That seems to be what many believe. Seems...abrupt, but who knows?

That would be cruel... but he may be that dejected. He made a comment reminiscent of Bayliss back when he was struggling on the Honda that if they could find someone to go faster than him to go ahead and do it.
Gotta feel for the guy...

Goodness, get on with it already. Normally I am not one to recommend throwing in the towel, but c'mon... its painfully obvious that Melandri isn't going to do anything with the DUC........


End the mutual suffering.

There seem to be a few schools of thought on it - the announcers were saying this is it, others are saying he'll be off after the summer break.

It's better for him if he quits after this race by his own decision, asks for a release from his Ducati contract and sit the season out or something. Sign next year back with Gresini to replace De Puniet. I do not care whom else they put on that Duc, but it ain't good for Marco and the GP9 is also not his style. His completely f**ed

Maybe that's why Ducati's got Sete sitting in the wings?

Read this on soup:

"While the TV cameras were following Casey on his way to extending his lead at the top of the timing screens, they happened across a wince-inducing little drama. As Casey was coming out of the final corner, red indicators showing for fastest time through all three splits, he accelerated inside his team-mate Marco Melandri. The pictures showed Casey take a long look to his right then look ahead again while slowly and almost imperceptibly shaking his head. Mick Doohan couldn't have done it better."

willowracer630 - 22 June 2008 04:27 AM

Read this on soup:

"While the TV cameras were following Casey on his way to extending his lead at the top of the timing screens, they happened across a wince-inducing little drama. As Casey was coming out of the final corner, red indicators showing for fastest time through all three splits, he accelerated inside his team-mate Marco Melandri. The pictures showed Casey take a long look to his right then look ahead again while slowly and almost imperceptibly shaking his head. Mick Doohan couldn't have done it better."

That was because Melandri was on a cool-down lap and at a really stupid spot on the track. Stoner glares at anyone near the line and riding slowly.

marco was about as far off the line as he could get. casey was just being a dick, i really find it hard to root for him sometimes.

DamattaSpeed - 22 June 2008 08:09 AM

marco was about as far off the line as he could get. casey was just being a dick, i really find it hard to root for him sometimes.

To my eyes Marco should have been low rather than the outside edge at the exit of a corner, but he was definitely trying to stay out of the way - and I agree about Stoner.

If true then it goes to show how much of a jerk Casey really is.

I'm sure it must be tough for Melandri as he knows what his abilities are and he's not able to showcase them on the Duc. It would be nice to see him back on a Honda (or at this point on any other bike). If he left the team now or worse is kicked off the team I wonder how this would effect his confidence going into next season?

willowracer630 - 22 June 2008 04:27 AM

Read this on soup:

"While the TV cameras were following Casey on his way to extending his lead at the top of the timing screens, they happened across a wince-inducing little drama. As Casey was coming out of the final corner, red indicators showing for fastest time through all three splits, he accelerated inside his team-mate Marco Melandri. The pictures showed Casey take a long look to his right then look ahead again while slowly and almost imperceptibly shaking his head. Mick Doohan couldn't have done it better."