Does Nicky have a chance at a repeat? A snowball's chance in hell maybe. With the new 800cc bikes made especially for former 250cc riders like Pedrosa and Stoner on the track (and in Honda's case they went to extremes to make this bike as small as possible, since Hayden looks like he's riding around on a pocket bike) and with the Spanish sponsors Repsol funding the project heavily, it doesn't look good. Throw in the fact that Dorna is a Spanish corporation and one can't imagine the results being good for Hayden. He'll be lucky if he sees a podium before mid-season.
Cynically speaking, it's a sound business decision really. Spain is crazy about motorcycles. Pedrosa is a national hero, as is any Spaniard on two wheels. And a lot of money and advertising is at stake all throughout Europe.
Back in the States young Hayden couldn't get a good seat at The Olive Garden.
As far as the other factories go, Yamaha kept the ergos reasonably roomy to accomodate Rossi's height, which in turn helps Edwards, and has resulted in a very competitive package. Will anyone touch Rossi this year? I doubt it.
The Ducati's are fast but it seems as Capirossi is no where to be found. What's his story? Stoner can be magnificent when he stays upright but he's up against Rossi who makes very few mistakes (except when the championship is on the line).
Hopkins has his chance this year but he threw away a golden opportunity at Jerez. Maybe the hand caused it. Maybe not. What happened to Vermeullion? Is he trying to get back into World Superbike the hard way?
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