Moto GP - Grand Prix of Qatar - With Spoliers

[obscene]

Going back to the Stoner comments. I think it'd be a cold day in hell before he comes back unless it is a one off at Phillip Island. The man is going to stick to what he has said, I really can't see him changing his mind. Not sure who they would get other than a test rider. Alex Marquez has rode the bike, so I guess he would be a good shout and have the team of brothers.

[LoonR1]

He's already compromised on what he said though. He wasn't just quitting MotoGP it was all bikes forever.

He's now tested a lot for Honda and confirmed in the Suzuka 8 hour later this year.

Edited by LoonR1 on Monday 30th March 21:11

[s3fella]

IMHO, if Danni is out for the duration, long term it will be Marquez junior or Jack Miller on that bike.

For Austin, though, it may be a US rider? Hayden? Or how about a hotshot from the AMA superbike class?

But to replace Dani, my cash is on Marquez Jr

[obscene]

Being it's the US round I'd say Hayden would score points for the fans. Seems like a good idea for Honda.

[joema]

Save your cash. He's just getting to grips with his moto 2 bike. He's ridden a gp bike but wasn't allowed to go as fast as possible so doesn't really have useful experience.

Pedrosa's problem is he is simply too small for the bikes and their brakes

[FourWheelDrift]

I think it'll be a US series rider like Cameron Beaubier. Probably not him, but one of the Honda USA riders with more experience.

[egor110]

I understand the commercial value of putting a American rider on the bike, but bloody hell it's a hell of a jump in performance to stick them on a full fat factory bike.

Just look at crutchlow/redding how different the bike is compared to there old gp bikes, to jump from national superbike series to gp would be huge.

My money would go on either the test rider or bautista , my heart would go on stoner just for the drama or melandri to see just what he can still do ( if anything) on a top gp bike

[FourWheelDrift]

Matt Mladin is polishing his helmet.




He is also looking in his address book for any Honda contacts.

[Hungrymc]

FourWheelDrift said:

Matt Mladin is polishing his helmet.

Is that how Jorge worked the foam loose?

[grahamr88]

Hungrymc said:

FourWheelDrift said:

Matt Mladin is polishing his helmet.

Is that how Jorge worked the foam loose?

No, but it is how Pedrosa knackered his arm.

[BraveSirRobin]

Isn't Aoyama HRC's test rider this year? I imagine he would take over for a few races to start with.

[Troy Bayleaf]

I wouldn't let Jack Miller anywhere near it.

[macdeb]

If they ask Hayden I hope he gives two fingers to Honda, don't forget they dropped him after he won the title and kept Pedrosa. It'll be a test rider as before.

[WaferThinHam]

My money's on Itoh or Tamada.

Would love to see Guinters come across from WSBK though. Moto GP needs more shrugging Frenchmen.

Or even De Puniet, I hear they've had to lay people off in the HRC spares department since he left.

[Matt_N]

WaferThinHam said:

Or even De Puniet, I hear they've had to lay people off in the HRC spares department since he left.

Surely Cal Crashlow is keeping them in business now though?!

[bakerstreet]

macdeb said:

If they ask Hayden I hope he gives two fingers to Honda, don't forget they dropped him after he won the title and kept Pedrosa. It'll be a test rider as before.

He only went to Ducati in 2009. After his title winning year year stepped on the podium 6 times. I certainly wouldn't put him on a factory RCV.

[DuraAce]

bakerstreet said:

He only went to Ducati in 2009. After his title winning year year stepped on the podium 6 times. I certainly wouldn't put him on a factory RCV.

Absolutely! I think it was only 3 podiums though. His title defence season (with Honda) was hopeless. Christ, he only won 2 races the year he won the title! He didn't win a single race for the two seasons after his title. No wonder Honda dropped him. He's a journeyman rider counting down to retirement I'm afraid.

I'd love to see Stoner return but I don't think he will, sadly.

Edited by DuraAce on Tuesday 31st March 09:47

[Elnicko]

Maybe see what colin edwards is upto........

[bakerstreet]

DuraAce said:

Absolutely! I think it was only 3 podiums though. His title defence season (with Honda) was hopeless. Christ, he only won 2 races the year he won the title! He didn't win a single race for the two seasons after his title. No wonder Honda dropped him. He's a journeyman rider counting down to retirement I'm afraid.

I'd love to see Stoner return but I don't think he will, sadly.

Edited by DuraAce on Tuesday 31st March 09:47

I don't really rate him at all. Employed to help sell Ducatis and Hondas in North America. I actually think he was too nice for MotoGP. IE not aggressive enough on and off track.

Anyways, looking forwward to the announcement of who is going to be on Pedrobots bike

[mitzy]

Elnicko said:

Maybe see what colin edwards is upto........

Yes!

Tell you what, would be worth a bet.
How cool would that be.