So Crutchlow is going to Ducati...

[Badass]

Can't believe Nicky Haden was kicked in the arse by Ducati, right out on the street mid season!

[Hellgate]

He's got this ride through the end of the season.

[Hooligan]

ducati race times have remained constant for the past 5 years... and the top speed has decreased and average speed over race distance also has not moved ....

sounds like a team in trouble.... it doesnt take much to be mid pack .... and that is where they are.... for now .... when the new second tier bikes come in with honda or yamaha engines ducati could be further down the field...

Actually at one of the recent races the Duc's had one of the highest top speeds. I don't think motor is their problem. It is the CF chassis, which was tried way back in the 500's days and didn't work then.

[This old RZ]

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe Ducati reverted back to a aluminum frame in 2011 , Rossi virtually demanded it.
It still doesn't matter. There are a lot of little issues There are issues with the cylinder head angles of the Ducati, tire wear issues from the firing order , the obvious chassis and "feel" issues that have been plaguing them for years. In 2013..everything must be perfect and in harmony, as well as the riding ability. The Ducati was a textbook example of riding on the razors edge, Realistically all the bikes are that way now,the Duc is just a little more susceptible and that just isn't allowed under the law of Physics. AUDI, has to do something..they are under pressure , Marlboro is pretty much set to pull all sponsorship from Ducati...that's millions and millions ....and millions of dollars. I suspect they are going to get aggressive

[Hellgate]

Word has it he'll made 2.5 £ to 3 £ million at year. So much for 350k. He begins to podium and the bonuses will kick in. ~$500k for a win.

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[Badass]

Word has it he'll made 2.5 £ to 3 £ million at year. So much for 350k. He begins to podium and the bonuses will kick in. ~$500k for a win.

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Hellgate, this could be his total income no just Ducati's salary.

[Badass]

He's got this ride through the end of the season.

I thought I just read that he is done and the only two american riders this week are CE and BS.

[This old RZ]

He is riding the rest of the year for Ducati. fulfilling his contract. They just felt that Cal Crutchlow was a better prospect for them...and quite possibly cheaper too.

Its tough to say? Nickys resume is far better than Cals, hes even a proven MOTOGP champion vs the some of the best racers
in their prime. Nicky was a literally a champion...when he was in high school, then a AMA champion, beating Matt Mladin...although Nicky raced the full factory effort HRC RC51 vs Mladins Yoshimura GSXR 750 , then he went into MOTO GP at a very young age and won the championship. Hes bee n there done that..but I believe hes taken it easy..safe as possible. kinda caught up in the bling circus and lifestyle. " Cant say I wouldn't " Hes made upteen millions of dollars from Honda alone, cant imagine what he gets from Ducati, Arari and Marlboro let alone the countless other sponsors he has.

One big factor or gamble for Ducati is the worlds largest Ducati market is the United states, and there are a lot of Nicky Hayden fans..it is true win on Sunday buy on Monday. I do think Ducati is a " adult " brand so sales I don't think will be affected much, People whom want the best, buy the best. Ducs are the Ferrari of motorcycles right now love them or hate them that's the way it is.

I'd say Cal is far more aggressive a rider than Nicky is or was, but Nicky has so much experience behind him from such a young age, I think he could retire easily with no worries whatsoever, hes a old veteran

I personally could care less if there is an American in the field or not, the riders are great no matter where they are from. If you want to root for the next world champion, better move to Spain

[aaronmvrider]

Word has it he'll made 2.5 £ to 3 £ million at year. So much for 350k. He begins to podium and the bonuses will kick in. ~$500k for a win.

i dont see him on the podium this coming season....

[Badass]

Told ya the Duc would bit Crutchy! http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/20 ... est2/9.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Badass]

Okay this is a breath of fresh air for the Duc! http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Nov/131113bolf.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;