During the German MotoGP round coverage, they showed an interview pre-race with Nicky Hayden. Ansd he confirmed what all had thought. The senior engineer of Honda's MotoGP program told him that this year's 800cc bike was not designed for him. His words? "...And I'm the World Champion!" He wasn't whining or complaining. You could see that he was trying to process an insult of this magnitude. I've never seen Nicky so beside himself. Then, of course, he went out and got third, even successfully passing another racer in the same corner where Valentino went down trying a pass earlier. He was happier post-race because of the podium finish, but I wouldn't blame him if he put his resume out. 2006 MotoGP World Champion has GOT to look good on it. After all, even Vale didn't have a experimental "next year's 800 parts development special" bike under him last year, and Nicky STILL got the title! No development woes could deny him.
Here's to Nicky Hayden being 2008 MotoGP Champ!
With Roger Lee in 2nd. RLHayden ROCKED for a guy who'd never ridden a MotoGP bike at Laguna. Too bad Hopper and Nicky collided in turn 1. Both of them DNF'd. Oh, well.

 

First off, I am a huge Nicky Hayden fan.

It is odd that Honda designed the RC212V for Dani Pedrosa. Everyone seemes to feel he is the next great rider of Motogp.

Dani has been very competetive for the last two years. He had the chance to win the title in 2006, and this year he is only 20 points shy of Rossi.

I think the huge story of 2007 is the influx of new riders on new teams. James Toesland is leaving WSB to ride a Tech 3 Yamaha on Bridgestone tires (I think Colin Edwards will end up teaming with him). Lorenzo is moving up from 250cc to ride a Yamaha (Valantino's teamate?). Hopper to Kawasaki... and the big story... Marco Malandri going to factory Ducati next year.

I cant wait for 2008!!

 

Don't forget that Repsol is the full factory team, and that Repsol is also a Spanish owned company. Dani Pedorsa? Hails from Spain.

Oooooooh....conspiracy theories abound.

 

Pedrosa... little gnome.

 

No conspiracy theories needed; it makes perfect business cents (pun intended).
Would a French rider who didn't speak English be a good choice to promote an American sponsor? (flashbacks of the movie "Talladega Nights: The legend of Ricky Bobby")

We tend to forget how euro-centric MotoGP is. No racing in the month of August when most of Europe goes on holiday is a subtle indication.

 

Found this out... "In 2006 Hayden was joined by Pedrosa and won the title on the final day of the season when he finished third at Valencia and then points leader Rossi crashed early in the race and was only able to finish 13th. Honda insiders have told SpeedTV.com that former HRC President Suguru Kanazawa had picked Pedrosa as the rider of the future and intended to build the racing program around the Spaniard just as they had done with Rossi.

Surprisingly to some, but not to Spanish insiders, Honda built what they described as a ‘compact bike for compact riders,’ claiming, ingeniously, that they did not build the bike for Pedrosa but, rather, for ‘the ideal MotoGP rider.’ Pressed on this HRC director Satoru Horiiki admitted that ‘Nicky is larger than the ideal rider.’ "

The whole article is here -> http://www.speedtv.com/articles/moto/motogp/39654/

Hopefully Dani leaves so that Nicky can get the attention he deserves. He is riding great now that he has gotten the bike sorted out to his liking. Can you imagine what it might have been like if he had the "support" from the beginning of the year??

 

I ride a Honda, but I'm loving the fact that they dropped the ball so badly this year in spite of all their resources. It was blatantly obvious even during last year's championship chase that Nicky was playing backup to Pedrosa. And then the little jerk nearly snatched the championship from Hayden with one of the dumbest moves I have ever seen.
Honda is reaping what they have sown. The smartest guy of all is Stoner who jumped ship and landed in a pot of gold.

 

Maybe if Loris (T-Rex) retires, Nicky can put his number on a Duc! THAT would rock!

 

Cappirossi is going to Suzuki with Vermulen - that will be very interesting

Melandri to Ducati with Stoner - so very very interesting

Lorenzo(250cc champ) will team with Rossi at Yamaha - can't ask for more drama

Toesland and Edwards will ride for Tech-3 Yamaha on Michelin tires - new VS old WSB champs

Hopkins to Kawasaki with teammate Anthony West (I hope)- time to see what Kawasaki can really do

Depuinet to team with Elias on Grescini (sp) Honda- holds little excitment for me

PEDROSA?? Still unsigned....... I'm sure Factory Honda will resign that little itty bitty stone-faced infant.

 

Pedrosa has been making noise about going to Kawasaki if Honda doesn't switch tires.

Oh, if they'd only make the minimum weight requirements with the rider!

 

Looks like Ant West resigned with Kawasaki for another year to run with Hopper

 

minimum weight with rider... I like that! can you imagine what the races would be like?

 

Well, that's the way it's done in the 125ccGP class. So maybe it could be moved up to the 250 class, then MooGP. Then Colin wouldn't have to cut a leg off to have a bike/rider weight matching Pedrosa's. (his analogy) And hardworking dudes like Nicky would have a better chance at fair racing.

 

I know I wanted DP s head after the wreck with Hayden almost costing Hayden the championship! last year.

Proud owner of one of those Hayden Numbered Tissot watches!