He just seemed deperate to be a 'WORK' rider at all costs to me. I lknow its only been the first test but the second string Yamaha's are looking good.....can't say the same about the second string Honda's so far tho
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
Mutley - May 2003 Chili Red 'One'
He was in an awkward position as Tech 3 had said that Pol Espargaro would be riding for them and Bradly Smith had a years contract to run. Cal Crutchlow was the only one without a contract for this year. Yamaha appeared to want to keep him but did not want to run a fifth bike. Not sure if there were any private Hondas available but as you say I think he wanted a factory bike. Maybe he should have tried to get on the Suzuki, who are making a welcome return, this will be a development year for them but looks like it will be for Ducati as well.
Do you think we'll see Hopper back on a Suzuki in GP's..??
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
Mutley - May 2003 Chili Red 'One'
I've got to say that if Rossi struggled with the Ducati I can't see Crutchlow fairing any better (no disrespect to Cal).
You only need two tools in life WD40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should use WD40 and if it moves and shouldn't use Duct Tape.
It would be good to see Hopper back but not sure it will happen in saying that there are no Americans on factory bikes so if he did it would get Suzuki a lot of American intrest which is where they sell most of their bikes.
Rossi struggled with the Ducati but thats not to say Crutchlow will not manage to adapt, remember it was not that long ago Stoner won the championship on it, time will tell and they do now have VW / Audi financing them.
I've just read stoner bio and he wasn't very impressed with Ducati after the year he won the championship. Ducati didn't come out well in it after his lactose illness. Its a good read.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
Mutley - May 2003 Chili Red 'One'