The true GP12 according to Perisoso. The one they use now still has the stressed engine for the carbon frames. Ducati don't have the MASSIVE budget like honda do so not bad really as the bike was only designed over Christmas.
F1 are after him as is Flaminni of WSB and the sponsors. If the real GP12 which they get at laguna fails He will be off i reckon.
I would actually like to see him in F1, but I think he's too old to start now. I'd not like a move to WSB, it'd be a step down and I'd rather see him retire!
Aaargh!! I've spent more time writing and deleting an answer to this than I think is good for me, so I'll just say ...No.
You bet he would, can you imagine the interest/money he'd generate! He might not be getting the Ducati to the front, but I bet he's made his money back in additional sponsership and merchandise sales :wink:
Sells Audi and VW's, Did you know that VAG have poached the CEO of fiat ? The one who is a VR fan and sponsored Yamaha ? Rumour is He will be Ducati's new CEO when Torchio go's ?
Oookaaaayy...as you asked so nicely. The reason I don't think so is because I don't thnk he's motivated by money. He's motivated like most racers (in my opinion) by success and improving himself. I think he has a very high self-esteem and looks to Ago and possibly others as role models. I don't think that he could contemplate too much more of the 'fading away' that he is currently experiencing. He's certainly not experiencing any consistent success or improvement on the Ducati - so far. There must come a point for them all (including Vale), when the realisation kicks in that irrespective of how hard they try, and how much they want to retain their previous status, they're unable to do so. It's pretty much the law of the jungle, whereby the young guns will eventually depose the king from his throne. There can be nothing more tragic and depressing than seeing someone fall from their once lofty position, despite their continuing and futile efforts to go out on a 'high'. So - the difficult thing to do is to decide when to throw in the towel and move on. Believe me, there's nothing that I'd like better than to see VR get to grips with the Ducati and win. Based on recent experience I don't have any confidence that it will happen. That may be because the competition is so good in terms of bikes and riders, or that VR has lost something - either in his confidence or his ability to dial a bike in to make it work for him - like he was able to do with the Yamaha after years on the Honda. Whatever the reason is, we can all see it ain't working. If nothing changes for the better - why would he want to subject himself to the ignominy of continuing failure, loss of his previous great status and ridicule in the press? So - there you go. And that's just the intro. :wink:
Interesting!!! Don't get me wrong.....I think the Audi brand is great....I work at an Audi dealer as a master tech....but I didn't think they'd go into F1!! One good thing is....they want to be the best at everything they do....so that can only be good for Ducati!!!
I'm a service engineer and the best van i have ever had over many years and 100'000's mile is my VW Caddy! 2 1/2 years old 111.000 miles and STILL drives like it's new! Unlike the french, Italian etc crap vans i had before. All the reps and managers now have Audi's or VW's, Not a Merc or beemer in sight!
I agree with Ken that it has to be more than money alone. Depends how the rest of the year goes and what is waiting in the wings for 2013. It's just possible that Ducati/Audi have faith that Rossi/JB can deliver the bike everyone thought they would at the start. Whether that bike could make VR a champ again i have my doubts 3 years on but the next guy along if he's good just might.
If that is true it really does put 2007 into perspective. Someone pointed out to me the other day Casey beat Capirossi by 200 points that year, while Yamaha and Rossi threw 75 away through mechanical failure and falling off. I think he is motivated by money. All round my house I have #46 stuff. Towels, duvet set, toilet brush and toilet roll holder set, tax guide........I have a VR clock on my kitchen wall where Sheenes face has been replaced by mine. Standing, smiling beside VR. Like long lst brothers. Mid June sees the arrival of our Bengal cats, one of which will be called Valentino, since we are massive fans. Will post pics.
