Ducati Sporting Club UK > Sport > Race > Casey Stoner

[MJS]

Heard it on the radio tonight - can't say I'm surprised - years away from home (for an Aussie), world champion on more than one machine, the only man ever capable of riding the Desmosedici, a new kiddie and family life, and a sharp reminder at the back end of last season what the risks are.

I for one hope he goes out as champion - he might not be the most charismatic man in the paddock, but he's awesome on the bike

[ells]

Surely thats the door of opportunity opening for Marquez! Hope they conside Cal!

Cant see Honda going back to Dovi, dont think Rossi will be flavour of the month (but you never know). Seem to remember Hayden did not enjoy his time there but maybe ..

Hope he goes with a title. Been a top rider.

M

[Cobbett]

Originally Posted by ells

Surely thats the door of opportunity opening for Marquez!

Not directly. The rookie rule forbids a rookie going direct into a factory team.

[ells]

Originally Posted by Cobbett

Not directly. The rookie rule forbids a rookie going direct into a factory team.

Doh. Forgot about that.

[Chef]

Don't forget the $14million in the bank

That goes a long way in NS Wales ;-)

[ChrisBushell]

If Dovi and Rossi are out and Marquez is not allowed, to me that really narrows the field down a bit as to who Repsol Honda might want to take.

If my memory serves me right, Dani Pedrosa is out of contract at the end of this season and should be a straight shoe in for a renewal.

I can see Ben Spies having problems with a contract at the end of this year, the bikes does not seem to suit him and I guess he will go back to Superbikes.

With the best will in the World I cant see HRC going after Cal - he is not yet a proven winner. I see him going in with Lorenzo for 2013.

There probably lies the truth of the decision - who is arround, other than Rossi, who is a proven race winner and eligable?

[antonye]

Originally Posted by ChrisBushell

If Dovi and Rossi are out and Marquez is not allowed, to me that really narrows the field down a bit as to who Repsol Honda might want to take.

Don't rule out Rossi just yet...
"Honda's Nakamoto: No plan right now. Not my decision I must speak to Honda Motor, maybe then I am on the phone to Lorenzo, maybe Rossi also!"
https://twitter.com/#!/Spalders/status/203163556752003072

If you are looking to fill Stoner's seat then your only real replacement is Lorenzo. Is he out of contract at the end of the season? He has been at Yamaha for five seasons (inc 2012) so maybe time for a change?

If Spies went then I can see both Cal and Dovi moving up to the factory squad for 2013. Maybe Spies will drop down to Tech3 in a swap for Dovi or Cal?

I doubt Rossi will move from Ducati as at this point he will want to prove he can win races and a championship on it.