AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
God help us if he gets the ride! Give it to a young brit with promise like Rea or Camier for heavens sake, anyone but Neil! Sheesh.. :D He'll probably turn it down, like he did the Gresini ride, he's way to good for the best bike in WSBK :lol:
Yeah, inconsistency was Toselands' problem when he won the championship in 2005 for Ducati.... :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
Parkes is _still_ inconsistent as is Karl Muggeridge - so I agree on those two (and this is why both have been dropped by Ten Kate). Vermeulen was quite consistent the year before he joined Ten Kate (on the Dark dog bike I believe). The year before Charpentier joined Ten Kate he finished 3rd in the supersport championship behind Chris and Karl (on the megabike Honda I believe)
Almost right there champ. Inconsistency was JT's problem when he lost the title for Ducati in 05 hence being dumped at seasons end and getting picked up by Ten Kate for 06. He was consistent in 2004 when he won his title when Laconi consistenly crashed out of race winning leads.Quote:
Originally Posted by burger
Vermeulens performances were all over the place before he joined Ten Kate (he was 7th in 02 with the Van Zon team I think). Seb's 04 was better than I remebered but 03 was fairly wacky and Parkes was actually very good on a Ten Kate with no finishes below 4th but unfortunately no wins and 2 crashes.Quote:
Parkes is _still_ inconsistent as is Karl Muggeridge - so I agree on those two (and this is why both have been dropped by Ten Kate). Vermeulen was quite consistent the year before he joined Ten Kate (on the Dark dog bike I believe). The year before Charpentier joined Ten Kate he finished 3rd in the supersport championship behind Chris and Karl (on the megabike Honda I believe)
So basically Ten Kate pick on who they see having potential speed rather than who is already consistent.
I'll be spewin if Neil Hodgson gets a Ten Kate Seat over Pitt, Kiyo, Rea, Fabrizio, etc. I think he has less to offer than any of them. Good luck to him if he can get it but I think he would waste it.
Finally, Alex Hoffman has been sniffing around the WSB pits for possibilities next year which sounds as though he perhaps isn't too confident of getting a MotoGP ride next year. I think he could do really well in WSB on a good bike.
sorry to interject some sanity into the neil lovefest, but at this stage in his career, i give him the ten kate seat over rea or camier. and i love rea and camier, but their championship time is on the horizon, for neil the moment is now.
hehe so I got the year wrong. 2005 was the year that Troy Corser blitzed everyone early on and had a 65+ point lead at one point, before Vermeulen started pegging him back.
I still think that Fabrizio isn't the man for Ten Kate. Hodgeson (as much as I think he's a whiny prat) is a bloody quick rider (his race at Laguna Seca a couple of weeks ago is proof of that) and looks like he can make a 4 go as quick as he can make a v-twin. Plus he's hungry and has good development skills.
Either way, it will be interesting to see who Ten Kate pick and how many bikes they run :)
I wouldn't pick Fabrizio alongside Rolfo in the full Ten Kate team but I would be happy to see him alongside Sofuoglu in the junior/satellite team. I think he's shown real improvement this year, in a team that hasn't been the ideal platform to work from with it's internal problems.
I don't rate Hodgson as a WSB title contender. He will be 34 next year, past his best in my opinion and I don't reckon he can compete with the likes of Bayliss, Biaggi, Haga and Corser and I don't think he will be any better than Rolfo (who I think will be a much improved rider next year). His time was 2003, not now. I would much rather see them take on the likes of Kiyonari who could be the next Haga and give him a leg up for 09 when the likes of Bayliss, Corser, Biaggi will (most likely) all retire. Let Neil finish his career in BSB in front of his home fans.
Again, some pondering.
Gerrit/Ronald ten Kate have said they want someone who can develop the bike as opposed to merely the fastest young charger. So that throws a few things up to think about.
Roby Rolfo is getting quicker as he gets used to the bike, but he's generally not running in the front pack yet, even as teammate to JT. Last year with Caracchi on the Ducati he started well and faded badly, suggesting that rider or team possibly didn't push on throughout the season in terms of developing. I like Roby (remember his great performances in 250s against the Aprilias) but at present he's not one to lead a team on his own in WSB, particularly when its the top team in the series.
I'm all for young hopes moving up, but Sykes and Camier aren't ready yet(Tom got his first two podiums in BSB this weekend - he has been super-consistent all season though in 5th/6th etc; Camier had a metioric start but has slipped back although is regarded highly by HRC after his two Suzuka showings). Jonny Rea...maybe. He still has only won a couple of BSB races, let's be honest. Another year's BSB then we'll see for each of them.
Kiyo is ready - he's won 20+ BSB races and the title, it's time to move back up. Fabrizio could also potentially move across, although he's Honda Europe-backed anyway so could just as easily keep his DFX seat.
Sofuoglu should be a shoe-in for promotion, no debate on that one.
Pitt...I like. But he has a knack for making wrong moves in the rider market or just being unlucky (like being ditched by Yamaha for this year).
Hodgson - is the rider everyone loves to hate on this forum, yes. And as for saying his time was 2003 and not now - I bet a lot of people said TC's time was 1996 and not now at the end of 2004 :p Neil was JT's senior team-mate in 2002 of course, and his recent ride in AMA at Laguna on a not-very-factory Honda proved he's still quick. And I'm a Walker fan!
If I was picking the Ten Kate lineup, I'd go with
with Pitt in the WSS team alongside Charpentier or AN Other. Keep Fabrizio at DFX, Italian in Italian team works well, language barriers & team chemistry being important.
- Hodgson (experience)[/*:m:30hi5nbf]
- Rolfo (money/developing)[/*:m:30hi5nbf]
- Sofuoglu (future superstar)[/*:m:30hi5nbf]
- Kiyo (future/present star)[/*:m:30hi5nbf]
A move to SBK for Kiyo isnt a simple matter of moving from one series to the other.
Kiyo is an HRC rider, HM Plant is an HRC team, Ten Kate has support for Honda Europe but nothing to do with HRC (perhaps they do use an HRC kit but its greatly modified in-house)
I dont think Kiyo would jump from an HRC Team to a 2nd Ten Kate team unless HRC is backing the team in some way
Anyone herd any more on the rumours that airwaves ducati or hm plant honda will be heading from bsb to wsbk?
Think hodgson would be a good choice for ten kate, although i would like to see kiyo in wsbk next year. If they have a b-team next year that is where the new superbike guys like sofuoglu are likely to be.
The rumour was that the Ten Kate 'A' team would be an HRC team. That was the carrot that was being dangled to encourage James Toseland to stay in WSB.
This is the last year for the full HRC team in BSB and they were planning to switch the resource to World's next year. On that basis you'd think that Kiyo is a shoe in if it does end up being an HRC team under the Ten Kate banner. Kiyo needs to move forward to WSB now before he goes stale.
Personally I think Hodgson would make an excellent team mate for Kiyo - he's experienced and has won the championship before.
That would then leave the 'B' team to probably run Rolfo and Sofuoglu. Their bikes would basically be the spec that Toseland and Rolfo are riding this year and prepared by Ten Kate so a great package.
Roby Rolfo is getting quicker as he gets used to the bike, but he's generally not running in the front pack yet, even as teammate to JT. Last year with Caracchi on the Ducati he started well and faded badly, suggesting that rider or team possibly didn't push on throughout the season in terms of developing. I like Roby (remember his great performances in 250s against the Aprilias) but at present he's not one to lead a team on his own in WSB, particularly when its the top team in the series.
Yes I remember those great rides of Roby in the 250cc class!! Wasn't he a joy to watch!! :) But as you say he is getting quicker, he'll get there I have no doubt ;) ;) ;)
It sounds like Loris might be on the way to Suzuki alongside Chris Vermeulen instead of to Kawasaki.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp.../?&R=EPI-93528
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp.../?&R=EPI-93521
Could be positive for Ant West if he keeps on improving.
I am confident Roberto will not be a championship threat once again in 08'!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roby44
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
You never know..Stranger things have happened in life!! ;)
I like your posts Pat. They are generally unbiased and well reasoned. Just a couple of comments:Quote:
Originally Posted by patnicholls
I rate Hodgsons time as 2003 because that's when all the good guys left (Corser had the Petronas, as good as not being there) and that was his chance. And he took it so good on him. I still rated Corser as the one to beat in 04 because he had previously shown that he could beat the best head-to-head, something that Hodgson has never done.
I think neninja's Hodgson proposal might work. Hodgson could work at Honda if he is picked up to develop the 'Blade alongside Kiyo who could be a contender. I don't rate Neil as a contender though. And whilst his Laguna result was an impressive effort, the AMA is pretty short on depth. If he did it in BSB I would be much more impressed.
In other news, it appears as though Lightspeed Kawasaki rider Davide Guigliano may be out of a ride after busting his ankle (I think) in a national championship race before the last WSS round at Brands. That isn't the problem though. The problem is that he never told his team of his injury and when he wasn't passed fit to ride, it was too late for the team to get a replacement rider and thus had to sit out Brands. Oops.
BMW may enter motorcycle racing next year but in WSB and not MotoGP as has been previously rumoured. They are apparently building a 4 cylinder, 16-valve 1000 called the K1000RS. It is said to begin testing at Vallelunga in October at the conclusion of the WSB season. MV Agusta are also said to be be building a new sports bike, a 675cc triple supersport machine. Neither sound as exciting as Maxu's upcoming race bike but the more the better I reckon.
I believe Ten kate get minimal (if any) support whatsoever from HRC. There is no HRC backed team in WSBK, and certainly not in the way that HM Plant receive massive backing from HRC and Honda UK, so I think you're right on that one ChrisSQuote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
Yeah, not even their website has an HRC logo on it, a surefire sign of a lack of Honda Racing involvement. I think the only HRC bits they have, they buy and then probably modify them better anyway! :)
The HM Plant team is the only full HRC Superbike team outside of Japan with Japanese HRC staff and the bikes are built in Japan and shipped complete to the team. They also have factory Showa suspension.Quote:
Originally Posted by burger
That HRC support ends this year so they will probably transfer those resources to WSB and most likely to Hannspree / Ten Kate. That would explain Ten Kate's plans to run 4 bikes next year.
It would also provide the platform for Kiyo to move to WSB which would seem to be Honda's intention.
Well, obviously nothing's been announced yet and possibly won't be til later this season/after the season.Quote:
Originally Posted by fireblade1000
As with the past year-and-a-bit, there are various noises about both teams and from the Airwaves Ducati riders in particular. A lot of things come into it including riders, sponsors (as seen with the Reve Ekerold WSS team, sometimes sponsors would rather be in a domestic market than on the world stage), the new Ducati 1098 or whatever is going to be raced, etc.
Both teams have been in WSB recently though - HRC with Colin Edwards up to 2002 winning two titles and GSE up to the end of 2003. They've both got the resources to do it.
It is noticeable that the depth of BSB is currently a little more than WSB (WSB is pretty good down to about 15th...then there's not much at all), as some of the privateer Brit guys who've wildcarded at Donington/Brands have been a little further up the order in WSB than they are in BSB (Aaron Zanotti and Marty Nutt, I'm referring to). So FGSport will probably be looking to get some stronger teams involved to bulk things up nicely. HM Plant and GSE will be near the front.
As I say though, wait and see.
From what I read, GSE has the blessing of Ducati if they want to move to World SBK but airwaves could be a problem since its a UK product, if they move they are taking both of their riders with them.
I also read that HRC are disbanding HM Plant Honda at the end of the season, I don't know if this mean they will transfer their resources to World SBK
My solution, HRC moves its resources to Ten Kate, HM Plant sponsors GSE in SBK again :D
Not 100% but is the bike animal honda leon camier is riding this year also hrc backed?
If hrc do leave bsb next year will the top honda team be a honda uk team like karl harris run with a couple of years ago?
Good to see my first post in a while (again!) generated some disscussion, thanks for all the feedback. This is a great forum and i'll try to post more often.
The Bike Animal bike that Camier rides is a Honda UK bike like Rea's Red Bull backed bike from a year ago
I think you are being generous in saying the top 15 are 'pretty good'.Quote:
Originally Posted by patnicholls
Really it is only the big 4 Japanese and Ducati with question marks hanging over Lanzi and Rolfo.
Xaus can get among it here nor there and Fabrizio is improving.
I think Ducati want GSE on board and Honda will support Ten Kate with another 2 bikes all in the name of development.
More depth in the series is essential if WSBK is to prosper.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...tarttoshapeup/
British Superbikes
2008 signings start to shape up
Don’t you just love this time of the year, with all the rumours, counter rumours and downright bull**** that’s surrounding who goes where in the future?
It’s such fun. In the British Superbike paddock there’s so much gossip right now that there’s people spinning yarns just to see how long it takes to do the rounds and come back to them as gospel!
Sorting the wheat from the chaff is the tough part, but here’s a stab at what seems at least close to the truth……
Airwaves Ducati
Their future hangs on what Airwaves want to do. If they don’t want to do World Superbikes then GSE Racing owner Darrell Healey either has to find a new backer, or fund it himself.
If Airwaves stay in British Superbikes it’s hard to see what bikes they would be racing, given that there’s no dispensation yet for Ducati to run aftermarket pistons under the new 2008 Supersport-spec tuning rules.
Darrell Healey races to win and that means at least running a factory-backed effort, even if there’s no factory bikes.
Honda’s already covered on that score, and to a degree, so are Suzuki. That leaves Kawasaki and Yamaha – both with well-established teams running their bike – and neither do big-time factory support in British Superbikes. Or maybe MV is an option?
Under Supersport rules the F4 1000 might be a good package and there’s no doubt GSE Racing have the experience to exploit it to the max.
Leon Haslam is gagging to step up to the world stage and wants to stay with the team but he reckons there’s an option to go with Ten Kate Honda in World Superbikes if Airwaves stay in the UK.
Gregorio Lavilla definitely wants to move back to World Superbikes to try and realise his lifelong goal of winning a world title.
He’s hoping to stick with Airwaves but only in World Superbikes and not British Superbikes. His other options are unclear – though he says he’s willing to work as a development rider for a year with the proviso he gets a team place in 2009.
HM Plant Honda
Bank on HRC cutting back their support for the Louth-based team in 2008, which means a reduced budget won’t allow them to buy in Michelin support.
Expect to see the team running HRC-kit bikes similar to Leon Camier’s 2007 ride and on Dunlops. With HRC downscaling, Ryuichi Kiyonari is 99 per cent certain to join Ten Kate in World Superbikes.
Talk of MotoGP for him is there, and the boss of HRC says there's a chance for the Japanese reigning champion but for me it seems optimistic for 2008.
We’ve heard Jonathan Rea has been offered British Superbikes again by Honda. He also has an offer to join Xerox Ducati but whether Rea would be happy being Troy Bayliss’s understudy for a year is another question. But it would put him in the hot seat for 2009 to lead the team when the Aussie retires.
Honda Racing
With HRC cutting back on the HM Plant team it’s hard to see the Bike Animal team continuing to run in British Superbikes next year but there is likely to be an official Supersport team. Its livery is another question. With that in mind, Leon Camier is the hot tip to join the HM Plant squad.
Stobart Honda
It’s been such a fantastic season for Stobart Honda it’s hard to imagine any major changes in Paul Bird’s team – although they will have a new bike to develop next year if they stick with Honda. The chances of them going back to Ducati appear slim considering there’s no dispensation to allow the twins to run aftermarket pistons.
Shane Byrne has said he’d consider going to World Superbikes but it’s difficult to see any options there.
But it’s not significant that he’s not had any discussions with Birdy about next year yet. Tom Sykes could be on the shopping list for several British Superbike teams following his so far brilliant rookie BSB season but it’s more likely he’ll stay put.
Hydrex Honda
There’s gossip that the team's owner Shaun Muir boss has had enough of British Superbike and will throw everything into the roads next year with Guy Martin.
If they do stay they’ll need to find that missing ingredient to bridge the gap to the front-runners. No-one seems to be talking up Karl Harris’ options for 2008 at this stage.
MSS Discovery Kawasaki
The rumours are they’ll pass their Supersport effort to a satellite team and run two Superbikes in 2008.
Michael Rutter’s future is in doubt following a string of disappointing results – unless he can pull something out of the bag in the final three rounds now that he’s got Akira World Superbike-spec engines and bunch of other new parts to play with.
Stuart Easton could step up to British Suprbikes after promising rides at Mondello Park and Knockhill when Michael Rutter was sidelined by injury, while team owner Nick Morgan could look outside the UK for his riders like he has in the past., with Julien Da Costa and Pere Riba.
Hawk Kawasaki
There’s no big gossip surrounding the team who are concentrating more on getting James Haydon on board for Cadwell in a bid to sign off the 2007 on a high note.
Rizla Suzuki
Team manager Simon Buckmaster is not making any secret that Chris Walker is unlikely to figure in his plans for 2008.
He’s keen to keep Cal Crutchlow but has already told motorcyclenews.com that he’d like to talk to Leon Camier, Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam about their 2008 plans.
He’s also consider bringing Shane Byrne back to the fold but Shakey reckons he’s not interested after being dumped by them at the end of 2006.
Team NB Suzuki
After the sad death of Ollie Bridewell at Mallory Park the team has been put on hold – but they are regrouping and could return to the track before the end of the season.
Ollie’s brother Tommy has talked about having unfinished business in racing but his exact plans are not known. Neither are the long terms plans of the team, which is no surprise considering the tragedy they have all lived through recently.
But it would be such a shame to see all their hard work go to waste after their massive restructure last winter was just beginning to reap rewards.
Samsung Suzuki
Team owner Enzo di Clementi says he’s likely to throw in the towel at the end of the year. Dean Thomas has already established his own team and has talked about having one year in a rider/manager role before quitting the sport to concentrate solely on his own outfit.
TAS Suzuki
The Irish-based team will run at least one Superbike in 2008, if not two. British Supersport points leader Michel Laverty has already tested the team’s TT superbike in Ireland and is likely to get the gig for next year.
Virgin Media Yamaha
Providing the budget is in place, Rob McElnea’s Yamaha team will be back next year with a two-man British Superbike team but there’s not much gossip about who’s likely to ride for him yet.
Tommy Hill is keen to progress his career so the works Yamaha ride in World Supersport has to be an option for him to consider. But outside that his name, perhaps surprisingly, isn’t being touted around the rumour mill – yet.
It could be the depth of the field or it could be the equality of the equipment (Pirelli Tyres). ;) The "factory" Virgin Yamaha is straggling to keep up with the Michelin and Dunlop teams and these guys ride old Virgin Yamaha bikesQuote:
Originally Posted by patnicholls
There is also Neukirchner who is doing well on a year old Suzuki and Smrz who also showed good things this season given he is riding a 2 year old DucatiQuote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
and only the big 4 Japanese and Ducati? actually I thing is 3 Japanese and Ducati, Kawasaki is a midfield team but even so that 7-8 bikes and riders capable of race wins,with 2 Kawasakis another Honda and another Suzuki capable of top 10 finishes. thats a great field IMHO
A high note would be pretty much guaranteed if they put James Haydon on board. As in 8ft high when he highsides it. Haydon has spent years keeping bodywork suppliers in business.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
Capirossi confirmed at Suzuki
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/moto...es/6949548.stm
Sounds like a bad move for Edwards if he is to be shunted to Tech3 as Herve Poncharal has made it clear he wants Guintoli.
Czech GP - Tech-3 "trying to keep Guintoli"
Eurosport - Fri, 17 Aug 17:58:00 2007
Tech-3 Yamaha are trying to keep Sylvain Guintoli for 2008, according to team boss Herve Poncharal.
More StoriesGuintoli stuns in second practice
The Frenchman's days at the team had looked numbered after Poncharal signed World Superbike champion-elect James Toseland for next year.
But after Guintoli went quickest in second practice for the Czech Grand Prix, the team owner said that he would do all he could to retain him.
"I'm trying all I can to give him a job next season," Poncharal told Eurosport. "But it won't be easy. The other option is very interesting and it's no secret it's Colin Edwards, a man I respect a lot and a top rider.
"We will have a very good team next year and I hope we can sort it soon. I still need to finds a title sponsor but it's looking good."
Poncharal said that Guintoli's flying Friday lap, which came on Dunlop qualifying rubber, dispelled the rumours that the British rubber was no longer competitive against the might of Michelin and Bridgestone.
"Since we signed James people say, don't go with Dunlop. They are not competitive. This proves they are still doing a good job," he added.
"I'm really pleased for them because you can't say they're not competitive. For only two bikes on the grid too. Great."
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/170820...-guintoli.html
Even the Australian Championship has more 'realistic' chances for a win.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
You can safely rule out Neukirchner, Smrz, Lanzi, Rolfo, Fabrizio & both Kawasaki's for wins unless something 'amazing' happens. Corser and Kagayama may pinch a win somewhere through the season as Xaus has.
There is limited depth in the championship currently and it is related to quality of machinery not rider ability (with the exception of Lanzi and Rolfo who have the best machinery but do not achieve the results).
A second Ducati and Ten Kate (HRC) team will fill some of the void. PSG1 have Kawasaki on board, perhaps they may become serious players rather than fillers.
MCN reports that Edwards agreed to join Tech3 Yamaha
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...chthreeyamaha/
alex de andelis may stay in 250cc with aspar again for next year, however, he could be driving with parmac or gresini
MCN online today reports that Colin Edwards will be at Tech 3 next season, and Sylvain Guintoli will be at D'Antin Ducati - both 'pre-contract' agreements.
Rumour mill update time:
On the World Superbike side of things Ruben Xaus has been offered a new 1098 Ducati for next year but not a spot on the factory team but rather for him to continue on the Sterilgarda team. He is also high up on the Ten Kate list.
Also Fonsi Nieto has been linked to Ten Kate but also the Alstare Suzuki team to replace Max Neukirchner on the Suzuki Europe bike. He's also been linked to the Kawasaki MotoGP team and of course to stay at the soon to be factory PSG-1 Corse Kawasaki team.
Carlos Checa is linked to the PSG-1 Corse Kawasaki team for 2008. Not sure if this is to replace Nieto or Regis Laconi or to ride a third bike.
Ten Kate is supposedly going to be split into two teams, a full HRC team and the usual Hannspree mob. Ryo Kiyonari is likely at the HRC team (although is also linked to LCR Honda) while Kenan Sofuoglu is likely to join Roby Rolfo at the Hannspree team. The other bike is anyones guess at the moment (I've heard Carlos Checa, Shinya Nakano and Makoto Tamada's names mentioned alongside many others)
Meanwhile in MotoGP. It looks like all but three rides are now spoken for (not counting Team KR who may or may not be back). So this is the way 2008 is shaping up.
HONDA
Repsol HRC - Nicky Hayden & Dani Pedrosa
Gresini - Toni Elias & Alex de Angeles (was supposed to be announced at Brno, but wasn't)
Konica JiR - Shinya Nakano
LCR - TBA
YAMAHA
Fiat Yamaha - Valentino Rossi & Jorge Lorenzo (may be with Fortuna branding)
Tech3 - Colin Edwards & James Toseland
DUCATI
Marlboro Ducati - Casey Stoner & Marco Melandri
D'Antin - Sylvain Guintoli & TBA (Guintoli not signed but likely)
SUZUKI
Rizla Suzuki - Chris Vermuelen & Loris Capirossi
KAWASAKI
Kawasaki MotoGP - John Hopkins & TBA
That means only three rides left (supposing de Angeles, Guintoli and Nakano do as expected). And that leaves six current riders fighting for those three rides (Ant West, Randy de Puniet, Carlos Checa, Alex Barros, Alex Hofmann, Makoto Tamada) plus any other 250 rider looking to step up (Andrea Dovizioso) or superbike rider switching series (Fonsi Nieto, Michel Fabrizio, Ryo Kiyonari).
Now completely "things I've heard" rather than "things that have some solid proof" it seems that Dovi has his pick of D'Antin Ducati or LCR Honda, Randy de Puniet has the inside running at Kawasaki and Alex Barros or Alex Hofmann have the best bets at D'Antin (if Dovi chooses Honda). Outside of Dovi and Kiyo, I'm not sure who else is on LCR's radar (although someone told me de Puniet and West were).
OK, that's all for now. ;)
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2007/Aug/070819-rds.htmQuote:
Originally Posted by patnicholls
Edwards: Has He Or Hasn't He?
by staff
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Edwards--has he or hasn't he signed to race MotoGP in 2008?
There are news reports from England that claim Colin Edwards II has signed to be James Toseland's teammate on the 2008 Tech 3 Yamaha team.
If he has signed to ride there next season it will have a huge impact on the current US silly season.
Update: knowledgeable sources say that as of 9:00 PM Sunday night in Brno that Colin Edwards hadn't signed to race anywhere in 2008.
I think you're right, I don't think Colin Edwards has signed for anyone yet it's just everyone expects him too. I mean Valentino Rossi has made it clear he wants Colin to stay at Yamaha, Colin wants to stay at Yamaha and the only seat left is at Tech3. I'd be really, really surprised if he doesn't sign with them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
I forgot to mention in my post above that Sergio Gadea has resigned with the Aspar Aprilia team for 2008. He will remain in the 125 class. Gabor Talmacsi is expected to step up to the Aspar 250 team to replace Alex de Angeles if de Angeles goes to Gresini as expected.
"Kawasaki will not look beyond current riders Randy de Puniet or Anthony West to be John Hopkins' teammate next year, autosport.com has learned, with a decision expected in the next two weeks.
The Japanese manufacturer is understood to be reluctant to run a third bike next season, having invested heavily in luring Hopkins for 2008, so the team are now finalising who to put on their second machine.
There have been rumours linking Carlos Checa or Shinya Nakano with the second ride, but autosport.com understands that the team are only considering de Puniet or West.
A decision is expected after the next race at Misano in two weeks' time.
Although de Puniet has had the better results, there are suggestions that West has put a better case forward considering he has only had one day of testing since joining the team at the British Grand Prix.
The Australian is to have a further two-day test at Brno today and tomorrow, with the focus being on qualifying tyres. He has struggled so far to extract the single lap pace from the rubber."
Hope Ant can test well and then use his knowledge of the Misano circuit to push the teams confidence in his favour.. DePuniet crashing a bit more would help too, joking, joking.. But not really :lol: ..
I reckon Kawasaki are mad if they don't chase Dovizioso really hard. As much as I love Westy and dePuniet shows some speed, neither of them have ever been title contenders before (for one reason or another) and Dovi is a 125 World Champ and clearly the next best to Lorenzo in 250.
Kevin Magee mentioned last night that Carlos Chuca was likely to be riding a Kwak superbike next year. I'd rather they chase Guintoli, Hoffman or West out of GP or even Neukirchner or Roger-Lee Hayden.
Kawasaki couldnt afford Capirossi (after signing Hopper) I highly doubt they could afford Dovi (being a young hot prospect).. Plus, Andrea will remain loyal to Honda, im sure.. Honda will come good in the long run and IMO, Dovizioso will be riding for Gresini or LCR Honda come 2008... DeAngelis will end up riding for the Honda team that Dovi doesn't (if that makes sense) .. Id love to see Ant join Sylvain (rumouredly signed) at D'antin, it would be a real 'ex 250cc privateer battlers team' heheh..
I can't see Dovi commanding a pricetag as big as Loris and most reports are he's pretty annoyed that Honda basically give him no assistance in his quest to win the 250 World title. Unless Honda give him assurance that he will get Nicky's ride in 09, I think the lure of being in a factory team rather than an also-ran Honda privateer team would be a significant carrot. Not saying it will happen but Kawasaki should make a big play for him.
A West/Guintoli pairing at D'Antin would be fantastic and greatly deserved for each rider. It would give top privateers hope that hard work can pay off.