<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Jul 11 2007, 01:28 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well it should be interesting to see what happens. A few thoughts. Suzuki has let him languish for many years without any serious or major improvements. Their riders deserved a greater effort into the racing program. It’s no coincidence that Suzuki gets a championship once a few decades. Generally their bikes suck at the MotoGP level and it takes a special rider (consider that their last two champions were Roberts/Schwantz) and special season to take one to a title. Unfortunately at the moment, it looks like Suzuki is/was headed in that direction. But who knows if they will make it up the mountain.
As far as Hopkins is concerned. Well put yourself in his shoes for a moment. If, as somebody mentioned, it is a move "sideways" well consider that this is a major increase in pay. With the added potential of bringing in a serious sponsor as Monster into the sport we all love. So who here wouldn't be willing to ride a bike with fairly equal potential but for a lot more money?
Now if moving to Kawasaki, is a "step down" as was suggested, well how much of a step is it really? Kawasaki, more than Suzuki, has had a horrible showing in MotoGP. However, something has changed in the marketing of this brand that indicates a more serious attempt to focus on their racing success to gain market share. So as far as the two brands go, it is debatable which is in fact better, though at the moment I would give the edge to Suzuki on the track, Kawasaki is on the move. But consider this, they have gone after top prospects like Melandri and Capirossi, and managed to land Hopkins (who perhaps was the most sought after non-signed rider). And they gave him a major pay raise. So what does this indicate about their focus on racing? (Food for thought).
Oh and as far as Melandri being better than Hopkins (as was mentioned on this thread). I really doubt that. Consider this. Melandri was on a good machine last year and scored some masterful wins. However, Hopkins has been on a poor machine for five years, and just when they make a small improvement to the Suzuki, he shows what he can do still on a sub-par machine. I think they are both above average riders who have been on poor machines this year. But let me ask you, considering how Melandri has criticized his bike (throughout the season) and recently his declaration of throwing in the towel, whom would you rather have on your team? Will he tolerate a bike that perhaps he’s’ not happy with? Yes he has talent, but is he really that much more talented than Hopkins? I don’t think so, but considering their attitudes, I give the edge to Hopkins.
Either way, I hope all the best for Hopkins and hope this is the decade for change in taking Kawasaki to the championship circle.
Spot on with the hopper/melandri comparison. I personally think Melandri should be the last of any riders chased down. Throwing in the towel is pathetic from any guy at this level and such an insult to his team and sponsors. I never understand how some can say a rider is 'too good' for a factory team. It's complete ......... Suzuki are willing to offer him full factory support and he's too good. No ....... way.
As far as Hopper, I think its nothing but a great move for him. When Kawasaki nabbed Ichiro Yoda from Yamaha, they got the experience they desperately needed at this level. Ditching Harold Eckl, bringing everything in-house, restructuring the team and chasing down 2 quality riders is evidence these guys are really wanting to compete at the front. If Kawasaki allow the team to continue the way it is I'd say 08 is going to be a very good season.