Interesting article with direct quotes from Honda racing boss Shuhei Nakamoto. Pretty obvious that 2011 was a last ditch, no expense spared attempt by Honda to secure a 800cc title before the formula switches to 1000cc. No surprise though that this year's effort would not be sustainable going forward into the future, and as such looks like a more normal approach is in on the cards for 2012. Shame for Dovi & Simo, but if you had to pick 2 factory riders from the current crop of 4, I don't think anyone could argue with a Pedrosa/Stoner line up.
Will be interesting to see what follows on from a Honda decision in August. Will Dovi be pushed to the Satellite Honda team, would make that line up a lot stronger, not sure about 2 Italian riders from a sponsorship perspective in the one team though.
I know a lot of people are hoping Suzuki revert to a more standard 2 bike team for 2012, hopefully this Honda decision is not indicative of what we can expect from other Japanese manufacturers. Would be best for all to see a strong 4 manufacturer series next year (am assuming Ducati can get their act together, which doesn't look too likely right now).
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93182
Will be interesting to see what follows on from a Honda decision in August. Will Dovi be pushed to the Satellite Honda team, would make that line up a lot stronger, not sure about 2 Italian riders from a sponsorship perspective in the one team though.
I know a lot of people are hoping Suzuki revert to a more standard 2 bike team for 2012, hopefully this Honda decision is not indicative of what we can expect from other Japanese manufacturers. Would be best for all to see a strong 4 manufacturer series next year (am assuming Ducati can get their act together, which doesn't look too likely right now).
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93182