About time <span title="too...........................">too.........................</span> (MotoGP)?

Question

Marco gets the sacks and Ducati nulls his 2009 contract.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Melandri+in+talks+with+Kawasaki+and+Gresini+for+2009

Right, who is going to take his place ??

Free agents still :

Nicky.

Colin.

West.

Chris Ver.

Has Rossi put ink on paper yet ????

Your thoughts please race fans.

(P.S thanks for the emails whilst I was in Hospital, really nice ! )

Answer 1

Rossi and a Ducati? Give me a break... I think we already saw what an Italian and an Italian bike do together - nothing! I say that it&#039;s going to be stupid of him to move there.

Colin is too old. I don&#039;t really see him as the face of Ducati. He is doing so well on this Yamaha that I would be more than proud if he decides to stay.

West and Chris are both riders with potential that we rarely see, but I don&#039;t think Ant has a chance in a team like that one. Chris could do better, but for me it seems like the Suzuki is made for him.

And the last one, the one I think has the biggest chances in getting the red bike is.... Nicky! He is young, he is fresh, he is sick and tired of that Honda and is ready to get his revenge on the Repsol Honda team. Will it work? I don&#039;t think so. Probably your boy Ben will be able to handle the red devil better, but I&#039;m still not sure if anyone, at all, will be able to keep up with Stoner and the bike.

I think we have to wait for the summer break before we start with the &#039;who is going where&#039; questions. It&#039;s just too crazy right now. This season is one of a kind!

Answer 2

Hi wiggysan

Hmmmm..........Nicky to Ducati, Marco to Gresini Honda, and Shinya back to Kawasaki with west going over to World Super Bikes or Sport. That will leave Nicky&#039;s seat available for Dovi. I think Colin Chris and Vale will stay where they are. That still leaves a seat at Scott Honda...........Hmm......Ben Spies maybe? (or Chris if Suzuki decide to go with Ben).

Well that&#039;s my prediction.

Sorry to hear you were in hospital mate. Hope it was nothing too serious and you&#039;re ok.

Answer 3

Hi Wiggysan, I&#039;m going with the obvious Hayden, well I hope its obvious. Probably Canepa to ride from Bruno Onwards this season. I know they are saying Marco will see the season out but I cant see the point of running a no pointer for the last part of the season. I really do hope they give it to Nicky, I&#039;m sure he could ride it. and I&#039;m going with Kwaker to take Marco on.

But Like Neilggti points out if he does go there and does badly. it will be the end of his career in GP.  the Honda would be the safer choice if he has one.

Answer 4

Hey Wiggy

I think I&#039;d like to see Nicky on the red bike but it&#039;s gotta be tooooooooo soon to be speculating about next years rides - surely!!?

Naaaaaa, I wonder if Melandri actually will see out the season?

Answer 5

I just hope it&#039;s not Hayden, the rest are iffy. Now if Rossi were to get the job we would see some racing next year, it would only cost Ducati 20 mill or so,  Yam paid him 15 mill when he signed with them.

Answer 6

Antony West, as if he fails on a Ducat, I won&#039;t loose to much sleep!

Seriously though, its a tough call. I would think Colin would stay where he is. I think a lot of testing for a second rider is needed, at the moment though I think Proc is right, Hayden has the muscle and can handle a tricky bike the best out of the likely suspects.