2004 / Silly Season thread

x_dt · 7 Sep 2003, 15:39 (Ref:710922)

Its that time of year when rumours about next year are starting to fly and deals are being done, so here are 2 for starters:

Alex de Angelis to race 250s next year? De Angelis himself says that he is looking for an official 250cc ride: http://www.motograndprix.com/en/125/...&news_id=10818
During Eurosport's commentary of the 250cc Estoril race Fonsi Nieto (IIRC) was linked to a ride in the MotoGP class. Any ideas where this may be??

Anyone have any more rumours about 2004 to add?

CleanTone · 7 Sep 2003, 19:10 (Ref:711081)

I was going to start a similar thread today. It looks like you beat me into it.

Here is what I think. Kyionari is a gonner and I have no logical substitute for him (maybe Rolfo, but I don't see that a difference between the 2). A Kwak seat linked with E Bostrom(sorry for whoever lands that seat). A Ducati ride for Hodgson, but where(WCM?). I also believe that at least 1 Aprilia is for the winner of 250cc unless that one is Poggiali. And of course, Roberts should go to AMA SBK for a refreshening with Lavilla in his place(not the smartest move, but hey...)

I base these on absolutely nothing

f1manoz · 8 Sep 2003, 00:39 (Ref:711321)

Here's what has been said of recent:

- Niel Hodgson will definetely be on a Ducati next season, and most likely in MotoGP. It's possible D'Antin will switch from Yamaha to Ducati and Hodgson will be one of his riders.

- Either Toni Elias or Fonsi Nieto could end up on a Seto Pons bike next season. Pons is unhappy with Ukawa and wants a Spaniard on board.

- There is still conjecture over where Rossi could land next year. Although all indications prove he will be at Honda, Ducati have put forward a massive financial bid for his services in 2004.

- Daniel Pedrosa and Alex de Angelis are two 125cc riders who are looking to 250s for 2004. de Angelis is almost certain of going while Pedrosa going depends on if he wins the title and IF he wants to defend it.

- Suzuki could be having a clear-out. Roberts is nearing the end of his contract, and after recent performances, it's doubtful he'll stay. Hopper will probably stay.

- Alex Hoffman has signed for Kawasaki and it's expected Pitt should stay with the team. Garry McCoy will either head to AMA or could even retire.

Dani Filth · 8 Sep 2003, 07:33 (Ref:711458)

i would like to see De Puinet on a RS Cube

racer69 · 8 Sep 2003, 07:56 (Ref:711481)

- Xaus linked with possible move to AMA Superbikes

- Laconi, Toseland and Chris Vermuelen linked to Fila Ducati SBK

- Vermuelen also linked, along with Karl Muggeridge, to move to SWC with Ten Kate on the new Honda.

All very much rumours though

f1manoz · 8 Sep 2003, 10:12 (Ref:711629)

Good chance of Toseland ending up at Fila Ducati. With Hodgson most likely off to MotoGP, and Xaus having to rescue his contract, there could be two empty rides for 2004.

McCoy and Xaus are two riders who have been linked to AMA. It would be a step down for both, but AMA is very competitive, and could certainly revitalise McCoy's somewhat stalled career.

Shane Byrne and his MonsterMob Ducati team are tipped to move into WSB for next year.

Manufacturers to return? With the new rules, it all depends on who is interested. Honda said they would, as did Yamaha, but it will all depend on the rules package.

IF, and it's a big IF, Rossi were to leave Honda at season's end, it appears it will be a fight between Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau to become the next Honda 'Golden Child.' After his performances this year, Sete would be a front-runner.

Australian Supersport/Formula Xtreme champion Kevin Curtain is hoping for a full-time ride on a Yamaha next year, and also looking for a wild-card for the MotoGP race at Australia next month.

f1manoz · 8 Sep 2003, 10:14 (Ref:711631)

Edwards is signed for Aprilia in 2004. I haven't heard about Haga as yet. His performances this year have been somewhat erratic. The Italian team may want to get an Italian on their bike. Expect them to be knocking on Poggiali's and Rolfo's door... even Rossi's...

TheMan · 8 Sep 2003, 10:57 (Ref:711688)

Look for Melandri to replace Haga at Aprilia. He was in there original squad for this season but they decided to go for experience instead. I know Melandri`s year has been chaotic to say the least but at times he has shown some speed. Elias may be moving aswell. He is also linked to Aprilia. One this is for sure, No matter where Rossi ends up he will still beat Max.

Dani Filth · 8 Sep 2003, 11:37 (Ref:711713)

Quote:

Originally posted by TheMan
No matter where Rossi ends up he will still beat Max.

sad

.. but very true

.. Melandri is starting to show his class on the Yamaha .. could be nice to have him on a Cube .. but how about a second team with Aprilia bikes .. as in the 250 .. maybe Cechinello could change the 250 into a MotoGP team ..

f1manoz · 8 Sep 2003, 12:27 (Ref:711760)

I think Lucio will stay in 125s

He wants to win that championship, then he'll retire. I don't think he has any aspirations of moving up, though in the future he could end up running a team in the top echelon.

x_dt · 8 Sep 2003, 18:19 (Ref:712172)

Quote:

Originally posted by racer69
- Vermuelen also linked, along with Karl Muggeridge, to move to SWC with Ten Kate on the new Honda.

Honda returning to WSBK?? :confused: Would there be any works involvement?

Also Honda will have one less bike in MotoGP next year:
http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...id=6&nid=75898

CleanTone · 8 Sep 2003, 19:56 (Ref:712264)

If what you say it's true it might mean that Kyionari will be replaced by Ukawa. Barros for Melandri. Nakano for Barros. Melandri for Haga. Which leaves a rather good ride at Yamaha. Again, based on absolutely nothing

racer69 · 9 Sep 2003, 12:16 (Ref:713029)

Would Haga return home in place of Melandri?

There was originally supposed to be a works Honda team next year, but the rule changes announced a few weeks back have everybody weighing up the pros and cons. With the emphasis in teams rather than manufacturers next year in WSB, Ten Kate wouldn't be at much of a disadvantage to run like they are now. And remember the 4s will have a sizeable advantage under the new rules.....

**gomick** · 10 Sep 2003, 08:21 (Ref:713863)

ten kate tuned honda cbr 954 - that is the rumour, hopefully true - ten kate have conquered supersport

Dani Filth · 10 Sep 2003, 11:29 (Ref:714000)

i think they will run a new CBR .. a CBR-1000RR . that will be launched this year ...

wreckless · 10 Sep 2003, 12:11 (Ref:714025)

Dont forget that Moriwaki say that they wish to compete next year, there will have to be some room made somewhere for them. That could also be the reason for honda only running 6 bikes, they could be making room for the honda powered machine

Gerrit · 12 Sep 2003, 08:24 (Ref:716001)

Apparently Ezpeleta of Dorna has a right to nominate a thirteenth team, and latest is that this will be a Bridgestone-Honda team with riders Tamada and Barros. I always thought the artificial limit on teams was ridiculous; if this Bridgestone-Honda team does, indeed, materialize, it would mean no less that EIGHT Hondas in a 26-bike pack or nearly 33% will be on Hondas! Better start calling MotoGP Honda Cup instead... yawn.........

f1manoz · 12 Sep 2003, 10:40 (Ref:716146)

I concur Gerrit. I see absolutely no reason why there cannot be 30+ bikes on the grid, like we see in the 125s!

IMO there should be a limit to the amount of bikes by a single manufacturer.

429CJ · 12 Sep 2003, 16:56 (Ref:716663)

Anthony West could end to ride Pons Honda and Fonsi Nieto d'Antin Ducati.

x_dt · 20 Sep 2003, 19:16 (Ref:725160)

Looks like Fonsi is on the move irrespective of whether or not he lands a MotoGP ride. According to the Eurosport commentators during today's race the relationship between Fonsi and his current team are not good.

asha · 23 Sep 2003, 02:55 (Ref:727244)

i like fonsi, i want to give him a big kiss

oh wait.. i mean i want to kiss his girlfriend

Bleu · 26 Sep 2003, 20:11 (Ref:731333)

Does anyone know what Pedrosa is doing? Will he move to 250?

DriverT · 6 Oct 2003, 14:58 (Ref:742020)

Valentino Rossi to race IRL??

Dani Filth · 6 Oct 2003, 15:14 (Ref:742038)

lol.. no way ...

**GTRMagic** · 7 Oct 2003, 05:24 (Ref:742572)

Where to for Casey Stoner? He will break thru for a win this season surely, and bounce that into a factory 125cc gig for 2004?

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