Rumour Mill 2007

Ive heard reports that Dovi has claimed that 'Honda have guaranteed me a ride in MotoGP for 2008' now I know he's talking about Honda :laugh: and it should be taken with a grain of salt, but i really do think he'll stick with the EeevilHRC..

But i have also read Kawasaki are simply choosing between RdP and West, thats who theyve narrowed their search to for the second 2008 seat... (see the Ant West thread) ..

Oh and Sylvain and Ant's success really is well deserved and makes me smile every time i see them out on track mixing it with the big boys.. :up:

I predict Rossi will be on Bridgestones next year. If it happens I expect tons of praise for calling it out.

Edwards is interviewed in Motorcycle News this week and confirms he signed for Tech 3 at Brno. He has apparently been given 'factory' status for 2008 despite being in a satellite team and has signed a 1 year deal. He also said he'd prefer Tech 3 to run Bridgestone next year. He will then move to the AMA factory Yamaha team in 09.

Nakano has been in talks with Kawasaki for 08 as his contract with Konica Minolta hasn't been renewed. He rode really well on Bridgestone and Kawasaki in the past so would have to be favourite for the ride if his salary expectations aren't too high.

Du Puniet is close to signing with LCR for next year and Checa has been in talks with TenKate to replace Toseland

Dovi is on track to get the Konica Minolta seat.

MCN also report that Ducati are unlikely to be racing in BSB in 08 after they demanded to change more engine parts than the rules allow. They've already been given an extra 200cc and now want to work beyond the Supersport tuning regs that apply for next year.

Just to elaborate on your posts a bit neninja.. Ive heard that Dovi will be taking 'Team Scot' sponsorship and mechanics with him to the JiR (Japan Italy Racing) team, as their sponsorship deal with Konica Minolta is up at the end of the year..

Ive also read tha t Kawasaki are only considering West or DePuniet for 2008, so if DePuniet signs with LCR, things are looking good for Ant... :up: do it Randy! Do it! :laugh:

Oh and also, DeAngelis is all but signed for Gresini Honda to replace Melandri.. Bring on the 250 riders, I hope Ants still there to stick it to em :D ;)

Latest little tidbit.......... Pedrosa is rumored to be in negotiations with Kawasaki. If he is, a decision will need to be made by both parties immediately, as Misano is nearly here........ they were going to announce the '08 lineup there were they not?

I think the Pedrosa thing is more a threat than anything. Honda and Michelin both need to up their game if they want to get back into championship contention. Pedrosa telling everyone he is thinking about Kawasaki will help him get his own way with Honda.

Kropotkin is saying that HRC want Pedrosa to sign for 3 years which seems a little long if you ask me. Pedrosa may just be trying to position himself to get a one year deal from Honda instead.

That said, I don't think it would be a bad move for Dani to switch to team green. He needs all the breaking help he can get and a switch to bridgestones may give him more confidence in the front and help him going into the corners (clearly his weakest spot at the moment).

I would find it hard to imagine Respol and Moviestar letting their boy go. I think it is just posturing with Pedrosa.
I wonder if Monster will join in the Kawasaki effort?

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Originally Posted by namarow

I would find it hard to imagine Respol and Moviestar letting their boy go. I think it is just posturing with Pedrosa.
I wonder if Monster will join in the Kawasaki effort?

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it woundn't happen because of red bull money aswell, pedrosa is just waiting for which tyres he be on either michelin/bridgestone

the pedrosa/kwack thing is the silliest of the silly season rumours. it flat out has no legs at all.

kwack have publicly stated it's between west and depunter.

i could buy the shinya rumour, however, i don't see honda letting him go.

dovi will be on the gresini honda. nakkers will stay on the jir bike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by T-D

the pedrosa/kwack thing is the silliest of the silly season rumours. it flat out has no legs at all.

kwack have publicly stated it's between west and depunter.

i could buy the shinya rumour, however, i don't see honda letting him go.

dovi will be on the gresini honda. nakkers will stay on the jir bike.

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I'd definately agree with ya on the Pedrosa thing T-D, especially with Johnny Hurlock's point about the Red Bull money, though it would be funny if Honda took Dani for granted and decided any talks with Kawasaki were just a bluff and then he did happen to leave. Just because Kawasaki have publicly said the they are only looking at West and dePuniet, they would be in like a shot if Dani was a realistic chance of leaving.
I think Shinya will remain with JiR and Dovi will go to LCR with deAngeles to ride at Gresini alongside Elias. I'm assuming Honda would put Dovizioso at a team like LCR to ease him into MotoGP with the view to elevate him to the factory team in 09. Otherwise he would be better off at Kawasaki.