MOTOGP » Capirossi pleased despite podium near-miss

If anyone wonders why many sites require registration before posting, now you know. To the subject at hand, Suzuki will likely always be behind Honda and Yamaha. Only a fraction of the resources and only two riders to give feedback. Capirossi is adding to his retirement fund, nothing more. Bautista hurt his career by signing on with them for 2 years. Vermuelen's place in 2010 is questionable but if he goes to Tech 3 at least the bike is proven. If he goes to WSBK he and Toseland will definitely be championship contenders again.

MOTOGP » Marco Melandri returns to Gresini Honda.

If you assume that Honda will only supply three full factory bikes (two for Repsol and Melandri's), then Lorenzo's negotiating position at Yamaha just got a lot weaker. Looks like Fiat Yamaha for him. Dovizioso will have his work cut out for him not to be the fourth Honda most weekends (behind Pedrosa, Melandri, and Simoncelli)

MOTOGP » Fabrizio grateful for MotoGP 'gift'.

I'd hate to see the championship marred by Fabrizio taking out another Yamaha rider in this series as well. He might actually do OK. Hayden will have lots of pressure to be first Ducati, even if that is tenth place.

MOTOGP » Casey Stoner sidelined - Kallio, Fabrizio in.

Haga's style has gotten much smoother since his Sultan of Slide days, but he wouldn't adapt well to the 800's, IMO. Fabrizio is the better choice if they must pull from WSBK. It is interesting that Gibernau's name hasn't been mentioned yet for the third race, he is familiar with the bikes. I worry that Stoner's problem is more mental than physical and we won't see him at the front end of the field any time soon, if ever. In my observation most riders that mentally run out of gas are done and an injury is the excuse they use to leave while saving face.

MOTOGP » 14 MotoGP seats up for grabs?

Just a few weeks ago Herve said he would sign Edwards right now if he could. That sounds like a ringing endorsement assuming he can raise the money and Edwards doesn't have a better offer. I would assume he will stay, and possible even get promoted back to Fiat if Jorge leaves. Yamaha will either have 1 or 2 openings then. Probably the most desirable rides on the grid. There are many names being bandied about but if there is just one opening, that will probably go to Spies (assuming he wins WSBK). I could see Melandri going to Yamaha if Lorenzo defects and there is a second bike.

MOTOGP » 14 MotoGP seats up for grabs?

Rather than worry about who will go where, I think we can conclude that Toseland will be out of MotoGP. Hasn't beaten his teammate all year, usually finishes in the bottom half on a bike that is 1-2 in the championship. Gibernau is also done for good, and I would be surprised if Elias finds a ride as well. Capirossi may retire also if booted out of Suzuki, although I can't think of a rider who is better that would want to be on the underdog Suzuki. Maybe Melandri but he will likely find something better.

F1 » Canada set for 2010 schedule, USGP in 2011?

I have never understood why so many Americans are so enthralled with Laguna Seca. It is too tight, difficult to pass on, and access for 100,000 spectators would be impossible. Not to mention it might be 110 degrees or might be foggy all day, you really don't know. Miller is far too remote, you may as well build a track on Martha's Vineyard. Years after the Olympics, SLC is returning to a small city of 200k. Indy probably remains the best choice (although I agree Road America would be good). A street race in NYC or Long Beach would also be interesting, if they could engineer some passing zones. Ironically the best races I remember from CART were at the Cleveland airport.

WSBK » Mat Mladin announces retirement.

Superbikeplanet had an article on 8/1 that clarified Mladin is retiring from racing completely. He wil no longer be racing after 2009. I don't think he will pull a Brett Favre (US football star who retired, then un-retired, then retired, then thought about returning again a year later).

F1 » Lauda on Schumacher: Watch him go!

I wonder if Rubens will let him by out of habit.

WSBK » BMW expected to continue in WSBK

Hopefully F1's loss will be WSBK's gain. Some additional talented engineers could work on two wheelers.