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Ducati currently has three full factory rides: Bayliss, Xaus, and Bostrom. Hodgson moves to the factory team, meaning only one slot for those three riders. Bayliss would be a no-brainer, but what of Xaus and Bostrom?
Bayliss may go and ride the GP bike, but there are reasons why he may wish to stay where he is: he is on a proven bike, he knows that the bike agrees with him, he would have to be favoured for the WSB championship next year, and I think Ducati's GP bike will likely need a good year of racing development before being a contender for the championship. Bayliss is 33; he would be 35 before he would have a shot at a GP title. Despite Ducati's ability to engineer a sweet racebike, one has to wonder if they (or anyone else) will be able to keep up with Honda's nearly limitless resources in a prototype racing class.
What would you do if you were Bayliss? Do you accept that you have proven yourself in WSB and move on for a very slim chance at a different title? Do you stay where you are comfortable?
If it came down to Xaus and Bostrom, which rider would you choose? Should be an interesting few months. Ben, the time is now to turn it on!
Bayliss may go and ride the GP bike, but there are reasons why he may wish to stay where he is: he is on a proven bike, he knows that the bike agrees with him, he would have to be favoured for the WSB championship next year, and I think Ducati's GP bike will likely need a good year of racing development before being a contender for the championship. Bayliss is 33; he would be 35 before he would have a shot at a GP title. Despite Ducati's ability to engineer a sweet racebike, one has to wonder if they (or anyone else) will be able to keep up with Honda's nearly limitless resources in a prototype racing class.
What would you do if you were Bayliss? Do you accept that you have proven yourself in WSB and move on for a very slim chance at a different title? Do you stay where you are comfortable?
If it came down to Xaus and Bostrom, which rider would you choose? Should be an interesting few months. Ben, the time is now to turn it on!