Marlboro Ducati 2008/2009

[Rawwr]

Marlboro Ducati has just announced in the press room at Laguna Seca that their 2008 and 2009 riders will be Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri.

Melandri has a close relationship with Marlboro Ducati team manager Livvio Suppo from the days when Suppo managed Malandri's 250 GP team. Ducati pursued Melandri last year but lost out when the Gresini team had the right of first refusal with Marco.

[jellison]

Melandri will be MEGA - Awesome on a 990 a few year back one of the few to take it to Rossi

[Rawwr]

Yeah, I think the mix of Stoner and Melandri will work really well. I think everyone has to have a lot of respect for Melandri, especially after this weekend and managing a decent 3rd place with a ed up foot.

There's currently talk of Loris using a third bike for Ducati.

[Rawwr]

And now Vermeulen is signed to Suzuki until 2009.

[jellison]

Rawwr said:

And now Vermeulen is signed to Suzuki until 2009.

he really seemed on it yesterday - but then almost one there last year. Pity it was a bit lame apart from first few laps. Great place to race though.

[Steve_T]

jellison said:

Rawwr said:

And now Vermeulen is signed to Suzuki until 2009.

he really seemed on it yesterday - but then almost one there last year. Pity it was a bit lame apart from first few laps. Great place to race though.

Amazing circuit, want to go there one year to watch. Must be a bit to ride. Not the closest racing yesterday, but some top performances. Marco on the Duke has a lot of potential. Casey looks very strong at the moment, Ducati have obviously done a first class job on his bike and it looks to me as though there's only one way things can go. Rossi rode well, just didn't have the bike or perhaps tyres under him to get the job done. I wonder how the balance will tip year though. Will Honda ever get their act together, it has to be their worst year for some time in racing!

[jellison]

Seem to be tyres now.

Rossi needs the Pneumatic valev stuff too and fast - think it is looking a bit too late though.

Marco will give Casey a Damned hard time, top guy.

[anonymous-user]

I was in California at Easter and popped into Laguna Seca. Couldn't get on track obviously (which was a shame as it would have been fun grinding the pegs, exhaust, etc. on my hired Harley Sporster!!), but we rode around the circuit. The corkscrew is stunning - on tv you really have no idea of just how steep it is - really scary stuff!

[mat205125]

Will Stoner feel a bit pushed out in an italian team with an italian rider that has race winning potential ..... almost like Honda appear to be favouring tailoring the bike to Pedrosa not Haydon (yes I know he's not jap, but you get the idea)

[dern]

Rawwr said:

There's currently talk of Loris using a third bike for Ducati.

I hope so. I'd be very disappointed if this year was taken to be representative of the guy's talents.