Colin Edwards starts talks with Kawasaki

[sneakypete]

...looks like Westy is pushing it uphill to keep his ride...


Kawasaki bosses will have a list of potential 2009 targets drawn up by the Catalunya MotoGP in Spain next month after it emerged Colin Edwards held talks with the Japanese factory in Le Mans.

With John Hopkins under contract for next season, Kawasaki seem certain to be chasing at least one rider for 2009 given Anthony West’s struggles, with plans to run a third factory ZX-RR still up in the air.

Texan Edwards, currently with the Tech 3 Yamaha team as James Toseland’s team-mate, held preliminary discussions with Kawasaki boss Michael Bartholemy in France last weekend.

Edwards, who scored his first podium of 2008 with third place in Le Mans, told MCN: “I’m not hiding anything and I spoke to Kawasaki for the first time in Le Mans but a lot has got to happen. I am looking at everything and seeing what it is out there. I’m fishing and they are fishing just seeing what is going on.”

Kawasaki manager Bartholemy said: “I have a list of people I am interested in. Sure we have a list but I am not going from one meeting to another meeting. I can wait a bit.

“I want to give a chance to Anthony and I would like to start in Catalunya. I want a clear idea then of who can be the candidates and then really go into negotiations from Catalunya.”

[ZXR750]

Old Colin sure is riding well this year. I think he has a better understanding of how to set up a bike than Westy. Sadly I think poor Ant will get the shunt at the end of the year.

[Strika]

Yeah Fantastic! Kawasaki trying to hire yet another guy who CAN"T WIN THE FUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!

[Lone Wolf]

Or even a race!

[ZXR750]

Yeah Fantastic! Kawasaki trying to hire yet another guy who CAN"T WIN THE FUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!

I think that is a bit unfair. There is only realy four riders who can win a world championship and Casey being one of them is no chance this year. That only makes three. I don't care how much money Kawasaki throw at Rossi, Lornenso and Pedrosa I could not see them riding a green bike. Also I think the bike is a bigger concern than the rider at the moment. If Kawasaki can buy a rider who can win a championship whats to say Kawasaki can provide a bike to do the job.

[Lone Wolf]

Last year the bike was talked about as being the 2nd best bike in the field, this year however, I think they're back to more familiar territory

[SAPhil]

I hope they don't drop him, that would be a real shame for Kawasaki and Australians that follow Ant.

Here is the link to his stats, sure hes no Jorge Lorezo but he is Australian and does ride a Kawasaki don't right him off yet.


http://www.kawasaki-motogp.com/ant/profile.asp

[triway]

Westy was screwed from the day he signed on I reckon! I would have bet loads of money that he would never get a new contract. Edwards, I agree, what's the point in getting a rider with no winning experience in MotoGP? Might as well stick with what you have! Unless he is a rider renowned for being able to set a bike up perfectly, which I don't think Edwards is either.

Unfortunately the team green just don't have it once again

[mick_dundee]

Well he did get a new contract, for this year, at least. Fair to say he's struggling pretty badly though...

[SAPhil]

You could hardly say Hopkins is achieving any good results even he is struggling with the bike. Sure he is doing better than Ant but there is something wrong with the bike. They can't corner as well as others they have wheel spin problems and when they get the wheel spin under control they still don't keep up.

I think Ant should have stayed with world Super sports he was doing great there. It will be hard for him to get a ride if Kawasaki drop him at the end of this year, it may be the last we see of him. He was looking at giving up before the super sport ride.

[slojo]

yeah...

easy to say in hindsight that west should've stayed in WSS... but as a professional motorcycle racer, given the opportunity, which would you choose? a WSBK support class? or a shot at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, MotoGP?

as for edwards... i'm with strika on that one...