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16 Apr 2003, 01:41 (Ref:570689) | #1 | ||
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Abe for South Africa.
Norick Abe will replace Marco Melandri at the South African Grand Prix this month in Moto GP. No word on Kato's replacement for the Camel Honda team.
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16 Apr 2003, 07:21 (Ref:570813) | #2 | ||
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*ahem
yeah, abe is replacing Marco indefinately. The only thing i will say about Kato is that he doesn't ride for Camel. He rides for Team Telefónica Movistar Honda. |
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16 Apr 2003, 08:38 (Ref:570856) | #3 | ||
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This may be the only opportunity Abe gets to show his stuff as Melandri is confident of returning in time for Jerez. I doubt that's the case, but he and Dr. Costa appear confident in Marco's quick rehabilitation.
As for Telefonica Honda, I doubt they will have a replacement for Kato anytime soon. Gresini is basically heartbroken at what happened, and Sete is also having difficulty coping with the situation, and has said he will not take over Kato's bike, even thought it's the newer evolution of the Honda. |
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16 Apr 2003, 09:19 (Ref:570881) | #4 | ||
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I really cant see anyone taking over Kato's position.
I dont really think its appropriate either. |
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16 Apr 2003, 09:26 (Ref:570883) | #5 | ||
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I'll concur with that thought asha.
The problem is, from a racing and business standpoint, is that the sponsors will eventually want someone to take the bike over as they are paying money for both bikes to be on the track Honda, IMO, will not want someone to take Kato's spot. |
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Sunderland Til I Die! |
16 Apr 2003, 09:49 (Ref:570909) | #6 | ||
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Like others here, I agree that nobody can take Kato's position but the reality (like f1manoz says) is that racing is their business and sponsors have their requirements. Wasn't Senna replaced at Williams for the next race? Its inevitable.
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16 Apr 2003, 10:18 (Ref:570944) | #7 | ||
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av8rirl,
Williams left Senna's seat empty at Monaco, as did Simtek, but at the next race in Spain, David Coulthard was in the Williams. |
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16 Apr 2003, 13:08 (Ref:571119) | #8 | ||
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i cant see Gresini taking on another rider. Maybe another Honda will be running later in the season but i highly doubt it will be in the telefonica garage.
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16 Apr 2003, 13:21 (Ref:571141) | #9 | ||
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Probably Honda will run another bike, because the Telefonica sponsors will want their livery out on the track, and will consider Daijiro's accent as a minor inconvenience which doesn't free Hodna and Gresini of their contractual obligation. It's harsh, but I suspect soemone will be on that bike by round 3.
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16 Apr 2003, 13:26 (Ref:571149) | #10 | ||
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Itoh would definitely be a possibility, I think- he is a veteran HRC rider, and has no contract with any current team. It would be easy for HRC to squeeze him in.
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16 Apr 2003, 13:33 (Ref:571155) | #11 | ||
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I can't see it happening
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