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Post by Droog on Jun 28, 2021 13:13:34 GMT
So after having a nose around a few sites, it looks like a deal has been done where Maverick rides a Ducati in the new VR46 team alongside Marini. Morbidelli takes Maverick's place in the factory Yamaha team and Petronas get to choose between Gerloff, Roberts or Beaubier as their American rider and Dixon or Lowes as their British rider. One of the few times having a British or American passport is a bonus for getting a MotoGP ride.
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Post by mekon on Jun 28, 2021 13:26:05 GMT
What a fucking joke. Joke Roberts, Joke Dixon, Shameron Beaubier and Sham Lowes. The only one I think I'd put money on would be Gerloff.
I'm assuming this is Dorna twisting arms and throwing money at people.
That said the MV to Team Rossi is a surprise. I guess the old dodger is going to go.
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Post by Diego the toe clipper on Jun 28, 2021 13:55:15 GMT
That would be a shocker! And Valentino is on record of saying that he knew "something was going to change" in Yamaha so maybe there's some truth in it. So were Aprilia strung along like the rest of us? They thought they were in with a chance of signing Maverick.
I wouldn't be so tough on all the upcoming riders though. Well, Beaubier needs more time and Lowes has had his go already (putting Lowes on a MGP bike while Redding stays in WSB would be just stupid). Roberts would be a good bet though. Gerloff could get there too I agree there.
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Post by philthewindsurfer on Jun 28, 2021 15:06:15 GMT
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Post by Droog on Jun 28, 2021 15:40:24 GMT
I actually think he will be a good fit on the Ducati.
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Post by mekon on Jun 28, 2021 15:51:24 GMT
Vinales is like goldilocks.
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Post by Diego the toe clipper on Jun 29, 2021 7:24:42 GMT
Reading a bit more about this this morning.
The VR46 Ducati optins seems to be more complicated.
Yamaha has let Mav take his mechanic with him, and Aprilia will let him join, but VR46 no. The other "problem" is that Ducati has committed to a 2022 spec bike for Marini, and a 2021 spec bike for Bezzechi. So which bike would Maverick be getting? Nobody can see him going for the 21 bike, amnd would Valentino take the 22 spec bike from Luca?
Aprilia on the other hand will give him anything he wants (except big money).
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Post by mekon on Jun 29, 2021 7:58:18 GMT
I wonder how many of these contracts have performance clauses? So Suzuki only have to retain Rins if he's got so many points? MV back to Suzuki, Rins to Tech 3? You'd think Suzuki would be happy to get rid of Rins.
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Post by Droog on Jun 29, 2021 8:20:50 GMT
All real factors but I could see Ducati finding a way to supply another 2022 bike if it means they have Vinales on it. Or maybe a hybrid 21.5 bike for Marini due to his results not warranting a full fat 22? The mechanic could be put on paid gardening leave and brought back into the fold at a later date. On the other hand I could also see the attraction for Vinales to go to aprilia as it's far less pressure and I think it might well suit his style. Plus he should have the measure of Aleix.
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Post by mekon on Jun 29, 2021 8:37:59 GMT
You think Marini is doing ok or not as good as expected? Makes you realise how god level Marquez was to turn up and beat Pedrosa and Lorenzo after 1 race.
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Post by Diego the toe clipper on Jun 29, 2021 8:44:48 GMT
Marini certainly looks below par when compared to Bastianini... If Ducati are asked to supply a second 22 spec bike for Viñales, I'd expect them to answer along the lines of "give the 22 spec bike to Viñales and let Luca continue to learn on the 21, problem solved!"
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Post by Droog on Jun 29, 2021 8:48:40 GMT
I think Marini will improve. He took his time to progress in the other classes also. The class is so competitive now that it so easy to look slow if you are not at the sharp end.
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Post by mekon on Jun 29, 2021 8:50:36 GMT
I wonder how much say in the whole VR46 business Rossi has or is he just a front for the whole thing?
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Post by Droog on Jun 29, 2021 8:53:21 GMT
I'm pretty sure he has a lot of say in the things he cares about. Strikes me as the sort of bloke who does things out of a passion rather than solely for a pay-check. He could easily just swan off and live a life of luxury but he has chosen to stay in the sport.
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Post by mekon on Jun 29, 2021 9:01:37 GMT
Wasn't the VR46 thing supposed to be for Italians though? To combat the likes of Vinales?
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