2012 Moto GP - Riders/Teams/Bikes/Etc.

[jhansen]

So silly season has been pretty dull this year, mainly because the factory rides have been known for a while. What we know:

Ducati
Valentino Rossi
Nicky Hayden

Honda
Casey Stoner
Dani Pedrosa

Yamaha
Jorge Lorenzo
Ben Spies

Forward Racing (CRT)
Collin Edwards

This was announced today. An R1 motor for sure, possibly a Tech 3 chassis.

Bradley Smith to Tech 3 is a rumor, which is maybe hotter now with CE gone. I don't get this one, as I don't think he's impressed much on a Moto 2 bike. But then again that might be meaningless, when you consider guys like Elias on a GP bike. Crutchlow may be out though, as I guess Herve doesn't fancy him much.

Randy De Puniet to Tech 3 is a rumor also.

Probably the most interest is on Dovisioso and Simoncelli. Plus, earlier this year Honda said only four bikes next year, and only two of them will be factory. LCR is seeming to get a Honda, which leaves one for Gresini. It has also been rumored that Gresini could run a CRT bike with an Aprilia V4. I also heard snippets today during practice that Dovi and Simoncelli both said they will walk if they don't get a factory supported Honda.

Dovi to Tech 3 is also being mentioned.

If I remember correctly, Aspar want two bikes.

Bradl is supposedly bringing money to either LCR or a CRT bike.

Perhaps finally, we have Suzuki. I wonder if they will forge on with the 800?

Lots to sort out yet.

[jhansen]

Simoncelli has been confirmed next year with Gresini AND a factory spec bike.

No news on Dovisioso yet, but he's now being rumored at going to LCR or Tech 3.

[jhansen]

Official, Dovi to Tech 3 with a one-year deal. I think he has his eyes on Spies' seat.

[bestfit]

Originally Posted by jhansen

Official, Dovi to Tech 3 with a one-year deal. I think he has his eyes on Spies' seat.

A clever buy by Yamaha. Three years of HRC inside info comes with him.

[jhansen]

Worryingly, there are only 13 bikes confirmed at the moment. 4 Hondas, 4 Yamahas, 3 Ducatis, and 2 CRT bikes. Aspar is the latest to announce a CRT change after not being able to do an affordable deal with Ducati.

[jhansen]

Marquez to stay in Moto 2 next year...

[chunder]

That is officialy the worst news I ahve heard all year! What on earth is the point in that? Repsol money and advertising/marketing overload, thats what.

Awful, awful decision by all concerned

[jhansen]

Originally Posted by chunder

That is officialy the worst news I ahve heard all year! What on earth is the point in that? Repsol money and advertising/marketing overload, thats what.

Awful, awful decision by all concerned

Repsol are pretty darn pleased though!

Edit: and maybe Dani Pedrosa is pleased as well. With the rookie rule, Marquez wont be in the factory team in 2013.

[jhansen]

Marlboro Ducati
Valentino Rossi
Nicky Hayden

Repsol Honda
Casey Stoner
Dani Pedrosa

Yamaha
Jorge Lorenzo
Ben Spies

Cardion Ducati
Karel Abraham

Pramac Ducati
Hector Barbera

Gresini Honda
Marco Simoncelli (RC213V)
? (CRT)

LCR Honda
?

Tech 3 Yamaha
Andrea Dovisioso
Cal Crutchlow

Forward Racing (CRT)
Collin Edwards

BQR (CRT)
?

Aspar (CRT)
?


That's 16 bikes so far. That leaves a big question mark on what Suzuki are doing. I have to think they're done at this point. But who knows. The only saving grace now would be more CRT bikes...

RdP is linked to the LCR ride with Bautista and Hopkins outside shots. Yonney Hernandez is being mentioned at BQR. No idea who Aspar will go with. The Gresini CRT bike is not certain.

[ghinzani]

Julian Ryder said today that Bradl and Marquez will both be staying in Moto2 which goes against previous thought as Bradl was supposed to be getting a Honda and Marquez a works one to be run as a satellite team. He also said Takahashi is going to be in Moto GP again next year - CRT one presumes. Dorna would want at least one Japanese presumably.

Barabara doesnt want to rise a CRT Aspar and is linked with Pramac.

[skells22]

well, because of death i wonder want will Gresini will do to find someone to take Marco place in sad outcome

[ATF]

Originally Posted by skells22

well, because of death i wonder want will Gresini will do to find someone to take Marco place in sad outcome

Today, none of that matters.

RIP Marco

[jhansen]

I feel gutted for Gresini, first Katoh now Simoncelli.

[Gerrit]

The current world financial situation may make all speculation as to "who will ride what next year" pointless. Spain, home to many teams and sponsors, is in the midst of a severe crisis- expect a lot of cutbacks here. Sponsors such as banks will find it increasingly difficult to justify any significant expenditure on what is, after all, not vital to their survival. Teams will have to cut the number of riders or even close down altogether.
In a few weeks, the question might well be "WILL there be a realistic GP series at all?" If MotoGP can only field 13 riders on the grid......

[ghinzani]

And CRT may end up being Moto GP!