It's official - Spies & Ewards to ride for Yamaha Tech 3 in 2010

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Edwards+and+Spies+to+ride+for+Tech+3+in+2010

Two Texas boys - that should be one heck of a team! Now look out for Toseland whining.. (poor James.. http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/James-Toseland-dropped-from-tech3.5696305.jp)

 

I'd been predicting this for some time.

Art

 

predicting or knew?

that's a great pairing, looking forward to it.

 

Can't answer that. However, as long as Rossi is around, I don't think that Ben will do much, however, he will be better than Colin, but unless he gets the factory quality equipment, he won't be much of a factor in the first three places, unless there is rain. If they do give him the factory quality equipment, then watch for him anywhere from second to fifth.

Art

 

Is Nicky staying with Ducati next year? He's been a big disappointment this season, and Stoner's been mopping the floor with him.

 

From what I know, yes. The Ducati is difficult to ride, as I've been told. Stoner goes good on it, because he's got the system down, and trusts the bike. Apparently, he just puts in the settings, and let's the electronics work for him. Problem is that everyone once in a while, the bike, without notice, pitches him off (and the other riders who try that number). Because it's unexpected, most riders get spooked, and then turn down the electronics, thus slowing the bike down, which means lower finishes.

I'm told that the Ducati system is the most advanced in Motgp, but apparently it isn't up to Rossi level speed.

Art

 

Hayden has been confirmed (shorthly after Indy) for 2010.
Stoner has one more year on his Ducati contract.
Kallio will return with Pramac Ducati (IIRC the first rider ever to return to that team!)
Esparago will replace Canepa on the other Pramac
Barbera will ride a fifth Ducati (Gibernau was on one this year until the team folded).

Back to Spies in MotoGP.

IMO, he will do about the same as Edwards: top ten most of the time. Given the right conditions a podium is a possibility. If he got really lucky, maybe a win but unlikely next year. The fab four are well above everyone else and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

We really won't know until Valencia when Spies will race as a wild card. He has been so dominant in WSBK this year it really would be pointless for him to remain in that series, it would almost be like cherry-picking if that is possible in a world championship.

Toseland is taking his place on the R1 and will have some high expectations to live up to in 2010.

 

Since March, 1 2009 as a matter of fact!! I can't wait for next year already!