The MotoGP Merry-Go-Round Continues - Stoner and Checa Moves

Well, contrary to what I wrote in a previous post, Casey Stoner is almost certain to stay in MotoGP after all. He will be losing his ride with LCR Honda at the end of this season, but he has announced to the press that he will be riding a Ducati in 2007. No details of the contract were released, but with Loris Capirossi taking a nice pay rise, it is unlikely that Stoner will be getting the $3 million he was reportedly demanding. However, the upside for Stoner is that he will be on a factory machine, and not have to wait in line for parts from HRC with the other satellite Honda riders.

Stoner's seat at LCR will be taken by Carlos Checa, who has been revitalized this season, after a run of decent, but not brilliant seasons at Yamaha and Ducati. Checa has been the only Dunlop rider to be anywhere near the action this season, and his performance has paid off.