Schwantz: 'Crutchlow doesn't deserve Hayden's ride'

So what did Hayden do to get his factroy ride? I think Cal has won a fair amount more international gongs at this tender stage than Nicky had at his. Possibly 'just' a yank backing a yank. Either way judging by the Audi/Ducati (Sorry had to laugh when people though Audi were going to roll out a 'solution' when they bought a controlling share in Ducati) - teams success on possibly some of the best riders to date then maybe it's a blessing in disguise if Hayden does stay?

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 15:24

He won a Motogp and an AMA title.

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 15:59

"So what did Hayden do to get his factroy ride?"


win the world championship?


He's right, dont get me wrong i think Cals doing a good job but he's being out done by his team mate consistently.

meanwhile Nicky's put in all the hard grind on that Ducati and just when its starting to look like it might finally do something they wanna replace him

it smacks of ungratefulness from Ducati

and anyway personally i think its a mistake at the moment to go from a tech 3 to a Ducati

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 16:07

Read my post again.
I though Nicky had only won American titles before getting his first factory ride? He won "the championship", (I assume you mean Moto GP championship title) - on a 'factory bike'..... prior to that what had he won on the international circuit in WSB or other class? NONE!

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 16:12

Im sure Cal has beaten Hayden every race this season so far, apart from Le man where he fell off! Plus beating Nicky at silverstone with a broken and dislocated ankle.
Cal might be getting beat by his team mate dovi, but dont forget his 10 GP experiance compared to Cals year and a half.
Nickys had time to prove himself on the ducati over he last 3 years and failed, give the young bloke Mr Crutchlow a chance!
Fully deserves it in my eyes!

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 17:05

cal needs to stay as far away from that pig of a bike as he can.

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 17:38

"Nickys had time to prove himself on the ducati over he last 3 years and failed"

Really?
In his first year on the Ducati (2009) he scored 104 points. Marco Melandri only scored 51 points the year before.
In 2010 he scored 163 points, only 3 points less than Capirossi scored in 2007.
In 2011 he scored 132 points, only 7 points less than Rossi scored alongside him.

If you think that is failure then your standards are far too high.

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 18:01

im not saying Cal doesnt deserve a crack at a factory bike, just not Nickys cos nicky still deserves it

and even before winning the MOTOGP world championship he'd won AMA has Cal won a BSB championship ?

and while were on the subject of world circuit credits what does cal have he didnt win any WSBK championships

at least nicky had a domestic SBK championship Cal has nothing


its a moot point, for me id like to see Cal win the MOTOGP championship but i dont think he deserves nickys bike yet

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 19:36

Please say you are joking with this

"and even before winning the MOTOGP world championship he'd won AMA has Cal won a BSB championship ?"

Yes, he has, he won the 2009 BSB

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 22:43

Cal won the WSS title a couple years ago. But, he doesnt deserve Nicky's bike. When Nick got to Ducati in 2009 he was riding a bike Stoner developed, stable year but not great, he would admit as much. 2010 got four 4th places out of first five races, tough middle of the year, finished strong. 2011 new bike, this time for Rossi. Swap to alum front from carbon per Rossi...bike still garbage. Switch to full alun twin spar..better but needs time, laps and data to dial it in, tough year but not end of the world. 2012 bike still pushes bad, Ducati still clueless. So bad is the bike infact that a 7 time world champion cannot get the thing on the box except for a wet race. Yet Nick who is only a handfull of points behind Rossi, because he is willing to scrap for the podium rather than settle in for points is on the way out?? Finally with hard work and dedication and Nickys data/settings the Duc is finally coming around a bit. Crutchlow may go well on the Duc or he may go Melandri (who already had wins and podiuns on the Honda before) and totally melt down his MotoGP career. Notice Ducati has not offered Crutchlow that contract he's been talkin up so much now? Was supposed to get it at Mugello...guess Ducati did their homework. Better late than never. I think Nick stays on at Ducati

Phil

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 22:54

Nemesis 666

please say you are joking with this ....

Cal was'nt riding in BSB in 2009,

he has never won ANY superbike titles

as phil said he has a WSS title

me thinks maybe you might wanna get those facts right before correcting us

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 23:12

"Nick doesn't deserve to be replaced by a guy named Crutchlow"
What's his name got to do with it, this is just a septic sticking up for another septic and spouting crap in the process. So what if there isn't anyone from the US in MotoGP? The world doesn't revolve around the US, much as they seem to think think it does.....

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 07:22

At the end of the day, Nicky has been a very very loyal servant of Ducati. This "story" is simply Schwantz saying what he thinks. He's entitled to his opinion, and, to be honest, he's forgotten more than any of us keyboard warriors will ever know about bike racing (as much as we all like to think we know) ;)

There was a big hullabaloo about Cal getting the factory seat on the Duke, and now it's all gone very quiet. Cal's not elaborated on this. Nicky's not said a word. Personally, I think it's just been a bit of a slow week news wise, and journos are just trying to report things. After all it's silly season. Nicky will stay where he is. Cal (in my opinion) will stay where he is.

The one that interests me is Dovi. He seems intent on holding teams to ransom these days.....his latest outburst doesn't seem the wisest of moves..

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 08:17

In reference to the comment ref Dovi beating Cal, he should be, he's beein in MOTOGP for 4 years now ....Dovi will never win the MOTOGP title, he hasn't got that last couple of % needed which is why Honda let him go.
Nicky, won one race in his title year and was lucky that his main rival had several races where his bike broke down ( and a crash ) how many races has Nicky won in total in MOTOGP ?
I'd say bring the youngster in and give him a shot... who knows.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 09:09

The 2009 BSB title was won by Leon Camier, not Crutchlow.

Personally, I feel that Hayden should keep the Ducati ride, and that neither Dovi or Crutchlow deserve a factory ride yet. They are showing no respect what so ever to Tech 3 by constantly telling anyone who will point a microphone or a camera their way that they want factory rides.

Also Cal needs to be careful, in 2009 during his WSS season he often claimed that Ben Spies was doing nothing special in WSB, and that he could do the same on that bike. Roll on 2010, on Spies' bike, did he? No.
Spies, who is supposedly not worthy of a factory ride after only one half of a poor season, managed 2nd place on the Tech 3 bike. Just because Cal keeps going on about his good lap times it doesn't mean he can run with Lorenzo and co who are a cut above the rest. It's a race, not a time trial.
For Cal to prove himself as a factory rider, he needs to beat Dovi, and ex-factory rider regularly.

Dovi had 2 years in a factory team to prove himself, just because he can steal a podium place here and there due to out of character performances from Stoner and a lack of other competition, it doesn't mean he deserves a factory ride.

Hayden is doing well on what is a poor effort from Ducati. If he deserves to go for his lack of performance, then Rossi deserves the chop too. The excuse of 'we're developing the bike/testing new parts' is running thin now.

Pagik - you hit the nail on the head with Dovi holding teams to ransom. Seems pretty desperate to me.

Timpster - Do you honestly believe Cal has that last few % like Lorenzo?

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 09:33

Nicky won two races his championship year ( Assen & Laguna) and one at Laguna the year prior for a total of three. Yes, not amongst the greats but he does have nearly thirty podiums, the majority of which were with Honda giving him an average of about 4 to 5 a year until he got to Ducati. Fact is he won the MotoGP championship with high quality consistent results....he still deserves a factory seat.

- PommyR6 Yeah actually the world does revolve around the U.S. in just about every major capacity whether you want to believe it or not. Not saying its right or wrong, good or bad but just is the way it is. You can bet having an American or two at the sharp end of MotoGP is pretty damn important to the series and OEMs when you combine the one of the largest populations with by far and away biggest purchasing power....and its not even close, to sell bikes to. You dont have to like us, and frankly I dont give a damn if you do, but you best recognize that the new world Romans don't live in Italy these days mate.

- Szmolo Spot on, could not have said it better.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 10:02

Schwantz seemingly contradicting the praise he had for Crutchlow in this weeks MCN.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 10:33

Hayden will never win the title, or a race, never. Crutchlow? He's regarded as a talent. Comparing their careers is a waste of time. But it'd be a shocking move for Crutchlow to leave Yamaha to go to Ducati. Fuck the word 'factory', that dont mean shit. He's got more chance of winning a race on the satellite Yammie. Simple

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 11:09

Gay

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 15:13

Oh course the word means something. Why are the top riders all on works bikes ? They get the funding, modifications the sponsors which is more money to develope with. Tech 3 have already said that there's not going to be much development from their side of yam. Yamaha / tech 3 are so close due to it being the first year of the 1000cc era and the bike are pretty much identicle are yam going to give a satalite team all the same mods to the number 2 team so they can be fighting for podiums and victories i think not. Without modifications the tech 3 team will be further from the factory team. Thats why both dovi and crutchlow want what's that word again ? Oh yeah FACTORY ride If you really believe it has no meaning you clearly don't know what your talking about.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 15:26

Hayden all the way.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 15:40

Phil blast

not so sure the world does revolve around america anymore ...and certainly not in terms of motorcycle sales

2011 motorcycle sales for america combined includint ATV = 662,931 (figures supplied by motorcycle industry council)

Honda Motorcycle sales alone for India for the same year = 2,06,043
(figures supplied by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI))

Americans need to realise that there are other nations in the world!

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 15:53

For Ducati the world definitely revolves around the US and Philip Morris without a US rider?
Ducati without a US rider given the effort made on sales there?
Hayden is a good and hard working team player for Ducati.
Cal would come in and disrupt whatever impetus they have.
Cal reminds me a bit of Stoner. Not much form prior to Motogp (no WSB, Moto3, Moto2. "Just" WSS). Very outspoken when there.
It would be brilliant to have a Brit on a factory ride.
In 2011 he was 12th. This year 5th with over 50 points to 3rd. Why not get to 4th and perhaps to 3rd. Then next year he can choose and will know if the Ducati will bring any results. Currently he is ahead of both Ducati riders on a satelite bike. Says something about the situation. On that basis of that he would be swapping 3rd, 4th or 5th with 6th , 7th and 8th.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 16:31

I have to say pndyman that you are talking out of your hat (at least a little bit there). Factory bikes are always in front technically and development wise. I think had you have said that the Tech 3 M1 is further along the line that the GP12 you might have been a bit closer to it. Look at the fact that Cal (and Dovi) both had to put their hands in their own pockets for the Brembo's they are currently using, because Tech 3 wouldn't spring for them.

But that's just my opinion you understand.

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 16:44

I

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 19:17

her is my 2 pence worth.

As Someone mentioned earlier, Kevin is Entitled to his own opinion.

IMO Cal is a good rider and so is Nicky.
If Ducati Want to sell more bikes in America they should Keep Nicky in a factory team.

From what I understand Scott Reading will be getting a Ducati next year in Motogp in a Satellite team (if it all pans out). May be Hayden will still ride a Ducati but not the official factory bike.

Cal's Talks with Ducati went quiet at Mugello, from the coverage I have seen on the BBC, He had a deadline at the Mugello to confirm if he wanted the ride, Nothing has been said since.

If Rossi Leaves Ducati (which is still a possibility) then both Hayden and Crutchlow could be in the Ducati Factory Team.

Remember peeps at the end of the day there are now only 6 factory rides in Motogp this season and Next (currently) as apposed to 10 rides when Kawasaki and Suzuki had teams in Motogp).

Anyway I am sure no decisions will be made until Rossi Decides what he wants to do.

Cheers

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 19:31

what lushman said!

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 20:19

It's a good point, and one I keep not getting to be honest, I just simply cannot see Valentino leaving Ducati with the job half done. But, as had been already touched upon here, by several people, the "new parts are coming" line from Ducati Corse is wearing pretty fucking thin these days with the fans. So god only knows how sick the crews are with it.

I'd LOVE to see Valentino turn this bike round but, just how much longer is it gonna take? But, what other choice does he actually have?

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 20:47

Pagik

he DEFO has an offer from Honda on the table for a works bike

and apprently the reason Yamaha aint dealing with Spies/Dovi/Crutchlow is cos there waiting for Vale

Posted: 19/07/2012 at 23:09

Ken,

Really??? There's a concrete offer from HRC for a bike?? Is there a link to this anywhere please? I'd really like a look at that. I could understand an HRC ride, but I really cannot see a works M1 coming his way. I think Mr. Jarvis et al are still quite cross with him.

Also (they're), sorry. I's just my OCD coming out ;)

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 08:56

Pagik,

read this ...its about dovi ..but read on

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/101254

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 09:04

Thanks mate, but this is hardly set in stone is it....on to the next rumour..

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 10:02

Bit of an unfair comment from Schwantz...

Hayden doesn't deserve to lose his ride, but that doesn't mean crutchlow doesn't 'deserve' a factory bike...

As for Dovi, I wonder if his new rants are a slightly naive attempt at making himself more aware to the media and the hype that comes with it? He's mentioned before that he get's overlooked coz he generally keeps pretty quiet and just get's on with things..

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 10:46

If I was Cal I would stay at Yamaha and concentrate on beating Spies

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 11:44

Cal won't get a top-shelf factory ride next year because if for no other reason his riding is still too twitchy. Until he learns how to ride a prototype fairly smoothly he'll be damn lucky to keep his Tech3 ride or end up on the Ducrappy

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 17:17

MotoGP is an international title ... kinda the biggest one ...

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 17:36

Let Cal go to Ducati and put Nicky on the Tech3 Yamaha... I think you'll see exactly why the Yamaha is on the podium more than the Ducati. Both riders have enormous talent, however, in the current state of MotoGP, what you're riding has as much effect as who is riding...

Posted: 21/07/2012 at 18:38

If Cal doesn't deserve the factory ride, can Schwantz explain how Marquez does? Yes, Marquez is a great rider but has zero experience on a MotoGP bike compaired to Cal's 2 years experience yet Marquez gets parachuted onto a factory bike. So how does he 'deserve' that?

Posted: 22/07/2012 at 10:42

He's a winner, young, fast, and mainly, Spanish.

Posted: 23/07/2012 at 01:46

I like Schwantz and still see him as a future Suzuki Motogp team general manager but in my opinion it's Rossi who should be replaced by somebody (I don't know it should be Crutchlow as I like him in Yamaha) while keep Hayden in reds. Maybe the best surprise would be to hire Hayden in Yamaha?:)

Posted: 23/07/2012 at 13:02