Yamaha deal with Lorenzo confirmed

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 14 2007, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It is hilarious to see so many people hail Bayliss better than Edwards based on one race, would we all agree Simon Crafar was better than doohan?? Didn't think so.
It is hilarious to see you flip-flop all over the forum about Bayliss. Earlier in the year, when Toseland was racking up the wins and Bayliss had a slow start to the season, you were damning in your assessement. Since then there's been a few sporadic posts acknowledging that, yes, Bayliss does actually know who to ride a motorbike. Until the last few days, that is. Now we're back to Bayliss was a MotoGP dud, and all the evidence that Edwards is better than Bayliss in both Superbikes and MotoGP is plain to see...

So let's go to the tale of the tape, and see what we will see...

MotoGP (2003 - 2006):

Bayliss: 44 starts, 5 podiums, 1 win, 0 poles, 278 points.
Edwards: 66 starts, 6 podiums, 0 wins, 0 poles, 522 points.

Oh, let's cut Edwards some slack because 2003 on the Aprilla was a horrible thing for the reigning WSBK champion to suffer through. 50 starts to 6 podiums looks a better ratio.

But let's also cut Bayliss some slack for his year with Pons Honda since he was no.7 on the HRC pecking order, he missed a lot of races, and rode injured at times.

Stats look remarkably similar to me, perhaps a slight edge to Edwards because of consistency.

Superbikes (couldn't find detailed stats as easily):

Bayliss: 114 starts, 71 podiums, 39 wins, 2 world titles.
Edwards: 175 starts, 75 podiums, 31 wins, 2 world titles.

Let's cut Edwards some slack since he spent 3 years riding for Yamaha (chop off about 60 race starts). Well, what do you know... stats look remarkably similar to me, perhaps a slight edge to Bayliss because race-winning ability.

The facts might not support claims of Bayliss being a better rider, but the reverse is certainly true as well...

One final point: They may currently be riding in different championships, but one guy is riding for his 2008 contract and the other guy is riding for the 2007 title.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rising Sun @ Jul 14 2007, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It is hilarious to see you flip-flop all over the forum about Bayliss. Earlier in the year, when Toseland was racking up the wins and Bayliss had a slow start to the season, you were damning in your assessement. Since then there's been a few sporadic posts acknowledging that, yes, Bayliss does actually know who to ride a motorbike. Until the last few days, that is. Now we're back to Bayliss was a MotoGP dud, and all the evidence that Edwards is better than Bayliss in both Superbikes and MotoGP is plain to see...

I stand by what i said, Bayliss was riding poorly at the start of this season, and it was not really good enough. He has since sorted his act out and starting riding on top of his game, which is also the top of the world superbike field. Regardless of all of this, my overall impressions of him remain unchanged and i my views on him as a gp rider are consistent.

Looks like Lorenzo has a garage to himself

Julian Ryder
"250 ace Jorge Lorenzo is nailed-on as a Yamaha MotoGP rider next year but in his own one-man team with Fortuna baccy sponsorship."

So we get to watch Edwards fumble around for another year. great

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vale4607 @ Jul 15 2007, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Looks like Lorenzo has a garage to himself

Julian Ryder
"250 ace Jorge Lorenzo is nailed-on as a Yamaha MotoGP rider next year but in his own one-man team with Fortuna baccy sponsorship."

So we get to watch Edwards fumble around for another year. great

Possibility of Chris Vermeulen partnering Rossi next year in factory team.

Tech 3 would want to keep Guintoli and would want to ditch Tamada, leaving possible seat for Edwards or someone else.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ Jul 15 2007, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Possibility of Chris Vermeulen partnering Rossi next year in factory team.

Tech 3 would want to keep Guintoli and would want to ditch Tamada, leaving possible seat for Edwards or someone else.

Interesting. That would leave both Zuki's open. Ben Spies in possibly?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ Jul 16 2007, 02:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Possibility of Chris Vermeulen partnering Rossi next year in factory team.
That would be great, but i cant see him leaving suzuki.

Love to see some of you giving your opinion to the riders in question,fin funny.

Yay go Jorge, all the way to MotoGP!

Now confirmed by Yamaha today:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE<div class='quotemain'>
Yamaha Factory Racing Team Press Release

Gerno di Lesmo, Italy

Wednesday, 25th July 2007

YAMAHA ANNOUNCES TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH JORGE LORENZO

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd announces that it has concluded a two-year agreement with 250cc World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. The 20-year-old Spaniard will make his MotoGP debut in 2008 aboard a YZR-M1, with direct Factory support.

Lorenzo, who won the 250 title in 2006, is currently leading the championship, after winning six out of the first ten races this season.

"Yamaha has been watching Jorge's career with interest for some time and we are delighted that he will be joining our MotoGP line-up from next season” - commented Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. “We are sure that he will be a valuable asset for the future and we look forward to the commencement of his MotoGP career with Yamaha.”

The exact structure of Yamaha’s team and rider organization is still under consideration at the present time. Further details, including Lorenzo’s team structure, will be announced in due course.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BEN @ Jul 25 2007, 08:44 PM) [snapback]81256[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Now confirmed by Yamaha today:

Great news ... I like him but he will struggle big time next year ... my prediction!

He won't be in the same team as #46! No Chance!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kamikaze_kiyo @ Jul 17 2007, 10:28 PM) [snapback]79269[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Yay go Jorge, all the way to MotoGP!


He's GOING TO BE LOST!!!....He wont know what's hit him!!!...It's NOT like he's going to have the fastest, greatest in the fiels and btw: Rossi if & when he signs will be his partner!!!Hell BE A

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CSCVAW @ Jul 25 2007, 12:00 PM) [snapback]81263[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
He's GOING TO BE LOST!!!....He wont know what's hit him!!!...It's NOT like he's going to have the fastest, greatest in the fiels and btw: Rossi if & when he signs will be his partner!!!Hell BE A




Sorry I dont understand a word of this.......


Pete

You're not used to it yet Pete?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsraeliRacer @ Jul 25 2007, 12:13 PM) [snapback]81268[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
You're not used to it yet Pete?


Not at all mate, and I think thats maybe a good thing!

Pete

I hope they shift edwards sideways (preferably to WSBK). Can't wait to see Lorenzo racing, despite what some think of the 250 class, I think he'll do well in MotoGP. I think he'll win one next year.

Its great to see the class getting stronger

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vale4607 @ Jul 26 2007, 01:00 AM) [snapback]81457[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
I hope they shift edwards sideways (preferably to WSBK). Can't wait to see Lorenzo racing, despite what some think of the 250 class, I think he'll do well in MotoGP. I think he'll win one next year.

Its great to see the class getting stronger



Yep Lorenzo for a win next year.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vale4607 @ Jul 26 2007, 02:00 AM) [snapback]81457[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
I hope they shift edwards sideways (preferably to WSBK). Can't wait to see Lorenzo racing, despite what some think of the 250 class, I think he'll do well in MotoGP. I think he'll win one next year.

Its great to see the class getting stronger

Also think he will do well. I would actually be shocked if he'd struggle, cause the guy is good enough to adapt and challenge for (a) win(s) (if the bike will be good enough that is). That being said, don't think he will challenge for the title, maybe chances for a race win.

Can't wait for him to come!!!!

I think he will be good but i cannot expect a win in his rookie season, however it is a possibility.

Interesting to know who was the last rider to win in his rookie season? Anyone know?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Son of Doohan @ Jul 26 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]81501[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Interesting to know who was the last rider to win in his rookie season? Anyone know?

Dani???