Who replaces Stoner at HRC for 2013

cliché guevara said:

i think every sensible fan knows that rossi has got nothing to prove. the only thing he had left to prove was that he would be able to ride stoners machine which didn't work out too well but that hardly "taints his legacy", it was just the first failure of a great career. can't look into rossis head, but if being remembered as (almost) pefect is important , jumping on stoners bike and not be able to do what he did again (but this time on a sorted bike) or being beaten by his teammate (which could very well happen at yamaha with lorenzo) are big risks. if honda get their act together and sort out chatter issues and what else is wrong with the bike currently so that the rc is once again the best bike then yes, it would be sensible for him to go there

i firmly believe he is better than pedrosa

Click to expand...

I agree with everything you say Cliche

But I firmly believe Rossi will stay at Ducatti.

He need's to somehow tame the duc and at least win races on it. (Today in the wet he did mighty well) for sure. But it was wet.

Even coming a close runner up on the duc in the championship in the next 2yrs would be a fitting end to his career IMHO.

I'll even lay you a 10 Pound sterling bet he stay's at Duc?

whats that in real money?



not sure i want to bet against that , i think the chances are 50:50 he stays there.

give me some time till sachsenring

cliché guevara said:

whats that in real money?

not sure i want to bet against that , i think the chances are 50:50 he stays there.

give me some time till sachsenring

Click to expand...

"real" money, what the failing euro?

Weighing up all the opinions here i have to now also believe Rossi will stay at ducati. Its at the stage where he has nothing to lose but everything to gain.

chopperman said:

Its at the stage where he has nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Click to expand...

Exactly.

chopperman said:

"real" money, what the failing euro?

Weighing up all the opinions here i have to now also believe Rossi will stay at ducati. Its at the stage where he has nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Click to expand...

My working hypothesis is that he actually wants to succeed in the challenge he undertook, of fixing the ducati, having met most (OK all) previous challenges, rather than rehabilitate himself or whatever on a yamaha or honda. Winning races would constitute success at this stage, it is obvious now that challenging honda or yamaha with the resources they have is no simple thing, and it took a concatenation of circumstances for the 2007 championship win, not least stoner having the fearlessness or perhaps craziness of youth.



As I have said all along lawson winning even a race on the cagiva is now seen as a major achievement and I don't believe anyone thinks his time at cagiva detracts from his 4 championships, and the bikes were relatively technically simple and inexpensive then.

michaelm said:

My working hypothesis is that he actually wants to succeed in the challenge he undertook, of fixing the ducati, having met most (OK all) previous challenges, rather than rehabilitate himself or whatever on a yamaha or honda. Winning races would constitute success at this stage, it is obvious now that challenging honda or yamaha with the resources they have is no simple thing, and it took a concatenation of circumstances for the 2007 championship win, not least stoner having the fearlessness or perhaps craziness of youth.



As I have said all along lawson winning even a race on the cagiva is now seen as a major achievement and I don't believe anyone thinks his time at cagiva detracts from his 4 championships, and the bikes were relatively technically simple and inexpensive then.

Click to expand...

Agree 100% Mike. good post.

I disagree. Hes failed at Ducati. Unless the bike was transformed into a winning Jap bike, the incentive just doesnt seem to outweight the struggle and embarrassment. Did we all suddenly forget his emotional comments to Italian TV just a short time ago? Hes ready to throw in the towel again as soon as poor results come his way. Its only us fans here on such forums that know all the particulars, but for the 99.99% of fans of the sport, once he moves to a winning bike, his stint with Duc will quickly be forgotten with success. Did u guys hear the cheering yesterday? Rossi remains the overwhelming most popular rider in the world. In the minds of these people, Ducati is to blame for his poor results. All will be forgot the moment he steps on to a Jap bike as the real possibility of winning another title has just got extremely probable with Stoners retirement. All he has to do is best Lorenzo now. And if Lorenzo moved to Honda, the possibility might even be greater as Lorenzo would spend a year learning that bike. Im sure Rossi is reflecting this and leaving Ducati would not be a difficult decision. In his mind Ducati have done nothing for him! And Rossi has never considered brand loyalty to be of any value. Rossi can still write his own ticket.



Rossi to Honda/Yamaha.

Jumkie said:

I disagree. Hes failed at Ducati. Unless the bike was transformed into a winning Jap bike, the incentive just doesnt seem to outweight the struggle and embarrassment. Did we all suddenly forget his emotional comments to Italian TV just a short time ago? Hes ready to throw in the towel again as soon as poor results come his way. Its only us fans here on such forums that know all the particulars, but for the 99.99% of fans of the sport, once he moves to a winning bike, his stint with Duc will quickly be forgotten with success. Did u guys hear the cheering yesterday? Rossi remains the overwhelming most popular rider in the world. In the minds of these people, Ducati is to blame for his poor results. All will be forgot the moment he steps on to a Jap bike as the real possibility of winning another title has just got extremely probable with Stoners retirement. All he has to do is best Lorenzo now. And if Lorenzo moved to Honda, the possibility might even be greater as Lorenzo would spend a year learning that bike. Im sure Rossi is reflecting this and leaving Ducati would not be a difficult decision. In his mind Ducati have done nothing for him! And Rossi has never considered brand loyalty to be of any value. Rossi can still write his own ticket.



Rossi to Honda/Yamaha.

Click to expand...

Don't worry buddy, Im sure the "trick daddy" will come good on wsb and the ..... 6 years after his WC will become a distant memory. Then maybe all his fans will get the long awaited chance to cheer

chopperman said:

Don't worry buddy, Im sure the "trick daddy" will come good on wsb and the ..... 6 years after his WC will become a distant memory. Then maybe all his fans will get the long awaited chance to cheer

Click to expand...

....

lil red rocket pilot said:

HRC have already said it will not be an all spanish team,

So Lollo n Bautista are not going there.

I wonder if they might try for Hayden?

06 all over again?

Click to expand...

You know that would be amazing if the ole Cruisin Caretaker went back to HRC and took the title!



Even Puig would have to admit that the Asimo project is a total failure.



Nicky to Repsol Honda!!!!!!!!!

basspete said:

You know that would be amazing if the ole Cruisin Caretaker went back to HRC and took the title!



Even Puig would have to admit that the Asimo project is a total failure.



Nicky to Repsol Honda!!!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

Puig has to realise "The numbers don't lie".

chopperman said:

Puig has to realise "The numbers don't lie".

Click to expand...

Ha Ha!!!!!! Quality Rog!!!!!!!!

So apparently the rookie rule will definitely stand, and Repsol Honda wont run two Spaniards next year. For me that puts the choice down to 4 guys...



Either re-hiring Dovi or Rossi, who are clearly the two best riders available (presuming Lorenzo will be loyal to Yamaha which I think he will be) but they both left in less than happy circumstances, and I don't think Rossi will give up on the Ducati project because that would be admitting defeat and put huge pressure on himself and Honda to find success again immediately. Alternatively they could take Bradl, which I now think is the most likely because I seem to recall LCR hired him under Hondas instruction... or take Cal, which wouldn't be a bad choice if he can produce a 4th place overall this year.

Tom said:

So apparently the rookie rule will definitely stand, and Repsol Honda wont run two Spaniards next year. For me that puts the choice down to 4 guys...



Either re-hiring Dovi or Rossi, who are clearly the two best riders available (presuming Lorenzo will be loyal to Yamaha which I think he will be) but they both left in less than happy circumstances, and I don't think Rossi will give up on the Ducati project because that would be admitting defeat and put huge pressure on himself and Honda to find success again immediately. Alternatively they could take Bradl, which I now think is the most likely because I seem to recall LCR hired him under Hondas instruction... or take Cal, which wouldn't be a bad choice if he can produce a 4th place overall this year.

Click to expand...

The point about recalling LCR taking Bradl is interesting.

Not heard that before, so maybe Bradl and Pedro, at honda in 2013 and Marquez to LCR

2014 Bradl/Dani and Marquez but would reckon Dani would be history if he didn't win the WC this year or next.

WTF is the 'Rookie Rule'? That is the dumbest shiit ever created in racing history..... next to F1 rules, KERS and DRS.



Motorsports has become a joke.

I hope Rossi does go to Honda but it all depends what Lorenzo is going to do but Rossi need to get off the Ducati asap other wise he is going to waste another year.



If Stoner wins championship again then i am sure Lorenzo will try to get on Honda and in this case Rossi will go back to Yamaha.



If lLorenzo wins the championship this year then he will stay with Yamaha and in this case Rossi will go to Honda.



They way things stand at the moment Lorenzo can write his own check.

Jumkie said:

Inam, whats up dude? Havent seen u around here for a while.

Click to expand...

Still around here mate, just not posting enough.

I don't think lorenzo will leave yamaha, why would he most regard the yam as the best all round package and it certainly seems to suit his riding style to a tee.

I believe it will be bradl and dani, marquez to lcr/gresini then probably replacing dani at repsol the year after.

I don't think lorenzo will leave yamaha, why would he most regard the yam as the best all round package and it certainly seems to suit his riding style to a tee.

I believe it will be bradl and dani, marquez to lcr/gresini then probably replacing dani at repsol the year after.

I actually believe that Honda is already actively seeking out both Rossi and Lorenzo, for without Casey next year, chances are if they don't have either one of these two guys and the others do, its going to be a very long season for HRC........

A lot will be determined in the next few tests and rounds.........if Jorge continues on his Le Mans form-with a bike that is more than capable of beating the Honda and Stoner, then he will definitely stay with Yamaha. If not, then what will be in the forefront of Jorge's mind will be can he afford to not take the Honda offer-especially if its also presented to Rossi. For Rossi back on the Factory Honda with lots to prove would be a mighty challenge for even Lorenzo......



Alternatively for Jorge, and this is where is is interesting......is going to Honda and leaving his factory Yamaha seat up for grabs, once again you would have to think that Rossi would be the no 1 choice for that, with Dovi or Cal taking Spies's seat (which looks inevitable anyway)...and this makes for a very strong challenge even if Jorge is on the Honda-He'll have to learn, and deal with what would be an extremely strong Yamaha outfit.



For Rossi, if they can get the Duck to the top step of the podium a couple of times this year-he may feel as though he has proven his point with Ducati and move on to a much more solid chance of another title before retirement. Or it may motivate him to push on with Ducati and get the title against ALL odds. One things for sure.....Preziosi just got many, many more grey hairs over the weekend.......for if the bike doesn't seriously improve within the next month.....I'd say Rossi is gone from Ducati, no matter what he has said previous. Very interesting times........