Wah? Hayden Switching??? BK Thoughts???

[seDUCtive]

....watching all the preliminary BS before the running of shanghai, and darryl beattie pulls out an exclusive and declares for certain that "nicky hayden WILL be stoners partner at ducati next year", furthermore he declares that the information he got was from the horses mouth within ducati. the deal was struck in portugal...... interesting.


... Just a little track gossip!!!!

[Big Kahuna]

....watching all the preliminary BS before the running of shanghai, and darryl beattie pulls out an exclusive and declares for certain that "nicky hayden WILL be stoners partner at ducati next year", furthermore he declares that the information he got was from the horses mouth within ducati. the deal was struck in portugal...... interesting.


... Just a little track gossip!!!!I'll believe it when I see it.

[Jester]

I'll believe it when I see it.It would stand to reason that Nicky is tired of being Repsol's test biytch. His tallents are not being developed enough.

Go Nicky!!

[Big Kahuna]

It would stand to reason that Nicky is tired of being Repsol's test biytch. His tallents are not being developed enough.

Go Nicky!!Nicky has never once complained about his relationship with Honda.

[JJH]

Nicky has never once complained about his relationship with Honda.

Not in so many words, but yes if you read between the lines.

Nicky should stay far away from that Ducati. Casey Stoner is the only one that can ride it. Nicky's style is closer to Capirossi than Stoner, and Loris couldn't ride it either. I'd love to see Nicky at Yamaha, but only if Rossi left.

[Calkidd]

I knew Nicky would get fed up with the way Honda has been treating him, about time. I hope he does well where ever he goes. I love Honda and I like Nicky, but enough is enough.

[CBR888]

It's sad the way Honda has treated Nicky, he never got the respect for bringing Honda the world Championship in 06. I mean come on, they treated Rossi the same way when he was with Repsol and he gave them what, 3 world championships? And when they unveiled the 07 bike it made it clear who Honda's new number one son was...sad
I think we'll definatly see Nicky on a different team next season, won't be Fiat Yamaha unless Rossi retires, the Rossi/Lorezo match up is panning out nicely for Yamaha.
But in the end, Nicky would have gotten something from Honda that Valentino Rossi never did.....his own RC211v :rolleyes:


CBR888

[UFO]

Here, found this on the net:


MotoGP: Hayden on Ducati for 2009
Created: Friday, Apr 18/2008 03:21 Written by Guerin Green
Many Ducatisti would like to see what nearly happened two years ago: Nickey Hayden riding a Ducati.


Conflicting reports are emerging from Italy about the future of Nicky Hayden in MotoGP. On the one hand, we have MotoGrandPrix.it, who are reporting that Hayden is close to signing a new 2-year contract with Repsol Honda. According to Alessio Piana, HRC is determined to avoid the fiascos of the last two years, during which both Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa didn't sign their new contracts with Honda until the very last minute, leaving HRC with few other alternatives should the negotiations with the riders fail. As a consquence Honda wants to sign contracts early, and keep control of the situation in its own hands. In this view, Honda would want to close the negotiations with Hayden as early as possible, and try and keep the last man to win them a world title a Honda man for life.


The authoritative site GPOne.com sees it differently. Alberto Cani is claiming that the most likely scenario is that Hayden will make way for either Andrea Dovizioso or Marco Melandri. Dovi has made a huge impact on the Team Scot satellite Honda, and has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the team at the end of the year if he gets the call from HRC. But another option could well be Marco Melandri, who, on the strength of his performance at Ducati during the first few races, is unlikely to want to exercise the option he has to stay with Ducati for 2009. Melandri's first port of call would be Repsol Honda, the Italian already having proved his mettle aboard the Honda. But Gresini Honda could be another option for Macio, as he is still on good terms wtih Fausto Gresini.


By this theory, Hayden could then take Melandri's place on the vacant Ducati seat. Ducati are known to be very keen on the American, and the theory runs that Hayden's background in dirt track could help the Kentucky Kid tame the Ducati where Italian riders have failed. Casey Stoner came originally from a dirt track background, and is known to use a lot of back brake to keep the bike stable through corners. Alex Hofmann, who saw Stoner's data during his year riding at the D'Antin Ducati team, was astonished at just how much rear brake Stoner uses, sometimes generating huge forces through the pedal.

[CBR888]

What about Alvaro Bautista from 250? I'm sure Pedrosa/Bautista would make Repsol happy, both being from Spain and Repsol being a Spanish company.
And with the success of Jorge Lorenzo, I wouldn't be surprised if Repsol starts wooing Bautista....just a thought.


CBR888

[SOUN1]

Nicky getting treated like a "step child" at Repsol (CRY BABY)?? No one's fault but his..Don't get me wrong, I would love Nicky take another 1 but he did "RESIGN" the contract with Repsol:rolleyes:. I KNOW Nicky would look good in "LIME GREEN";)

[seDUCtive]

This one is heating back up again!! (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2008/june/9-15/jun1108nicky-hayden-begins-honda-talks-ducati-rumour/?R=EPI-101026)

Nicky Hayden begins Honda talks as Ducati rumour hots up
By Matthew Birt
MotoGP
11 June 2008 16:15

Nicky Hayden has started talks with Honda as rumours intensify that he is a red-hot favourite to join reigning world champion Casey Stoner in Ducati’s factory squad.

Hayden is out of contract at the end of 2008, but with Italian Andrea Dovizioso hotly-tipped to take his factory Honda RC212V, he is looking at other options.

Ducati team boss Livio Suppo is coy about Hayden’s prospects of replacing struggling Italian Marco Melandri, but MCN sources claim a deal is close to being signed for Hayden to partner Aussie Stoner in 2009.

He certainly tops a list of candidates to replace Melandri.

“We owe it to Honda to sit down with them and start talking with them before anybody else,” said Phil Baker, representative of Hayden’s management team.

“We’ll see their level of interest before we go elsewhere.”

Baker denied that Hayden had commenced talks with Ducati, or Yamaha and he added: “We have to keep every option possible open. It is nice to be wanted but I feel confident that Honda will be open to start the discussions and we’ll see where we stand from there.

“We have never doubted Nicky’s ability to perform well given the right combination of tyres and bike.”

[Calkidd]

Stick it to em Nicky....

[CBR888]

Stick it to em Nicky....

WERD!!



CBR888

[GusGus748s]

Has anyone thought about being Nicky the one at fault and not Honda? I mean pretty much every satelite team passes him now. He is fast at qualifying, but he is never consistent with lap times during a race.

Looks at Colin Edwards. He didn't perform with factory yamaha. So, they put him in a satelite team and he is doing very well.

If I was Honda, I would offer him a satelite position instead of a factory position or else he can go wherever he wants. There are a lot more riders in the motogp 250 class that would give Honda more wins / championships.

[Big Kahuna]

I would hate to see Nicky leave Honda, but he is honest enough to say that it has nothing to do with the bike specifically, it has to do with his riding style not agreeing with the smaller bikes.

I hate to say it, but maybe the more powerful Ducati may be more suitable for his riding style and if he does switch, I would not be surprised to see Nicky with better results next year. :)

[CBR888]

Maybe we'll see all three Hayden brothers in AMA again! :eek: Yeah it's been tough watching Nicky lately he's really been struggling these past couple of years. I think Divizioso will probably be Repsols next logical choice, and Andrea has a clause in his contract, allowing him to go to Repsol if they call him up.
Mika Kallio is tearing up the 250 class atm, maybe we'll see him in Motogp next year too.
But I think my boy Rossi is gonna take it this year!! :nana:


CBR888

[Jester]

I would hate to see Nicky leave Honda, but he is honest enough to say that it has nothing to do with the bike specifically, it has to do with his riding style not agreeing with the smaller bikes.

I hate to say it, but maybe the more powerful Ducati may be more suitable for his riding style and if he does switch, I would not be surprised to see Nicky with better results next year. :)I Knew reality would sneak up on you sooner or later Will:D Good on 'im!!

[JJH]

Has anyone thought about being Nicky the one at fault and not Honda? I mean pretty much every satelite team passes him now. He is fast at qualifying, but he is never consistent with lap times during a race.

He is fast when he has the proper feel from the front tire, which he gets when he's on qualifiers. He liked the new bike better with the air valve motor, but Honda wont let him ride it. Why not? Hayden is not in the championship fight and they need to test that bike. But Honda say no.

If Nicky can't get a factory ride in Moto GP he should go to WSBK.

[Big Kahuna]

Wow, interesting interview with Nicky!

Nicky Interview With Suzi
http://www.viddyou.com/viddstream?videoid=33943

[xasper]

Nice find BK. :D

[Big Kahuna]

Nice find BK. :DHey bro, are you going to Laguna this year? We're having another Repsol gathering on Cannery Row Saturday night. Ignacion from Repsol says it's going to be bigger and better than last year, with much more giveaways!

[JJH]

We're having another Repsol gathering on Cannery Row Saturday night.

Is that like a Dani Pedrosa love fest? :D

[Big Kahuna]

Is that like a Dani Pedrosa love fest? :DNo.

[UFO]

I would hate to see Nicky leave Honda, but he is honest enough to say that it has nothing to do with the bike specifically, it has to do with his riding style not agreeing with the smaller bikes.

I hate to say it, but maybe the more powerful Ducati may be more suitable for his riding style and if he does switch, I would not be surprised to see Nicky with better results next year. :)

Yes, but would BK be on a Ducati next year like his idol ? :evilgrin0013:

[Big Kahuna]

Yes, but would BK be on a Ducati next year like his idol ? :evilgrin0013:Definitely not!

[xasper]

Hey bro, are you going to Laguna this year? We're having another Repsol gathering on Cannery Row Saturday night. Ignacion from Repsol says it's going to be bigger and better than last year, with much more giveaways!


Not going to make it this year Bro. Going to INDY in Sept. OH YEA :D:D

[ducbill996]

Yes, but would BK be on a Ducati next year like his idol ? :evilgrin0013:

i didn't even have to ask...

[UFO]

i didn't even have to ask...

Me neither, I just had some extra salt I needed to get ride of. :pokeit:

[ducbill996]

Me neither, I just had some extra salt I needed to get ride of. :pokeit:

ouch!!!:fork:

[Big Kahuna]

:(

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motog-hayden-to-ducati-announcement-expected-soon

MOTOGP: Hayden to Ducati Announcement Expected Soon
Written by: Colin Young
08/19/2008 - 05:31 PM
Brno, Czech Republic

American rider Nicky Hayden has agreed terms to ride for Ducati as teammate to world champion Casey Stoner in 2009. The formal announcement of Hayden’s deal is expected at next week’s San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, which is close to Ducati’s Bologna headquarters.

Hayden’s departure from the factory Repsol Honda team comes as no surprise with the 2006 world champion keen to seek a new challenge. For some time Hayden has been frustrated with the political and technical turmoil of the HRC squad.

Hayden’s Ducati deal ends his long association with Honda and has come as a big shock to the management of Honda USA who have lost a valuable marketing asset.

Ducati team boss Livio Suppo said the team has always admired Hayden and his attitude to racing.

“Last year no one gave enough credit as a rider to Casey, except maybe Nicky, plus he’s used to having a stronger teammate,” Suppo said. “In the beginning at Honda he was with Valentino Rossi and then with Dani Pedrosa and he has a lot of things that make us think he would be the best teammate
for Casey.

“And we don’t have to worry about his consistency and I think he is a good, complimentary teammate for Casey. On the other hand you can always have a young rider and if he’s a rookie he has no pressure to do anything.

“We hope to confirm everything for Ducati’s 2009 plans by the end of this month, if not then at Indianapolis.”

In 2007, as the defending world champion with the #1 plate, Hayden was happy to acclaim Stoner’s riding talent as the young Australian took his world title. Hayden never claimed a Ducati power, electronics, or Bridgestone tire advantage as the main excuse for losing the title to Stoner.

“Nicky always said it was not just about the bike and tires, and he did this with the number one on his bike, which was even more difficult,” Suppo said “And this year in Assen when Casey was again very, very fast and everybody was speaking about the electronics of Ducati, it was Nicky who said, ‘Have you been out of the track to see how Casey is riding that bike?’”

[Geoffj4]

mmmmmm Suzi.....

Agreed that the riding styles of Hayden and Ducati do appear to mesh well on paper -Power / Lose Dirt Track Style. I just don't think any of the 800's have the kind of break loose power that Nicky was so good at riding.

It is going to be interesting to see how he is going to mesh with the team. I don't think Earl is going to know how the heck to use the Expresso Machine.

[GusGus748s]

I hope the best for Nicky. He's an excellent rider and never speaks bad about his team, machine and other racers. Hopefully, he'll be in the top 5 next year with Ducati...who knows may be top 3:)

I wonder if Marco Milandri is going back to Honda now?

[Big Kahuna]

I wonder if Marco Milandri is going back to Honda now?Melandri has signed with Kawasaki, they may be running three bikes in 2009.

[seDUCtive]

Yeah!!!!! I am so happy... I have always loved the Kentucky Kid and now he is on a Ducati... It will be even better rooting for him next year!

[JJH]

Melandri has signed with Kawasaki, they may be running three bikes in 2009.

It's not official yet, but it does seem like Melandri will ride with Hopkins next year. I hope he has a better time than his stint at Ducati, because this year has been difficult to watch. I doubt Kawi will run three bikes. Suzuki has already stated that they can't afford a third bike, so I don't see how Kawi can. More likely it means that West is out. Thankfully.

[Big Kahuna]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Kawasaki+close+in+on+Melandri+deal+and+third+bike+for+2009


Kawasaki close in on Melandri deal and third bike for 2009

Kawasaki´s Michael Bartholemy has provided an update on the proposed recruitment of Italian MotoGP rider Marco Melandri.

Following Marco Melandri's comments on Tuesday, on the final day of testing at Brno, that he is set to join Kawasaki at the end of this year, the Japanese manufacturer's MotoGP Competition Manager Michael Bartholemy has confirmed that a deal is on the table – with final confirmation from Japan currently being awaited.

Bartholemy told motogp.com on Wednesday that the stamp of approval from his own bosses at Kawasaki Heavy Industries was still required, commenting, 'We have reached an agreement with Marco Melandri meaning that he would join us for the next two years, but the deal still has to be approved by Kawasaki in Japan.'

Explaining what Melandri's arrival would mean for current Kawasaki rider Anthony West, Bartholemy declared, 'With regard to Anthony he will not be part of the main Kawasaki MotoGP team next season but we want to offer him a contract to remain as a Kawasaki factory rider, because we have invested a lot in him to bring him up a level since he joined us last year. That could mean that Anthony rides for us in another World Championship series.'

Meanwhile, Bartholemy is also still finalising plans to bring a third Kawasaki machine onto the MotoGP grid on a permanent basis next season and is positive about such a project taking place. For West that could mean a chance to remain in the premier class of motorcycle competition depending on sponsorship demands.

As Bartholemy explained, 'If we do run a third bike it would be up to the sponsors and the management who the rider is, but Anthony West could be part of the package that we offer. In Misano we should be able to confirm that Melandri has joined us and we should be able to clarify the situation with the third bike.'

[JJH]

I see the word IF. Earlier this year everyone was certain that Suzuki would be on the grid next year with a third bike. Schwantz has already confirmed that wont happen. I would love to be wrong, as an 18 bike grid sucks. But money talks. I've been following racing enough to know not to get my hopes up. If it happens I will be pleasantly surprised. :)

[Calkidd]

Hayden has been frustrated with the political and technical turmoil of the HRC squad.
No Kidding, we have all seen this.
Hayden never claimed a Ducati power, electronics, or Bridgestone tire advantage as the main excuse for losing the title to Stoner.
This is true unlike what other top riders have said. Put up or shut up....

I am glad Nicky is sticking it to Honda that is what they get for treating him the way they did for the past two years.

[GusGus748s]

I am glad Nicky is sticking it to Honda that is what they get for treating him the way they did for the past two years.

I'm pretty sure Honda doesn't care.

[Big Kahuna]

I'm pretty sure Honda doesn't care.I know Repsol does. They have always been a big supporter of Nicky.

[JJH]

I know Repsol does. They have always been a big supporter of Nicky.

But they're an even bigger supporter of Pedrobot...

So next year you'll be rooting for a short Spaniard and an Italian not named Rossi. :pound:

[Big Kahuna]

But they're an even bigger supporter of Pedrobot...

So next year you'll be rooting for a short Spaniard and an Italian not named Rossi. :pound:Not true. at least here in the states. They really made an effort to promote Nicky, probably as a way to introduce themselves and their products into this country. i can guarantee you that they will be very sad to see him go. :(

[JJH]

A different slant on the Kawasaki third bike.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/167837-0/no_approach_for_third_kawasaki.html

Maybe we can title this 2009 Moto GP Silly Season Thread?

[GreeNug]

A different slant on the Kawasaki third bike.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/167837-0/no_approach_for_third_kawasaki.html

Maybe we can title this 2009 Moto GP Silly Season Thread?


Damn conflicting stories.... MotoGPblog says that Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' not only has approached Kawi, but that he has the deal already lined up with a new Spanish sponsor and all....??

http://www.motogpblog.com/

[JJH]

That's why I never get too excited until I see the bike on the grid at Round 1. Even then, that can be meaningless (RIP Ilmor).

[Calkidd]

Damn conflicting stories.... MotoGPblog says that Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' not only has approached Kawi, but that he has the deal already lined up with a new Spanish sponsor and all....??

http://www.motogpblog.com/Hey, there is a voice from the past....glad you made your way back.

[GusGus748s]

I know Repsol does. They have always been a big supporter of Nicky.

Repsol doesn't care either since they are a Spaniard company and Pedrosa is from Spain.

[Jester]

Repsol doesn't care either since they are a Spaniard company and Pedrosa is from Spain.

Just saw this today. It fits, no?

[hippylong]

Just saw this today. It fits, no?

thats too funny...

[Big Kahuna]

More news on Spies!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/080827b17.htm

Spies On A Wing? Not A Prayer

American Honda execs categorically deny that they will fund Ben Spies' possible MotoGP career.

Published reports state that American Honda will be paying for Ben Spies' salary if he joins the Gresini Honda MotoGP squad in 2009.

Background: Spies' chances of joining the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team in '09, at one point, looked to be quite favorable. But GP insiders now say there seems to be just a slight chance that he will replace either Loris Capirossi or Chris Vermeulen. The chances of Suzuki building a third bike and fielding a third rider in '09 are slim to none. Spies is probably not going MotoGP racing on a Suzuki unless a last minute change of heart comes from Suzuki Japan.

Fausto Gresini, according to Italian media, expressed mild interest in Spies at the Laguna Seca USGP, but said up front he could not afford Spies' salary.

Conveniently, next came press reports that AmHon would pay the multi-million dollar bill for Spies to join Gresini on an RC212V. Those reports that have no basis in truth, it seems.

Senior American Honda execs confirmed last Friday that there are absolutely no plans for American Honda to fund Spies' MotoGP salary if he joins the Gresini Honda team.

Spies is on the cusp of winning his third US Superbike title.

[CBR888]

Just saw this today. It fits, no?

Priceless! :D

[JJH]

According to an "insider" Nicky Hayden has indeed signed for Ducati.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080909a.htm

:popcorn:

[seDUCtive]

This makes me awfully happy!!

[CBR888]

I hope he has a great season next year, i'm looking forward to it.

[GreeNug]

Hayden has finally confirmed his departure from Repsol but stopped short of saying where he would be next year, D'oh!

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Hayden+on+inaugural+Indy+race+and+Pedrosa+Bridgestone+move

[Big Kahuna]

I'm sure he'll do better on the Ducati, I think it better suits his riding style. It's going to be interesting next year for sure. I feel bad that Nicky was stuck with such a poor teammate in Dani Pedrosa, seems he yearns for the days when teammates actually work together to better themselves. I hope Casey brings that camaraderie back to him and I hope that brings Nicky to the best year of his career. :)

[JJH]

So will you be cheering for a Repsol bike next year?

[Big Kahuna]

I'll always cheer for the Repsol boys, but I'll also be cheering for my boy Nicky no matter where he rides. :)

[GsxR1000Ryda]

but I'll also be cheering for my boy Nicky no matter where he rides. :)

+1
GO NICKY!!!

[GreeNug]

We all knew he was going there anyway but it is official now! Yaye and GO NICKY!!!! :D

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080915d.htm

Ducati Corse hereby announces that Nicky Hayden will join its factory MotoGP team for 2009. The 27-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky, will line up alongside Casey Stoner and will make his debut on the Desmosedici GP9 on the 27th October in a test immediately following the Valencia Grand Prix.

[CBR888]

Yay Nicky!!!:D


Marlboro Ducati Confirms Nicky Hayden Will Join Its Team In 2009
Sep 15, 2008, ©Copyright 2008, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Honda will allow Hayden to start testing before end of 2008.
From a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati:

Ducati Corse hereby announces that Nicky Hayden will join its factory MotoGP team for 2009. The 27-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky, will line up alongside Casey Stoner and will make his debut on the Desmosedici GP9 on the 27th October in a test immediately following the Valencia Grand Prix.

Hayden arrives at Ducati after six years in MotoGP with Honda, the highlight coming in 2006 when he was crowned World Champion. His aggressive riding style and amenable character have made him an extremely popular rider - both on the track and off it.

"We are really happy to have Nicky join us," declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse CEO and Ducati Motor Holding Product Director. "We are certain that his never-say-die attitude, riding style and character will be great additions to our team in 2009. I would like to thank HRC for allowing Nicky to start testing our bike immediately after the Valencia Grand Prix. I would also like to thank Marco Melandri for his professionalism during a difficult year, which was below all our expectations. Unfortunately his feeling with the Desmosedici was never good enough to allow him to ride as well as he can. We wish him all the best for the future."

[JJH]

Melandri has also been officially confirmed at Kawasaki.