Well Gary, Dorna's goal is to get exposure in more markets. Rizla's (or any sponsor's) goal is to get more eyes on their product... and preferably eyes that are predisposed to using their product. (Oh, and not to go off on too much of a tangent or reveal too much about myself... from what I know the americans are much less of the joint smoking types. They like their bowls and their bongs and what not, but so much the rolling stuff. Could be totally wrong on this, or it could be a regional thing).


Anyway, England is supposedly enjoying a nice raitings boost thanks to Toseland, but the US already has 3 riders, and a recent world champ. I don't think Spies would really bring in that many more viewers that weren't already watching.


I also read in Motosprint (yes, I am obsessed) that Alice is paying D'antin between 3 and 4 million (Euros I believe) in sponsorship! That is huge money for such a crap operation like D'antin. Anyway, the point is that Alice isn't so happy with their return on investment, and want none other than M. Biaggi on one of their bikes to ensure big exposur at least in Italy. Hence Biaggi getting closer to Ducati in one way or another. This could be D'antin's only chance of keeping the Ducati's, as Aspar is said to want them, even though he is having major problems with Bautista now.

The only crappy thing for Ben in this deal is that it might rain. However, he's going to get valuable GP time on a GP bike. It's obvious Suzuki Japan is seriously thinking about putting Ben on a their team for next year. His salary is 2 million a year from American Suzuki now, he's asking for 2.5 million for a GP ride. I don't think that's a huge increase and he deserves it. No matter what Rolfo says.

Also, Nicky's salary from Honda is roughly 5 million a year. It is widely regarded that Nicky is going to Ducati next year. I wouldn't be so sure. I know that Ducat has already been calling on Ben and they were even after Hopkins a few years ago. If Spies does what he should at Laguna, Indy and hopefully Valencia, don't be surprised if he Ben is riding red next year.

neracer - 12 June 2008 12:36 PM

The only crappy thing for Ben in this deal is that it might rain. However, he's going to get valuable GP time on a GP bike. It's obvious Suzuki Japan is seriously thinking about putting Ben on a their team for next year. His salary is 2 million a year from American Suzuki now, he's asking for 2.5 million for a GP ride. I don't think that's a huge increase and he deserves it. No matter what Rolfo says.

Also, Nicky's salary from Honda is roughly 5 million a year. It is widely regarded that Nicky is going to Ducati next year. I wouldn't be so sure. I know that Ducat has already been calling on Ben and they were even after Hopkins a few years ago. If Spies does what he should at Laguna, Indy and hopefully Valencia, don't be surprised if he Ben is riding red next year.

That would be cool. With his physical style he would probably get along good with the Ducati.

I seriously doubt Hayden gets $5,000,000 a year but could easily be wrong.

^ Your seriously wrong. Plus other promotional fees. Rossi's pkg is thought to be 30 million for example.

I think Ben would do well with Suzuki. They need him. Funny thing about bikes and people getting intimate. Right bike for the right person makes a big difference. But, if Ducati is what he wants... then so be it. No one yet [modern era] has ridden a Ducati like "The Man" but, Capirossi has come close!

Rossi makes numbers like that with all his endorsements and is far and away the highest paid - his Yamaha salary is nowhere near 30 million (or all the reports are wrong). Rossi is a HUGE name in international sports.

Where do you get the number for Hayden, KK?

i got a 10 spot that says his dog told him...

garyb425 - 12 June 2008 01:55 PM

Rossi makes numbers like that with all his endorsements and is far and away the highest paid - his Yamaha salary is nowhere near 30 million (or all the reports are wrong). Rossi is a HUGE name in international sports.

Where do you get the number for Hayden, KK?

Can't say but, Hopkins salary is reportedly something like $4.2 mil

KingKenny - 12 June 2008 01:58 PM

Can't say but, Hopkins salary is reportedly something like $4.2 mil

yep... his dog told him...

Hopkins got a huge salary to lure him to Kawasaki - it's true. Ducati tried to lure Hayden but he decided to stay with Honda for less money. I'm not saying Hayden can't make $5 million with all his endorsements but I do not believe that is his Honda salary.