If Capirossi stays what about Spies?

[ÜberDoober]

New headline on the home page (http://www.dooberville.com) today from Autosport: Capirossi Set to Stay at Suzuki.

So, if Loris stays does that mean Vermeulen is out of a seat or that Suzuki isn't planning to bring Ben Spies over? Hmmm? Silly season starting a little early this year, eh?


Capirossi Set to Stay at Suzuki
Suzuki have dropped a hint that Loris Capirossi is likely to be retained for another season next year, even though no final decision has been taken yet about the Italian's future.

Capirossi only has a firm contract for this season but, with an option for 2009, there appears every likelihood that the Italian will get a fresh deal.
Speaking to the official MotoGP website, Suzuki team manager Paul Denning said a decision would be taken in a few races' time, although suggested that there was every reason for them to continue together.
Full Story: EXTERNAL LINK (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66777)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/capirossi.jpg (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66777)
photo courtesy of Autosport.com

[Gary]

Suzuki seems interested in running a 3rd bike next year, possibly with Aspar Martinez's team moving into the class - although with numbers Aspar said Suzuki stated they wanted for the bike he said he would probably need a European rider to garner the necessary sponsorship.

The only place that I've heard Spies is a given to the Suzuki GP team next year is in the US - the Euro sources mention his name but don't imply that it's a given that he'll be there in '09. Others have said there is interest in teams other than Suzuki, but I'm not specifically aware of it.

To show how much confusion there is in the US, you constantly hear that Spies would be going to 'Schwantz's team', but Aspar has mentioned bringing Kevin in as sort of a mentor/riding coach - it wouldn't be Kevin's own team. Schwantz has made it clear in the past that running a team involves more headaches than his interested in dealing with.

Schwantz himself said recently that he has no idea what '09 will bring, and Aspar is talking to Yamaha as well as Suzuki.

[ÜberDoober]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your knowledge about this. I didn't know.

Capirossi is pimping staying with Suzuki pretty hard at the moment and the articles I've read, as you noted, say nothing about Spies.

Veddy interesting! I'll be watching the events from Fontana closely this weekend to see what, if anything, is said. With things still a buzz from the DMG takeover, AMA racing is a little more interesting right now than just the Ben and Mat show.

[ÜberDoober]

No sooner than I post this, a new RSS headline comes up on the DooberVille MotoGP page.


Schwantz eyes 2009 Suzuki MotoGP role
Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 500cc title winner and MotoGP Legend, has told motogp.com that he has ambitions to return to the World Championship paddock next season, either in a role with the Suzuki factory team or running a satellite outfit with his compatriot Ben Spies on the Japanese firm´s machinery.
Full Story from MotoGP.com: LINK (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Schwantz+eyes+2009+Suzuki+MotoGP+role)

[Gary]

Yeah - I loved it. As soon as I open my mouth motogp.com posts Schwantz saying he is considering running his own team after spending 2 years saying he doesn't want to run a team :ack2: Regardless I'm glad to see Spies' name in the mix! Poncheral is talking about signing Edwards for next year too, this was supposed to be his 'farewell' year but Tech 3 is pleased to death with the way things are going this season. They've gone from a team that gets excited about a top 10 to hoping for podiums and front rows every round.

I think a one rider team would be a good thing for Spies, better not to have an experienced teammate to try to beat as long as the factory is assisting with some data. Makes the Aspar Martinez situation interesting, as he's talking to both Suzuki and Yamaha, while Tech 3 already has a Yamaha contract. Soooo are we talking 4 Suzuki's or 3 Suzuki's and 5 Yamaha's, or is Aspar staying in the smaller classes for his teams? Either way it could increase the grid size.

[ÜberDoober]

... Either way it could increase the grid size.

Yeah, that would be a good thing since we seem to have lost KR's team for good? Heard anything about them lately?

I too have been pretty surprised by Tech-3's performance this season. Edwards seems like the fire has been re-lit and who would have predicted Toseland to be on pace so soon?

I read today that Rossi is starting to question his move to Bridgestones. Duh! But now he's stuck with his decision. We'll see how he fares against Lorenzo in China but my guess is if he falls off the podium or loses the front group like he did in Portugal, he's not going to be a very happy boy.

I hope the deal comes through for Spies to get a wildcard ride at IMS and Laguna. I also read today that Kawasaki is still interested in doing stuff with Rog Hayden, in spite of his injuries at Barber.

[Gary]

Good to hear Spies is on for the 2 GPs and the IRTA session at Indy! Being at US tracks (in his comfort zone), one where he has experience and one where no one does, should be a decent showcase for where he stands.

I hope Hayden is healthy enough to ride a GP or 2. There is no question in my mind that West will be elsewhere next year (like on a 600), not too sure Roger's name is on the list for that ride but it's the easiest way to make the list!