MotoGP Blog

Marco Melandri has made some astonishing statements recently, to go with his astonishing performances. Apparently happy to step aside if “there is someone better” this is hardly the attitude of the racer we are used to seeing. Seemingly broken by his inability to gel with the red bike, he may even have given up trying. At Donnington, Melandri was coming out of the Old Hairpin, changing up at Starkeys and then holding this gear through Schwantz. Stoner, meanwhile was short shifting between the Old Hairpin and Starkeys, pulling a gear higher through Schwantz and was visibly quicker up the hill. It smacks of a lack of confidence in the bike and his ability - the wet of Saturday must have been a nightmare for Marco.

The news that Gibernau is to test the Ducati GP9 again 1st - 3rd July will not have helped. However, Ducati maintain the faith in the young Italian and in recent statements, Livio Suppo seems to be willing to give him the Sachsenring and Laguna to recover some pride before making the decision whether or not to drop the axe.

Who would replace him - speculation is rife that Gibernau would be the one, but he would be mad to step into the red leathers again. All he risks is damage to his reputation, and a return to 2006 when he was out-ridden and out-psyched by Rossi. He also risks looking silly if he can’t match Stoner. So it is not likely to be Gibernau. Stick to the bike development Sete.

de Puniet? Not unless Ducati can afford big repair bills. Dovizioso? He’s Honda through and through so no dice. de Angelis? Not likely to do better than Melandri.

World Supers does not have an obvious candidate either, so Ducati have something of a quandry: Melandri cannot continue to lap at the back of the field, but Ducati can’t see an obvious replacement. Suppo is therefore right to give Marco Sachsenring and Laguna while the search continues; these are also tracks Marco favours. Perhaps he can get himself a stay of execution yet.