WSBK » WSS: Nurburgring - Free practice times (1)

It's a mark of what he's achieved this year that I've just looked at Cal's time and thought it was a bit close - 'only' three tenths ahead of Sofoglu!

MOTOGP » Misano MotoGP - Friday practice times.

Yes, it's only first practice, but it looks like Espagaro knows how to take an opportunity. Also, it's good to see de Angelis finally coming good (he's had a pretty decent season anyway), just a shame it looks like he'll be out of a ride. I'm glad JT's improving as well, but compared with those around him who could be out of a job as well, I really can't see that he deserves a MotoGP ride next year. I bet he'll get one though...

MOTOGP » Espargaro handed shock Pramac MotoGP chance

His two rides this year have been pretty impressive in the 250s and he's got nothing to lose. OK, he's not having the best of seasons, but When Chaz subbed for Hoffman at Laguna he was coming off a 600 Kawasaki in the AMA and he didn't do too badly (at least in as much as his lap times by the end were pretty good). I think it's great sense for the team and the rider - Pramac have nothing to lose as Aleix will be cheap/free and if he doesn't perform, who really expected him to? Aleix has nothing to lose as he doesn't have a regular ride and as long as he does nothing stupid he's in the shop window for next year's Moto2. Good luck to him, maybe he can be the next one to unlock the Ducati!

MOTOGP » Brno MotoGP test times - Monday.

I know he's at the back of the field there, but he's under the two minute mark - looks like great work from Mattia. Going by the fact that the Duc's meant to be a bit of a beast, can we take this that Pasini will be able to cope with a MotoGP bike even with his dodgy arm? I hope so, he seems a top bloke and he's an exciting rider, I'd love to see him get a break

MOTOGP » Brno MotoGP - Friday practice times.

To be honest, I'm pretty impressed with Fabrizio, first time on an 800cc Ducati in anger, being less than a second off his team mate who's been on the bike all season...and kudos to Kallio too. Looks like it'll be an interesting race.

MOTOGP » Bautista to Suzuki, Barbera to Aspar?

If no-one offers Aoyama a ride, it's a crying shame - I've loved him the past few years, but this year he's taken it to another level (admittedly, Bautista's joined him). As for Bautista to Suzuki, why not? At least he gets full works backing and Suzuki surely have to be able to produce a podium-worthy bike soon (I realise this is a very hopeful statement!). Finally, Barbera. Someone mentioned the Ducati curse earlier and they're just not going to get top names as long as the bike stays an enigma, especially for the satellite rides. Go to a top guy and offer him a potentially career destroying ride and they'll think twice. Go to a 250 rider who's never going to get another shot...

BSB » History beckons for runaway leader Camier

This might sound strange, but I think Leon's been really unlucky to hit form this year of all years - he's riding really well and I think if he'd been in this shape last year he'd have pushed Byrne all the way. Form of his life, well sorted ride and the Championship's disappeared around him - I was looking forward to a season long Camier/Guintoli battle, too. I hope he gets picked up by a good WSBK team for next year, or better still...I think he's pretty good mates with Stoner - satellite Ducati ride? It's got to be worth a try...

WSBK » Crutchlow reveals WSBK, Moto2 options

@Wacko - I stand corrected! (finally got my screen name sorted, but since my secret's already out, maybe there was no point...) So that's even fewer MotoGP riders without 250 chops. I agree with Sick Cylinder and a few others though - I'll watch Cal wherever he is. After an up and down last season in BSB, I did wonder how this year was going to pan out - for me, he's been the most impressive rider across any class (I'm sure he wouldn't have lost any sleep if I'd thought different!), Spies and Simon included. I'd love to see him up against Smith, Simon, Aoyama and the like rather than joining the vets before his time.

WSBK » Crutchlow reveals WSBK, Moto2 options

As for 250s as a feeder class being a myth...the only riders currently on the grid that haven't come through 250s are Hayden, Edwards, JT, Vermuelen and Canepa - with the possible exception of Hayden, they've hardly set the world on fire. Worst case if Cal goes to Moto2: It doesn't work out and he comes back to a competitive superbike ride. Worst case if Cal goes to WSBK: He never gets the chance to leave.

WSBK » Crutchlow reveals WSBK, Moto2 options

Cal's been amazing this year and I'd love to see him go to Moto2 with a decent team. WSBK is a great series, but rightly or wrongly, MotoGP is considered the pinnacle of the sport - Moto2 will be a better way in. As for it being a lottery, I reckon it's a fair bet that teams like Aspar and Scot are going to be up the sharp end from the off so I don't see it being a massive risk. In any case, he can always go back to WSS/WSBK - look at Eugene: a couple of years in 250s on the stockest bike out there and he's come back to a championship-challenging ride in WSS. Go to Moto2, learn Spanish or Italian and Cal will win admirers in high places. Good luck for the rest of the season!