Chris Vermeulen? Ducati are looking to replace both Melandri and Bayliss, Chris could easily step into either position.
Chris Vermeulen? Ducati are looking to replace both Melandri and Bayliss, Chris could easily step into either position.
No point bringing Sete back. He couldn't quite get the biccies in his prime, he ain't gonna do it now. But Nicky for sure next year and let Raymond Roche fill in the rest of this year - has experience in GP and for Ducati. :)
Vermeulen would be worth a punt. The Duc appears to suit more physical riders and Chris with his Superbike and Dirt-track background would be half a chance to do well on the red beast. Melandri would be a prize catch for Suzuki too alongside Capirossi.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Phantom
Likewise Nicky though. Hayden is nearly always the rider that spins the bike up the most, still don't think he'd be up there but would definately do better than Marco, hell even I'd have a chance.Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
The fact that both the customer bikes (always much slower than the factory Ducati's based on past history) are massively quicker than Marco is reason enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
His head is fried for this year and he's embarrassing himself and Ducati. Time for him to step back and try to re-assess his future.
Strange, I have always felt that Ducati should stand by someone of Marco's reputation, but now I really wonder if the current situation is achieving anything for either party?
Perhaps the best option is for Marco to walk away and enjoy life for the remainder of 2008 before joining a new team in 2009 with a fresh outlook.
There is a little matter of a two year contract that Marco entered into. Is there a performance clause? Is there another team out there calling for number 33 on its bike in 09? If not perhaps D'Antin has 'found' a new rider.
Marco will be in demand if he is cut free, don't you worry. He is an elite rider and both Suzuki and Kawasaki would chase him hard I'm sure as well as he would come under consideration at Tech3 and Gresini. He will be on the MotoGP grid in 09, just depends which colours he will be in.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
I've heard rumours of Vermeulen to Ducati in WSBK. Pretty sweet ride if you can get along with the big V-twin.
Surely Hayden should be on the MotoGP Ducati. I don't know who else would be worth a punt on the Bologna Bullet.
Ducati could also consider bringing Max Biaggi over to Motogp from WSBK, or perhaps get him to replace Troy?
Biaggi is in the Gibernau boat imo. He's had his day in MotoGP and should finish his racing career gracefully in superbike before retirement.
I struggle to see Vermeulen heading to WSB when his whole aim has been to get into MotoGP. In fact, I don't think anyone early or in the prime of their MotoGP career would entertain a switch to WSB, only riders at the end of their welcome through age or performance.