MOTOGP » Ducati launches title defender

Chu - stick to the point - this is an article about the Ducati - not an ex-world championship who has won diddly in the last 2 years

says "title defender" on the headline ... i m talking about the rivals against whhom ducati will defnd the title!

It's hard to imagine that the GP8 won't once again be the best machine on the grid. Honda will be there too. Good to see the young guns on the best machines (Casey, Marco, Dani), and the best rider on the worst machine - hopefully it will make for great racing.

I would not write off Rossi and Yamaha just yet,( or a few others for that matter) a lot of work will have been done to make the bike more competitive over the winter break and Rossi appears to be still hungry for the wins. Looks to be a great season of racing in 2008, but being a Brit I hope JT wins every race! (some hope)

When are Yamaha debuting their new machine?

Yamaha are debuting the 2008 machine at the first test of the the year (end on January I believe).

I think this year will be much closer. Casey and Ducati were so far ahead last year that it is hard not to see them as a dominant force again, but Honda will not have been standing still and I think Dani is a naturally faster rider (maybe not as agressive). Rossi will be back and providing Yamaha can close the gap then he should not be forgotten. Still not sure about Marco but I really hope he can keep Casey honest. Hopper could be a force this year but he is still unproven. Should be a good season.

For sure, Stoner is now the man to beat. This season will be tougher but if he keeps a cool head then title number 2 will be his. Yamaha must surely regret the day they passed up the opportunity to sign him instead of sticking with journayman Edwards.

Hi Morgue. I know I am risking being shot down here but if Yamaha had signed Stoner, he would not be world champion now. He is a great rider but not good enough to turn that one around

jh;I am concerned about the Morgue's health, I am off to bed now can you please keep an eye on him, I will take over the vigil after I have slept????

Is that you Morgue? or is it your own double?