Bikergirl takes deep breath in and flexes fingers in preparation for a long typing session
OK. At long last I have some more juice for you. I know I know I promised Gossip from Sachsenring, but Emirates Airlines screwed it up for me and I ended up missing the race. Long story..never mind.
The good thing is I've managed today's race and so here's some gossip according to the gospels of the Italia 1 dudes, hot off the press from Laguna:
Let's start with Suzuki, since I've already mentioned them. Chris Vermeulen was interviewed after the race and asked if he would be staying. He said he loves Suzuki and they've been 'good to him'. He said "I'll be making my decision soon". THe commentators then launched into a discussion on how Denning doesn't seem to be going down well around there. Here's the juicy bit. There's some talk of bringing in none other than HIM, Yes HIM, Kevin Schwantz (!!) to run the show. And if that happens then Ben Spies would be tagged along. I don't know how true any of this is, but if these guys say it's being discussed, then likelihood is, it is in actual fact being discussed.
As for Suzuki, there's also Loris. Loris was out of the race because some spring in his gear lever died on him. He said when he dropped out that his bike blocked in second gear. It was Livio Suppo after the race who confirmed it was a spring.
AND Livio Suppo, my hero, said it. He was asked whether Marco would be one of his riders for the coming season and his reply was an obviously enthusiastic "Yes". (YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry...just had to let that out!!!
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Livio confirmed Marco and Stoner will be their riders for the coming 2 seasons. He also mentioned that 'out of respect' for him, they are willing to consider putting a third official bike on the grid for Loris. He said they will be meeting on Thursday. It's all up in the air however, and it's pretty obvious at this point that they will not be able to offer him any big money.(Myopinion: I think if Loris is willing to race for peanuts, he will be a Ducati man next year. If he wants money he'll have to go elsewhere. )
We'll see.
Which brings us to my other boy, Marco. He was pretty pleased with himself today. He didn't confirm or deny anything about Ducati. (His interview was before Livio Suppo's) What he said was that he was 'happy to have given Gresini a podium'. Also, when asked about the rest of his season, and , since he had a great bike today, whether he would consider staying where he is, he said "If Honda want to help, they know where my garage is. But I chose my path a long time ago and I will be sticking to it." This last comment is indeed what makes me suspect the pre-contract was indeed true all along. THe pre-contract was rumoured to be for 2 years, and that's what he's getting. So the rumour from Ravenna might have been more fact than fiction after all.
Another guy who got interviewed was good old Agostini, who was hanging around in a blue Yamaha shirt. He commented on the awful state of Vale's tyres when he returned to the box, but said that Casey rode like a true champion. When asked if the 30 second advantage that casey had over vale at the end of the race was due to stoner or the bridgestones, his comment was that he doesn't believe Stoner is a better rider than Rossi. He was then asked whether the rule restricting the number of tyres is winning or losing races he made a face and said that it doesn't matter how many tyres you have. 17 or 35, if you don't have one that can win a race, it's pointless having as many as you like. He went on to say that it's very sad that today a tyre brand can influence who wins or loses, as it takes away from the riders and the manufacturing houses.
The Michelins were also a major sore point with Davide Brivio. Interviewed in the box after the race, he blasted out at Michelins (this is relative of course, as Brivio incandescent with anger still looks pretty tame compared to an average Buddhist monk). Apparently Michelins were supposed to deliver something 'decent' for this track and failed miserably. What was left of those tyres was pitiful. The right shoulder on Vale's anterior was all but gone. THe one on Colin's actually resembled scales on a fish. It wasn't even evenly worn!
Which brings us to my boy Vale. Despite everything, he was in a great mood after the race. There was a pretty long interview but no, I didn't take notes so let's see what I remember. He basically commented about the tyres too. When asked about whether he's worried about the 44 point gap (and reminded it was 51 at this point last year) he said "it's not the 44 point gap that worries me. But the 30 second one." He called the Michelins 'embarrassing'. He then grinned like a little boy and said "I was really pleased when I caught up with Dani. There I was struggling along and I took a look at him and thought 'hey, there's someone here in as much .... as me'"
Being the first of the Michelins is definitely no longer enough. He passed no comment whatsoever about his injury. He was then told about the confirmation of Marco moving to Ducati, and asked whether he had any regrets turning it down back in 99. He said definitely not. He loves Yamaha, and he gets on well with everyone there, even on a personal level. He said he himself, and all his team, have no problem putting a hand on their hearts and taking responsibility when they are lacking, and it's time for Michelin to do the same. The cameraman then moved down to film his feet. He was wearing a pair of Willie Coyote socks
He got teased about them and said Willie had failed to turn up and deliver a rocket and had a good laugh about that.
While in Yamaha land...it seems that Herve Poncheral's Yam team has signed up none other than James Toseland for next year. And there's talk of Edwards joining him there. I'm not sure about this Edwards thing as it was a comment passed during the Melandri/Rossi battle during the race so I'm not sure I heard correctly but I think that was it. So I guess that leaves a free seat for Psycho Lorenzo in Rossi's box huh??? Already can't wait for 2008. Marco on Ducati. Yessssssssssssssss! Sorry..can't help myself
