What about Simoncelli or Fabrizio for the next Italian GP rider at Ducati?
What about Simoncelli or Fabrizio for the next Italian GP rider at Ducati?
Vermeulen might not have much of a choice in the matter. If politics mean that Suzuki run Capirossi and Spies next year, he might find himself booted out onto the street.
Ducati clearly face two problems at the same time - replacing Marco (as mentioned, from past years he's clearly got the talent but it's not working out) and replacing the irreplaceable Troy Bayliss next year.
Personally, I can't see any of the veterans (Sete, Max B) replacing Marco. It's a backward step to employ someone in the twilight of their career to do that job. It's also hard to see those same veterans (or Shakey Byrne, getting on a bit now at 34 years old) taking Troy B's ride next season.
It could, however, be realistic to see Sete on the bike for half a season to help with the Constructors' champ and then either Nicky Hayden - if the rumour mill is correct - or Niccolo Canepa be brought in for next season. Niccolo's been testing the bike but is also lined up for some WSB wildcards, so his future is unclear.
I bet Dovi's also a man in demand, though things are pointing to him staying with Honda.
As for Marco, I'd see him returning to Gresini where he did well - Fousto Gresini's patience with Alex de Angelis' repair bill may wear thin after this season despite flashes of speed.
shakey's only 32 years old and definitely in the prime of his career, or at least as comfortable on that ducati as ony rider, including troy bayliss.
i don't understand the fascination with youth anyway. bayliss is super quick, haga, the same. corser, despite not winning is still on pace. the only kid in wsbk that has really broken through this year is neukirchner.
as for motogp, marco melandri is getting the better of vermin, although it's getting closer. edwards is suddenly quick and zombie performed much better on a d'antin bike last year than marco is currently doing on a factory bike.
experienced riders bring with them a wealth of knowledge, and if they have the pace, i say go for it. race contracts are rarely more than 2 years anyway, and there's always some up and coming fast kid to ride the bike next year. if bayliss or sete were getting results, i gather ducati wouldn't find hiring them to be a backward step.
Yeah, another Marco who is now still at 250 cc deserves a mention.
Apparently Spanish radio and TV are reporting that Marco has been sacked and Sete will take his place for the rest of the year
according to Autosport, Kwack have expressed an interest in Marco for Germany to replace Hopper.
What do you mean replace Hopper, when the bike wasnt breaking down Hopper looked good.How long is he out injured for?
[quote="T-D"]
as for motogp, marco melandri is getting the better of vermin, although it's getting closer.
what?
hopper is out for germany and probably laguna seca. broken bones in feet and ankles.Quote:
Originally Posted by jim mcglinchey