Can you show us that quote? Or is this a windup? Lots of things point to him not being there for the money. 1. He's lost the passion for the sport and so decides to leave. 2. He's never pushed for the big dollars and doesn't earn as much as Jorge. 3. If he was in it for the money he'd have kept his mouth closed and stayed for the paycheck - he could earn millions more. Cal to Honda? I know Honda like Bradl but Cal is looking good and will have a podium soon. As Dovi's already had a go on a factory bike I think Cal will be slightly ahead of him in the preference stakes. Good to hear that Ducati are making him an offer, I think their thinking is that he'll replace Nicky and partner Vale. Nicky to Suzuki? Or maybe CRT? HRC will keep Dani now. I think Jorge will stay at Yamaha and I think Vale will stay at Ducati, provided they turn around their dry performance.
I think we can safely say Stoner is definitely NOT in it for the money, for a start he says that in his interview and 2nd rumour is Honda offered him double his current deal but he flatly refused it. I think all that would get stoner to stay is knowing he hasn't got to deal with politics any longer and perhaps even have that close family feel back he once had with Ducati (which is hurting him by the sounds of it) For me Vale has to stay with Ducati, he dosnt need the money and if anything ducati would be screwed if he goes with the project unfinished. Plus I like the idea Imola had so that means Vales gotta stay. I just hope Cal gets his deserved ride, Honda, Yamaha or Ducati (ideal) but factory would be great for him.
Just to remind you he Quit Michelin before the contract was up Quit Yamaha to avoid a pay cut But if that is what he wants, then fair play to him. He rides a bike at 200mph, risking his life along the way. He knows what his neck is worth, and what his ambitions are. They are all entitled to choose their priorities in life. Stoner wants out, again fair play. I admire his guts in not enslaving himself to the corporates. More of us should doing the same. Dont buy Starbucks, use your locally owned coffee shop! Good result by VR yesterday. Hopefully more like that to follow
I believe that Stoner is sincere in his decison to retire, given that he has been racing all his teenage and adult life - he must want a 'normal' existance with his family. However, he's a racer and I don't think that he will want to be away from competition for too long. Look for a return to top level racing in 2015. He's still a very young man compared to (us, or) the rest of the paddock.
Marquez up to repsol honda if he can get a couple of rides towards the end of the season, if they take away his rookie status for 2013
As much as I like Rossi, I don't want him on the honda or Yamaha. I want to see someone other than the aliens on a factory bike. Cal, Bautista, RDP, someone to shake up the established order.
I'd love to see RDP on at least a satellite factory backed bike, I just love his win it or bin it attitude, great fun to watch
