....really ..come on Ducati time to move on, this charmless ne'er do well isn't going to sell any bikes or do anything to improve the brand, almost any other rider would be more suitable, discuss.
You know thats exactly what I thought when I logged on and saw this picture on the opening page. You either love him or hate him but he was a great rider, he flew the flag for Britain and Ducati, but this was 15-20 years ago. He lives near me and I see him about in pubs and restaurants quite often. One night I was in a bar feeling like an old fart because most of the people there were in there twenties and I'm forty. Foggy was there too which made me feel better as he's older. He wasn't getting pestered at all (apart from my other half who had to hello because she knows his sister in law - I stayed away!) and this was because nobody knows who he is anymore, my brothers girlfriend and never heard of him!. I think it's time to move on, stop wheeling Foggy out and concentrate on building a bike that can win races today and produce well known riders for todays generation instead of focusing on manufacturing branded shit, or all todays generation will recognise Ducati for is who has seen to be drinking 'Ducati wine' or 'Ducati expresso coffee'!!.
This is purely a Ducati UK thing, very little to do with the factory. I'm sure he and Hodgson are still Ducati UK ambassadors, which is still good for the brand and them. I guess a similar thing would be for MV to break out Ago for an event. How about Yamaha breaking out Phil Read, or maybe even King Kenny for a PR piece, because that's all it is. Its just the official UK reveal of the 899, its not a global bike launch If Barry Sheene (RIP) were alive and was at a UK Suzuki bike launch, would you take the opportunity to moan about the current form of the factory team. May be worth taking a step back and looking at the event for what it is.
+1, I feckin hated Foggy when he was racing , I supported Aaron Slight and Honda , but he was an awesome racer and the Ducati's were top of the heap, I still respect Foggy for his achievements and he may be an arse, but he is England's arse, you should be proud of him :wink:.
I never realised he divided opinion this much. I thought he was fantastic in WSB back in the day. Lets face it, a lot of Ducati's popularity in the UK these days could be traced back to his success back in the 90's. He was a sight to watch on that 916.
Never met him personally, but respect his race results and how he went about winning and being proud to be British (and English) along with it. Maybe it wouldn't make me buy the bike (finances would mostly dictate that), but would go to an event he was "wheeled out" for.
He was an arse when racing. He was single minded, determined and focused. Some riders/drivers need that to get them going. He's a fairly affable chap now he has retired. Max Biaggi is probably a more relaxed guy now too. Schumacher is a relaxed affable guy now. Racing is about winning and no-one could ever question that desire in Carl. I supported him when he was racing, I knew he was a git. But if thats what it took to make that jump from a journeyman to a multiple world champion then fine. Not everyone is a Valentino. Some people are ruthless without the smile. I respect what Carl achieved. Plus I admire his drive and determination, ruthlessness and dedication he had when racing. He tried. No-one wants to compete against people who are not trying. I bet it was ace fun racing him.
He's a nice enough bloke, chances are he is still on the pay roll in some way, you'd do the same yourselves
Ducati need to move on, new bikes to promote so they need new faces. I reckon he is prob still riding their bikes that we dont see....who knws.
Carl himself is perfectly willing to admit that him came across as a dick when he was racing - that's because of the determination and focus he put into it. Mick Doohan said pretty much the same thing about himself. I'm sure that as soon as Ducati have someone else that's won them four world titles, they'll start using them in adverts instead of Foggy...
foggy is legend 120,000 at brands tells its own story ..he had the determination to win and could set up a bike ..sadly missing from current riders on ducati's in motogp and world supers ..the panagale is a shed that carn't win a race goes fast on A road on sunday afternoons but you prefer to be on a blade, R1 or zx10 if you want to win a race
he looks like Mr.Punch... i dont know anybody who likes him as a person...ive met him twice and found him rude and obnoxious to everyone around him..yes he was a great rider, but he did nothing to promote the sport internationally, and he's been conspicuous by his absence from the Ducati fold...one wonders if they werent glad to see the back of him.
Quite so, he deserves to be remembered. Do you think aussies are having the same conversation about Bayliss? Well, yes, they probably are...they'll moan about anything them aussies...
