IMO it all boils down to ego. I'm a massive Rossi fan and he has a huge ego and so he should. However this has it's downfalls and proved by case in point. Stoner has no ego and goes to the other extreme but fek me he can ride a Ducati and put it on the podium on a regular basis. I have ended up admiring stoner for how he has conducted himself and just want the Old Rossi back
I have no doubt the Ducati can win races but it takes a young rider with no preconceptions of how to do it just as Casey was when he first came to ride the Ducati. I also think that Preziosi may be a big problem in developing the bike any further. Both Stoner and Rossi and all the other riders who have ridden the bike have said it needs improvements but other than trying a new frame, Preziosi appears to have decided he is right and everyone else is wrong. Rossi hasn't come out of his Ducati stint very well at all but he has shown in glimpses he still has the ability to run at the front if he is happy with the bike. My point about Stoner taking a long hard look at himself was aimed more at life in general and not his racing ability. A counsellor/psychologist would, i suspect be able to make him a whole lot happier in his outlook on life. I can almost guarantee that after a year of sitting at home with not a lot to do, he will be bored and restless and want to come back to racing.
As always this subject has brought out the differing passion for different riders. Personally I am a big VR fan but can also appreciate the skills of the other riders. Stoner upsets some people with his forthright opinions, which I believe is an Aussie trait, but is that so wrong? Yes cheer on your favourites and give them all the support you can, but also have respect for the other guys talents and efforts. Casey will be missed on the grid next year, and I wish he could be persuaded to change his mind and continue, we need the best guys out there on those prototype bikes. Maybe if he can't be brought back into racing he could set up a race school, say with a selection of bikes from all manufacturers, to train the next generation. Then they could all appreciate the differences between each machine and learn to adapt as Casey says in the interview. Just my thoughts and I look forward to some interesting feedback from you guys and gals out there.
The bike should be adjusted to suit the rider at that level. Ffs you can move everything on them, how can you not get a setting?! Biggest problem imo is they are not allowed to test enough. Rossi et al should be able to test 40 weeks a year between races if thats what it needs
Don't dispute what you're saying bradders. As someone who has never ridden a race bike I know nothing about how adjustable they are, but my main point is that new riders would get an idea about how different each manufacturers bikes are. Maybe it would also help them learn how to set the bike up to suit?
The most amusing scenario next year is that Rossi goes to Yam, and then some young blood drafted into Ducati beats him. What a hoot that would be. I don't dislike Rossi in any guise - but I think his god-like reputation needs a little puncturing. Of course, it is possible that he will be on Yam, beat Jorge and everyone else and claim another world title, ridiculing Ducati in the process. But I don't think that will happen.
Dont forget the ducati killed off many great riders and including world champions post trellis frame. Bradders is spot on they should get their heads out of their own arse.s and build what vr wanted. Remember he has not left yet and the audi ownership is still new and we are only half way in the race calender. I still reckon he wants to stay if you read the un edited interview he gave at laguna. Most get edited and twisted before print.
One reason is no other riders has won races in the premier class on no more than 2 different makes. Ago never achieved this and that is one BIG reason rossi will stay.
Lots of twitter talk today, Furusawa confirmed he had been talking with Ducati but has turned down the offer, Solomoto claim the deal is done. Valentino vuelve a casa. Será compañero de Lorenzo en 2013 | Solomoto | MotoGP And also Rossi's move to Yamaha will be confirmed on the 15/8
