MotoGP Assen. Loris is back, where is Ben.........?

Question

Well this is the quote from MotoGP.com :

" Ben Spies – will also be supporting the team at Assen and later in the season will return to the GSV-R for wildcard rides at both American MotoGP rounds. "

So does supporting mean riding ?

Full report here : http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Capirossi+to+return+to+Rizla+Suzuki+for+Dutch+Grand+Prix

Crash_dot_net is giving much away either ? http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/165332-0/capirossi_confirmed_for_assen.html

Will Ben be racing at Assen? You would think after Donny Park that Paul Denning could find a spare bike kicking about !

Your knowledge / thoughts please ?

Answer 1

Not sure what's going on. Ben did well for never riding in the rain. We dont do it here in the Ama.

I say give them each a bike

Answer 2

Hi Wiggysan. If I understood Toby and Julian's conversation on the subject it comes down to the rules, being that 2 weeks notice must be given for a rider to be entered. although Suzuki will be taking 4 bikes. either Ben or Loris will be watching from pit lane. shame really. they could just give each a bike. if the wrap it in practice. Tough. Nominate a rider to get points and let them both ride.

But rules are  rules.   and they all need to be bent a little.

Answer 3

I understand the reasons why but when you look at the situation in its most simple form; Loris is in the top ten and the having a better season the CV.  Taking Loris out a few races may eliminate them from any Suzuki rider getting in the top ten. ouch!

Answer 4

Wiggs i read something u gave me before when Loris told Ben "not to get comfortable on his bike" Maybe said jokingly but with some serious behind the statement.( a blind man thoughts is a drunk man words) Iam sure Loris knows what Ben brings to moto GP for Suzuki so maybe he's seen as a threat to Loris who right now has a little more pull with Suzuki in moto GP than Ben. I just started watching racing so what do i know or maybe its  just like what the other two said its "THE RULES" but i do know one thing..... when ever you have two BIG stars in big events theres usually going to be problems. Ask yourself who would you rather see racing now Ben or Loris?

Answer 5

Hi wiggysan

I think proc is right, it's all down to the rules and it depends on Loris's fitness.

It's a pity, I would love to see Ben get another run before Laguna, but Capirex will get the ride. He's raced with far more serious injuries than that. Remember 2006?