Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
@ Jackal ............. And Shinya speaks so highly of you :D
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
@ Jackal ............. And Shinya speaks so highly of you :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
Keifer is working a lot at this moment to get the 125GP team working for next year. They will get the RSA125 aprilia. Dirk Heidolf is looking to go to WSS with Yamaha Germany next year.
Honda is not having a "works" bike in 125GP/250GP since 2003, I think. The only "works/fabric" team there is in 125GP and 250GP is KTM. There was a oral agreement, before KTM come to GP, that there will be no factory bikes in the lower classes. This classes was meant for independent team. It was to big different before when there was fabric teams and privateers team. It was also to keep the cost down for the team. The bike Honda use now are evolution of the production race bikes RS125R and RS250R. There is no more NSR's. What they call "fabric" now is only that some riders do have development contract to get the newer part earlier and to test them. This kit, A-kit/HRC special kit, was for the privateers before.Quote:
Originally Posted by mx311
Possibility of Aprilia and BMW in wsbk too in a couple of years time.Quote:
Do you really think WSB is a bit light-on for manufacturers? I see Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha all fighting for wins and podiums, and Kawasaki by all accounts are planning to ramp up their efforts. And we have MV Agusta on the way... or are you referring to overall numbers? in which case I agree that a few more would be quite welcome.
That would give a potential total of 9 manufactures racing, not many other series have that sort of diversity in machinery.
Hey, good to see you back on the forum axxexs, it's been a while :)Quote:
Originally Posted by axxexs
re: KTM, they are nominally a 'works' team but that's not strictly true. When they first came in I wasn't a fan because of the idea of a factory squad coming in and messing things up by dominating, so was against them for some time. But after I while it came to me that it's not The Might Of Massive Manufacturer KTM, it's really just Harold Bartol and his small crew designing a bike (like he did for Derbi in recent years, and others in the past) and it being marketed under the KTM name. Apparently the facility for designing the GP bikes is more like a small shed than a massive megastructure. So I feel happier about them being here now :D . And there being a few more KTMs with other teams will be interesting, too.
-----------------------------------
crash.net has some speculation about Jonny Rea's future, with apparently possiblities at Xerox Ducati in WSB or Ten Kate in WSS. Seems a bit far-fetched to me at first glance, but...with JT over to MotoGP, there currently aren't any Brits confirmed for WSB next year, and FGSport will want some in there with three British rounds of the championship. Stranger things have happened.
I'll tell you what, considering it's only just September, an incredible amount of the MotoGP grid for next year is already sorted...
This relates to a comment I made in the Misano GP thread. As fireblade1000 and others have mentioned, in the next couple of years (if all the rumors prove true) WSBK will have no shortage of manufacturer participation. From what I've heard, we could have:Quote:
Originally Posted by fireblade1000
Ducati
Honda
Yamaha
Suzuki
Kawasaki
MV Agusta
Aprilia
KTM
BMW
That is a VERY IMPRESSIVE list! It's the kind of manufacturer diversity that MotoGP, as the pinnacle of motorcycle road-racing, badly needs...but unfortunately is not getting.
Some SBK news
Regis Laconi will ride the PSG-1 Kawasaki for the third year running. The French rider has been re-signed for 2008
Negotiations are still in progress with Fonsi Nieto. An announcement is expected at Lausitz on September 9th.
Speculation from this weekend (British Eurosport) has Shinya on a third Konica-backed Kawasaki, Dovi on the JiR bike with Kopron/Scot sponsorship, Alex de Angelis on the second Gresini bike alongside Toni, and D'Antin Ducati open to speculation.
---------------------------
MCN online today reports that Neil Hodgson has signed for Honda America for AMA for 2008 with official confirmation to follow shortly.
I thought that too. The downside of it is that instead of battles for minor placings, we'll just see skirmishes - no need to impress potential teams now...Quote:
Originally Posted by patnicholls
Jonathan Rea signed for Ten Kate Honda for 3 years, 2008 is WSS and then SBK
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...rTenKateHonda/
an add decision IMHO. he has been riding a full factory HRC Fireblade on GP spec Michelin tyres for 2 years now, he doesnt need time to adjust to a Ten Kate Honda on control tyres.
The reason is probably to help him learn the circuits but with 3 British rounds and a new for everyone US round he is on equal terms with all others in 1/3 of the championship, plus he learned Suzuka pretty well in no time at all
I think it is a smart move by the young fella. I think he could have won a few races in WSB but he is a championship contender in WSS. As he says he is only 19 years of age!Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
Apparently he also let out of the bag that Kiyo is joining Ten Kate in the WSB team next year.
Fabian Foret has been confirmed at Yamaha World Supersport Team alongside Broc Parkes for 08'.
It seems this move has drawn a close to the career of Kevin Curtain.
Neil has penned a deal to race for American Honda in the AMA Superbike championship over 2 years.
Maybe he can be first home after the leading Yoshi Suzuki's......
From reading something elsewhere (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...rldsupersport/) a couple of weeks ago about that seat, it seems Curtain was done anyway from what they said. He is 41/42 years of age, after all!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
why on earth is Laconi sign him for PSG-1, IMO I think his the most over-rated driver in WSBK, what I seen this season he hasn't been a great senceQuote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
2003,
Why on earth is he in world supersport next year, agree with chris, he knows three rounds, US round is unkown to everyone, he only really needs to know tracks like assen, phillip island, monza so forth. if they want to bring in kyio and rea into wsbk why not put kyio into a works ten kate bike, put johnny rea into semi works ten kate with red bull money into it, like they did a few seasons ago. btw does any one know next seasons calander will be?Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
Apparently the Kwak is a pig of a bike to ride so that makes things a little more difficult for him. Also, he has brained Fonsi this year although I heard that he and Roger-Lee Hayden rode the 08 ZX10R and Hayden was much faster. Perhaps it is time for an American to enter the series again?Quote:
Originally Posted by jonny hurlock
some rumours?
Fonsi Nieto to Alstare Suzuki alone with Max Biaggi & Yukio Kagayama
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~5~id~154049.htm
Carlos Checa could take Toseland place for Ten Kate next year, reject a test ride with Ducati and even reject a ride with Works Ducati team in WSBK.
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~154048.htm
D'Artin has offered Toni Elias for a ride for next season
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~154047.htm
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...sformaxbiaggi/
found this on Max Biaggi could be staying with Alstare next season, may change to Xerox to team with Troy Bayliss, OR could be joing D'Artin in Motogp next season! what! what! what!
Johhny - its MCN, mate...
There is no way in hell Biaggi will be in MotoGP next year.. D'antin (not D'artin :s ) will have Guintoli and either DeAngelis/Elias/Barros/Aoyama/Davies(darkest of dark horses) riding for them in 2008..
It wouldn't be the Alstare team proper, rather the bike Max Neukirchner is currently on. From what I've heard if Suzuki Spain back to program then Fonsi's a goer. If Suzuki Spain don't back it, Suzuki Germany will and Max should stay. (That is if Fonsi wants to leave Kawasaki)Quote:
Originally Posted by jonny hurlock
Also, I've heard that Michele Fabrizio is a done deal at Xerox Ducati to partner Troy Bayliss next season. It's supposedly going to be announced at Lautsitz.
Carlos Checa is probably in at Ten Kate. Honda like him and were very happy with his ride in the Suzuka 8-Hour so Ten Kate is the most likely I'd imagine.
Also, Caracchi has announced they will part with Ducati in 2008 (after something like 25 years) and will run two or three Triumph's in World Supersport.
In GP's I've heard Mika Kallio has resigned with KTM. This follows a punchup he and some friends and mechanics had after a night out in Misano. Not sure who they were fighting but I heard Mika won. ;)
I read about Caracchi and Triumph too, a new manufacturer and a new engine configuration (triple) is always a good thing if they are competitive.
http://www.specialmag.it/html/news11501.shtml (in italian)
the 675 isnt world supersport homologated for 2007, but I guess they homologated it for 2008
Must have been some night out!!Quote:
Originally Posted by mx311
1. I might get a spelling miskates sometimes wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
2. Don't count out on Chaz getting the drive at D'Antin, think they are going to try him out on a Ducati. casey stoner going to keep an eye on it too
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~154084.htm
see him lately on a few races, because the beeb got 250,125 coverage now on BBCi, seen some 250cc with mika, he has been impressive desite that crash at misano. he earned the drive for next season.Quote:
Originally Posted by mx311
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~5~id~154119.htm
hodson staying put in AMA superbikes for another two years with honda
Mach24 posted about Hodgson a few days ago, the odd thing about American Honda's lineup (and something Crash.net didn't bother to include) is they kept DuHamel. he is 200+ years old and recovering from serious injury, couldnt they find a better rider?
I remembered Poggiali and did a search do see what he was up to
his website has an article titled "Poggiali e Pasini in 250 nel 2007" and dated 04/09/2007 Link
using my very little italian and a translator it seems to say that Poggiali and Pasini will ride for Polaris World Aprilia next year in 250cc.
anyone has any idea about this?
Yeah I agree. I assumed they were going to keep Zemke whilst DuHamel went to an ambassadorial role.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
Its hard to take American Honda serious with this decision.
AMA need an injection of talent to boost the championship which for too long now has been a Suzuki benefit.
On an Italian forum I visit there has been renewed interest in the Poggi thread, all in Italian I might add. So maybe...I'll try to get a translation..Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
This was a post in August 2007
Manuel riparte dalla 250. L’annuncio a Misano Una Honda per il http://controcampo.mediaset.it/bin/1...0_immagine.jpgdi Alen Bollini
Manuel Poggiali sta preparando il suo ritorno. Lo aveva promesso al termine di una stagione, quella passata, piuttosto deludente: "credo sia giunto il momento di prendermi un anno di riflessione. Tornerò nel 2008 con team e moto vincenti", così aveva detto. La nuova squadra di Poggiali potrebbe essere svelata al Gp di San Marino, il prossimo 2 settembre. Le trattative sono state avviate già da qualche mese, a confermarlo è lo stesso Manuel che non ha mai nascosto la volontà di tornare a correre. A patto, però, di farlo con una moto competitiva. Una Honda, molto probabilmente. Ripartirà da dove aveva interrotto la sua carriera. Dalla classe 250. Lì cerca la sua rivincita, lì vuole tornare ad essere Manuel Poggiali, il due volte campione del mondo. Iridato in 125 nel 2001: dopo 57 anni riportò il titolo in casa Gilera, vincendo tre Gran Premi (Francia, Portogallo e Valencia), centrando 11 podi. Il secondo titolo arrivò nel 2003, all'esordio in 250 con l'Aprilia. Seguono tre anni inconcludenti, quasi inspiegabili. Nel 2004 è costretto a fare un passo indietro: tornare alla Gilera in 125, unica casa disposta ad aiutarlo. L'anno successivo ci riprova in 250, con la KTM: niente di buono. Decide di prendersi un anno sabbatico. Cambia le sue abitudini, cambia vita. Ora possiede un ristornate e fa il personal trainer in una palestra sammarinese. Chi lo conosce giura che Manuel è diventato un'altra persona. Non solo fisicamente, lavorare in palestra l'ha fortificato, ma soprattutto l'ha ricostruito mentalmente. Più espansivo, più tranquillo. Insomma, Manuel Poggiali è pronto per tornare. Per tornare a vincere.
Manuel Poggiali is getting ready its return. It had promised it at the conclusion of a season, that glance, rather disappointing: "I believe it is arrived the time to take myself a year of reflection. I will return in 2008 with team and movement winning", so had said. The new squad of Poggiali could be revealed to the Gp of Marine San, the next one 2 September. The negotiations were started already from some month, to confirm the is the same Manuel that never hid the will of to return to run. To agreement, however, of to do it with a competitive movement. A Honda, most likely. It will distribute from where it had interrupted its career. From the class 250. There its search won back, there wants hairpin curve to be Manuel Poggiali, two times champion of the world. Rainbow-colored in 125 in 2001: after 57 years restored the title in house Gilera, winning three Big Prizes (France, Portugal and Valencia), hit the center of 11 podiums. The second title arrived in 2003, to the debut in 250 with the aprilia. They follow three inconclusive years, almost inexplicable. In 2004 it is compelled to do a step back: the Gilera in 125 to return, sole house arranged to help it. The successive year us confirmation in 250, with the KTM: nothing of voucher. It decides to take itself a sabbatical year. It changes his habits, changes life. Now possiede a ristornate and does the personal trainer in a gymnasium sammarinese. Who it knows it swears it that Manuel became another person. Not only physically, to work in gymnasium it fortified it, but above all rebuilded it mentally. More communicative, calmer. Well, Manuel Poggiali is ready to return. To return to win.
If the Fonz moves on to Suzuki as suggested who is in line for the PSG1 ride?Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
Not a lot of names spring to mind, however this seat has some potential with Kawasaki factory involvement in 08'.
I am sure the big K would like to see another front running Japanese rider in WSB...... By the way what is Tamada doing?
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~5~id~154215.htm
Kenan Sofuoglu will be driving for Ten Kate next season, Ten Kate is reward for winning the World Supersport this year. he earned it alright
Few little things ive heard:-
Elias to join D'Antin alongside Guintoli.
Nakano in negotiations with Gresini, could lineup alongside DeAngelis.
jackal....... you think Davies is in with a shot at the 2nd D'Antin seat???? I've got a funny feeling he's got the inside running for some reason.....Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
Fabrizio will replace Lanzi at Xerox Ducati, he signed an one year deal.
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~5~id~154264.htm
just going to say that,Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisS
looks like the top drives in WorldSBK are looking clear
I've said it before somewhere, but he's the darkest of dark horses.. Chaz himself has even said that his upcoming test is more likely to get him a ride for 2009 than next year.. Time will tell, stranger things have happened..Quote:
Originally Posted by osg
However, I think D'Antin will employ a Spanish or Italian rider to go with Guintoli, for sponsorship reasons..
personally, I think the next 3 years could be interesting.
The Ducati 1098 will prove the size increase for WBK to 1200cc valuable. But in '09, the Buell 1125R may prove to be of great interest to many looking for an alternative.
and riding a Buell will also have the advantage of going home early after each race since the bike will probably break down after a few laps :p