155 replies to this topic

[jose_jimenez]

Yamaha USA is too important to them. I'd be surprised to see no American on staff, real surprised.

[Gary]

Huh, if Nicky and Ben are out, and Colin retires, I guess that is the end of American involvement in MotoGP for the next 10 years.

I doubt that both will go, but yeah...

[Jordan L.]

Yeah, I can't see Hayden at Yamaha. If Spies gets the boot then surely they'd move Dovi or Crutchlow up. That'd leave Dovi or Crutchlow in Tech 3 along with Smith. No where for Hayden to go. He could try to get a Sat. Honda ride, but with who? LCR has Bradl and Gresini has Bautista. I guess if Suzuki comes back that'd open up some spots.

I think prospects are looking dismal for several riders. I hope these riders like Hayden and Spies that are potentially out of a seat don't stay in MotoGP to ride CRT bikes like Col and De Puniet have done. Better to go to WSBK and win races then to race in the second tier class in the two-classes-in-one series.

As much as I love GP and want to see American involvement as far as riders, I'd be totally onboard with these guys going to SBK, and in Ben's case, going back. As much as I'd like to see it, I think once Colin's done, he's done for good. I have a gut feeling of no Superbikes for him, anywhere.

[Spoone]

WSBK is more fun to watch, pure and simple.
Besides, how cool would it be to see these guys smiling again, and being at the pointy end of the race?

[ninjasquaddie]

Hayden? Yamaha has 5 riders and 4 bikes now.

It's not beyond the realms of likelihood that you could see Lorenzo, Smith, Hayden and Dovi there.

Just speculating. If Nicky is out at Ducati, then the only option is CRT (not recommended) or WSB (recommended).

[Tobesterr]

Nicky's had one serious and one tentative offer from two top WSBK teams. Enough of the platitudes and bollocks.......

Let's have CEII and Hayden in WSBK and have a party.

If they did, I'd never be at home. Let's get it on.

Tobe

[Spoone]

I'd have to that the environment in WSBK would be more comfortable for Hayden, too, as personable as he is.
I've read multiple stories about the former MotoGP riders not wanting to leave the series because of the atmosphere.
I think this would be the case for #69..

[Tobesterr]

Hell of a pole lap from Casey after a nasty crash this morning.

Tobe

[Tobesterr]

WSBK is more fun to watch, pure and simple.
Besides, how cool would it be to see these guys smiling again, and being at the pointy end of the race?

Get CEII, Nicky or Ben back in the series and you put 20% on the gate at most places and more at the US round, especially if they do go back to Laguna in September next year. WSBK needs a top US rider.

Tobe

[skidmark]

what a disaster weekend for Colin.

Regardless of what Mr Suter says, Colin will give it his all and ride the balls off that pig to the finish.

[ninjasquaddie]

Was told today that Nicky is out. Cal has a two year deal on the table.

Race should be interesting tomorrow. The crowds were as big for Q today as I can recall. They were bigger than the WSB race day crowd.

I'd be wary if I were Cal. Does he seriously think he's finishing in front of Valentino because he's better than him ?

Edited by ninjasquaddie, 29 June 2012 - 08:01 PM.

[Tobesterr]

Several MotgoGP riders are being offered WSBK rides. Nicky one of them. There will be no seats free with the 4 bike rule but CRT bikes.

[ninjasquaddie]

The four bike rule may not be set in stone

[Tobesterr]

Bet it is with just one exception - Rossi.

4th paragraph down:

http://motomatters.c...ontent=FaceBook

Tobe

Edited by Tobesterr, 29 June 2012 - 08:21 PM.

[Dan]

I'm not the biggest Hayden fan in the world bit it's fucking insane he's out when he's been by far Ducati's best performing rider.

[Spoone]

If no Americans go to WSBK, I'd almost suggest Josh Hayes take a look at a ride over there. Sure, he's a bit "experienced" (old ) But so are Checa and Biaggi..the last two world champs in taht series.
Bayliss was gettin' up there as well. In fact, one could almost say that it's a series that rewards experience over bravery more often than not..

[Gary]

The problem for Hayes would be to find a ride moving from AMA at that age. Biaggi and Checa had much better credentials. I think Hayes would do well but I have no confidence in his landing a ride.

[ninjasquaddie]

I'll clarify. Cal has a two year deal. Nicky will only stay if Rossi goes.

[Tobesterr]

Rossi to Yamaha with Lorenzo and bringing a sponsor for the team is the latest word.

HRC have offered Pedrosa another year, he hasn't signed it yet. Ducati have spoken to Pol Espargaro as well as Cal.

Tobe

[Tobesterr]

Well, the whisper appears to be this morning that Ben Spies may be given a works bike in the Tech 3 team next year if Vale goes to the Factory Yamaha team. He'd join Bradley meaning Cal goes to Ducati. That would leave Dovi out of a ride and he's apparently not particularly filled with delight at riding a Ducati so has been in contact with the Aprilia factory in WSBK to cover the bases.

So, the current rumour has:

Repsol Honda: Pedrosa and Marquez
Factory Yamaha: Lorenzo and Rossi
Factory Ducati: Crutchlow and Hayden/Espargaro/Dovizioso
Tech 3 Yamaha: Spies and Smith
LCR: Bradl
Gresini: Bautista

Hayden, RDP, Dovi to WSBK.

Tobe