It's that time of year again. Mid-August is when the signings and rumours begin to ramp up for next year's season. So here goes again!

Some news that has already passed:

1. Simoncelli signed with Gresini

2. Aspar is coming up to MotoGP, replacing the defunct Francisco Hernando team

3. Rossi is signed with Yamaha for next season.

4. Stoner is also signed through next season, but now there are health concerns.

5. Honda keeping Pedrosa and Dovizioso
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/150988/1/honda_keeps_dani_pedrosa_andrea_dovizioso.html
Note: this was later reported to be a 'basic agreement'. So I guess these two are still up in the air

6. Melandri re-signs with Gresini
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151026/1/marco_melandri_returns_to_gresini_honda.html

7. Bautista confirms with Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/bautista+with+suzuki+in+2010

8. Barbera to Aspar
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Barber+debut+in+MotoGP+with+Aspar+in+2010

9. Lorenzo re-signs with Yamaha
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Lorenzo+to+remain+with+Fiat+Yamaha+in+2010

10. Hayden Confirmed
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/ducati+hayden+together+in+2010

11. Capirossi stays
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Suzuki+and+Capirossi+stay+together+for+2010

12. Spies staying in WSBK
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090904y.htm

13. Honda, Pedrosa and Dovizioso deals finalized
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/pedrosa+and+dovizioso+contract

14. De Puniet re-ups with LCR Honda
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/de+puniet+riding+lcr+honda+on+2010

15. Kallio re-signs with Pramac
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/152511/1/no_canepa_espargaro_swap_-_kallio_signs.html

16. Spies and Edwards confirmed at Tech 3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Edwards+and+Spies+to+ride+for+Tech+3+in+2010 (This obviously negates #12)

17. 250cc contender Aoyama moving up to a new team.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Aoyama+to+ride+in+premier+class+next+season

18. Espargaro to Pramac
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8289765.stm

Factory Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha
Rider: Rossi
Rider: Lorenzo

Factory Ducati
Bike: Ducati
Rider: Stoner
Rider: Hayden

Factory Honda
Bike: Honda
Rider: Pedrosa
Rider: Dovizioso

Factory Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki
Rider: Bautista
Rider: Capirossi

Tech 3
Bike: Yamaha
Rider: Edwards
Rider: Spies

Pramac
Bike: Ducati
Rider: Kallio
Rider: Espargaro

Aspar
Bike: Ducati
Rider: Barbera

Gresini
Bike: Honda
Rider: Simoncelli
Rider: Melandri

LCR
Bike: Honda
Rider: DePuniet

Scot?
Bike: Honda
Rider: DeAngelis?

Emmi - Caffe Latte
Bike: Honda
Rider: Aoyama

Hayate?
Bike: Hayate (Yamaha Motor)
Rider: ?

FB Corse?
Bike: FB Corse
Rider: ?

Inmotec?
Bike: Inmotec
Rider: ?

Prospective MotoGP riders not yet signed
Talmacsi
DeAngelis
Elias
Canepa

I think Pedrosa will be at Repsol regardless of the Lorenzo situation (and I think Lorenzo will be at Yamaha).

I also expect Spies to spend another year in SBK, but who knows? Capirossi will probably remain at Suzuki. I seriously doubt that Vermeulen will be there (I don't think either side of that deal wants him there). I also think that Edwards will be a Tech 3 if Lorenzo stays on the factory team.

I'm thinking next year's WSBK will be greater than ever due to Vermy and Toseland coming back, while Spies sticks it out one more year, as will Haga. I don't think Capirossi will make the move to WSBK, but then again, who thought Max would go?

As to MotoGP, with all their silly rules it will be amazing if they can even fill the grid. I'd look for another Suzuki team, possibly a one bike satelite, although then they would lose that rookie rule advantage, but I would bet Dorna are putting some pressure on them to help fill the grid.

Edwards is riding too well and Yamaha will not want to lose him as he is not a threat to podium against their top riders but does take points away from competitors.

Hayden will stay at Ducati. He needs to to prove himself worthy of GP in the eyes of many, and only Suzuki would want him at this point, which would put him on another non-finishing bike for the year. 2 years, 2 makes, no results is not a formula for success.

Lorenzo to stay at Yamaha. He is beating Rossi at times now on "equal" machinery. What better way to beat Rossi? That would stay all nay-sayers of the "He had the better bike" BS. He is looking to make his mark in history by beating the GOAT on the same bike.

Just some thoughts. Bring on WSBK!

Don't look for another Suzuki - I don't think that will happen. I also doubt that Toseland will move back to SBK, Tech 3 or Suzuki are more likely homes. Some Dorna money will most likely ensure the seat.

Cali155 - 12 August 2009 10:20 AM

I'm thinking next year's WSBK will be greater than ever due to Vermy and Toseland coming back, while Spies sticks it out one more year, as will Haga. I don't think Capirossi will make the move to WSBK, but then again, who thought Max would go?

As to MotoGP, with all their silly rules it will be amazing if they can even fill the grid. I'd look for another Suzuki team, possibly a one bike satelite, although then they would lose that rookie rule advantage, but I would bet Dorna are putting some pressure on them to help fill the grid.

Edwards is riding too well and Yamaha will not want to lose him as he is not a threat to podium against their top riders but does take points away from competitors.

Hayden will stay at Ducati. He needs to to prove himself worthy of GP in the eyes of many, and only Suzuki would want him at this point, which would put him on another non-finishing bike for the year. 2 years, 2 makes, no results is not a formula for success.

Lorenzo to stay at Yamaha. He is beating Rossi at times now on "equal" machinery. What better way to beat Rossi? That would stay all nay-sayers of the "He had the better bike" BS. He is looking to make his mark in history by beating the GOAT on the same bike.

Just some thoughts. Bring on WSBK!

I think Suzuki is more likely to subtract then add bikes to the MotoGP grid . Suzuki almost decided to do what Kawasaki did ,and pull out of MotoGP before the start of the 2009 season ,but instead they decided to put more resources into the team,and in testing the Suzuki's looked good ,but the results this year are worse then last years results . I would not be surprised at all if they did pull out of MotoGP in 2010 ,but if they do stick it out one more year I beleve Paul Denning will be fired as team manager,and replaced by Kevin Schwantz.

AMAfan, I felt the same way to some degree but they have been trying hard to get Bautista (apparently it didn't work) and have been working hard on a new engine. I don't think they are throwing in the towel yet.

They are used to losing anyway - what do they have now, 6 top class titles in close to 40 years?

garyb425 - 12 August 2009 11:02 AM

AMAfan, I felt the same way to some degree but they have been trying hard to get Bautista (apparently it didn't work) and have been working hard on a new engine. I don't think they are throwing in the towel yet.

They are used to losing anyway - what do they have now, 6 top class titles in close to 40 years?

They may be used to losing races ,but with the economy so bad right now they can not afford to lose that much money on a program that is not giving them much return on their investment . I remember they had reliability issues with that new engine when they tried it earlier this year ,and with the new engine rule starting at Brno that rquires engines to last longer then one race that might be a problem for Suzuki .

My point was that they are already working on the '10 season, which is not generally something that a team that is ready to pull out would do.

I am about 75% sure Suzuki will be back. Of all the factories out there, they are definitely the one that I have the least faith in staying. For the past few seasons, it seemed they always had one foot out of the door. Also, I think Kawasaki leaving has given them an out. They can't be blamed as being the first to go.

garyb425 - 12 August 2009 11:38 AM

My point was that they are already working on the '10 season, which is not generally something that a team that is ready to pull out would do.

Kawasaki did.

If Lorenzo goes to Repsol, which would be a mistake, and Rossi wins the title, I could see Rossi requesting Colin to the factory team. Toseland could stay at Tech 3 opening a slot for Spies. On the other hand, I could also see Melandri at Yamaha, on either team. He burned bridges but it was a long time ago.

One question of Spies to MotoGP. Does he only go to a team with Houseworth? Would House stay in WSB as one of the most sought after crew chiefs. Maybe for CV back at WSB Suzuki or Toseland at Yamaha?

It's so completely open with fewer teams and too many riders. I believe a lot of riders will jump to WSB for more money. I'm sure MGP teams will offer less pay because there are so few good rides there. What, three or four.