2011 Silly Season

[zooom]

OK, here's the latest unofficial bombshell:
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/unofficial-stoner-signs-for-repsol-honda/11425.html

I don't believe it for a second. But I'll reiterate my predictions:

I got it via this link -> http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/4354/bombshell-casey-stoner-signs-with-honda

[EvilSteve]

Interesting.

Personally, I'd love to see all the aliens swap bikes, not that it's an accurate comparison, just that it looks like a comparison.

[mitt]

"The Australian is reported to have been lured away by Ducati MotoGP's former manager, Livio Suppo, following months of speculation as to whether Stoner would stop with Ducati.

"

Stoner will NEVER, EVER ride for a team where Livio Supo is. Ever. Private story, but look at what happened in 2009, and you should be able to figure it out. He stay with Ducati, then moves to Suzuki for a season or two, then fades away.

who is right?


mitt

[desmoquattro]

So Ducati will either go after Rossi, which I doubt will happen, or go after Lorenzo.

It may have already happened:

Sportmediaset is also reporting that Ducati knowing that Stoner was leaving, immediately offered Valentino Rossi a two year contract with them. The two year contract also contains certain options that should appeal to the work ethics and independent attitude of the 9 times World Champion. Rossi has to the Mugello race in June to decide if he wants to ride for Borgo Panigale.

It's written in scripture or prophesies somewhere...this *has* to happen

I'm just hoping it happens before I go to Misano this summer. Imagine what Tavulia would look like if that happened...riots on the streets

[EvilSteve]

So, supposedly:
Suppo
- Threw Stoner under the bus

Ducati/Marlboro
- Made a very lucrative offer to Lorenzo while Stoner was actually ill
- Made several advances toward Rossi (who could blame them, he's so hot right now)
- Didn't support him either
- Changed the bike to help other riders and while they all say it's easier to ride (including Stoner), he's not at the front as much
- Has made it clear they're looking to at least diversify next year, i.e. Stoner wouldn't be #1 in the team

Stoner
- Seems to be a little finicky
- Falls down at the front a bit
- Was actually sick when he said he was but *allegedly* didn't communicate enough

I'm not sure it's so clear cut that Suppo was the bad guy or at least the worst bad guy from Stoner's perspective in that situation. Who's to say he'd have got the results he needed to win the championship if he raced those three races?

[duccarlos]

It may have already happened:
It's written in scripture or prophesies somewhere...this *has* to happen

I'm just hoping it happens before I go to Misano this summer. Imagine what Tavulia would look like if that happened...riots on the streets

So it is spoken, so it is said. I think it's found on the lost book of Rossi.

I think that both Rossi and his manager have said countless times he will remain with Yamaha, but we the looming change to 1000cc this might be the best time to change, especially since you have to develop a new bike from scratch anyway. I still think that it will be easier to grab Lorenzo. I think the better question is if the Spanish Turd will remain with HRC and be Stoner's teammate.

[Speeddog]

And, a little more level-headed assessment:
http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/11/the_madness_begins_italian_press_reporti.html

[desmoquattro]

And, a little more level-headed assessment:
http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/05/11/the_madness_begins_italian_press_reporti.html

Who needs level-headed assessment when you can have wild speculation about a seemingly awesome future?

My Bologna has a last name...it's R-O-S-S-I....

[Spidey]

Personally, I'd love to see all the aliens swap bikes, not that it's an accurate comparison, just that it looks like a comparison.

The worst scenario would be Rossi and Lorenzo and Hayden stay put and Stoner and Pedrosa swap.  Can you imagine a Hayden/Pedrosa pairing again?  Oy. 

[desmoquattro]

The worst scenario would be Rossi and Lorenzo and Hayden stay put and Stoner and Pedrosa swap.  Can you imagine a Hayden/Pedrosa pairing again?  Oy. 

I had the same thought, but I doubt it'd happen. Hayden would just bolt...to WSBK, Supermoto, or twiddling his thumbs. Pairing with Rossi again, OTOH...

[duccarlos]

I had the same thought, but I doubt it'd happen. Hayden would just bolt...to WSBK, Supermoto, or twiddling his thumbs. Pairing with Rossi again, OTOH...

That's exactly why I never mentioned Pedrosa going to Ducati. Plus Pedrosa needs to go somewhere where he can call the shots 100%. Ducati or Yamaha don't fit that bill. So it would be either stay at Honda or move to Suzuki. My $0.02. More likely he would stay with Honda and they would get rid of Dovi. Then Ducati would offer Lorenzo Rossi type money after Rossi says 20,000 times that he's not moving from Yamaha.

[Spidey]

Hayden definitely would not bolt.  He's not phased by difficult teammates.  He's been MotoGP teammates with Rossi, Biaggi, Checa, Pedrosa and Stoner.  He wouldn't be scared off by again being paired with T-Boney McKeeblerElf.

[zooom]

I don't think Pedrobot would go Duc because Ducati wouldn't want Puig as part of the package...but I am speculating of course.

[gm2]

more of the same..
http://www.roadracerx.com/breaking-news/stoner-to-honda/
@TwitGP: We're not ones for spreading uncorroborated rumours, but the little Aussie fella who hates milk is joining HRC next year.

[gm2]

I still wonder if part of the Ducati-Rossi offer is a new 1-bike team.