MotoGP 2018

[pritch]

The paint job may change a bit, they are still looking for a sponsor to replace TIM which left at the end of last season. Apparently there's a big vacant patch in the middle of the chest on the leathers too.

[pritch]

I was just staring idly at the new Ducati GP18 colour scheme and the thought occurred that you can see GiGi used to work for Aprilia.

[Autech]

So Jonas fucking Folger is out for 18. Bloody shame but it leaves us in an interesting scenario where we have a top level motogp bike free, but all the usual suspects locked in.

Michael VDM is my pick
Loris Baz wouldn't be out of the question
Stephan Bradl might kick loose Honda

Then there are all the Moto2 scrappers that would give their left nut for a year on that bike who might just tell their teams to eff off if Herve comes knocking.

Stay tuned

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[pritch]

Tech3 say they will not take anybody who already has a contract. UNLESS the contracted rider can prove he has the approval of his team and a replacement organised.

All sorts of names are being floated from the ridiculous, Casey Stoner, to the rather more likely, Peco Bagnaia. Bagnaia is contracted to Rossi's team so it's quite possible that Rossi's relationship with Yamaha would make any potential contract probems disappear pdq.

Ben Spies has been arguing for a US Yamaha rider, their current champ? can't remember his name and can't find it just now.

Bradl and Guinters are apparently available. Bradl though has been firmy wedded to Honda in the past.

Poncheral reportedly has a preference for a Moto2 rider, possibly not a big name though as that would be expensive. Could even be somebody like Remy Gardiner as a budget option.
Don't feel bad that we don't know, Herve doesn't know himself yet.

If I have to pick someone? Bagnaia.

[Autech]

Tech 3 say they will not take anybody who already has a contract. UNLESS the contracted rider can prove he has the approval of his team and a replacement organised.

All sorts of names are being floated from the ridiculous, Casey Stoner, to the rather more likely, Peco Bagnaia. Bagnaia is contracted to Rossi's team so it's quite possible that Rossi's relationship with Yamaha would make any potential contract probems disappear pdq.

Ben Spies has been arguing for a US Yamaha rider, their current champ? can't remember his name and can't find it just now.

Bradl and Guinters are apparently available. Bradl though has been firmy wedded to Honda in the past.

Poncheral reportedly has a preference for a Moto2 rider, possibly not a big name though as that would be expensive. Could even be somebody like Remy Gardiner as a budget option.
Don't feel bad that we don't know, Herve doesn't know himself yet.

If I have to pick someone? Bagnaia.

Bags has the ability IMO to do a Zarco and start strong. Guy was insane on the Mahindra in Moto3.

Yeah I know the yank you speak of though the name alludes me. Can't honestly see a yank rocking straight into Motogp on unfamiliar circuits doing too well though.

Joan Mir would be epic, but I think he should pay attention to the Miller lesson and do his time in Moto2

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[pritch]

Michel Turco, a respected French moto journo, says Yonnie Hernandez will be on the bike at the Sepang test. Tech3 are still saying nowt.

[BMWST?]

i would like to see alvaro bautista have another crack at a good bike.Purely hypothetical I know

[WALRUS]

Ben Spies has been arguing for a US Yamaha rider, their current champ? can't remember his name and can't find it just now.

I'd love to see Spies ('Elbowz') back on the world stage.. i don't think he'd go very well though.

VDM would be good if it's an offer good enough to get him from the Factory WSBK squad...

I reckon it'd be more likely to get someone from Production racing rather than someone from Moto2 or a GP rider with no/crap contract etc

[Autech]

What is Danny Kent doing this year?

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[pritch]

What is Danny Kent doing this year?

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Training hard as fuck apparently. He had done major damage to his reputation in the paddock by spendng every available minute on the phone to his gf. Barely interested in his job, so was dumped from his Moto2 team. He has talent but lacked the motivation. MotoMatters thinks he may have his mind back on the job.

The Tech3 situation has people watching who is travelling to Sepang with more than the usual interest. The team still maintain all options are open: no rider, factory test rider, or uncontracted rider.

So with no confirmation of anything at all, the following people are reportedly en route to Sepang: Tony Elias, Michael Dunlop and Josh waters. Of course they could just all be heading out there to catch some sun?
I would have thought the latter three are more associated with Suzuki anyway and It's true Suzuki need a hand.

[Autech]

Elias tweetes they get to ride the RR as a reward for winning the titles. But what's stopping him speaking to Herve.

I have sat by the phone just in case but haven't revieved a call yet. Still time though

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[WALRUS]

Michael Dunlop

I seriously doubt Dunlop would be looking to get into GPs but it would definitely be interesting

[Crasherfromwayback]

I seriously doubt Dunlop would be looking to get into GPs but it would definitely be interesting

He'd get fucking blown away.

[pritch]

He'd get fucking blown away.

Yeah it's all very specialised now, but just as the GP riders would blow him away on a GP track, they'd shit themselves on his turf.

There have been a couple of recent mentions of a GP on a road circuit, but neither item I saw contained enough info to indicate what they were talking about. Hard to see how that could work.

[speights_bud]

There have been a couple of recent mentions of a GP on a road circuit, but neither item I saw contained enough info to indicate what they were talking about. Hard to see how that could work.

It wouldn't. Because Safety.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk