2018 Silly Season

[duccarlos]

It started early this year with MM resigning with HRC (duh!). I would be very surprised if Pedrosa did not get renewed as well.

Rossi has already stated that he wants to race for another 2 years, similarly to what he did 2 years ago. MV should also stay put, he dominated the first quarter of the season last year, even if he didn't finish so hot.

I almost guarantee Dovi will keep his seat, but Jorghey needs to show results ASAP. Ducati will likely tell Dovi that he has a guarantee contract, but will wait until they see his teammates results before presenting it. At least that's what I would do.

If Jorghey gets the boot, then that will be a huge blow to his ego. His riding style should fit pretty well in Suzuki, who will be very happy to attract him. It would be cool to see how Demented Joseph would play nice with Jorghey.

KTM is somewhat of a wildcard since they seem committed to improving quicker than any other factory in recent years. Based on the article posted in the "News" thread, Zarco would be a prime candidate to move into a KTM seat, maybe demoting either Smith or Pol back to Tech3.

[ducpainter]

I don't think You'reghey will get booted. He will be asked to take a huge pay cut, which he'll refuse, and then he'll go on his own.

That leaves room for Petrucci on the factory team.

[duccarlos]

I don't think You'reghey will get booted. He will be asked to take a huge pay cut, which he'll refuse, and then he'll go on his own.

That leaves room for Petrucci on the factory team.

LIKE! 

I forgot to mention Aprilia will continue to be the second class factory team.

[Speeddog]

MV signed for '19 & '20 at the Movistar Yamaha Team presentation ~ a month and a half ago.
Pecco Bagnaia is signed at Pramac '19 & '20, so that puts Petrucci out on the street.

Cal Crutchlow, Franco Morbidelli, and Xavier Simeon have contracts through '19.

I'm thinking Zarco at Factory KTM alongside Pol Espargaro.
Tossup between Binder, Oliveira, and Bradley for the 2 seats at Taureau Rouge Tech3.

[Blackout]

Still want Krazy Joe back on the Duc.

[Speeddog]

Maybe Aprilia for AI.

[ducpainter]

Still want Krazy Joe back on the Duc.

Nope...

[duccarlos]

Nope...

+11tybillion

[duccarlos]

If Petrux can get better results than Jorghey...

[ducpainter]

If Petrux can get better results than Jorghey...

He did last season, and did during testing.

[duccarlos]

He did last season, and did during testing.

Exactly. This is why I don't think Petrux will be out on the street, at least not for too long even if Ducati smokes some bad weed and extends Jorghey's contract.

[ducpainter]

Danilo should have a factory ride.

There are no more grid spots, so Ducati can't just add a bike to the team. To sign Petrucci, You'reghey has to go.

[duccarlos]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/03/15/rossi-signs-new-two-year-deal-with-movistar-yamaha/251856

[koko64]

He's still kickin'.

[GK]

Heck of an achievement to be so competitive for so long.