Ben should have stuck to Superbikes. I'm sure he would have been a force if he would have stayed. MotoGP is simply not his thing. He's already been sent to Ducati limbo. What's next, sitting next to CE on a CRT?

Quote from: duccarlos on March 25, 2013, 04:52:36 AM
Ben should have stuck to Superbikes. I'm sure he would have been a force if he would have stayed. MotoGP is simply not his thing. He's already been sent to Ducati limbo. What's next, sitting next to CE on a CRT?

 

Hell for Texans

Quote from: duccarlos on March 25, 2013, 04:52:36 AM
Ben should have stuck to Superbikes. I'm sure he would have been a force if he would have stayed. MotoGP is simply not his thing. He's already been sent to Ducati limbo. What's next, sitting next to CE on a CRT?

See my gumbling posts about that subject on the "Rossi returns to Yamaha..." thread as of yesterday and today. I'd rather see him in the hunt for more WSBK titles than riding his ass off trying to stay on two wheels and ahead of the CRT drones. I know he was treated like the Texas red headed step-child on the #1 Yamaha team but still... We'll see. Again, I wish him the best. We all take chances and we all make mistakes but sometimes good luck and fate throws us a bone. Who knows... he could be the next Stoner and makes the Duc work!

Ben will have plenty of years to go back to SBK and--assuming he is mentally or physically broken by his MotoGP stint--he'll be great.  But he doesn't need to go back yet. 

Unless he's the second coming of Stoner, it's only down hill from here.

Ruh Roh...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/+5

"I just want to be able to feel what the bike is doing a little bit more"

Quote from: DRKWNG on March 28, 2013, 11:23:57 PM
"I just want to be able to feel what the bike is doing a little bit more"

Hi, Ben.  I'd like to introduce you to my friends, Marco, Valentino, Loris & Nicky.  Guys, meet Ben. 

I get the impression it is as much his shoulder favoring with his body position as much as the bike's inherent problems...so perhaps it isn't THAT bad...at least not yet.

How long did Val use his injury as an excuse?

Quote from: OT on March 28, 2013, 10:55:58 PM
Ruh Roh...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/+5

If he was signing up with the intention of being competitive at Qatar 2013, then he's one exceptionally stupid Texan.



I don't think he's stupid, ergo...

He's wagering that between Audi resources & a more methodical approach to development, Ducati has a decent chance at becoming competitive again during his remaining time in MotoGP. It's not a sure thing, but I don't think it's a super long shot either.

Quote from: zooom on March 29, 2013, 08:17:01 AM
I get the impression it is as much his shoulder favoring with his body position as much as the bike's inherent problems...so perhaps it isn't THAT bad...at least not yet.

He hasn't had to actually race the thing yet either...........

Quote from: triangleforge on March 29, 2013, 12:06:21 PM
He's wagering that between Audi resources & a more methodical approach to development, Ducati has a decent chance at becoming competitive again during his remaining time in MotoGP. It's not a sure thing, but I don't think it's a super long shot either.

Agreed. That's the plan for him, Hayden, and Dovi. All have had Japanese factory rides, and none are getting another one. They all recognize that only a factory bike will ever win the title. Spies is hoping the Duc improves, and he's able to get one of the full factory Duc seats based on his Pramac performance. Hayden and Dovi are just hoping it improves so they can compete and keep their seats.

Iannone is probably the only one with a snowball's chance of getting a Japanese factory ride...and I'd say that's a long shot unless he just kicks some serious ass. But it would seem he has more potential for other opportunities than the other 3.

Quote from: Triple J on March 29, 2013, 12:49:42 PM
Agreed. That's the plan for him, Hayden, and Dovi. All have had Japanese factory rides, and none are getting another one. They all recognize that only a factory bike will ever win the title. Spies is hoping the Duc improves, and he's able to get one of the full factory Duc seats based on his Pramac performance. Hayden and Dovi are just hoping it improves so they can compete and keep their seats.

Iannone is probably the only one with a snowball's chance of getting a Japanese factory ride...and I'd say that's a long shot unless he just kicks some serious ass. But it would seem he has more potential for other opportunities than the other 3.

Unless Iannone fades into obscurity because the Duc won't let him show his talent.

I hope that doesn't happen...to any of them.

Quote from: ducpainter on March 29, 2013, 12:56:46 PM
Unless Iannone fades into obscurity because the Duc won't let him show his talent.

I hope that doesn't happen...to any of them.

Agreed. He is "Crazy Joe", so hopefully he can live up to his nickname and manhandle the Duc like Stoner did.