I dont know Marco. You had an excellent bike that was capable of victories in almost every round. But on many occasions you somehow lost it. For example at Donington you and Leon were absolutely ridiculous!!! No racing intelligence at all. Honestly, if I were the principal at BMW you would be looking for a new job right now.

I know Marco, You did awesome for the first year on the bike/team. The only ridicoulus thing here is you Jiri.
Who should seriuosly replace him? Just 1 name that makes sence please.

I think that Carlos Checa, Tom Sykes or even Tommy Hill would be a better option! Marco had his chance with Yamaha. Next year will be no different from this one. He will be somewhere at the top, but not on the top.

And I think Jorge Lorenzo would be a better option...
But he is signed just as much as Checa and Sykes and OK Tommy Hill is availible but not a ready to be BMW no.1 rider at this point IMO. But thats just me.

Two teams in the championship, one full factory and one on Italy run by Feel Racing who have won a goodly number of WSBK championships for Ducati in the halcyon factory days!
More money than any other team in the paddock!
Did they really punch over their weight to finish third?
I would hate to think what punching below your weight means at BMW!

@Jiri
out of all people you chose Tommy Hill? Really? Tommy who cant get a ride anywhere, even though he says he wants to have a beak, but really no manager wants him, Hill?

Jiri, replace Melandri with Tommy Hill, did noone tells taking drugs could be dangerous !!!! No disrespect to Hill but hes not in the same league as Melandri. A proven world class rider (Melandri) gives his opnion on hte bike and you think you know better. Haslem, while not one of the best,could'nt win a race on it in two years and Melandri wins 6 races on it in his first year. I think I will take his word on it above yours also he was going for BMWs forst win when he was taken out by Haslem (Reas fault) but you would have sacked him, how many wins would you have had then.

Now when Max is gone, there probably isn't any better rider than Melandri in the WSBK.

Well buddies, we will see. I tell you, no championship for BMW as long as Melandri is on it... No disrespect!

I agree, it is package.
Good rider who is not only talented but also good at sponsor, fans are in need today since there are very limited money available in this market.
Rider has to push hard and has to look pushing hard. But if you are dominating, then Pirelli and organizer will start controlling the result.(you know what I mean) Most of the rider has to bring their own pesonal sponsor to get a ride. Being professional racer does not bring food to the table unless you are on the top. Some team even go under during the season, rider will not get paid. Decision what Tomy has made makes sence since he is ecpending his baby. If you are risking your life for something which will not bring food to the table, for sure your wife will stop you chasing your dream.