The rumor just wont go away

means that teams need to think about the marketing aspects of their team. lots of substandard european and american riders are picked up in 125 and 250 especially just because of their passport not coz of their talent.

the cream rises to the top though, but riders of lesser known countries dont have as easy ride as some of the euro countries and americans

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ Jul 14 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Nearly made a mistake.

Yeah but thats old Duc. Doctrine ..... I have noticed of late they seem to be saying they need an Asutralian rider to win ..... so I thought ... maybe they will get creative ... and try 2 Australian riders

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 12 2008, 03:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i''l leavve this forum never to return if ducati signs hayden
I don't believe you. Pink, even you aren't dense enough to not see this happening. Nicky WILL sign for Ducati for 2009.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 12 2008, 06:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>r u stupid, there is something called a contract till end of 2008 u know
Although you are right (in the sense that Hayden is under contract through 2008 and there is a fat chance in hell that HRC will release him any time before they have to), still an ....... comment. Especially when taking into consideration that Ducati and Melandri will be severing ties after the season, if not before.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BarryMachine @ Jul 14 2008, 06:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Daryl Beattie was chatting about Melandri's Plight .... then went into what Vermulen was up to ..... saying Vermulen was touted for Baylis's ride in 09 but he does not want to go to SBK ...... I was left wondering .... is that a hanging suggestion that Vermy may be the "new Ducati rider" for 09 .... I'm sure Casey would back it.
I would like to see Vermeulen join Ducati but between having two Aussies in the squad and the likelihood of signing a former world champion and the most marketable rider in the US market are two major hurdles in CV seeing red. If for some reason Hayden stays at Honda, then I think CV may have a chance but I think would still be overlooked.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BarryMachine @ Jul 14 2008, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yeah but thats old Duc. Doctrine ..... I have noticed of late they seem to be saying they need an Asutralian rider to win ..... so I thought ... maybe they will get creative ... and try 2 Australian riders
I think the marketing and/or patriotic aspects are still too strong, particularly if they are confident about the performance of their first australian rider which would seem to be very definitely the case. If after another year they still can't find anyone apart from another australian who can ride the thing they may change their doctrine as you say.

I actually did not manage to correct my mistake; this is what comes from drinking nz pinot noir rather than australian shiraz as is my general habit. Just to be clear I am happy to reply to your posts.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 15 2008, 12:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't believe you. Pink, even you aren't dense enough to not see this happening. Nicky WILL sign for Ducati for 2009.
dont worry i will keep my word. but i wont need to, coz it wont happen (hayden goto ducati that is)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 14 2008, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>dont worry i will keep my word. but i wont need to, coz it wont happen (hayden goto ducati that is)
How do you not see this coming???? Where do you think Nicky will end up? And selling used cars in Kentucky is not a viable answer as he does that anyways in addition to GP duties.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 12 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ducati has nothing to lose, but Nicky certainly does....

No? Let's review his options.

1. Stays with repsol team. Mediocre results at best, as last year and this year have proven.

2. Honda satellite team. Previous years bike, see above.

3. Yamaha satellite team. Bikes may be more suited to a 250gp style, may or may not suit hayden but probably the best all-around package on the grid. Would be interesting to see though. So whose seat would he get? Edward's seat may be available next year. But this scenario is probably the least likely.

4. Kawasaki? eh, if not Ducati, this may be the only option...if there's a spot for him. West's seat or a 3rd bike are possibilities, surely Hayden can come up with a sponsor to finance a 3rd bike if needed.

Options 1 and 2 would definately not be in Nicky's favor. Lose

3 is an interesting possibility, but I don't think it'll turn out much better than on a Honda.

4 mmm, maybe, if one likes development and striving for a top ten finish as a season highlight. Lose

So...what's that leave? Ducati, which is the enigma of the grid.

I really don't see many win scenarios for NH, except on the Ducati

hayden is a liability - for a team wanting to win a championship. no offence. not trying to rile u up, just my opinion ok

depends if the american market will be enough for ducati to take him on.

i would say they would take on sete for rest of 07 as a stop gap measure, then sign for 1 year one of the 250 rookies.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 14 2008, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>hayden is a liability - for a team wanting to win a championship. no offence. not trying to rile u up, just my opinion ok

depends if the american market will be enough for ducati to take him on.

i would say they would take on sete for rest of 07 as a stop gap measure, then sign for 1 year one of the 250 rookies.
No that's fine, I just genuinely want to know where you think he will be next season if you don't think he will go to Ducati.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 14 2008, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No that's fine, I just genuinely want to know where you think he will be next season if you don't think he will go to Ducati.
wouldn't surprise me when hayden get this new bike sorted out that he gets a few podiums towards the end of the season and re signs with hrc.
how does hayden feel about not only changing bike but changing tyres as well ?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jul 14 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>how does hayden feel about not only changing bike but changing tyres as well ?

dunno Rog...maybe you can tap the lad on the shoulder this weekend and ask him!
Don't let Jumkie get you too drunk now, we want you to remember your trip to Laguna so you can tell us about it when you get back.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Jul 14 2008, 04:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>dunno Rog...maybe you can tap the lad on the shoulder this weekend and ask him!
Don't let Jumkie get you too drunk now, we want you to remember your trip to Laguna so you can tell us about it when you get back.
cheers mate

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (trackday @ Jul 12 2008, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>^ hey ......., then why all the talk about Melandri being released and going to Kawasaki or Honda after Laguna? If Honda can keep Dovi by bumping him up to Hayden's bike during the break, why not?
Everybody wins.
You know, someday we're all gonna read a little blip on the internet "little tiny pink body found pummled into a pulp. no identifying marks except the victim had a big empty mouth and was wearing a pair of casey stoner panties."
And everyone here on the forum will know exactly who it is and PARTY.

Damn, that's funny.

Anyway, Nicky to Ducati makes the most sense for both. The 800cc era seems to have killed all chances of satellite bikes winning, so why would Hayden sign to ride a second-string Honda? Will the satellite bikes even have the air-valve engine next year? Ducati can sign Hayden for one year, with an option, and reap the benefits of having an ex-World Champ American for marketing purposes. And he might just get along with the bike and be competitive.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 15 2008, 12:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No that's fine, I just genuinely want to know where you think he will be next season if you don't think he will go to Ducati.


well i dont think hayden has the luxury to pick and choose a team, but after the disaster of Marco, i beleive ducati would go with someone who would have a lot less pressure on their shoulders, either a noobie or sete.

for hayden i think he'll get shuffled to a second tier honda team.

i wonder if nicky does join ducati whether they will run 2 makes of tyre like fiat yam. i thought michilin were one of nickys personal sponsors.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 14 2008, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>for hayden i think he'll get shuffled to a second tier honda team.

First, do you really think American Honda will tolerate this for a Top 8 rider? He'd have worse results and get less coverage. The American market is big and MotoGP is gaining popularity. They don't wanna miss that.

Hayden has said he doesn't want to ride a .... bike next year = he's saying he'll only sign with a factory team.

IMO, Nicky will:
Get top 4 results in second half and stay with Repsol Honda, maybe with 3 factory bikes and Dovi
Get top 9 results and go to Ducati
Get bottom half results and end up at factory Suzuki or Kawasaki.
Will def be on Michellins

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pinky @ Jul 14 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>well i dont think hayden has the luxury to pick and choose a team, but after the disaster of Marco, i beleive ducati would go with someone who would have a lot less pressure on their shoulders, either a noobie or sete.

for hayden i think he'll get shuffled to a second tier honda team.
Fair enough. It's a reasonable theory.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jul 14 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i wonder if nicky does join ducati whether they will run 2 makes of tyre like fiat yam. i thought michilin were one of nickys personal sponsors.
I don't think Michelin is a personal sponsor, he's just been loyal to them as he has been to HRC. I don't think he would put in a request for Michelins and frankly, I don't think he has the leverage to do so.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 14 2008, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't think Michelin is a personal sponsor, he's just been loyal to them as he has been to HRC. I don't think he would put in a request for Michelins and frankly, I don't think he has the leverage to do so.
the reason i thought Michelin may be a personal sponsor was because of all the tv add he did for them.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jul 14 2008, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>the reason i thought Michelin may be a personal sponsor was because of all the tv add he did for them.
Yeah I haven't seen any of that. In fact I don't think I've ever seen a commercial for Michelin motorcycle tires.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jul 14 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'> cheers mate

Lock up your daughters and hide the key to the whiskey cabinet.Rog is hopping the pond.
The offer still stands if you can head east towards Tennessee,i will show you some riding you will never forget.I will let you ride my sons RC51