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2005-10-28 MotoGP Attitude: Contract time
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 MotoGP season is close to its end, it is time for new contracts to be signed, time for some riders to get boot from MotoGP paddock, for some to sneak-through again for another relaxed year in MotoGP. And it is time when you will hear familiar lies from both sides in the game - riders and teams. Riders, for example, have just realized that they have potential to win title next year; problem so far was that no one has told them that bike has 6th gear, which was cause for their poor results. But, for sure, next year they are going to "deliver" results, for sure. Manufacturers, on the other side, are preparing best bikes ever seen in MotoGP, but they are keeping them for next season, just sign and you will see... Are they lying each others? I don't think so. Both sides in this contract game are lying us, and what is more important, sponsors! Everything is about money now, everything is about how to find way to get salary for next season. Do you think that someone there really thinks how to get title next season with Valentino still in the MotoGP? I think maybe few enthusiasts - others are there to get some more money. And serious money it is...
Let's see what is solved in MotoGP from the contract side:
Suzuki
After not impressing season after season on the bike that is anyway not capable to win no matter how hard you try, Kenny Roberts Jr has finished his ride in Suzuki MotoGP team. He will probably go to TeamKR next season, which is still in lot of trouble to settle many issues about engine, sponsorship and so on. Roberts is replaced in this team with Chris Vermeulen, Superbike 2005 runner-up, who had wildcard rides in previous two races for Camel Honda and finished both in 11th, for some people impressive, place. Information was now confirmed, and with John Hopkins signed long time ago, team is complete. Sorry guys, no more free places for joy ride...
Kawasaki
All places full here also, but I don't think that no one tried too hard to get them anyway. With Shinya Nakano doing great job on the bike that is still behind rivals, he got new team-mate that is currently in high 8th place in 250cc. Eckl will have large repairing bills next season, but hopefully Kawasaki sales in France will cover that...
Ducati Marlboro
Capirossi is signed for another year, and immediately won two races in a row. On the other side, Checa is about to get booted from Ducati, despite his usual good form in the contract time. Rumors say that Gibernau is almost certain as his replacement. Does this mean that next season we will see one red machine going to gravel-trap, rejoining the race few places lover than just few seconds ago, with rider looking at rear tyre and shaking head? Quite possible...
Yamaha
Current Gauloises Yamaha riders, Rossi and Edwards, will stay with Yama next year, but in what combination of team-names, colours and tyres is still unknown. On the other side, satellite team is unsolved. Satellite Yamaha team riders are still unknown. Ruben Xaus did not impress anyone this season, and it is hard to imagine him in same (or any other) seat next year. On the other side, Elias is getting better and better on the race basis, and he may be good solution for next season. But we will wait for money talk to be finished first, and then talents maybe get into consideration...
Repsol Honda
Hayden has valid contract for another season with the team. Biaggi will go out somewhere else to look for job, possibly to Camel. And Dani Pedrosa will come to his place.
Telefonica Movistar Honda
Yeah, that is team name for this season. What it will be next season, we don't know. What we know is that Melandri will be in the team in 2006, and who will join him, we don't have slightest idea.
Camel Honda
They won't sign Vermeulen - directive from above. And Bayliss has already signed to Ducati in Superbikes, fairly admitting that if he can't ride bike properly, someone else deserves this chance. Have you hear these words from anyone else underperforming in the paddock? Hardly; you could hear only excuses. Anyway, Camel Honda will be team of great interest for all riders aiming for another average season, promising everything just to get another year in MotoGP.
Konica Minolta Honda
What to say here? Did Tamada impress anyone this season? Are Michelins that bad compared to Bridgestones? Is here some 10 year learning curve necessary? Many questions, no answers...
WCM Blata, TeamKR, d'Antin Ducati
Probably even they don't know what to expect next season. So, how even we could know that?
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