The MotoGP Rider Merry-go-round
Added on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
The MotoGP Rider Merry-go-round
Right, now that Jorge Lorenzo has finally made up his mind over his future by signing a new contract with Yamaha, the MotoGP rider merry-go-round can really get going.
Up to now, only Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner had any form of job security for 2010. Both are under contract at their respective teams until the end of next year and the only way that Yamaha would allow Rossi to leave is if he was to become the team bus driver for Manchester City. That said, for Casey Stoner at least, the decision to sit-out three rounds has raised some suspicion over his future.
Jorge Lorenzo ended a “will he, won’t he, will he, probably won’t now that Honda aren’t interested, actually might now that Ducati are interested, won’t he, will he” saga this week by agreeing to remain with Yamaha for 2010, although he did only sign a one year contract so expect the same saga again next year. That now means that, given that every rider and his agent was vying for one of a possible three bikes next year, a few other deals are likely to be announced in the coming weeks.
Most importantly, it means that Tech 3 Yamaha are in a better position to decide who their riders are going to be for 2010, although there is the small matter of Ben Spies to worry about. Spies, currently impressing in his debut season in World Superbikes, has long made it clear that he wants to race in MotoGP and Yamaha have equally made it clear that they want to keep him in the company, whether that be in WSB or MotoGP.
The saga doesn’t help Britain’s James Toseland, and there are various permutations that could affect his future in the coming weeks. Both he and teammate Colin Edwards are out of contract and, based on results, it’s safe to say that JT would be the more likely to go. But of course, motorsport isn’t entirely based on results.
Finances comes into play and in truth, they could actually benefit Toseland. Edwards didn’t come cheaply when Tech 3 convinced him to come out of retirement and, for a rider who is approaching the end of his career, it might be n investment that they are less willing to make in 2010. Yamaha are also unlikely to opt for two Americans in their satellite team, given that both Edwards and Spies can sell enough bikes stateside on their own – a point that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Dorna. The MotoGP promoters are reportedly keen to build on the inroads that they’ve made into the British market and Toseland is sure to be part of that. Rumours of a potential financial incentive to keep the Brit might not be that far off the mark. Whether Toseland deserves a ride in MotoGP is debatable, and in last week’s poll you were split right down the middle, but there are definitely commercial incentives there.
Aside from the activity at Yamaha, there are plenty of other issues to sort out. Repsol Honda has signed deals with Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa whilst Suzuki have also finalised their rider line-up, with Alvaro Bautista and Loris Capirossi signing for next year.
Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis have both joined the job centre queue already, with the pair being ousted at Gresini Honda by the two Marcos; Simoncelli and Melandri and Chris Vermeulen will leave Suzuki but aside from that, little is decided.
Nicky Hayden, Chris Vermeulen, Mika Kallio, Niccolo Canepa, Randy de Puniet and Gabor Talmacsi will all be having discussions with their respective agents in the coming weeks.
Hayden appears to be the latest rider to become unstuck by the Ducati, Vermeulen has reportedly offered to ride for Tech 3 for free in what may be an attempt to avoid a move back to WSB and Randy de Puniet is reportedly looking for a quicker ride.
Don’t expect too many announcements this weekend in Indianapolis. The likelihood is that any new announcements will be held off until the championship returns to Europe, with the San Marino GP the week after. Still, all this speculation gives the hacks plenty of ammunition.
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