Is there a possibility Michelin will hang around?

We have heard reports that Ducati may switch their satellite efforts to Michelin tires for next year. Ezy knows that a large part of the fan base is hugely opposed to a control tire.

Is there a possibility Michelin may hang around to supply the satellite teams while Bridgestone moves to supply all of the factory bikes? They could supply the satellite teams while the attempt to play catch up?

Would that arrangement create a race within a race (the second race would be to see who can be first Michelin shod machine)? Could it produce an unlikely champion?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (an4rew @ Sep 13 2008, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Can't see that happening they need a factory team to know the potential of their tyres... i'm thinking the only alternative would be Tech3 which they do have an interest in but they would need to be more involved like running the team.

As far as we know every bike is going to be "factory". We all understand it won't work out that way, but everyone will be on very similar equipment next year. Kinda like 2006.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dkm750SS @ Sep 13 2008, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What gives you this impression? I haven't seen anything along these lines. I expect the Honda satellite bikes to have spring valves, the Duc satellites to have steel (or titanium) trellis frames, etc. It seems to me the only satellite bikes that are close to factory spec are the Yamahas. But maybe there's been something stated that I've missed. If so, please enlighten me.

D'Antin was fired and the Marlboro spare personnel have more or less taken over the team. Alice has always had factory support but D'Antin has never had the personnel to make the team work. If Gibby ends up coming back he isn't racing with less than full factory support.

Honda reported the customer bike will be pneumatic. At least one rider (Elias) has already been guaranteed factory support (allegedly). If Takahashi comes up you can guarantee he will have factory support. RDP might be SOL.

Tech 3 already have factory support.

Aspar is supposed to be a third factory bike with a different sponsor and management. Kawasaki are allegedly going to provide most of the personnel.