I vote pure PR. "We have been a good couple in the past." That is true, if you mean good couple in a dysfunctional way. I'll bet Lorenzo is telling everyone who will listen at Yamaha that he doesn't want Rossi there in any way shape or form. Unless, he feels that he can humiliate Rossi on equal machinery. And that would be a very dangerous gamble.
On Spies. So rumor is very strong he signed for BMW for 2 years. Say next year is SBK, what about BMW wanting to be in MotoGP(not as a CRT) and take this year and next year building a bike for it. Year in SBK for Spies to get used to their setup. 2014, Spies on a BMW MotoGP factory ride. Ya?
We haven´t really seen Rossi & Lorenzo, who´s beating who on equal machinery. Rossi was the master until 2010, but back then Jorge was still learning, and when he looked ready to challenge, then came the leg incident. Seems to me it could have gone either way, had they both stayed healthy. Could be interesting to see them continue that rivalry, but I still somehow doubt it´s gonna happen.
But.... bmw has just said they're not returning for 2013. They'll be giving support to the GoldBet BMW team, but there won't be a factory team. So, wtf...
Sure seems like it would be difficult for Yamaha to manage. Both riders would want the bike developed for themselves, and first access to new parts and there would be no second rider for parts-testing duty. Even if Rossi brought enough sponsorship to pay his own way, the conflicts might be legendary.
That will be the Factory team. Run by BMW Italia. Melandri and Spies. (If the Spies thing is true. Julian Ryder is saying it is a done deal).
not to mention the BMW is a Suzuki... Still hard for me to fathom. BMW must be the highest paid seats in the paddock.
Planet reported that Spies was sick of MotoGP. There is something wrong with that series if the World Champ quits too! These guys like to have fun. MotoGP must be a drudgery for most. Why is that? What's wrong with those people?
I wonder how much it's the constant chasing after new rules. My memory may not be so good, but when I first started watching this stuff, early 90's, didn't seem like engine size, weight limits, fuel limits, tires, etc etc, were so constantly being changed about every year.... Maybe some of the riders are sick of chasing setup all the time.
It depends on the person I suppose. Colin is still there. I figured he would have quit years ago. Nicky is still there and appears to be having fun. At least he wants to continue. There's always been issues in GP racing. I remember in the 80's and 90's there was a lot going on regarding track safety for the riders. I'd like to know the whole story as far a Ben is concerned. It's hard for me to believe he's going to be happy with a move to WSBK, much less AMA as the staff at SP suggests.
Yeh she's been doing a bit of screaching in the paddock this year, I think even the Moto3 guys were wondering what the hell was going on. Ear plugs were not just for the bikes any more. Cheers Pilbara
BMW Italia. Spies is a World Superbike champ. BMW sells a lot in USA. Spies lives in Italy, has business interests there. BMW has a competitive bike. May go to MotoGP. Hmmmmmmm
At the 09 Laguna Seca MotoGP I worked for BMW Automotive and helped the Motorrad men and women as well as the M Auto side. A Motorrad honcho then told me BMW's long-term plan was to enter World Superbike and then get into Moto GP. I know, unattributed gossip, not Court admissible. And no, I don't work for BMW any longer.