Kawasaki confirm 3rd Bike

Finally confirmed

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69906

But I really REALLY doubt Aspar will take West. IMO if Kawa wants to keep him, they better find a SBK or WSS for him.

I think it will be Bautista.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Aug 21 2008, 01:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Finally confirmed

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69906
Excellent. I think it will be Toni Elias then.

According to Motociclismo, Aspar wants Bautista but Bautista has said he's not moving up without the winning the 250cc title, and since he's 40p down on Simoncelli I think it means he will stay another year in 250cc, so yeah in that case the Elias option makes a lot of sense.

The main sponsor will be Telefonica (11888 is the info number of Telefonica). So it's likely it will be painted yellow.

Aspar asked Suzuki but they where not keen on a third bike (though it seems Suzuki changed opinion several times). He also asked Yamaha who said they could not build a 5th bike and Ducati, Ducati was willing to make a 5th bike (satellite) but Aprilia was not happy about it, and since they provide all bikes for Aspar's 125cc and 250cc teams Aspar didn't want to deteriorate his relationship with Aprilia.

Aspar's team will be adjacent to the works Kawa box since the bike will be maintained by works Kawa personnel.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Aug 21 2008, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>According to
Wow, it sounds like you got the scoop. Thanks for the info. I like Toni, and I would love to see him on a Kawasaki. Wow, they would have an American, Italian, and Spaniard; talk about covering your bases.

(Oh a side note, it looks like Spies will not be seen in MotoGP, oh well...)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Aug 21 2008, 04:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>(Oh a side note, it looks like Spies will not be seen in MotoGP, oh well...)

Theres still a possibility. Gresini or Suzuki could take him. Gresini is talking about having either him or Vermeulen ride for him, which if either is true would give Spies a seat.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ThePhorest @ Aug 21 2008, 04:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Theres still a possibility. Gresini or Suzuki could take him. Gresini is talking about having either him or Vermeulen ride for him, which if either is true would give Spies a seat.

What about a Ducati satellite?

Xerox are courting him to replace Bayliss, if he's already in talks with Ducati, why wouldn't they give him a ride in GP?

Both Elias and Guinters are gone. I know they want one seat for their golden boy Canepa, but Ben could use one as well.

Suzuki should step up and get a decent satellite team going. They are not without money. Look at their year end statements, they make billions.

1 more bike to the grid, excellent.

In regards to it being painted yellow, I though Kawa had a deal where all their bikes had to be predominantly green?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Aug 21 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Suzuki should step up and get a decent satellite team going. They are not without money. Look at their year end statements, they make billions.

how about suzuki leasing some engines to KR?

they get some chassis development done for free and IMO thats where they are lacking, the motor seems to be acceptable in terms of power and fuel usage etc..
would be a cost effective means of getting some quality data back to hamamatsu....

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Aug 21 2008, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What about a Ducati satellite?

Xerox are courting him to replace Bayliss, if he's already in talks with Ducati, why wouldn't they give him a ride in GP?

Both Elias and Guinters are gone. I know they want one seat for their golden boy Canepa, but Ben could use one as well.

Don't forget that Gibbers is waiting in the wings too. Too much competition for the Ducati rides, IMO. I think Ben still has a good shot at either a Suzuki or a Gresini but not a Duc.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BigAl @ Aug 21 2008, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>how about suzuki leasing some engines to KR?

they get some chassis development done for free and IMO thats where they are lacking, the motor seems to be acceptable in terms of power and fuel usage etc..
would be a cost effective means of getting some quality data back to hamamatsu....



Anything and anyone. I just think they will fall behind even more without more feedback and competition. But without Kjr at the helm.

But check this out. The last paragraph where Denning says spare parts are a problem. Come on Suzuki is huge why is there a problem with spare parts? Capirossi said once the budget was unlimited. Sounds limited to me.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sp...ssis-in-misano/

Sete Gibernau just might get the ride at Aspar Kawasaki, think about it. The team is young and it will be wise for them to get a veteran for their first year of development on the ...... Kawasaki bike.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bootsakah @ Aug 21 2008, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1 more bike to the grid, excellent.

In regards to it being painted yellow, I though Kawa had a deal where all their bikes had to be predominantly green?


i know that used to be the case. when i first got into racing the rules were the bike had to be like over 75% green. it doesn't mention that anymore on their website:

http://www.kawasaki.com/Racing_Contingency...ingDetails.aspx

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Aug 21 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The main sponsor will be Telefonica (11888 is the info number of Telefonica). So it's likely it will be painted yellow.

Actually the 1188 design is purple and orange if they are not putting Telefonica on there.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Aug 21 2008, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Anything and anyone. I just think they will fall behind even more without more feedback and competition. But without Kjr at the helm.

But check this out. The last paragraph where Denning says spare parts are a problem. Come on Suzuki is huge why is there a problem with spare parts? Capirossi said once the budget was unlimited. Sounds limited to me.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sp...ssis-in-misano/

sounds more like limited lead time to manufacture the frame, as opposed to limited $'s or effort.
some chassis materials need to "cure" or "age" after being welded or pressed and that is probably why they cant just churn out frames quickly. even HRC had the same problem at the beginning of the season...and their supply is the closest to bottomless of any manufacturer