They aren't getting rid of Rolfo, Hopkins will be the 3rd rider for the team
He'd be the #3 rider on the Roadracing World.com team!
-Rocky-
__________________
ROCKYMT
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
This will be a good move for Hopkins and very interesting to watch for the fans. The Stiggy Honda is very good and has already podiumed with another series rookie, Haslam.
Hopkins should be competitive after a few race weekends, let's say by Utah. The third bike didn't just appear out of thin air, so this deal must have been cooking for a few weeks at least. Coming into an existing team and leveraging off of their experience this season will help him get up to speed quickly.
Love him or hate him, he is a marketable name in motorcycle racing because of his MotoGP experience. Hopefully he finds that he likes WSBK and has some success, as his GP career is likely over unless he absolutely cleans up and wins the WSBK championship in 2010.
Hopkins himself announced earlier that he will make his World Superbike debut with Johan Stigefelt's team, although it wasn't clear whether he would ride a third Honda CBR1000RR or replace either Rolfo or Leon Haslam.
However, with no third bike available, sponsors have chosen to back Hopkins instead, forcing Rolfo out on the sidelines after only two rounds with the team.
Despite his premature exit, ex-Ten Kate Honda rider Rolfo thanked the team for signing him before reiterating that his physical condition – a doubt before the season started – had not been a factor in his exit.
“With great sadness I have taken notice of the fact that the Stiggy Racing Team and its sponsors have expressed their wishes for another rider to support the team,” he said. “Based on this outcome, I have decided to end my collaboration with the team.
“I would like to thank my mechanics who have helped me in this short season. I would also like to emphasise the decision, to prevent any miscommunication, has nothing to do with my physical condition, which is perfect at the moment, but is entirely based on reasons beyond my influence.”
The Stiggy team also took the opportunity to thank Rolfo for bringing his wealth of experience to the team over the last few months.
“We are sorry to announce the premature ending of our collaboration with Roberto Rolfo, due to insolvable matters of sponsor interest.
“We would like to thank Roberto for his dedication and the effort he has put into the Stiggy Racing project from the beginning and sincerely hope he will quickly find the opportunity to participate once again in the SBK Championship. The team intends to maintain the excellent relationship it has built with Roberto Rolfo.”
Rolfo managed a best of 13th position in the first four races of the season.
I wonder if Hopkins gets to keep his guaranteed $$$$$ from his Kawi contract or whether riding for another team would automatically cancel his contract?
__________________
Only one left not in captivity.
Well this time there will be no excuses, the Stiggy bike looks good enough to podium so it's all on Hopper now to perform.
I don't think he will be as successful as Ben Spies though.
THAT'S an unfair comparison...........Diamond Johnny doesn't have Mary Spies dressng him.
-Rocky-
__________________
ROCKYMT
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
for someone who tries really hard to appear to hate Mary Spies, you sure seem to be obsessed with her...
YEAH, THAT's it, I spank my monkey dreamin' bout that crusty bitch........
-Rocky-
__________________
ROCKYMT
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Latest Hopkins rumour...
Linear Mode
