Weekly rumours

Fresh from the Italian GP paddock ...

1.- The all-American team: Apparently Hopkins has the economical backing of Monster Energy Drinks (seems to be the American Red Bull). So they are willing to pay big bucks for a team that would feature Hopper and the Texas Tornado. Tech3 Yamaha and Kawasaki would be the availble teams.

2. Tech3 has already re-newed their contract with Yamaha, but the Iwata company put one condition, no crappy tyres. Poncharal hasn't said anything because he hopes Dunlop can come up with decent tyres and that would save him a lot of money. But the most likely option would be Bridgestone, because they want to lure Hopper and his sponsor. And Michelin costs 1M € and Bridgestones are free ... so far.

3. Fill the gap: In case Hopper does leaves Suzuki, the Japs have already been talking to Melandri. Melandri seems interested since Suzuki is nowadays a better bike than Honda. That move would open a slot in the Honda Gresini team ... and certain loyal to Honda SBK rider, English, piano player ....(no more clues needed! would be keen to take the seat and so would be Gresini.

4. The 3rd Suzuki: Last week Francis Blatta said he could go to MotoGP next year with Biaggi, Spies and Schwantz, but this rumour has been binned already. Suzuki (Paul Denning) said there's no way they would field 4 bikes in 2008, Schwantz said he didn't even talk to Batta (only to Aspar and that's the Spaniard is his first option) and Aspar has already started looking for a rider (from MotoGP or 250cc which rules out Biaggi and Spies but Elías has been named ...)

5. Lorenzo: Motociclismo two weeks ago already assured Lorenzo would be Rossi's teammate in 2008. and events in Italy seemed to confirm this. Colin was showing interest in the possible American team (hinting he wont be in the works Yamaha next year), Lorenzo hasn't been named in any other rumour (he's out of the market already) and one of Lorenzo's mechanics was spotted in a Yamaha box learning about their team ...

very interesting! thanks for that teo!

good stuff..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>3. Fill the gap: In case Hopper does leaves Suzuki, the Japs have already been talking to Melandri. Melandri seems interested since Suzuki is nowadays a better bike than Honda. That move would open a slot in the Honda Gresini team ... and certain loyal to Honda SBK rider, English, piano player ....(no more clues needed! would be keen to take the seat and so would be Gresini.
hahaha yeah that gave it away for me who it was
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>5. Lorenzo: Motociclismo two weeks ago already assured Lorenzo would be Rossi's teammate in 2008. and events in Italy seemed to confirm this. Colin was showing interest in the possible American team (hinting he wont be in the works Yamaha next year), Lorenzo hasn't been named in any other rumour (he's out of the market already) and one of Lorenzo's mechanics was spotted in a Yamaha box learning about their team ...
but seriously now, can lorenzo push his ego aside while he's in that team? I can't see him being satisfied with being the 2nd man in a team, eventhough if the other person would be rossi

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Fresh from the Italian GP paddock ...

1.- The all-American team: Apparently Hopkins has the economical backing of Monster Energy Drinks (seems to be the American Red Bull). So they are willing to pay big bucks for a team that would feature Hopper and the Texas Tornado. Tech3 Yamaha and Kawasaki would be the availble teams.

It would be good to see tech 3 with some decent tyres and riders (hopkins anyway) as long as Yamaha give the team a decent bike and engineers is should be competitive. The only problem with this scenario, Hopkins would be trading a factory ride for a satellite one, no so smart, improvements would likely go from Rossi to Lorenzo to Hopper. Of course the right contract could solve this problem. Kawasaki should be pretty decent, but does that mean sacking both current riders or just Olivier Shat? I doubt Kawasaki would run 4 bikes, they cant even get 2 to finish a race.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>2. Tech3 has already re-newed their contract with Yamaha, but the Iwata company put one condition, no crappy tyres. Poncharal hasn't said anything because he hopes Dunlop can come up with decent tyres and that would save him a lot of money. But the most likely option would be Bridgestone, because they want to lure Hopper and his sponsor. And Michelin costs 1M € and Bridgestones are free ... so far.

Good move, I dont think this class could support 3 manufacturers successfully. One would always be on the ... end of it. They could always make it a Dunlop only class

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>3. Fill the gap: In case Hopper does leaves Suzuki, the Japs have already been talking to Melandri. Melandri seems interested since Suzuki is nowadays a better bike than Honda. That move would open a slot in the Honda Gresini team ... and certain loyal to Honda SBK rider, English, piano player ....(no more clues needed! would be keen to take the seat and so would be Gresini.

The thing I find funny is Melandri's team mate is doing a better job then he is and Pedrosa, who admittedly is on a factory bike is doing pretty well. Honda definitely haven't made as strong a bike as previous years, but you would think that by 08 the bike would be as competitive as the Suzuki. The current bike doesn't seem to suit him, yet Elias and Pedrosa can ride it. I think Melandri's head is already with next years team. He aint winning the 07 championship and he knows it.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>5. Lorenzo: Motociclismo two weeks ago already assured Lorenzo would be Rossi's teammate in 2008. and events in Italy seemed to confirm this. Colin was showing interest in the possible American team (hinting he wont be in the works Yamaha next year), Lorenzo hasn't been named in any other rumour (he's out of the market already) and one of Lorenzo's mechanics was spotted in a Yamaha box learning about their team ...

I hope this is right, Edwards is a waste of Euros. Lorenzo and Rossi wont get on, I think they wont speak to one another much. I'd love to see Lorenzo pull an Elias or is that a Lorenzo on Rossi, just a nice change of line or a gentle nudge to let him know hes there.

Rossi curse "Lorenzo will not win a race until I retire"

I thought I heard rumors that Rossi might not even be riding for Yamaha next season because he be in World Rally Championship?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Fizz @ Jun 5 2007, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I thought I heard rumors that Rossi might not even be riding for Yamaha next season because he be in World Rally Championship?
that's a rumour you hear every year he might do that, he seems to enjoy rally, but I think he might want to stick around a bit longer with the new 800 etc.

Yeah bare with me. I am behind with Moto GP news at the moment still. I heard he will retire when he gets his 8th title crown.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Fizz @ Jun 5 2007, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I thought I heard rumors that Rossi might not even be riding for Yamaha next season because he be in World Rally Championship?Hi fizz, rossi is signed with Yamaha until the end of 2008


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 5 2007, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Fresh from the Italian GP paddock ... Thanks Teo, keep them coming.

I didn't even know that until now. Thanks for that.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Marijke @ Jun 5 2007, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>but seriously now, can lorenzo push his ego aside while he's in that team? I can't see him being satisfied with being the 2nd man in a team, eventhough if the other person would be rossi
There's many ways they could run the Yamaha factory team in 2008. Last year there was some talk that Rossi might run in a one rider team. I can imagine a one bike Fiat Yamaha team with Rossi, and a one bike Fortuna Yamaha team with Lorenzo. That way neither rider would have to push their ego aside.

Anyone think of anything against the idea of seperate teams for Rossi and Lollipop? If not that sounds most likely to me...

Fun rumours. Cheers teo

Might have to change title to monthly rumours Anyway here they go, fresh from this weeks Motociclismo mag.

1. Toseland's future. Much has been speculated about where will JT be in 2008, the offers by D'Antin (declined), Gresini (still stands) and Tech3 are well known, but apparently HRC boss had a meeting with JT in Japan during the Suzuka 8hr test. He told Honda will be back in WSBK as an official team in 2008, with a 4 bike team with ten kate and Hanspree.
Honda wants JT and Kiyonari in the first team and Rolfo and Sufuoglu in the 2nd. Appart from a nice rise in his pay, JT would have a guaranteed official MotoGP Honda in 2009 (not neccessarily in Repsol team). Seems tempting.

2. That Lorenzo will ride an official MotoGP Yamaha is a well known fact since Motociclismo anounced in a few months ago, but the question is in which team. Rossi has made clear he doesn't want Lorenzo in his team (scared of some competition?? ) so the new rumour suggests a one man team, with Lorenzo and Fortuna sponsor. And Edwards along Rossi in the FIAT team.

3. About KR team.
- Kenny Jr has decided to retire, and if he races at Laguna it will be his last MotoGP race.
- Team director Chuck Askland said they have 2 sponsor ready for next year if Honda reconsiders giving them engines for 2 bikes. Good news is that Ducati might be able to offer them 2 engines (KR desmosedici????)
- KR has made an offer to Jonathan Rea to be in his team in 2008.

5. Suzuki-Schwantz-Aspar
Schwants has the money (texan oil sponsors), the technical support (Aspar team) and the rider (Spies), but Suzuki seems not in a hurry to offer them a bike. Seems they are too busy losing riders (Hopkins to Kawa .. Vermeulen has a Tech3 offer)

4. KTM on a roll. KTM email the 125cc teams offering official bikes for 2008, now that Honda will abandon the category soon and will stop improving the bikes, all the current Honda teams were very interested.
Puig has shown interest in swapping his 250cc and 125cc teams from Honda to KTM.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jul 17 2007, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Might have to change title to monthly rumours Anyway here they go, fresh from this weeks Motociclismo mag.

3. About KR team.
- Kenny Jr has decided to retire, and if he races at Laguna it will be his last MotoGP race.
- Team director Chuck Askland said they have 2 sponsor ready for next year if Honda reconsiders giving them engines for 2 bikes. Good news is that Ducati might be able to offer them 2 engines (KR desmosedici????)
- KR has made an offer to Jonathan Rea to be in his team in 2008.


I know for a fact that KR wants to build road bike's. Honda said No to using their engines but Yes if it's a track day bike only... Maybe Ducati may give him the go ahead. KR DV4 - YES PLEASE..

Capirossi to Suzuki (almost done deal)

Checa received an offer from Ducati to be their test/reserve rider + do some GPs as a wildcard (he'll probably take the offer cause it's not like he'll get anything better)

Totally unproved rumour: Nakano may go back to Kawsaki. Randy DePuniet hasn't got his seat secured at Kawa cause he's been asking for a job at LCR Honda, Tech3 Yamaha and KonicaMinolta Honda.

Edwards most probably goes to Tech3 Yamaha or (less likely) back to WSBK as Honda official rider.

DeAngelis had a meeting with Gresini and D'Antín in Laguna Seca (yeah sorry Alex no one bought "I'm errrr on vacation here")

Dovi has been talking with these 2 teams but apparently he's asking quite a lot of money.

Debón will substitute Lorenzo as nº1 rider in Aprilia Fortuna 250cc.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Teomolca @ Jul 26 2007, 03:06 PM) [snapback]81528[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Debón will substitute Lorenzo as nº1 rider in Aprilia Fortuna 250cc.


Debon is a good rider, but i don't have this much faith in him! Good luck beating Bautista!