Casey Stoner quits Honda

[maloo_]

Casey Stoner has quit Honda and is set to sign with Ducati

YOUNG Australian star Casey Stoner has quit Honda and is set to sign a multi-million deal to ride for the Ducati factory team in next year's MotoGP World Championship.

Stoner, who turned 21 yesterday, is poised to join Italian ace Loris Capirossi at Ducati, with sources close to the team indicating the deal is worth at least $2 million.
Ducati's move has turned the rider market upside down.

While Stoner fulfilled a dream to ride for a factory team, it was confirmed Spanish veteran Carlos Checa would replace him at the Honda LCR squad.

Recent Honda deals to retain Italian Marco Melandri (Gresini Honda) and Nicky Hayden (HRC Repsol Honda) were part of Stoner's considerations.

Hayden and Dani Pedrosa will be the HRC factory riders for at least another two years.

"Those deals with Marco and Nicky have already made me a minimum of fourth in line at Honda," Stoner said.

"That makes it harder to get factory parts and the other riders will have them before me.

"It is very, very hard to leave Honda. Honda are unbelievable -- every week they are up front and Michelin are always there also."

Stoner is now set to have his final ride aboard a Honda RC211V at the Valencia Grand Prix next weekend, the final race appearance of the monster 990cc bikes before the introduction of the 800cc rules for 2007.

Stoner did not finish the Portuguese GP on Sunday, but fellow Aussies Chris Vermeulen and Garry McCoy finished 9th and

[FPV GTHO]

Ducati might end up being a bad decision. Theyve looked good at times this year, but theyre really at the mercy of Bridgestone with the tyres. I heard a while ago he was looking at Yamaha and Ducati, and also trying to get more factory parts out of Honda, but i was hoping he would take Yamaha if a Honda deal couldnt be worked out.

[NODDY347]

Ducati might end up being a bad decision. Theyve looked good at times this year, but theyre really at the mercy of Bridgestone with the tyres. I heard a while ago he was looking at Yamaha and Ducati, and also trying to get more factory parts out of Honda, but i was hoping he would take Yamaha if a Honda deal couldnt be worked out.

mmm sounds like $$$$ more than what is the best bike/tyre combo. It will be interesting to see how things pan out in 07.

[SS Sportswagon]

mmm sounds like $$$$ more than what is the best bike/tyre combo. It will be interesting to see how things pan out in 07.

I dont think so he want get into the factory team (repsol) because those two riders have signed multi year deals he said where he was was about 4th in line for factory parts to filter down to them and Ducati have been quick in testing there 800cc for next year when the rules change to 800cc class

[FPV GTHO]

Testing's never clear though. Im still worried what part Bridgestone will play. We've seen in F1 what effect its had on Ferrari when theyve been one of the only teams doing tyre development, with all of their rivals on another manufacturers tyre. If Ducati/Bridgestone come out with a great package, they might be able to ride along for most of the year, but if the Bridgestone's arent up to scratch in comparison, they'll struggle to catch up.

[jeffsy]

I guess its good to see him get a factory ride, but your right about the tyres. With Michelin pulling out of F1 they might be putting more money into bikes which could spell trouble for Bridgestone.