Rumour Mill 09/10

The last two years of Edwards at Yamaha Factory were when the bike was not on form. So it's difficult to judge whether or not he should have won at least a race. Rossi could not retain the title for two years at that time. The situation might be different whether he rode for his own favor or as far as possible to play supportive role on Rossi, than today that enable two riders have the same opportunity to perform development and deserve the same support from the team.

His current team although Yamaha claimed they gave the same spec of bike to all team they supplied, it's open secret that main parts will always go to the factory team besides more development immensely carried out. Edwards in many occasions outperforms his teammate, this may indicate that he is fairly good. At the end if we have to compare the strength I get feeling that Lorenzo is better.

I was a bit down on Colin during his time at Gresini and particularly at Fiat Yamaha, but he was clearly the second rider on those bikes (with hindsight) and has been able to grab the clear advantage over James this year at Tech 3 which has restored his reputation. You could argue that the crew-chief swap completely backfired on James - Guy Coulon being the one with the greater reputation as far as I'm aware.

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In other news, the official MotoGP site is reporting that Hiro Aoyama will be in the main class next year on a team being started by Daniel Epp (who runs Thomas Luthi's 250 team, I think), on a Honda obviously.

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And, the Moto2 teams list has been published:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/moto2+announcement

...with 39 seats up for grabs!

The ONDE 2000 project with Sete Gibernau is over, or wil they come back, maybe with a different rider?

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

I think it's a good move Leopard, regardless of whether he wins WSB or not, similar to Vermeulen a few years ago. He now has the stability of a guaranteed 2 years with Yamaha in MotoGP with which to learn and test himself. I really hope he has the goods to be competitive at the pointy end.

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It's preferable to leave the series in happy ending, the probability stands for nearly fifty-fifty for both Ben and Nori. This year is one of seasons exciting where the last round will decide the winner.

From last year's result Ducati was strong at Portimao, Yamaha riders Corser finished couple distances behind Ducati riders while Haga was struggling. It looks the track didn't suit Haga situation which Ben seems to take advantage from his cleverness illustrating to ride at any track totally new.

However the strength of Ducati may favor Haga to fix his last year's problem and chase the title after winning the race.

Let's wait.

Kawasaki have had a fairly lean period on the tarmac over recent years but off the beaten track things have been far more successful. To continue this trend, Monster Kawasaki look like running a fairly solid lineup of Chad Reed and Ryan Vilopoto in AMA Motocross and Supercross next year. Love it! :up:

http://www.mxlarge.com/news/2855-cha...nergy-kawasaki

http://www.vitalmx.com/photos/featur...,20941/GuyB,64

Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam have been confirmed at Suzuki Alstare in 2010.

Yep, WSB is coming together with Haslam and Guintoli to Alstare Suzuki after Max Neukirchner has been sacked.

Neukirchner looks to be going to Ten Kate to partner Jonathan Rea (great lineup), leaving Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari out of rides.

Yukio Kagayama will return to Britain to take Guintoli's place at Crescent Suzuki - a seat he held in 2003/4.

Tom Sykes will be partnering Chris Vermeulen at Paul Bird's WSB Kawasaki squad, and Birdy says he's possibly hoping to run a bike in BSB and British Supersport as well.

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Originally Posted by patnicholls

Yep, WSB is coming together with Haslam and Guintoli to Alstare Suzuki after Max Neukirchner has been sacked.

Neukirchner looks to be going to Ten Kate to partner Jonathan Rea (great lineup), leaving Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari out of rides.

Yukio Kagayama will return to Britain to take Guintoli's place at Crescent Suzuki - a seat he held in 2003/4.

Tom Sykes will be partnering Chris Vermeulen at Paul Bird's WSB Kawasaki squad, and Birdy says he's possibly hoping to run a bike in BSB and British Supersport as well.

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

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

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

True, you've gotta think that Xerox Duc, the Yamahas and Ten Kate will consider themselves title contenders with Suzuki, Biaggi + 1 and the Kawasakis and BMWs being dark horses by comparison but still podium threats on their day.

It certainly does look very strong again. Factor in a some quick private Ducatis and a rumoured second Aprilia team (for Shakey and Leon Camier) and things are just as good as this year already.

Carlos Checa to ride in WSBK for Althea Ducati in 2010. Second rider not yet named.
Commentators at MotoGP practice at Phillip Island were talking about Camier going to Moto2..............can't see it myself. I thought the deal with Yamaha Tech 3 was done and dusted.

Again a season with Checa. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wim_Impreza

Again a season with Checa. :(

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:D haha.. He's lucky to be Spaniard that's for sure

HARLEY DAVIDSON TO SELL MV AGUSTA AND CEASE PRODUCTION OF BUELL RANGE.
Varese, Italy, 15 October 2009 - Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced its third quarter financial results and unveiled key elements of its go-forward business strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson® brand. As part of this strategy, the Company will divest its MV Agusta unit and also discontinue the Buell® product line.
http://www.roadracerx.com/news/h-d-t...a-close-buell/

rumour: rossi to ducati for 2010 or 2011?!


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79513

It's no secret that Duke always wanted Rossi in their team...but i reckon the sponsorship of Marlboro will have to go in that case....

It would likely be Marlboro funding any move of Rossi from Yamaha to Ducati (if it were to happen next year)

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Originally Posted by Rod Richardson

Carlos Checa to ride in WSBK for Althea Ducati in 2010. Second rider not yet named.
Commentators at MotoGP practice at Phillip Island were talking about Camier going to Moto2..............can't see it myself. I thought the deal with Yamaha Tech 3 was done and dusted.

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Camier or Spies?

Racer 69.......Sorry about the mix-up...It was only one of those rumour things about Camier going to Tech 3 but I can't find the article although it could well have been in relation to the possibility of him going with Tech 3 in Moto 2.

West kicking stones around the paddock at Portimao this weekend.

West is foraging around in the paddock in the hope that one of the teams will give him a ride during the tests that follow.........Good rider but has had a pretty rocky career ........ Someone give him a good R6 !!!!!

really hope Ant can get something sorted.

deserves to remain on the world stage IMO.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chac47

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by Roby44

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

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

It's no rumour but Godbye to Buell video

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

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

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

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

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

Phillip ISland 26th to 28th February 2010

Article appeared on crash.net site

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

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

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

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

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

Apparently Valentino said that in an interview prior to the race last weekend..A friend heard / saw it on BBC or what ever station it is they watch in the UK...

MAybe he is Ducati bound after all...

Scot Racing announced it will leave MotoGP, focusing exclusively on the new category Moto2. In a press release, Cyrano Mularoni, director of the 250cc winning team with Hiroshi Aoyama, reveals that the decision is due to Honda's inability to provide a bike for next season due to failure to meet deadlines for applications.
"After the meet by winning the title in the 250cc class, is a big disappointment for me and the whole team that we have no real reward for all the work done over the years," says the news site of the team, adding that "Now we just have to focus on the project for Moto2.

Alex de Angelis had already agreed to compete with the Scot in 2010.

And My Roby is back!! He's racing in Moto2!!

no scot racing in motogp next season, so no alex de Angelis in the team for next season

http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/news/200...-championship/

shakey byrne will be racing with althea ducati next year teaming up with carlos checa

http://www.crash.net/world+superbike...ea_ducati.html

tommi hill sign for crescent next season with Yukio Kagayama

http://www.crash.net/british+superbi...nt_suzuki.html

and the big one: neil hodgson back in bsb with rob mac yamaha for next season with dan linfoot as team mate, just needs stalker (chris walker) with a top ride and its back to the future lol : )

http://www.crash.net/british+superbi...superbike.html

http://www.crash.net/british+superbi...nt_yamaha.html

btw scott smart will be back in bsb with a ducati

http://www.crash.net/british+superbi...to_rapido.html

Not a rumour but a confirmation:

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/late...da-racing.html

Broc Parkes to remain in WSB but with the Echo CRS Honda team who will move up from WSS and run at least one ex-Stiggy Honda.

My thoughts: I'm not Broc's biggest fan although he's a solid WSS runner (opinion vindicated by Cal storming to the title on Broc's former seat) and he did beat Tamada this year. The team was a shower of [proverbials] last year in WSS with Russel Holland and Fabrizio Lai walking out in disgust before half-way but if they've got the ex-Stiggy machines they've got half a start at least. Rumours put Kiyo as possibly a second rider although things aren't clear.

Good look to them, at least! WSB has a strong lineup already and 'surprise' entries like this can only help numbers.

I'm a massive Broc fan tho I realise he isn't likely to be a world champ, he's still a very good rider. Whilst I'm pleased he has a ride for next year (and I think he's a better superbike rider than supersport), I would have preferred him in a strong WSS team than a new likely also-ran WSB team. Hopefully the union proves more fruitful than I fear.

Seems there is now talk of Yoshimura Suzuki out of Japan making the full move to WSBK in 2010.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mach24

Seems there is now talk of Yoshimura Suzuki out of Japan making the full move to WSBK in 2010.

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Only select rounds I believe. Possibly running Kagayama during his weekends off from BSB.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mach24

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

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

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Looks like there will not be any Stiggy team next year..