Motorcycle Forums

Obvious

With Casey getting fitted for his pipe and slippers, Jorge is without a doubt the fastest guy on the grid. And being that he is the fastest guy on the grid and without a sign contract next year, it's only natural that he will be sought after. I read somewhere that Repsol said they wouldn't want 2 Spanish riders in the Honda team but to me that sounds a bit silly. Why wouldn't they? I expect Honda to make a run at Jorge even if it's half hardly just to test the waters. I doubt there will be any signing of factory riders until Jorge puts pen to paper with Yamaha or Honda.

Rossi has to be on the short list for the Yamaha if Lorenzo jumps ship, as like him or not, he has a huge following and can bring some heavy weight sponsorship with him, which Yamaha lacks.

Cost cutting

A simple sum sits at the HRC door. Why would they entertain a mid pack finisher with 18 months Ducati experience and 9 world titles for 20 Million bankrupt Audi/Euro's when they can elevate a Bradl for 1/20th of the price. All legit in terms of the rookie rule. Banker, Dani. Youth to Bradl. I just cannot figure Rossi into an HRC all forgiven reunion. Not by any means is the HRC bike the be all and all.  Frankly,I can't see Rossi going anywhere other than to milk Ducati's last Lire. Did I say that...lire ? 

I hope it rains !

I cant see Lorenzo going to honda, his future is safer at Yamaha, Repsol honda have already said they will not have two Spanish riders so would have to axe Dani to make way for Lorenzo and another new repsol rider, it's very unlikely that a factory team would sign two new riders in the same season (when did that last happen??) unless it was someone with honda experience...... Bautista is spanish so that rules him out but Bradl would be a possibility to partner Lorenzo and make way for marquez to do his rookie year at LCR,, but as its also pretty much a done deal that Marquez is destined for repsol in 2014 he would either have to partner fellow spaniard Lorenzo (not gonna happen) or ex-rival Bradl whilst Jorge would have to look elsewhere for a ride. Also factory yamaha are not going to want to keep Spies next year and will not want to lose Jorge aswell so in my opinion will make him a good enough offer to stay, Dovi or Crutchlow would be good to replace Spies but they will not win Yamaha a championship. Rossi will only return to Yamaha if Lorenzo is not there but Lorenzo would be taking a big gamble leaving Yamaha knowing that Marquez is destined for HRC and how would Rossi feel about returning to Yamaha as their 'second choice' just because Lorenzo left. I see more chance of Rossi going to HRC than to yamaha as he could partner Pedrosa (and in my opinion beat him) for one year meaning Repsol would only have the disruption of one new team rider and then in 2014 Pedrosa would be axed to make way for Marquez to partner and learn from a still competitive Rossi in 2014, by 2015 Marquez will be experienced enough to take the lead role in repsol and Rossi would be ready to retire so avoiding the situation of being beaten by his own team mate like he was by Lorenzo in 2010. But I think Rossi will stay at Ducati and try to make a success of it. So as for who will get the repsol ride, I really don't know...... unless Stoner has a change of heart!

Dovi this, Dovi that, blah blah

BH,

What's with the massive crush on Dovi ?