http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120814x.htm

if he is actually testing for Ducati, isn't it a conflict of interest for his position since he is the tire/safety liason for MotoGP?...unless Yamaha and Honda will be supplying a bike as well for him to compare how a tire feels on all 3 makes for best knowledge and feedback?!?!!?

I don't think it's a conflict.

He has no say in the development of the tire. He just is a middle man between the riders and Dorna regarding tires and any perceived safety issues.

He's not contracted to any team.

So, no.

He's riding the most dangerous bike.

It's research. 

Not to mention that no where is it actually stated what bike he will be riding.

Quote from: Speeddog on August 15, 2012, 07:43:07 AM
He's riding the most dangerous bike.

It's research. 

Thats because he's the Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

If he's riding the Duc, that's very telling in the wake of Rossi's departure....

Who knows, he might have pushed (no pun intended) for the move, himself.  Also, if I were running MotoGP, I'd be very concerned that one of the factory teams (Ducati) clearly seems to have a several-years-long major issue with the spec tire, when it doesn't delaminate, that resulted in (first Stoner and then) the GOAT tossing in the towel and accepting a return to Yamaha at a less-than-god-like status...

Rossi's departure from Ducati and return to Yamaha is something of an embarrassment for the entire MotoGP community (circus), imo.

Waiting for the drama to unfold...