No more Telefonica Suzuki

[CleanTone]

Telefonica Movistar has quit Suzuki for Honda. It happens. My logic says that Telefonica will replace West as a Pons sponsor. This means that Nieto will have a MotoGP ride, since Giberna is reluctant to a move. My opinion is that Elias is faster. However, the teams shift to Honda reminds me of CART/IRL situation, Red Bull WCM considered. Don't get me wrong, I am a Honda fan, but first I am a racing fan.

[gomick]

that was on the cards for a while now (ie: telefonica leaving suzuki) - think elias needs another season or 2 on the 250.....

[f1manoz]

This comes as no surprise. Telefonica have been unhappy with the performance of the Suzuki for a while, and Roberts podium in Estoril was too little, too late.

Going to Honda Pons would be a good deal, depending on who rides those machines.

[Speeddemon555]

So Kenny Roberts Jr. ends up rideless for next year?

[asha]

i'm sure that worse case senario suzuki just run a 'offical' team.

Elise and Fonsi Nieto as both going to be in 250. But both being spainish (same as telefonica) 2004 looks interesting.

Who will ride for the Telefonica Pons team? Sito seems like a bit of a ********?

[f1manoz]

Suzuki will be able to find a new sponsor and Roberts has already extended his contract with Suzuki for two years.

Pons now looks like a destination for Spanish riders if the link-up with Telefonica is to be believed. Nieto won't be graduating to MotoGP as he has unfinished business in the 250cc class. And Elias is not ready to graduate yet.

Gibernau could end up moving to Pons as I don't think he has yet signed a deal for 2003, and knowing how Spanish sponsors love to have Spanish riders on their machine, I would not be suprised if this ended up being the case.

[asha]

my tip
- sete to pons with movistar money

[steve nielsen]

I've heard that Jurgen vd Goorberg has found a big (dutch) sponsor wich could be the main sponsor of a MotoGP team, he's negotiating with Suzuki(and Aprilla) for a ride in 2003.
his performance this weekend certainly helped!

[f1manoz]

I think Jurgen is an under-rated rider who, with the right machinery, could spring a surprise or two. He's been around a while now but has never been on anything competitive.

This year could have been his big break if it had not been for:

a) the four-strokes

and

b) the Bridgestone tyres

[racer69]

Jurgen definatly has the talent, he has shown it over the years he just has never had a good bike.

I thought Telefonica Movistar were moving to the Kanemoto team to take over from Fortuna who are going to Yamaha. Sete would then join Kato at Kanemoto.