New Post
Hot Topic
New Poll
Moved Topic
Sticky Topic
No New Post
Old Hot Topic
Old Poll
Announcement
Closed Topic
From Crash.net
Noriyuki Haga is on the verge of being confirmed by Ducati Xerox as the replacement for Troy Bayliss in 2009.
Speculation as to who will replace the soon-to-retire Bayliss has been rife in recent months, but only now has the team reached an agreement with someone.
Although the deal will not been ratified until Yamaha have exhausted their attempts at retaining the Japanese rider, an announcement is due imminently.
The ever-popular Haga's arrival at Ducati is something of a surprise given his long-standing role as a 'halo-rider' in the Yamaha family, while Ducati were thought to be leaning towards either Max Biaggi or even Shane Byrne for 2009.
Nonetheless, Haga has already been given the seal of approval from Bayliss:
"I like Nori, he is a good guy," Troy told Crash.net Radio. "It is easy for me to slip into the garage and get on with him."
Haga's only previous Ducati experience is on a customer-spec 999 run by the British-based Renegade team during 2004, when the Japanese rebuilt his reputation after a difficult season in MotoGP by claiming six race wins and a close third in the championship.
Those results helped secure a return to Yamaha - with whom Haga made his WSBK debut in 1998 and raced with until 2000 - for 2005, where he has remained ever since. Haga has taken 30 World Superbike victories and finished second in the championship in 2000 and 2007.
Meanwhile, Michel Fabrizio looks set to retain his place in the factory Ducati team but, as with Haga, his position is yet to be confirmed until an official announcement is made, possibly over the next couple of days.
Haga to Xerox Ducati for ‘09
Legend
Total Posts: 232
Joined
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 5288
Joined
This is great for Nori. Going to the top team... This is what he needs to finally win a championship.
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 1384
Joined
Wow...that took care of Ben then hummmm
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 2048
Joined
Soup planet has an article about Spies and his mom I don't agree with. Ben said he would take less money for certain rides but not too much off the top. Ultimately I think his price scared enough people away. Well, at least the Suzuki ride.
As far as Bayliss's ride, Ducati usually has at least one proven winner and the guy needing to prove himself on the #2 bike. Ducati eat their young so Spies is probably better off without it. Haga on the bike is a different story.
As far as Bayliss's ride, Ducati usually has at least one proven winner and the guy needing to prove himself on the #2 bike. Ducati eat their young so Spies is probably better off without it. Haga on the bike is a different story.
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 1384
Joined
Soup planet has an article about Spies and his mom I don't agree with. Ben said he would take less money for certain rides but not too much off the top. Ultimately I think his price scared enough people away. Well, at least the Suzuki ride.
As far as Bayliss's ride, Ducati usually has at least one proven winner and the guy needing to prove himself on the #2 bike. Ducati eat their young so Spies is probably better off without it. Haga on the bike is a different story.
Think the mom doesn't want him to leave home?
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 2048
Joined
Think the mom doesn't want him to leave home?
Maybe she's just a lipstick wearing Soccer Mom masquerading as a pitbull
Anyway, it would be weird having her pull an Earl (as in Hayden) at the GP track. Dude, your mom's outside.
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 1384
Joined
Better than a Cheerleader.......lol
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 1798
Joined
Soup planet has an article about Spies and his mom I don't agree with. Ben said he would take less money for certain rides but not too much off the top. Ultimately I think his price scared enough people away. Well, at least the Suzuki ride.
As far as Bayliss's ride, Ducati usually has at least one proven winner and the guy needing to prove himself on the #2 bike. Ducati eat their young so Spies is probably better off without it. Haga on the bike is a different story.
Think the mom doesn't want him to leave home?
at this rate, she may get her wish.
Signature:
“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to serve as a horrible warning.”
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 2218
Joined
Well Julian Ryder brought up that those in charge at the Japanese factories in Moto GP may view and overbearing parent as a reason not to hire someone. Dean and Evan Williams were saying that the rumor is that some other factories had a chance to hire Ben before his last contract but they declined on account of his mom. Rumor mind you, just rumor.
Ultimate Insider
Total Posts: 962
Joined
Well Julian Ryder brought up that those in charge at the Japanese factories in Moto GP may view and overbearing parent as a reason not to hire someone. Dean and Evan Williams were saying that the rumor is that some other factories had a chance to hire Ben before his last contract but they declined on account of his mom. Rumor mind you, just rumor.
Which further mystifies me why Honda deal with Dani Pedrosa via Alberto Puig...
Abnormal User
Total Posts: 6528
Joined
Well Julian Ryder brought up that those in charge at the Japanese factories in Moto GP may view and overbearing parent as a reason not to hire someone. Dean and Evan Williams were saying that the rumor is that some other factories had a chance to hire Ben before his last contract but they declined on account of his mom. Rumor mind you, just rumor.
Which further mystifies me why Honda deal with Dani Pedrosa via Alberto Puig...
Puig is his manager.
