Is everyone happy with the line ups?

asha · 3 Dec 2002, 12:45 (Ref:441733)

I think it all sounds just about right!

Hope to hear confirmation about Abe & Nakano teaming up together, but other then that I'm pretty happy with how everything turned out.

I have to say I really dont think Nicky Hayden is going to be anything special, he has got what rightfully should have been Colin Edwards ride.

Good to see Haga back in the fold.

McCoy I honestly think he got as good a ride as he deserves. And as much as I hate to say it, I can see him getting injured by round 6.

Anyway, is everyone else happy? Any changes you would rather have seen?

a_r_c_a · 3 Dec 2002, 13:35 (Ref:441770)

All my life I've been searching for something like 2003 MotoGP line-up.

429CJ · 3 Dec 2002, 17:44 (Ref:441951)

Happy Noriyuki Haga getting a second change, two-strokes just were not his cup of tea!

Es Nes · 4 Dec 2002, 01:14 (Ref:442254)

ill answer that as soon as i see how well barros and the m1 get along in race condictions

f1manoz · 4 Dec 2002, 03:28 (Ref:442279)

I think the new line-ups are about as good as you can get. I would change a couple of things:

I agree with asha that Edwards should be on the second Honda beside Rossi and not Hayden. I don't know much about Hayden, but Edwards HAS won 2 World Superbike titles and would have been perfect as team-mate. However, if Hayden does well then all is forgiven.

2003 will be a test for Barros on the M1. Though it showed potential in Biaggi's hands, can Barros do the same?

Biaggi also on a Honda will be interesting. Can he beat Rossi???

wreckless · 4 Dec 2002, 03:47 (Ref:442284)

Japan's Shinya Nakano will replace fellow countryman Norick Abe as sole MotoGP rider for Team d'Antin next season. Nakano who was named 500cc rookie of the year in 2001, rode for the re-named Tech 3 Yamaha team last season but replaced by Alex Barros.

there we go

wreckless · 4 Dec 2002, 03:47 (Ref:442285)

Former D'Antin Team rider Norick Abe, who has played the role as lead rider with Luis d'Antin owned outfit since its inception and has had a history with Yamaha in the premier class dating back to 1995, will continue with the Yamaha camp as a dedicated YZR-M1 test and development rider. Although the final program is still to be confirmed it is likely that Abe will also contest selected rounds of the 2003 championship, as an official Yamaha factory wild card entry aboard the YZR-M1.

wreckless · 4 Dec 2002, 03:50 (Ref:442287)

d'Antin owned outfit will only field 1 bike next year. all this from formula-xtreme.com.au

f1manoz · 4 Dec 2002, 09:57 (Ref:442391)

If that's true, then it's a damn shame for Abe...

elephino · 4 Dec 2002, 10:26 (Ref:442408)

I'm happy with the lineups. Good riders on various bikes. Some of the bikes are improving (Suzuki (I hope), Kawasaki, KR) and the Hondas and Yamahas will be making leaps and bounds as well. Should be a vintage year once again. I can't wait.

asha · 4 Dec 2002, 11:06 (Ref:442432)

after 2002 i have to say anything would be better

BootsOntheSide · 4 Dec 2002, 14:49 (Ref:442604)

Obviously a_r_c_a's a Foo Fighters fan.

It's a shame so many of the top teams will be using Hondas, I'm not convinced that they would be allowed to rival Rossi. I hope I'm wrong though, because I'd lvoe to see Tino cement his status as the best rider of the modern era (and that includes Doohan and Rainey).

Great to see Colin adn Troy have a go in the big leagues as well.

CleanTone · 4 Dec 2002, 20:09 (Ref:442767)

Abe deserves a factory ride. Really, I'm sad for him

Raven · 5 Dec 2002, 00:06 (Ref:442963)

Me too. Abe would have to be the un-sung hero of 2001, finishing 6th in the championship on a dated machine.

f1manoz · 5 Dec 2002, 06:09 (Ref:443065)

Indeed, and that all came about through sheer consistency, something which Abe has always seemed to struggle with, but the past couple of years have been his best by far.

asha · 5 Dec 2002, 07:50 (Ref:443085)

I can't see why he in not going to be a full time rider?
its weird

Winther · 5 Dec 2002, 17:56 (Ref:443499)

Yeah test rider....how lame!!
Maybe he don't like the 4-strokers??
He always loved the 500s alot.

asha · 7 Dec 2002, 08:33 (Ref:444887)

but he didn't get a chance to ride it.
One practice session at Phillip Island, then Cardoso took over right??

Winther · 7 Dec 2002, 11:20 (Ref:444953)

Yeah I think Abe was having pains in his arm??
But I cannot remember excactly what happend...lol must be the age...

asha · 8 Dec 2002, 11:30 (Ref:445513)

One thing that strikes me is that there are no riders that I personally think are a waste of space (just making up the numbers). I feel every rider this coming season is capable of winning a race. Be it haga, sete, hopkins or rossi.

COME ON 2003!!!

Winther · 8 Dec 2002, 14:45 (Ref:445649)

Yeah I think that 2003 will be way more fun.
I hope that we will get some nice surprises.

moto1 · 11 Dec 2002, 01:45 (Ref:447391)

The 03 season will be a classic, it seems to me the Moto G.P circus is going from strength to strength!!
There's NO doubt that Biaggi will beat Rossi and might even take the title. I think Capirossi will go well on the Duke and I hope Edwards will give Aprilia some good results and show Honda what a major mistake it was letting him go! Its all money isn't it?
I hope McWill gets on the podium at least 16 times!!!!!
Gibernau might be the suprise man out there, but I think it will be the Italians yet again taking the silverware home, yes Rossi, Biaggi, Capirossi with Melandri nerfing'em off for good measure!!!!

elephino · 11 Dec 2002, 10:50 (Ref:447525)

I think there is a lot of doubt that Biaggi will beat Rossi. But there is doubt Rossi will win the title too.

My vote, which nothing to do with bike or rider really, for the 2003 championship is Barros. I have my reasons

asha · 11 Dec 2002, 17:18 (Ref:447741)

i think sete might be a suprise this year.. (all he really needs in consistancy).
Today on motogp.com they had a photo of rossi and he looked stress for the first time ever. 2003 is going to be his biggest challenge. If he pulls it off there will be no doubt (at least in my mind) that he is the best of the modern era!

Winther · 11 Dec 2002, 18:18 (Ref:447776)

Well if he does it next season....he will be a legend in the heavy league.
But next year will be exciting for sure.
Max.....oh well no comment

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