F1 » Button salary dispute just tip of Brawn GP iceberg?

Button was overpaid at Honda for years, based on his (lack of) results. If not for the Brawn team buying the works from Honda, Button would have likely been on the outside looking in and not driven in F1 at all at least until other drivers had been fired. And to give him credit he made the most of his opportunities, but to now squabble over money strikes me as bitting the hand that fed him the championship. Brawn should cut him loose and let him test his worth on the open market. I'm sure there is at least one other driver with similar capabilities who would have no problem driving for Brawn. I think his initials are RB.

WSBK » Tom Sykes joins Vermeulen at PBM Kawasaki

There are 14 factory riders next year (two each from the seven manufacturers). Plus a few strong privateers such as Byrne and Haslam were this year. So who will end up in 2010 with the ignominious distinction of finishing LAST in points among factory riders? My gut says Xaus, but Sykes is also a strong candidate. Good riders on mediocre bikes means results will be difficult to come by consistently. Not a slam on Sykes, maybe he could just consider it "paying his WSBK dues".

WSBK » Tom Sykes joins Vermeulen at PBM Kawasaki

Sykes had a good rookie season, but compared to his teammate his performance ws apparently unsatisfactory. I personally think he did very well, about as well as a rookie could be expected and he deserved another year on the R1. At least he has a chance to ride in 2010 with a factory-backed team instead of a private team that may or may not be out of money by Miller. He will have another difficult season as I expect Vermuelen to finish ahead of him most of the time. And unless Kawasaki has something big planned, the ZX-10 ain't no R1.

WSBK » Fabrizio throws full support behind Haga

I Fabio's ideal scenario he would double, Spies takes second both races, and Haga gets thirds. Haga then still wins the championship by two points and Fabio goes into the off-season on a high note, "supporting" his teammate by keeping Spies from winning.

WSBK » Haga prepares for title D-Day

Haga was penalized for Ma Huang extract (pseudoephedrine), used in a weight loss supplementh e took in the off-season. At the time anyone could buy it over-the-counter in these pilss in the US at least. Even the experts agreed that with normal doses it does NOTHING to enhance performance. Olympics banned it to keep people from taking 100X a normal dose to win endurance events before their heart explodes during the medal ceremony.

WSBK » Kawasaki announcement soon, Parkes out

If Hodgson's choices were Kawasaki WSBK, riding another year in DMG hell, or retiring...well if he doesn't want to retire Kawasaki might be an ideal choice. Remember Melandri called the RC212V "the worst bike I have ever raced". Guess where he is next year.

F1 » Button: I’m world champion, baby!

Ian, I was not implying a change was needed in the pionts (certainly not implying some G**-awful chase for the cup as in NASCAR). It was just that Button cominated early in the season, built up a points lead and has been more or less average since mid-season. Even the most ardent Button fans have to admit his second half has been much less impressive than his first. I will give him credit for not making any big mistakes and playing it safe. That usually does win championships as is the case here. Let us see how he does next year without a huge point lead at mid-season.

F1 » Button: I’m world champion, baby!

Limped into the championship and should enjoy it while it lasts because this will be it for him. Good thing for him points at the start of the season count the same as those at the end.

WSBK » Neukirchner confirmed at Ten Kate Honda

Ten Kate must have quite a bit of faith that Max's career-threatening injuring this year won't diminish his competitiveness. Some guys might look fine on the outside but never recover from such a serious accident. As far a Byrne goes, put him on the Aprilia and he won't have any excuses of equipment. Max will bury him.

WSBK » Guintoli promoted to Suzuki WSBK team

If he is back and 100% he might surprise some people in WSBK. He was always on second-rate bikes in MotoGP, so it is difficult to compare him based on that. Should be competitive.