Ducati is feeling the heat! Sponsors expressing concern - Ducati.ms

dv8ryan · Aug 3rd, 2011, 8:33 am

Ducati: Sponsors happy with Rossi - Yahoo! Eurosport

For me anyways, it seems Ducati is trying to downplay the rumors that I'm sure have been going on for quite some time. I don't doubt they are working their asses off. But I wouldn't be surprised if Phillip Morris is demanding better results.

tye1138 · Aug 3rd, 2011, 12:39 pm

If you read my laguna blog, you'll see there are not just rumors running around, but some good evidence that Rossi might give up.

Yesterday when I talked with Mark Neale who just finished a film about Rossi called Faster and Faster, he said Ducati are working like gang-busters to produce parts, it just takes too long to make them.

I agree with him in some respect, I feel Ducati is working hard for sure. But I also feel they don't know where they are going.

Mark did offer one piece of information; Rossi refuses to ride the bike like Stoner. He is too scared to crash like Stoner... I think we all kinda guessed this.

Matt_P · Aug 3rd, 2011, 1:14 pm

I'm tired of the whole Rossi Ducati thing. Ring me up when they make a bike that works.... for everyone.

The WSBK races at silverstone this weekend were so refreshing.

dv8ryan · Aug 3rd, 2011, 1:38 pm

Well, if Rossi bolts, the whole Simoncelli to Ducati thing makes even more sense. But where does Rossi go? Factory rides are pretty much locked up for next year, and Rossi is still a number 1 rider.

tye1138 · Aug 3rd, 2011, 2:13 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dv8ryan

Well, if Rossi bolts, the whole Simoncelli to Ducati thing makes even more sense. But where does Rossi go? Factory rides are pretty much locked up for next year, and Rossi is still a number 1 rider.

I bet Yamaha will pick him up and put him on a private team.

dv8ryan · Aug 3rd, 2011, 2:34 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tye1138

I bet Yamaha will pick him up and put him on a private team.

I can only see Rossi boltin for Yamaha if the season's trend continues or get's worse. If he improves his results towards the end of the season I see him sticking it out. But if he does leave, Simoncelli steps in as the "Italian" future since he's pretty much stuck without a "factory" ride next year and he deserves factory team money to develop a bike around. I don't see Hayden getting bumped up to the number 1 rider. He's always been a number 2 guy. Who knows, but as a fan, it's frustrating.

Matt_P · Aug 3rd, 2011, 2:38 pm

Simoncelli to Ducati is a preposterous proposition and a big waste of time and money. If they can't make things work now they never will. This is their one chance within the foreseeable future.