Don\'t Ducati look daft...
 

...sending Laconi to the AMA Superbike Championship for the final round (along with Lorenzo Lanzi from WSS). Could explain why they weren't that overjoyed at James winning the title. Blatantly obvious where their support was all season, and Laconi had the option of a second year in his contract if he won the WSB title. James was on a 'one year only' deal.

I really hope James leaves them to ride elsewhere as I don't think they're behind him as much as they should be. After all, he is/was a factory rider!

:lol: Ironic really, sending a Frenchman to ride in the States to boost the brand image....

Doesn't this set a tone for next year though....

Think about it.... GSE back in BSB apparently with factory, I said FACTORY 999F05's and have to run a current Ducati rider....

Hodgson supposedly going to Suzuki, Capirossi going nowhere, Xaus looking favourite to get the factory ride (Ducati's only podium this year in GP)... Bayliss? I can't see hiom going to BSB, maybe WSB....

Lanzi would make a great rider in BSB, he nearly won the World Superstock last year on a 999S, and hasn't really shone that much on the 749R in WSS this year....

There's method to their madness there me thinks...

I thought GSE were going back to WSB? With R1s?

- Xaus to move to the Marlboro Ducati GP squad alongside Capirossi.
- Hodgson will join the Xerox(?) Ducati factory team in WSB alongside Laconi.
- Bayliss will ride for Paul Bird in BSB on a 999.
- Toseland will join GSE Racing. On an R1(?).
- Vermuelen will be on the Ten Kate blade (confirmed already)
- Haga will stay with Renegade or join the Yamaha Deutschland (Klaus Klaffenblock's) team on an R1.

Laconi might have had 7 wins but I think his consistency leaves something to be desired especially, in the first half of the season.

Nah nah nah....

Hodgson has pretty much signed for Suzuki from what I heard from the GP paddock.

Paul Bird/Monster Mob aren't running Dukes next year, their running blades

Vermuelen as you have said is staying put, 2006 GP

Haga.... Renegade want to keep him (obviously) but I doubt they will/can, He wants a factory bike, he's been complaining all year about that point, Renegade haven't got 2 coins to rub together at the moment, I think Renegade will stay in WSB but not with Haga, it would be great if they could but I doubt they can keep him.

I don't think Toseland will go anywhere, but that is me talking, not rumours

To finish first, first you have to finish..........

I was thinking just the same thing Yeti. And no-one will remember or even care that Laconi should have / could have won in 3 months time. We will only remember Toseland as Champ.

I'm also surprised that Hodgeson might go to Suzuki. Who will go? Both Kenny and Hopper have been doing alright unless they run another bike of course.

Firstly, I'm well pleased JT took the championship.

But I doubt whether he will be at Ducati Corse next year, did anybody else catch Davide Tardozzi's face and body language........ it looked like he would have preferred Frankie
Chilli to take the title!!

I reckon Bayliss will be back in WSB but with who else who knows.

Ducati had better get back to Bologna to make plans to foil the Japs comeback

I know all the rumours about Birdie running a blade next year seem to be gathering in strength, but I have had it on very good authority that he will still be running Dukes next year. The blade is one off for the Macau GP and Birdie doesn't even own the bike. At least that's what I've heard. If I'm wrong I will eat pie of the most humble variety.

this subject seems to be going onto 3 threads right now. I don't think Ducati do look daft, - I just think Tardozzi put his neck on the line when asked who who thought would win and therefore go to the AMA race. You cannot blaim him for picking Laconi, as he was in there leading the series until yesterday, JT just pulled it out of the bag on race day which is what it is all about. I think JT will stay with Ducati, as will Laconi, they hinted at double rewards if the pair finished 1-2.

As for Bird with Honda, - he is using the blade as the lever to get Ducati to commit. I think he will be still with Ducati next year, but if he is let down he has another card up his sleeve, - he would make a great MotoGP boss!