Who replaces Stoner at HRC for 2013

J4rn0 said:

Honda' first choice would be Lorenzo, not Rossi. Snatching him from Yamaha would considerably weaken their main rivals. They want to keep winning now, will not lose 2 years waiting for Marquez (a promise that may or may not materialize). They could use Rossi as a bridge to Marquez, yes: but will they overcome the old grudge? I doubt it.

And I think Lorenzo would promptly go to Honda, with the right offer.

That would leave 1 factory seat open at Yamaha (or even two, if Spies does not recover). So, Rossi back at Yamaha? That depends on Yamaha of course. Because at that point there would be choices: Pedrosa would be cheaply available, and Crutchlow. Age (with signs of decline) and cost are the main drawbacks of VR46 now in the marketplace.

In the end, it is quite possible that Ducati and Rossi are going to stay together.

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Honda has already been quoted as saying they will not have an all Spanish team. Unless Pedrosa goes - no Lorenzo. I have no idea as to the length of Pedrosa's contract.

birdman said:

Rossi will be a legend either way, but say he leaves Ducati and they eventually fold. Rossi is Italian, he's patriotic, loves hanging out in Italy at Mugello and Misano, so it would affect him. Now think Rossi against all odds gets Ducati back winning. He will be a national hero and a saviour and maybe get a bigger high than he's ever had previously. I also think Rossi would be an ideal Ducati team manager at some point.

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You know this how? Rossi is devoted to one thing. Rossi's success.

birdman said:

Rossi only proved that when lap times are reduced by 15 seconds, the Ducati is competitive. Is the understeer which occurs at high lean angles still an issue in the wet? The race gives little indication about where Rossi is at. The big question mark is whether he can still find that final 0.1 sec per lap which makes all the difference when trying to beat Lorenzo. Its a maybe.



Lorenzo is a certainty. Yamaha would be crazy to let Lorenzo go banking on the idea Rossi, Crutchlow or Dovi can equal him. I find it laughable Yamaha would sit back quitely letting Lorenzo go to Honda. He will get massive money. With Stoner gone, both Yamaha and Lorenzo appear to have the current field covered, with the potential to go on a GOAT like run. When rev limits and maybe control ECU comes in all the Honda engine advantages could dissappear, leaving just a chattering chasis, which might have been in the back of Stoners mind when he refused the two year deal.



It shapes up very nicely for Rossi to get another Azzurro Honda provided he feels he can walk out on the Ducati without giving the impression he has also turned his back on Italy. Its a big decision.

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The laps times were only reduced by 10 seconds roughly...... Rossi proved that Rossi is still competitive-as he beat most of the field bar one. The under-steer is an issue wet or dry for the duck, its just better in the wet and the rider can make the difference IMO. Rossi has shown this is all wet sessions this seasons and most last season even, with Silverstone being the exception.



I don't believe its crazy at all to consider losing Lorenzo, in fact, since they decided to 'go the way of the future' in 2010-they have failed to defend the crown-which they owned for three years previous. Rossi will also bring a title sponsor and the prestige of putting him back at the front-which most punters know would happen instantly upon him throwing a leg over his old bike in all conditions.



Jorge would have to come to terms with the Honda-which is not a certainty, but if Stoner continues to whoop Jorge this season in the dry then no doubt Jorge will consider the move very seriously-and Repsol will add serious fuel to that fire......Not to mention the prospect of Rossi on the Honda if he doesn't take it-which also no doubt would concern Jorge greatly-as it should.



Honda needs one of them, Yamaha needs one of them, I believe they are both very hot property at present.........

Talpa said:

The laps times were only reduced by 10 seconds roughly......

Rossi proved that Rossi is still competitive-as he beat most of the field bar one. The under-steer is an issue wet or dry for the duck, its just better in the wet and the rider can make the difference IMO. Rossi has shown this is all wet sessions this seasons and most last season even, with Silverstone being the exception.



I don't believe its crazy at all to consider losing Lorenzo, in fact, since they decided to 'go the way of the future' in 2010-they have failed to defend the crown-which they owned for three years previous. Rossi will also bring a title sponsor and the prestige of putting him back at the front-which most punters know would happen instantly upon him throwing a leg over his old bike in all conditions.



Jorge would have to come to terms with the Honda-which is not a certainty, but if Stoner continues to whoop Jorge this season in the dry then no doubt Jorge will consider the move very seriously-and Repsol will add serious fuel to that fire......Not to mention the prospect of Rossi on the Honda if he doesn't take it-which also no doubt would concern Jorge greatly-as it should.



Honda needs one of them, Yamaha needs one of them, I believe they are both very hot property at present.........

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I think honda might be prepared to pay jorge more, but I agree his decision will be influenced by whether he wins this year. My opinion is that rossi on a yamaha would beat jorge on a honda.



I also agree that rossi made the difference in the recent race, but don't think stoner has suddenly lost his wet track ability; the conditions were more intermediate as roger said.

Talpa said:

The laps times were only reduced by 10 seconds roughly......

Rossi proved that Rossi is still competitive-as he beat most of the field bar one.

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Yes bar one, thats the 'one' I'm talking about. Why would Yamaha allow that 'one' to leave, the same 'one' they already chose over Rossi. Its not crazy for us to consider Lorenzo leaving, especially if he finishes third this year behind Stoner and Pedro.



It would be crazy imo for Yamaha to allow it to happen thinking there is a better 'plan B' rider out there. Based on where Spies is atm I would guess Yamaha would let Spies go and give all the cash available to JLo.

The way things stands at the moment Lorenzo can write his own future, it's not really up to Yamaha any more. AS Talpa said if Stoner beat Lorenzo this year then i think Lorenzo will join Honda and if he can beat Stoner this year then he will stay with Yamaha.

I love this quote, I use it all the bloody time.



"We are not here to be liked, we are here to win" - Jerry Burgess

Goatboy said:

I love this quote, I use it all the bloody time.



"We are not here to be liked, we are here to win" - Jerry Burgess

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Sounds more like Honda's moto. You know, the one that pissed Rossi off enough to jump ship to Yamaha.

Cankles said:

No Barbera in the poll = FAIL!

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Oddly enuf, i think Barbera has more of a chance than the invisible man aka Nicky Hayden.

birdman said:

Yes bar one, thats the 'one' I'm talking about. Why would Yamaha allow that 'one' to leave, the same 'one' they already chose over Rossi. Its not crazy for us to consider Lorenzo leaving, especially if he finishes third this year behind Stoner and Pedro.



It would be crazy imo for Yamaha to allow it to happen thinking there is a better 'plan B' rider out there. Based on where Spies is atm I would guess Yamaha would let Spies go and give all the cash available to JLo.

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Problem is it may be out of Yamaha's control........and I don't believe that the 9 times world champ is a plan 'B' rider, that's absurd-even with the Ducati debarkle, Rossi just happened to give Yamaha 46 wins and 4 titles. Depends on your perspective of course.........but I said above I wasn't getting into that



And by 'out of Yamaha's control' I mean, Repsol/Honda Money will no doubt be much more than Yamahas-no title sponsor money for Jorge. And Jorge's mindset on the possibility of Rossi getting the factory Honda seat, and the air of uncertainty around the potential of this. Especially if he gets beaten by Stoner and/or Pedders in the next few rounds. The latter will also apply to Yamaha, Jorge has proven already that he has struggled to beat the Honda, and didn't last season......One would only imagine this would be the case with Rossi and Pedders aboard it next season also.........certainly is fun and games!

This is an interesting thread and all, what with people all saying that It cannot be Lorenzo because HRC have stated no full Spanish team, but why is it that everyone is assuming that Pedrosa will stay put?



Pedrosa is in the same boat (pun intended) as Lorenzo and Rossi as he is also off contract at the end of this season and one suspects that he will also be weighing his options heavily, as will HRC should Pedrosa not produce a championship.



Times are indeed interesting but Pedrosa is also in the mix of a possible seat swap, but I suspect like them all they are waiting to see who moves first as then the seats will fall, prices and demands rise and fanboys ejaculate into their weetbix at the relevant thoughts

birdman said:

Sounds more like Honda's moto. You know, the one that pissed Rossi off enough to jump ship to Yamaha.

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He won over there too And Liked them enough to stay and win some more

Gaz said:

This is an interesting thread and all, what with people all saying that It cannot be Lorenzo because HRC have stated no full Spanish team, but why is it that everyone is assuming that Pedrosa will stay put?



Pedrosa is in the same boat (pun intended) as Lorenzo and Rossi as he is also off contract at the end of this season and one suspects that he will also be weighing his options heavily, as will HRC should Pedrosa not produce a championship.



Times are indeed interesting but Pedrosa is also in the mix of a possible seat swap, but I suspect like them all they are waiting to see who moves first as then the seats will fall, prices and demands rise and fanboys ejaculate into their weetbix at the relevant thoughts

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You feeling left out already mate?

Talpa said:

You feeling left out already mate?

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Nah mate, Doohan, Spencer, Rainey et al stopped riding some time ago.



I save my ejaculation for more, erm leisurely pursuits





Oh, and I hate weetbix







Being brutally honest though Talps.



I have no doubt that Rossi wants the Yamaha first then Honda but will publically posture that he staying at Ducati and would not be surprised to see him stay as to leave will be interesting given it will be recorded as a big fail for himself and of course Ducati. One thing Rossi does not want to do, should not have to do and should not be confronted with is having failed at Ducati (all IMO of course)





Another side of course (and a different topic) is the impacts on Australia's racing future the retirement may well have. Who is coming through for example and what of teh future of the GP which we all know DORNA want moved to a different date and time frame etc. Could there be a catalyst?









Off topic for you Talps.



Qld by 24 is my tip ........................... NSW stuffed up, poor side picked.

Talpa said:

Problem is it may be out of Yamaha's control........and I don't believe that the 9 times world champ is a plan 'B' rider, that's absurd-even with the Ducati debarkle, Rossi just happened to give Yamaha 46 wins and 4 titles. Depends on your perspective of course.........but I said above I wasn't getting into that

And by 'out of Yamaha's control' I mean, Repsol/Honda Money will no doubt be much more than Yamahas-no title sponsor money for Jorge. And Jorge's mindset on the possibility of Rossi getting the factory Honda seat, and the air of uncertainty around the potential of this. Especially if he gets beaten by Stoner and/or Pedders in the next few rounds. The latter will also apply to Yamaha, Jorge has proven already that he has struggled to beat the Honda, and didn't last season......One would only imagine this would be the case with Rossi and Pedders aboard it next season also.........certainly is fun and games!

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I like this new trend, stating the supposed 'facts' then abruptly ending with.....................not getting into that, no further discussion.



Example no 1, Jorge has proven already that he has struggled to beat the Honda. Jorge might think he has well and truly proven he can beat the Honda, he consistently beat two out of three last year, and is currently 8 points up this year.



Example 2, you say Rossi gave Yamaha 46 wins and 4 titles. Some people at Yamaha might think they gave Rossi 46 wins and 4 titles. Ironically one of those might even be Rossi himself post Ducati, which probably helps the chances of reunion. Another might also be Lorenzo. He might be wary of switching to Honda in case the special gearbox is not all its cracked up to be.

Gaz said:

off topic for you Talps.



Qld by 24 is my tip ........................... NSW stuffed up, poor side picked.

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hayne, jennings and buehrer were strange selections, and not picking tariq sims before he broke his leg anyway.

michaelm said:

hayne, jennings and buehrer were strange selections, and not picking tariq sims before he broke his leg anyway.

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Agree, just as no Watmough ............. the guy is brainless and will run all day so a good foil for Gallen















Attemptsto derail the thread

Gaz said:

Off topic for you Talps.



Qld by 24 is my tip ........................... NSW stuffed up, poor side picked.

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Your probably right mate, would be good to see a little see-saw this year though......

birdman said:

I like this new trend, stating the supposed 'facts' then abruptly ending with.....................not getting into that, no further discussion.



Example no 1, Jorge has proven already that he has struggled to beat the Honda. Jorge might think he has well and truly proven he can beat the Honda, he consistently beat two out of three last year, and is currently 8 points up this year.



Example 2, you say Rossi gave Yamaha 46 wins and 4 titles. Some people at Yamaha might think they gave Rossi 46 wins and 4 titles. Ironically one of those might even be Rossi himself post Ducati, which probably helps the chances of reunion. Another might also be Lorenzo. He might be wary of switching to Honda in case the special gearbox is not all its cracked up to be.

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The part I wasn't getting into was the Boner Rossi hatred/backlash discussion



Obviously you feel as though Rossi does not deserve to be mentioned in line with Lorenzo for Factory rides-classing Rossi as (your words) a 'B' choice rider, I firmly believe that this is absolute rubbish and he should be mentioned above Lorenzo. The numbers don't lie, go and have a look for yourself-you will find that between the years of 2004 to 2010 the Rossi/Yamaha partnership yielded 46 wins and 4 Motogp titles-2 in the 990 era and 2 in the 800 era, + a .... load of podiums. Spin it however you want, Rossi rode the bike-the results are there-without him the results wouldn't be there-simple. He will also bring a lot more money to the effort.



On Many occasions Jorge failed to beat Dani last season too, Rossi's performance on the Honda would be IMO better than Dani's and more in line with Stoner's, leaving Yamaha with a huge battle (much like it is now) if Honda had Dani and Rossi in the factory effort. Jorge finished second in the title race last season-he did not beat the Honda-fact. Yamaha won the title in 2008-2009-2010 -Fact. Nothing supposed, Yamaha chose Jorge over Rossi-and ever since they have lost their dominance in Motogp, Stoner's move to Honda obviously had a huge effect on this also-and only a fanboy would negate the massive amount of money and development that went into the 2011-2012 Honda's....



It will all be revealed soon enough.....