Melandri in Duc for '07 (?)

sporky · 09-26-2006, 4:20 PM

Ducati are in talks with Marco Melandri with a view to recruiting the Italian next season. General manager Livio Suppo confirmed they have made an approach but said the chances of closing a deal were no better than "50-50".
The Fortuna Honda man is currently third in the MotoGP championship but is believed to want a factory ride, and would replace Sete Gibernau, who has struggled to make an impression this season.
"It's 50-50. We contacted Marco before Malaysia and made him a firm offer in Australia," said Suppo.
"In the meantime, his victory at Phillip Island changed the landscape a bit, but I think he is interested in our proposal because we can offer him something Honda can't - a seat in a genuine factory team."
Melandri is currently racing for Gresini, a satellite of Honda, with the factory machines taken by Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa.
Ducati have enjoyed an excellent season with three race wins for Loris Capirossi. The veteran Italian is fourth in the points standings and might have become champion had it not been for a crash at Barcelona that forced him to race several events at well below 100%.
"This is our best season by far. Our increase in power is due to a combination of factors; the bike has progressed along with the Bridgestone tyres and Loris is like a fine wine, improving with age," Suppo said.
However, the Ducati boss moved to quell rumours linking Valentino Rossi with a move to the team.
"You never know with Valentino, but for the moment his arrival at Ducati is not the order of the day."

taken from Eurosport - The best of sport live: football, tennis, motorsports, rugby, athletics, cycling, basketball.

now this is going to be interesting, Ducati is aiming 2007 champ with two fighters in its bikes. Melardi would probably like the idea riding an "all italian" bike.
Rossi is in the hunt, and Honda/ Ducati are in a mission to claim the championship of 07 (06 title is in Rossi's hands already)
Its pretty interesting the last comment of Ducati boss
s.

Purpdust · 09-26-2006, 4:53 PM

I would think that Malandri will stay put, but what do I know

Heavy-Dee · 09-26-2006, 4:55 PM

I could see him going to Duc.

BDA116 · 09-26-2006, 4:56 PM

Wouldn't surprise me. Nicky turned them down for the Honda seat leaving Melandri out of an offer on the Repsol bike.
He wants a full deal, why not? The Duc 800 has looked pretty decent in testing as well.

Crash · 09-26-2006, 5:46 PM

I agree, he would be a good fit for the company.

Next year is a clean sheet! It's all up for grabs with no-one having the advantage.

Purpdust · 09-26-2006, 5:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash

with no-one having the advantage.

I am sure some teams have the $$$ advantage

phobiaphobe · 09-26-2006, 8:32 PM

Why would he want to ride on a full factory team? They'd probably make him test new parts, forcing him to lose.

Repeater · 09-26-2006, 9:10 PM

I think his team has helped him to ride better and stop crashng in the last two years i dought he would go to ducati if he couldn't take them with him.

bwhip · 10-07-2006, 9:09 PM

Melandri to stay on a Honda:
MotoGP: Melandri Stays On Honda - MotorcycleUSA.com

Getsome · 10-07-2006, 9:12 PM

I don't think Rossi has the 2006 Championship in his hands quite yet... Go Nicky...

BDA116 · 10-07-2006, 9:19 PM

It's looking like Sete will be staying put. He has tested the 800, and I believe that to this point only riders staying with the teams have tested the various 800 bikes.