Gibernau to Ducati?

[Felix]

The rumours are getting stronger that Gibernau is Ducati-bound to be Capirossi's teammate. I can't understand why Ducati would want him, although his price must be getting cheaper with every round: Hasn't won a race in 12 months, no points in over two months, no points in 6 of 13 races this year. Plus, Ducati getting stronger towards the end of the season.

Wouldn't it make more sense to have one experienced rider capable of winning and a up-and-coming rider, rather than 32 year old Gibernau? It doesn't look like Gibernau will be bringing any sponsorship with him either with Telefonica moving over to F1 and Alonso. Discuss?

How about Ellison on a Ducati?

[Felix]

Ellison is a "poster boy" too and I mean that in a positive way. Would make for some great marketing opportunities.

[Jools]

Originally posted by Felix
I can't understand why Ducati would want him


Because he's great at making excuses perhaps?

[Ozz]

D'Antin are supposedly having a second rider so maybe a spot for him there? Would love to see him on a better bike.

[GsxrAge]

NOOOOOOOOooooooooooo not that spanish prat.


Ellison YES :cool::cool:

[Twinfan]

I guess Gibernau may bring some Spanish cash in, albeit not the Telefonica money any more. That's the only reason I can think of.

Get Ellison instead!

[Steve M]

Like Felix says, get a young rider to partner Loris, they can then build the 800 to suit him - Casey Stoner maybe ??

[Felix]

OK, so Ducati should sign a young talent. So who are they?

Melandri
Hopkins
Ellison
Battaini (?)
Pedrosa
Stoner

Ellison looks good in that list in terms of "buying" him, doesn't he? Come on, Ducati!

[Rattler]

Lanzi?:P

[electricsheep]

they need lanzi to win wsb for them

[Twinfan]

If Lavilla doesn't sign that is...

[JPM]

Lavilla.... I get the impression he's hot property now, bet he won't stay in BSB after this year... Ducati Rider? who knows ;)

[baylissboy]

I had a "go" at the staff on the Ducati stand(at the NEC show) when they sacked Bayliss,if they hire that Whinging,excuss machine,Spainish prat(i could go on for ages),i will be FIGHTING this year!!:flame:

[Twinfan]

I take it you mean Gibbers and not Greg? ;)

[Jools]

Perhaps Ducati are trying a new firing order for the big bang Desmosedici and want to keep it a secret from the other teams. Since we know that changing the firing order will change the sound of the engine and give the other teams a clue about what they're doing, perhaps they need someone who can whine loud enough and long enough to cover it up

[baylissboy]

Originally posted by Twinfan
I take it you mean Gibbers and not Greg? ;) Yes,sorry,i did mean Sete Givupnow!!

[Wylie1]

Well Ducati sold out to the Sponsors this year by signing Careless Chucka, so why not again?

[pedro]

hopkins lives on my estate.didnt belive till my post man said.

[butch890]

Originally posted by pedro
hopkins lives on my estate.didnt belive till my post man said.
If Rattler had posted that i might of believed it !:lol:
Butch

[Jasper]

I have heard from a "Good" source that the WSB team is 99.9% sorted with Bayliss and Lanzi.

[pedro]

Originally posted by butch890
Originally posted by pedro
hopkins lives on my estate.didnt belive till my post man said.
If Rattler had posted that i might of believed it !:lol:
Butch i take it you didnt read the profile on hopkins then in the build up to this years moto gp? he lives in donisthorpe butch, or did do in june/july. havnt seen him though.:smug:

[Ian]

it seems that there is a real "deck of cards" thing going on this year with Rossi being the lynch pin to it all. Also the sponsors are looking at switching things around. Rossi is looking at a one man team with Yamaha but away from tobaco sponsorship, - likely Alice (mobile company) and Nastro beer. Ducati will miss a chunk of sponsorship money with Alice moving out so actually Gibernau with his MovieStar sponsorship makes a lot of sense. There is no way that Ducati Corse could fund 2 MotoGP bikes on their own which is why they have to take Spanish riders, - until the likes of the uSA, Australia and the UK companies start to put their hands in their pockets we wil have little say over the rides on works bikes.

Suzuki look to take Camel sponsorship, with Biaggi and Hopper going, - Vermulen to the Pons team but under what sponsorship?

silly season is here again...

[Twinfan]

Gibernau with his MovieStar

He's lost that because Pedrosa will be on a Repsol bike so they've got naffed off with bikes and are going to Renault in F1.

[YMFB]

why would anyone want Gibernau except for some sponsorship he might bring, Im no expert but he seems to have Nigel Mansells luck.

Maybe Lavilla will stick with Airwaves for one more season then GSE will go to WSB and take Haslam also.

JT may get lucky and find another WSB ride but somehow I cant see it being on the works Ducati, much as I would like to see it. Lanzi will get JT's bike im sure.

[Twinfan]

Toseland is a possible Suzuki rider next year alongside Corser.

My money is on the Airwaves team staying exactly as it is, and staying in BSB. Then WSB next year...

[adam]

I dont think Toseland will be along side Corser, he will always be behind him:lol:

[Davieravie]

Its all hearsay and money,politics,.........James ......top bloke!!!! At least he ca drink wi us!!!!!!!!