Marco and Ducati for 2008. Good move?

Question

This in from Soup.

" DUCATI TEAM ANNOUNCES 2008 AND 2009 MOTOGP LINE-UP

The Ducati Team announces that Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri will be its riders for the next two seasons of the MotoGP World Championship.

World Championship leader Casey Stoner has renewed his agreement with the Borgo Panigale-based factory for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, with an option for the 2010 championship. 24-year old Italian Melandri will join the Australian with a two-year contract.

Next week Loris Capirossi and his manager will meet with Ducati representatives to evaluate the possibility of preparing a third official Desmosedici MotoGP bike for the Italian rider to use in the 2008 World Championship. "

This has got to be good news. Same tyres on an even faster bike.

Whats your thoughts?

Answer 1

Hey Wiggy,

As I answered on one of A.niks questions "Porco Dio" those Italian crowds are gonna be hysterical next year! Two Italian riders, on 3 factory bikes! Which are definately capable of winning! that's gonna be some party!

I didn't know that bit about Capirossi maybe staying on with them - but the more the merrier.

I thought Melandri was "man of the match" this weekend, he has shot up in my estimation and  am I being too much of a girl if I say that his improvement in form seems to have coincided with him getting a decent haircut? (he he he!)

I may have to research this further as I'm wondering if Rossi usually only gets on the steps when he's having a good hair day?

Answer 2

After the last race I have to say that I see Melandri in a different way. He wasn't so well and still did such a great job. Him and the Ducati bike..Hmm... I hope he is even better than Stoner! I expect so much from him.

I've learned something that is really important. It's not the bike, it's the rider who is winning the awards, so 2008 is going to be one of the most exiting ones.

And still, 3 bikes? Why do they want to keep Capirossi, if I have it right he is there since 2004?

There is one thing for sure.. Too many bikes, too many problems! :) The Ducati team are trying to do something which is not so easy and is pretty much... impossible.

Can't wait for season 2008, so many surprises are ahead of us! :)

Answer 3

Good for Macho; not so much for Capirex.

Answer 4

wow, I didn't see that coming I figured Nikki would go there.

very interesting. This should be an interesting silly season for sure.

I am still waiting to see where Edwards ends up.

What did you think of the WSBK round in the chec repub?.