprilia - Scott Redding (two more riders to be confirmed)
Emmi Caffe Latte Aprilia - Sandro Cortese
Molenaar Honda - Danny Webb

[tha_jackal]

I saw an interview with Sandro Cortese in which he said he would have an RSA next year... ??

[NinjaMaster]

Also, what about the talk of Poggi making a comeback alongside Pasini at Polaris World Aprilia?

[JETFX...]

Was Max already in the list?

Good question...

[osg]

Also, what about the talk of Poggi making a comeback alongside Pasini at Polaris World Aprilia?

Bizarre..... shows that winning a title can get you a seat anywhere, anytime... no matter how far your form has fallen.

[NinjaMaster]

Bizarre..... shows that winning a title can get you a seat anywhere, anytime... no matter how far your form has fallen.
2 titles actually...

[leopard]

Good question...
as usual ;)

[burger]

Bizarre..... shows that winning a title can get you a seat anywhere, anytime... no matter how far your form has fallen.

Actually he won 2 - the 125cc and 250cc

So the question is can he come back??

[ChrisS]

wasn't there a separate BSB 08 thread? I thought there was but couldn't find it

anyway

Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow confirmed at HM Plant Honda

Tom Sykes rumoured to join Rizla Suzuki alongside MFJ Superbike champion Atsushi Watanabe

Leon Camier?

[racer69]

Leon Camier?

One would assume staying with the BikeAnimal Honda team.

[tha_jackal]

I heard Camier's name thrown around at a few vacant WSBK seats, but not 100% sure..

In other news Nanelli has signed for the ?new? Hanspree Althea Honda WSS team (they will also run Rolfo in WSBK next year) and it is expected Craig Jones will be the third rider in the team, alongside Nanelli in WSS...

[Roby44]

I heard Camier's name thrown around at a few vacant WSBK seats, but not 100% sure..

In other news Nanelli has signed for the ?new? Hanspree Althea Honda WSS team (they will also run Rolfo in WSBK next year) and it is expected Craig Jones will be the third rider in the team, alongside Nanelli in WSS...

Yes and he will do great too!! Go Roby!! :s mokin:

[patnicholls]

Althea are the former Megabike Honda squad, they ran Katsuaki Fujiwara and Lorenzo Alfonsi this year. The Hanspree backing for them is new as is running a superbike, looks like the brand is spreading its wings cos they're backing five Ten Kate bikes too.

[ChrisS]

I asked about this in the wsb 2008 thread. as far as I know the team are called Althea Honda because they are sponsored by Ceramica Althea.

as for Leon Camier and continuing at BikeAnimal Honda, BikeAnimal is essentially a 3rd HRC bike, will they be able to continue now that HRC is decreasing its involvement in BSB?

[patnicholls]

It's moderately quiet so far for BSB 2008 news, the season doesn't start til next April after all!

We've had Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow confirmed at HM Plant...everything else is wait and see for now. MCN has plenty of rumour and conjecture but it's all up in the air for now.

One rumour currently doing the rounds is that Chris Walker will be joining Katsuaki Fujiwara riding the Gil Kawasakis [that's the team Foret and Riba rode for this year] in World Supersport.

[jonny hurlock]

some confirmed news in bsb 2008:

Tom Sykes to Rizla Suzuki. to team up with Atsushi Watanabe

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/bsb/news/156916-0/confirmed_sykes_to_rizla_suzuki.html

gse ducati are back in bsb with the new new 1098R Leon Camier and 'Shakey' Byrne as riders,

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/bsb/news/156919-0/airwaves_back_with_a_bang.html

great news for gse, byrne, camier those, but I fell Sykes should have stayed with stobart team, btw whats happing with paul bird's team? no news

[tha_jackal]

BSB should be good next year.. Hopefully i get to see some of it with my new Foxtel subscription ;)

[ChrisS]

Stobart Honda moves to World Superbikes for 2008!!!! :eek:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2007/november/nov5-11/nov0807britishsuperbikesstobarthondamovetowprldsup erbikes2008/

[mx311]

Hey all, I thought I'd give another update on the state of play in the 125 and 250 classes for season 2008. It's all coming together nicely (and sooner than usual). Repsol Puig have finally confirmed that they are switching from Honda to KTM and Aprilia have now handed out all of their factory bikes for '08.

250 CLASS
(Aprilia RSA's marked them with a *)

Master Aspar Aprilia - Alvaro Bautista* & Hector Faubel*
Fortuna Aprilia - Alex Debon*, Manuel Poggiali & Aleix Espargaro
Caffe Latte Aprilia - Thomas Luthi* & Lukas Pesek
Polaris World Aprilia - Mattia Pasini*
Team Toth Aprilia - Hector Barbera*
Red Bull KTM - Hiroshi Aoyama & Mika Kallio
Repsol Puig - Julian Simon & TBA
Stop & Go Honda? - Ratthapark Wilairot
Scot Honda? - Yuki Takahasi (not confirmed)
Team Silica - Federico Sandi
Blusens Aprilia - Russell Gomez
Team Gilera - Marco Simoncelli (not confirmed)

125 CLASS.
(Aprilia RSA's marked with a *), Derbi also running RSA Aprilia's

Bancaja Aspar Aprilia - Gabor Talmacsi*, Sergio Gadea* & Pere Tutusaus
Skilled Racing Aprilia - Simone Corsi* & Nicolas Terol
Polaris World Aprilia - Bradley Smith*
Kiefer Racing Aprilia - Stefan Bradl* (I thought Stefan was going to 250's but the latest list I have he's in the 125 class with an RSA) :confused:
Valsir Derbi - Pol Espargaro* & Joan Olive*
Red Bull KTM - Tomoyoshi Koyama, Randy Krummenacher & Lorenzo Zanetti
Repsol KTM - Esteve Rabat & Marc Marquez
Blusens Aprilia - Scott Redding, Efren Vazquez & TBA
Caffe Latte Aprilia - Sandro Cortese
Multimedia Aprilia - Michael Ranseder & Andrea Iannone
Ajo Derbi - Mike di Meglio & Dominque Aergerter
Scot Honda? - Raffaele de Rosa & Dino Lombardi (listed as a Honda team but I've heard that they may swtich to KTM)
Molenaar Honda - Danny Webb

That's all for now. :wave:

[jonny hurlock]

Fortuna Aprilia[/b] - Alex Debon*, Manuel Poggiali & Aleix Espargaro


That's all for now. :wave:

pogiali back in 250!! great four years back, what I see his a wasted talent

[tha_jackal]

Again, Cortese is on an RSA for 125's.. :D

Still, thanks for the list Matt, gonna be a great year in the lower classes..

[axxexs]

Add Robin Lässer (on a RS125 aprilia) to the Grizzly Gas Kiefer Team as team mate to Stefan Bradl in the 125GP class.

[burger]

One would assume staying with the BikeAnimal Honda team.

Leon Camier is riding for GSE on the Airwaves Ducati along side Shakey Byrne.

Stobart Honda are jumping up to WSBK. However, no riders listed for them yet (can you say Barros??)

[jonny hurlock]

said it a page back about GSE, Rumours flowing about Stobart Honda is 2005 BSB Champion GREGORIO LAVILLA could be one of their riders, they sould be havin HRC surport aswell

[Mach24]

Interesting that Bird has got HRC support for WSBK and Tuxworth is staying put in BSB.

Another great injection for the championship, will be interesting to see who will be number 2 to the marketable Spaniard.

[patnicholls]

I shall put together an outline list for BSB soon, although with the season not starting til April there's only really the top few confirmed for now!

[axxexs]

Official today by Repsol that they will have KTM bikes in both there 125GP and 250GP team and that Julian Simon is the rider in the 250GP team.

[tha_jackal]

Good news :up: Julito will be a real threat next year aboard the KTM im sure..

[axxexs]

Vesa Kallio, older brother to Mika Kallio, to Benjam Motoren Racing in WSS next year on ex Stiggy 2007 bikes.

[mx311]

Again, Cortese is on an RSA for 125's.. :D
Damn it, I knew that but forgot to put the little star next to his name. :laugh:

Also, interesting note on Manuel Poggiali. He was down on my list on the Fortuna Aprilia team but that's not right, it seems he's going to ride for the Campetella team instead alongside Ricard Cardus. Still, good to have him back, now let's hope he's regained some of his old form. :)

[tha_jackal]

I read that the Pog was gonna be riding alongside Lai, who would be with Campetella again.. Is Cardus going to be in the 125s maybe?

[patnicholls]

Also, interesting note on Manuel Poggiali. He was down on my list on the Fortuna Aprilia team but that's not right, it seems he's going to ride for the Campetella team instead alongside Ricard Cardus. Still, good to have him back, now let's hope he's regained some of his old form.


There's some kind of franchise-sharing deal going on with Campetella and Fortuna, I think.

Pol Espargaro was entered under the Campetella banner this year but the cameras cut to Dani Amatrian & co. when they were watching him this year, and Alex Debon was often quoted as saying he was 'rider coach' for Jorge and Pol.

[ChrisS]

new BSB team for next year

North West 200 Ducati team with Michael Rutter riding a 1098

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/bsb/news/157688-0/north_west_200_ducati_team_launched.html

[patnicholls]

Yeah that team for Rutter is an arm of Buildbase Ducati, who've been doing very nicely in British Superstock in recent years.

Also we have Adam Jenkinson - another former Superstock runner - stepping up to BSB next year as team-mate to Aaron Zanotti with SMT who have gone from one Yamaha at the start of last year to two Hondas.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2007/november/nov26-30/nov2707britishsuperbikessmthondasignadamjenkinson/?&R=EPI-97257

Soon I'll put together an outline BSB list...

[NinjaMaster]

PSG-1 Kawasaki has signed Makoto Tamada alongside Regis Laconi. Along with Badovini and Iannuzzo, I think this is a pretty good and balanced lineup.

[tha_jackal]

The PSG SBK line-up is on the 'mature' end of the scale, that's for sure.. They could have mixed it up, one oldie one youngie in both WSBK/WSS..

[patnicholls]

Badovini and Iannuzzo are in WSB, for the Pedercini team on Kawasakis. Hopefully they can be in the mix rather than at the back.

[tha_jackal]

Badovini and Iannuzzo are in WSB, for the Pedercini team on Kawasakis. Hopefully they can be in the mix rather than at the back.

Of course! Doh! :D PSG WSS will be made up of Stalker and Fujiwara yes?

[NinjaMaster]

The PSG SBK line-up is on the 'mature' end of the scale, that's for sure.. They could have mixed it up, one oldie one youngie in both WSBK/WSS..
I'm disappointed in you Jake. You only had to read my post properly! :D Though it would have been nice if Kwak had a young bloke in their official WSS team. Perhaps Lightspeed will have good factory backing and run a young'un.

[mx311]

Well it seems that MotoGP has lost Kenny Roberts. Ducati have told Team KR that they will not supply them with engines for 2008 so it seems that the team is done. Honda had already told them that they wouldn't be supplying engines to the team and the rumoured Ilmor deal was never on leaving the team engineless. Sad really, especially after the competitive year they had in 2006. :(

[patnicholls]

This article, if true, says that Sebastien Charpentier has retired from racing:

http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/o5_546_World-Supersport---Sebastien-Charpentier-stops.html

[Corny]

This article, if true, says that Sebastien Charpentier has retired from racing:

http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/o5_546_World-Supersport---Sebastien-Charpentier-stops.html

That was announced far before, I think it was MAgny Cours where he said he would retire

[Roby44]

Well it seems that MotoGP has lost Kenny Roberts. Ducati have told Team KR that they will not supply them with engines for 2008 so it seems that the team is done. Honda had already told them that they wouldn't be supplying engines to the team and the rumoured Ilmor deal was never on leaving the team engineless. Sad really, especially after the competitive year they had in 2006. :(

That is a shame :(

I thought they showed the true spirt of racing by being out there every race and giving it their best shot. I'll miss them..

[leopard]

I don't expect their result being out of the track was seen as racing spirit :D :)

[NinjaMaster]

It's a shame that Seb has retired after such a disappointing season. In reality though, it always looked on the cards as he really did appear to have lost that extra will to push to the very edge to be competitive. And who could blame him after the injuries he has sustained in the last couple of years.

On the Roberts situation, just like Agostini, even a legends time in their sport comes to an end. After success as a rider and then team manager for Yamaha, he took a big risk by going out on his own which really didn't pay out as he would have hoped. Sadly, by the end the KR team had really become cannon fodder for the rest of the field that was incapable of even fighting for points. Hopefully he can regroup and return to manage a compeitive team in either MotoGP or WSB.

Also, I read that Rossi announced he now plans to keep racing bikes for at least another 5 years.
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/158207-0/rossi_five_more_years.html
You don't reckon that was music to Dorna's ear!

[NinjaMaster]

I have just read that Kawasaki are planning to make a major play for Rossi come seasons end. Obviously lots of factors would have to come into play but they apparently have a lot of money to throw at Vale (72 mil euros has been bandied about but that amount sounds far-fetched to me). If they show the same improvement this year that they showed last year and became a regular podium contender, and if Yamaha don't produce an improved M1, who knows what might happen. West has only been signed for 1 year remember. ;)

[osg]

I have just read that Kawasaki are planning to make a major play for Rossi come seasons end. Obviously lots of factors would have to come into play but they apparently have a lot of money to throw at Vale (72 mil euros has been bandied about but that amount sounds far-fetched to me). If they show the same improvement this year that they showed last year and became a regular podium contender, and if Yamaha don't produce an improved M1, who knows what might happen. West has only been signed for 1 year remember. ;)

C'mon Ninja....... surely you saw this coming the moment Kwaka signed West for a 1 yr term only....?

[NinjaMaster]

C'mon Ninja....... surely you saw this coming the moment Kwaka signed West for a 1 yr term only....?
I did actually. Be interesting to see what would happen if West beat Hopkins though. It is reliant on Yamaha sucking this year though.

[maxu05]

I did actually. Be interesting to see what would happen if West beat Hopkins though. It is reliant on Yamaha sucking this year though.

How would it change things if Hopkins and West beat Rossi, and also Edwards and Toseland beat Rossi with satelite team bikes ?

[Roby44]

How would it change things if Hopkins and West beat Rossi, and also Edwards and Toseland beat Rossi with satelite team bikes ?


Crikey, everyone is beating Rossi!! :p :

[maxu05]

It could happen, some of the riders are looking good so far. It would be great to see different winners every race.

[NinjaMaster]

How would it change things if Hopkins and West beat Rossi, and also Edwards and Toseland beat Rossi with satelite team bikes ?
And what if Rossi finished last in every race and scored no points for the season? Edwards and Toseland will not beat Rossi over a season (barring injury), Col couldn't do it on the factory bike, he won't do it on a satellite one and Toseland is only learning in his first season of MotoGP.
Like I said, Yamaha will have to do something wrong to make Rossi want to leave and Kawasaki would be plenty keen to secure his services as a proven champion and sponsorship drawcard.

[tha_jackal]

If Rossi takes Ant's ride at seasons end, well there's a free Bridgestone shod M1 for Westy to try and get aboard.. Might suit his style more for all you know!? :)

[osg]

And what if Rossi finished last in every race and scored no points for the season? Edwards and Toseland will not beat Rossi over a season (barring injury), Col couldn't do it on the factory bike, he won't do it on a satellite one and Toseland is only learning in his first season of MotoGP.
Like I said, Yamaha will have to do something wrong to make Rossi want to leave and Kawasaki would be plenty keen to secure his services as a proven champion and sponsorship drawcard.


If Rossi takes Ant's ride at seasons end, well there's a free Bridgestone shod M1 for Westy to try and get aboard.. Might suit his style more for all you know!? :)

true on both counts there....... i can't wait, it's gonna rock this year.

[maxu05]

Any news of Pons returning to MotoGp ? It seems so long ago that anyone has mentioned the now defunked team. Perhaps if he raises the money they might return in 2009/2010 ? I would love to know if there is any goss about it.

[tha_jackal]

I think Ilmor have more chance of returning ;) :p :

[ChrisS]

Pons is running a team at the Spanish 125 championship. I dont think we will see him in MotoGP any time soon