Re: Early days
I agree that Honda shoulda, coulda, woulda gone with Colin, but that is history. Now that Haydon got the opportunity, I don't think anyone expects him to contend the first year, considering all the first time situations he's facing:
1. international racing
2. culture and language acclimation
3. unfamiliar tracks
4. new bike and tires (Dunlop before)
5. rookie psychology
6. etc, etc.
By the time Rossi, Biaggi, et al. made the move to 500's, they were well acclimated to the travel, competition, and tracks. I think Honda is grooming him for the future as he is only 21 or so, just as RedBull Yamaha took on John Hopkins last year who happened to do quite well for himself even though he never even competed in AMA Superbike prior.
I agree that Honda shoulda, coulda, woulda gone with Colin, but that is history. Now that Haydon got the opportunity, I don't think anyone expects him to contend the first year, considering all the first time situations he's facing:
1. international racing
2. culture and language acclimation
3. unfamiliar tracks
4. new bike and tires (Dunlop before)
5. rookie psychology
6. etc, etc.
By the time Rossi, Biaggi, et al. made the move to 500's, they were well acclimated to the travel, competition, and tracks. I think Honda is grooming him for the future as he is only 21 or so, just as RedBull Yamaha took on John Hopkins last year who happened to do quite well for himself even though he never even competed in AMA Superbike prior.
