Who's riding what for 2007?

Nicky Hayden walked away from Valencia with the coveted title of 2006 World Champion last weekend. We all watched as his cup runneth over with excitement as he rolled across the finish line and solidified his victory. Would things have played out the same if Valentino hadn't crashed? Many think not it seems... including Nick. He was interviewed incessantly in the days following the final race of 2006, and although most of his comments were wrapped in confidence and tied with a ribbon of merit, he made mention of the fact that he believed Rossi was angry over the outcome of the championship as well as his (Nicky's) feeling that he had taken something that didn't belong to him. The latter comments were followed up by the vow to ride harder next year and repeat his win.... to prove that he is indeed deserving of his title. The buzz around MO headquarters following Hayden's victory was speculation as to whether or not he would run the #1 plate next season, or stick with that old familiar 69 that we all know so well. I saw a snapshot from the 800cc testing following the Valencia race, and he had the big numero uno strapped to the front of his rocket for all the world to see. So, I guess that's that :)

2007 will bring us new bikes in the premier class, a new defending champion, an extra race added to the schedule (YAY!) , a new team (Ilmor), several new riders, the axing of a legend, and an exhausting game of sign-my-contract. Some of the teams have already signed their rocket jockeys for next year, and some are as-of-yet undecided. Of those that have riders in place, only a few have stayed the same. Here are the team line-ups as reported by MotoGP.com:

Camel Yamaha: Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards

Repsol Honda: Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa

Ducati Marlboro: Loris Capirossi and Casey Stoner

Gresini Honda (Fortuna): Marco Melandri and Toni Elias

Kawasaki Racing: Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque

LCR Honda: Carlos Checa

Rizla Suzuki: John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen

Pramac d'Antin Ducati: Alex Barros and Alex Hofmann

Konica Minolta: Shinya Nakano

Tech 3 Yamaha: Makoto Tamada and Sylvain Guintoli

Team Roberts: Kenny Roberts, Jr.

Ilmor, the new team on the block, has not officially signed any riders for the 2007 season. Their 800cc bike was piloted by Garry McCoy in Estoril and Valencia for it's debut. Andrew Pitt and Jeremy McWilliams did some testing for them, and Chaz Davies and Shane Byrnes have also been hovering around the camp.

I was not surprised by any of the shuffling. Those that have switched teams seem to have made wise moves. I am disappointed that Ducati signed Casey Stoner... mostly for the fact that Sete has been left out in the rain. Nobody has mentioned "retirement" for him yet, but I have a feeling that's the direction he's headed. He had a rough year this year, plagued with crashes, broken bones and surgeries. Maybe he'll take next year off to balance his Chi, cleanse his aura, rekindle his karma and come back for 2008? I would very much like to see that!

The SBK scene has been blessed with the return of Max Biaggi for 2007. He has signed with Suzuki and will be racing their Alstare Corona rocket. Max was not a favorite for many.... actually, I think I have yet to meet a fan. I will be so bold as to say I like him though, and I'm glad to see he's back. There's no doubt once he gets his rythm back, he'll bring a certain "spark" to SBK. He's a fiesty one... I like that... he's got moxie :)

Okay, I think I have rambled on enough for today

Until next time......

Rubb'er Down :)