Rossi in Red, Hayden Happy, Ducati...a "Real Prototype"

[DarthRider]

There's a whole string of new updates on Crash.Net re Ducati, Vale & Nicky.
It's going to be a great season!

Nicky:

“We know we have a good bike. We've made a couple of little tweaks for next year by adding some staff and a few engineers to help me. I have a strong team around me. I know being team-mates with Rossi won't be easy, but I really don't get too caught up in that. I focus on my job, and that's why I think it'll work with us.


Vale:

The Ducati is a real prototype, very different from the Japanese motorcycles that I know,” said Rossi, speaking at a press conference. “It has to be ridden in a more 'dirty' way.


From Crash.Net:
http://www.crash.net/motogp

[panthercity]

Tell Vale I knew a gal like that once...

[DarthRider]

Tell Vale I knew a gal like that once...
I would but he never writes, never calls anymore?

[Sir Limpsalot]

I would but he never writes, never calls anymore?

I'll pass it on and mention that you miss him..

Of course, the press obsession with Vale and his new ride takes the heat off Casey.

[vintagemxr]

"I know being team-mates with Rossi won't be easy, but I really don't get too caught up in that."

Interesting comment by Nicki. I wonder if he's referring to the incessant press and fan attention Rossi receives compared to other riders? Or maybe having his own performance so easily compared now to Rossi's? Or maybe the Italians showing an obvious preference in everything for one of their own? Or Nicki has to settle for the second string Ducati fan girls?

My own feeling is that Rossi will be a big help to Hayden with riding, bike set up, and tactical insights, and Hayden will do even better this year.

the other Doug

[Tassie Devil]

We know Nicky can ride the Ducati...
Maybe he can teach the old dog a few tricks.....

Cheers,

JQ.

[Sir Limpsalot]

I wonder if he's referring to the incessant press and fan attention Rossi receives compared to other riders? Or maybe having his own performance so easily compared now to Rossi's? Or maybe the Italians showing an obvious preference in everything for one of their own? Or Nicki has to settle for the second string Ducati fan girls?
the other Doug

Maybe some /all of those. Most importantly they get on well and respect each other. They'll be fine. They worked well together when they were team mates at Honda, although neither of them is Japanese - so maybe that doesn't count. :)

[DarthRider]

Yeah, I think "all of the above" on the team mates thing.
But I suspect it will work out well for both of them.
Vale won't have the Spanish Fly as team mate/antagonist and Nicky is used to having an Alien/Super Star as team mate.
Nicky is both a former World Champion and is used to being 2nd banana, plus he & Vale know each other's ways from Honda, sounds like a workable deal, with all that experience & maturity.
All bets are off though if Vale's bike preferences & influence sway the entire team too far away from Nicky's comfort zone.

I've thought for a while that Nicky's destiny may be to become the new Colin. Obviously not an "Alien", capable of podium finishes, winning some races but probably not another championship, just a good, journeyman racer, funny, smart, controllable ego, great guy, a real asset to any team.
What do you guys think about that?

[Sir Limpsalot]

I've thought for a while that Nicky's destiny may be to become the new Colin. Obviously not an "Alien", capable of podium finishes, winning some races but probably not another championship, just a good, journeyman racer, funny, smart, controllable ego, great guy, a real asset to any team.
What do you guys think about that?

He's already there old boy. Your desription has him banged to rights. He and Vale will get along just fine and Nicky will only gain from the association. If Valentino gets his way, then the Ducati will become more "Japanese". When he says "It's a real prototype" he means "It's an unfinished piece of shit"
JB and the boys will be working hard to improve that situation,and Nicky will get a more complete, more rideable, more Japanese (if you like) ride because of it.

[Deans BMW]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/GP11+presented+at+Wrooom+2011


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads18/02_slideshow1294881125.jpg

http://resources.motogp.com/2011/01/12/Unveils07.slideshow.jpg