MotoGP Silly season

[Yamadog]

First it was Hopper to Kawi, the Melandri to Ducati, and Capirossi potentially to Suzuki replacing Hopper (or a third Duck).

Now comes: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61133

Yamaha confirm Lorenzo for 2008

By Glenn Freeman    Wednesday, July 25th 2007, 10:25 GMT

Yamaha have confirmed that reigning 250cc world champion Jorge Lorenzo will ride for them in MotoGP in 2008.

The Spanish rider has been linked to securing a ride with the manufacturer for a long time, although Yamaha did not announce if he would partner Valentino Rossi in the same team.

A statement from Yamaha said: "Jorge Lorenzo will make his MotoGP debut in 2008 aboard a YZR-M1, with direct factory support.

"The exact structure of Yamaha's team and rider organisation is still under consideration at the present time. Further details, including Lorenzo's team structure, will be announced in due course."

Lorenzo is currently leading the 250cc championship riding an Aprilia, although Yamaha have made no secret of their interest in the 20-year-old.

"Yamaha has been watching Jorge's career with interest for some time and we are delighted that he will be joining our MotoGP line-up from next season," said Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing.

"We are sure that he will be a valuable asset for the future and we look forward to the commencement of his MotoGP career with Yamaha."

[Mr Sunshine]

Why do you call it the "silly season"?  People are just looking for the best job for them.  Nothing silly about that.

[DogBoy]

Silly season is a term that has been used for years to describe the contract negotiations that are often a distraction from the actual racing season in all forms of motorsports. I'm not sure of the origin of the term but I've heard it used for over 20 years.

[jerome_oneil]

Silly season is a term that has been used for years to describe the contract negotiations that are often a distraction from the actual racing season in all forms of motorsports. I'm not sure of the origin of the term but I've heard it used for over 20 years.

It's also used in professional golf to describe the tournament's played after the fourth major has been completed.

[Mookie]

Place your bets on where Colin ends up

I'm going to vote World Superbikes, maybe taking over Toseland's ride if he jumps to GPs

[DogBoy]

It's also used in professional golf to describe the tournament's played after the fourth major has been completed.

No gol...gawf...gull...gah. I can't even bring myself type the word. No talk of lawn bowling, croquet or similar sports in Pit Row.

[Lawn Dart]

It's really the silly season because Stoner's gonna run away with the title despite Rossi's best efforts.  That Duc is just plain fast.

[atypical1]

It's really the silly season because Stoner's gonna run away with the title despite Rossi's best efforts.  That Duc is just plain fast.

No, it is God-Damned fast!  

[bizarro]

I wasn't aware of any rumors about Colin. I thought he was staying put with Rossi at Yamaha?

[Mookie]

I wasn't aware of any rumors about Colin. I thought he was staying put with Rossi at Yamaha?

Did you miss the first post?  Lorenzo is in at Yamaha next year and I kind of doubt they are gonna boot Rossi for him.  Unless Factory Yamaha decides to run 3 bikes, which would be odd.

[bizarro]

One would think there'd be an announcement of Edward's departure though. I thought the first post said direct factory support, that doesn't mean he's on Rossi's team.

[Mookie]

One would think there'd be an announcement of Edward's departure though. I thought the first post said direct factory support, that doesn't mean he's on Rossi's team.

Well, maybe they are going to make up a whole 'nother team, cause I don't see them putting him on a satelite team running on crappy dunlops  

[Allan]

It's really the silly season because Stoner's gonna run away with the title despite Rossi's best efforts.  That Duc is just plain fast.

Give credit where credit is due. Stoner is riding the Duc like its on rails. If it was just the bike id be a 1-2 Stoner Capirossi top billing.

[kevrider]

Well, maybe they are going to make up a whole 'nother team, cause I don't see them putting him on a satelite team running on crappy dunlops  

don't assume that the dunlop team will be a dunlop team next year.

- Edwards could take Michelin to Tech Trois.
- they could (and should) run 'stones.
- Lorenzo could go there.
- Lorenzo could have his own one-bike team.
- they might (and should) get better supprt from Yamaha, a la Gresini or better.

there's a reason they didn't announce his team... they don't know yet.  i think the factories have figure out that they need to have a strong bike/rider or two on Michelins and a strong bike/rider or two on 'stones.  Honda got it last year, they just finally got around to putting a bike under Melandri.  too late, though.  now Yamaha may make a similar move with Tech 3.  

if Ducati are smart (and the contract allows it) they would put D'Antin on Michelins.  ya gotta hedge.  another plus for the satellite teams if they run diff tires from the factory... the potential to beat the factory on any given weekend.  aside from Gresini, none of them can expect that to happen now.

about Edwards: read this.

i vote that he replaces DiSalvo, but in '09 or '10.  not just yet.  

[Mookie]

That would be awesome to see him in AMA.  Lord knows we need more top tier riders to make the racing more interesting (and more respected outside the US).

[DFH]

Give credit where credit is due. Stoner is riding the Duc like its on rails. If it was just the bike id be a 1-2 Stoner Capirossi top billing.

......and Barros and the Hoff 3rd & 4th.... Remember unlike the situation a Yamaha their bikes are the same as the factory Ducks with the same tyres.

Its not like the ( bad) old Repsol Honda days with Doohan, Creville and Okada 1,2 &3 in the championship and the only interest being the order of Repsol Hondas on the podium.

DFH

[Nugroho]

No, it is God-Damned fast!  

+ 70 degree on turn.. Wow.. = Stoner is Damned Good and Cool..

[Yamadog]

http://blogger.xs4all.nl/daisy/archive/2007/07/26/263127.aspx

here is a snip

With all the news emerging about riders switching teams for the 2008 season with only half the season done, MotoGP followers were expressing incredulity that the "Silly Season" had started so early. Now, it just got worse: For the first news is starting to emerge about the 2009 season, some 17 months away.

Motorcycle News is reporting that Ben Spies believes he has a deal to ride with Suzuki in MotoGP in 2009. Spies told MCN that he really wanted to ride in MotoGP next year, but with Chris Vermeulen already signed, Suzuki being close to a deal with Loris Capirossi, and the chances of a third Suzuki bike running next year looking increasingly unlikely, the possibility of switching was not open to Spies for 2008. Spies also stated that he expects to have several wildcard rides next year, as preparation for a full-time switch in 2009.

[Busy Little Whiner]

+ 70 degree on turn.. Wow.. = Stoner is Damned Good and Cool..

Amen... a V4 racer will give you the cool confident to crank it over...

[Yamadog]

Another seat taken. I hope James does well but those non-factory seats are not the best way to go for sure.
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29791