Stoner to retire

[Crasherfromwayback]

As for his seat at Honda, I reckon it needs to be a new guy. Dovi and the others have shown before on factory bikes they aren't going to be champion.

If the Kraut keeps improving he may get a shot at it. Or maybe if Bautista steps it up. I'm a fan of him. I reckon he's a tough lil cookie.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I didnt say he wasnt talented, .

I'm referring to being called a fanboy. Wouldn't that be a Rossi fan?

[tigertim20]

I'm referring to being called a fanboy. Wouldn't that be a Rossi fan?

given how you jump to his defence every time without fail, I think the term is appropriate!

[Crasherfromwayback]

given how you jump to his defence every time without fail, I think the term is appropriate!

He doesn't need defending, the stats do that for him. It's pointing out people are talking shit I do it for.

[gav]

Will be a shame to see Stoner leave the sport, but I wouldnt rule out a comeback in a couple of years, or maybe even a wildcard entry in a WSBK race?
As for who will fill his place at Repsol, there has been a couple of interesting comments from HRC boss Nakagami. Firstly, the team will never have two Spanish riders! As all riders are off contract at the end of the year, maybe Pedrosa isnt that safe either? He also said he wouldnt rule out Rossi either. Earlier it was mentioned that HRC wouldnt have a factory bike for Rossi next year, but that was before Stoner's announcement. Rossi has also come out and said he will be racing MotoGP for two more years and he expects to win another MotoGP race in that time. So he has a contract on the table from who then?

[Tony.OK]

Will be a shame to see Stoner leave the sport, but I wouldnt rule out a comeback in a couple of years, or maybe even a wildcard entry in a WSBK race?
As for who will fill his place at Repsol, there has been a couple of interesting comments from HRC boss Nakagami. Firstly, the team will never have two Spanish riders! As all riders are off contract at the end of the year, maybe Pedrosa isnt that safe either? He also said he wouldnt rule out Rossi either. Earlier it was mentioned that HRC wouldnt have a factory bike for Rossi next year, but that was before Stoner's announcement. Rossi has also come out and said he will be racing MotoGP for two more years and he expects to win another MotoGP race in that time. So he has a contract on the table from who then?

Well Rossi does seem to follow what Stoner has ridden to prove its the bike doing the winning

Nah it'd be great to see him on a competitive bike, can already hear Stoner sniggering.

Was just thinking how different this would have turned out if Simo was still with us?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well Rossi does seem to follow what Stoner has ridden to prove its the bike doing the winning

Was just thinking how different this would have turned out if Simo was still with us?

Classic!

And yep...such a shame he ain't. Dunno why...but that was the saddest thing I've seen in my time of watching racing.

[gammaguy]

Heading to Philip Island this season to watch the race, I am immensely looking forward to it...especially now given it will be Stoners last at his home circuit.

Ill be watching him too,except im going to Sepang

[tigertim20]

He doesn't need defending, the stats do that for him. It's pointing out people are talking shit I do it for.

can you smell that?

Classic!

And yep...such a shame he ain't. Dunno why...but that was the saddest thing I've seen in my time of watching racing.

ahhh, finally somethign we agree on mr crasher!

[Crasherfromwayback]

can you smell that?


ahhh, finally somethign we agree on mr crasher!

If you saw the size of my snozzzzzz, you'd know I could.

I'm sure we could agree on other things too.

[Brett]

That was an epic race...one of the best I've seen. Stoner came that close to binning it several times trying to beat Rossi, but the cunning old dog showed why he's won so many titles eh!

I wouldn't mind betting he brake checked Stoner when he ran off into the gravel though! Still...serve him right for not being in front of him!

Me too. Awesome race...I remember it well.

[Brett]

Well Rossi does seem to follow what Stoner has ridden to prove its the bike doing the winning

Nah it'd be great to see him on a competitive bike, can already hear Stoner sniggering.

Was just thinking how different this would have turned out if Simo was still with us?

Simo on a factory Honda...interesting! He certainly was improving quickly, had the "ballsy" edge necessary and was taking more calculated risks. Would certainly have been a contender IMO.

Edit: I just wanna say - Shit I love motorcycle racing!

[codgyoleracer]

If the Kraut keeps improving he may get a shot at it. Or maybe if Bautista steps it up. I'm a fan of him. I reckon he's a tough lil cookie.

A brave HRC future: Lorenzo, Martinez, Brahdl / Bautista

[5150]

If I was a Yamaha or Ducati boss, I probably be very nervous right now. Seems Honda will have few spare seats next year and they no doubt have a very big cheque book to attract the top riders out there.

[NZsarge]

If I was a Yamaha or Ducati boss, I probably be very nervous right now. Seems Honda will have few spare seats next year and they no doubd have a very big cheque book to attract the top riders out there.

Yeah Ducati teams might be nervous but I think Yamaha team's are in pretty reasonable shape actually, I tell ya though i'd be getting nervous if I were Ben Spies.