Finally some clarification regarding Rossi, I hope we now get to see Cal on Ducati next year Official: Valentino Rossi quits Ducati | MotoGP News | Aug 2012 | Crash.Net It has been officially announced that MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi will conclude his Ducati career at the end of 2012. Rossi had moved to Ducati with the aim of trying to become the first ever rider to win premier-class titles for three different manufacturers, but has claimed just two podiums from 27 starts. A statement from Yamaha should follow shortly, confirming Rossi's return to the team with which he won four of his seven MotoGP titles. “As the MotoGP series awaits its return to action for the August 19 Indianapolis Grand Prix, Ducati announces that its working relationship with Valentino Rossi will conclude at the end of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship," said the Ducati statement. “Ducati wishes the Italian well for the new challenges that await him, and in the meantime, the team will continue to give its best effort in order to improve over the latter part of the season. “Racing has always been in Ducati's DNA, and now more than ever, it is integral to the Borgo Panigale company's product development and image. AUDI shares Ducati's strategic approach and agrees with its growing commitment to competition. “Therefore, having recently renewed its agreement with American Nicky Hayden, Ducati is in the process of finalizing the team that will take part in the 2013 World Championship, confident that its team and bike will be capable of competing at the highest level.” Among the leading contenders to take Rossi's place at Ducati are Yamaha Tech 3 riders Andrea Dovizioso or Cal Crutchlow, who have both had their Factory M1 hopes thwarted by Rossi's return. Rossi is eighth in the 2012 world championship, two points behind team-mate and top Ducati rider Hayden. At the same stage last season Rossi was fifth in the championship with 108 points.
Lets just hope that we don't end up with another Melandri situation for who ever goes to Ducati next year...
Cal should be aiming for better than 'OK'. I reckon the Ducati would be a backwards step for him. Trouble is there just aren't enough decent seats for the number of decent riders :frown:
Oh I don't know, I reckon Cal is the perfect candidate. A decent length contract is all he needs (3-4 years). What ducati need is somebody with some balls who's not full of themselves, Rossi was only ever concerned about getting it all set up exactly for him and getting additional status over a short period (ok he's at the end of his career) Dovi I suspect will be similar, a year of battling then hell throw his toys out and blame the bike etc etc Cal I reckon will just get on and muscle it as hard as it takes and will eventually reap the rewards when the Audi money comes in to play, for Cal it could make him a legend if he starts bringing one the wins. Yamaha etc is a dodgy stay for cal, they're too fickle and lets face it the bar is set high. Ducati need and loyal stubborn rider who won't be beaten, that's Cal all over I reckon.
I don't think Rossi wanted to be doing just OK riding for 6th and looking for someone to fall off to get a better result.
Must say I'm disappointed but not surprised. Be interesting to see who gets the Ducati ride. Hope it's Dovi tbh cos I think he's a hugely underestimated rider. :smile:
I don't think they underestimated him. Its just unfortunate he's not a stoner/lorenzo/pedrosa beater.
Dovi has already said he would like to ride for Ducati at sometime in the future but now is not the time! But now the seat he was eyeing up has gone....?
Dovi had his chance to shine on the Repsol machine and only managed 'ok' not great! I too fear for Cal on the Ducati, but with nothing else on the table it's sh*t or bust I feel. I hope Scott Redding comes with the Marc VDS team and then takes Hayden's place the year after tho!
I think like most people that it's a shame that it hasn't worked out how both Ducati and Rossi wanted it to, it would have been wonderful to see them at the top of the podium and winning the world title back. As for the future, there are so many options, I agree bring in Scott and MarcVDS and make them like Tech3, bringing both the bikes and riders forward. I would also love to see Cal on the Duke, but he needs to be given loads of time to test and develop the bike and adapt his style if needed. We know he can race and has the skill to be up there challenging for top spot given the right bike. His tussle with Dovi shows he is willing to push the bike past it's limits which has meant a couple of spills which have robbed him of more points. With the lack of factory rides available does he have a choice if he's offered the Duke ride, I don't think so, so I for one wish him all the best and lets hope we can see a Brit on the factory bike, racing and winning!
