who's it gonna be?

Several sources suggest that Kawasaki will almost certainly be running two bikes again next year (not the rumoured upgrade to three.) They are due to announce their plans (as far as machinery/sponsorship goes) some time this weekend and Brno. One thing that won't be decided until the latter end of the year (according to crash.net) is who will partner Hopper at team green in 2008.

MCN revealed that West has emerged as favorite after his highly impressive performance at Laguna (being his first time at the track and finishing just behind Randy) and overall impressive learning curve over his first four races in the premier class..

Personally, well I think you know what my preference is, but I think Randy will get the gig just because he's the 'safer' of the options, so to speak.. What do you guys want/think will be the outcome of Kawasaki's lineup for 2008 and where will the rider that misses out end up..

Cheers!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(antfan @ Aug 15 2007, 05:29 PM) [snapback]84748[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Several sources suggest that Kawasaki will almost certainly be running two bikes again next year (not the rumoured upgrade to three.) They are due to announce their plans (as far as machinery/sponsorship goes) some time this weekend and Brno. One thing that won't be decided until the latter end of the year (according to crash.net) is who will partner Hopper at team green in 2008.

MCN revealed that West has emerged as favorite after his highly impressive performance at Laguna (being his first time at the track and finishing just behind Randy) and overall impressive learning curve over his first four races in the premier class..

Personally, well I think you know what my preference is, but I think Randy will get the gig just because he's the 'safer' of the options, so to speak.. What do you guys want/think will be the outcome of Kawasaki's lineup for 2008 and where will the rider that misses out end up..

Cheers!

This is on another thread dude! Get with the times!

Really? Woops.. My bad..

Uh... Where? :?

see "Who's it gonna be"

Do u have a link for that? I cant see it..

D unno - its there for everyone to see in general motogp chat! keep looking!Dunno - its there for everyone to see in general motogp chat! keep looking!

There could be another in the mix
http://superbikeplanet.com/2007/Aug/e/n070814d.htm

More teams in MGP would be a nice solution (in Utopia ).

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DRILL666 @ Aug 15 2007, 08:42 PM) [snapback]84923[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
More teams in MGP would be a nice solution (in Utopia ).

thats what i pray for, i think dorna should make it easer for new teams /manufacturers to enter the sport. the more seats available, the more tallent we will see

I hope Kawasaki pick West--from a teammate standpoint I think he will be a better teammate for Hopkins than DePuniet.

It's too bad West doesn't have more time on the Kawasaki, if he did he'd be a lock, because they could use his experience to help develop the bike and let Hopper ride the number 1 to some podiums. I think West is doomed to an Edwards like career, but I think it will have its moments of glory and glorious compensation if he can work it like Colin.

DePuniet has far more experience but I can't see him taking demotion very well. Hopkins has more political clout for sales, sponsorship $$$$, and a riding skill that is measurably better than most in the field. I know that DePuniet probably can't beat Hopkins badly enough to remove him from the #1 bike (same as CV), and I think RDP (unlike CV) would take on the role of a harrassing teammate. Those types of teams never seem to work out.

"Kawasaki will not look beyond current riders Randy de Puniet or Anthony West to be John Hopkins' teammate next year, autosport.com has learned, with a decision expected in the next two weeks.

The Japanese manufacturer is understood to be reluctant to run a third bike next season, having invested heavily in luring Hopkins for 2008, so the team are now finalising who to put on their second machine.

There have been rumours linking Carlos Checa or Shinya Nakano with the second ride, but autosport.com understands that the team are only considering de Puniet or West.

A decision is expected after the next race at Misano in two weeks' time.

Although de Puniet has had the better results, there are suggestions that West has put a better case forward considering he has only had one day of testing since joining the team at the British Grand Prix.

The Australian is to have a further two-day test at Brno today and tomorrow, with the focus being on qualifying tyres. He has struggled so far to extract the single lap pace from the rubber."

Hope Ant can test well and then use his knowledge of the Misano circuit to push the teams confidence in his favour.. DePuniet crashing a bit more would help too, joking, joking.. But not really ..

Westy over Randy anyday IMO

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(antfan @ Aug 20 2007, 11:55 AM) [snapback]85880[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
"Kawasaki will not look beyond current riders Randy de Puniet or Anthony West to be John Hopkins' teammate next year, autosport.com has learned, with a decision expected in the next two weeks.

DePuniet crashing a bit more would help too, joking, joking.. But not really :lol: ..


He seems to be learning not to crash, and I wouldn't wish crashing on anyone.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamie Donnelly @ Aug 20 2007, 01:04 PM) [snapback]85886[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Westy over Randy anyday IMO

i aggree

i think RDP has been more consistant and slightly quicker but West has only had one day of testing with the team and therefore shows better potential and has put a better case forward.

Shame about the 3rd bike . they both could have had a ride .

i cant see checa going there , i thought him or barros are considered for a test ride with the factory red machine

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(chanchan @ Aug 20 2007, 01:16 PM) [snapback]85895[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
i aggree

i think RDP has been more consistant and slightly quicker but West has only had one day of testing with the team and therefore shows beter potential and has put a better case forward.

Shame about the 3rd bike . they both could have had a ride .

i cant see checa going there , i thought him or barros are considered for a test ride with the factory red machine


I completely agree with you

yeah Checa is doing a Duke test bike next year