Anyone heard anything about Ellison?

[Cruser]

After his test ride on the D'Antin Ducati bike at Valencia, the team said that they'd be making a decision the following week (last week) about who their riders would be.

Ellison had a great test, exactly matching Rolfo's times, even though Rolfo has been riding the bike all season. Would be great to see Ellison getting a decent ride, hopefully Dorna can have some influence over his future now that Shakey has left GP's?

D'Antin Ducati are believed to be running '05 bikes with '06 electronics next season, as well as hopefully getting Bridgestone tyres which would make them a very competitive package next season.

A thought has just popped into my head though - what if Biaggi is looking to take his Camel sponsorship to D'Antin???? He doesn't appear to have anywhere else to go and the backing of Camel would make it easier for D'Antin to afford all the things they want for next season g0551p g0551p

 

[KUCIAR666]

It doesn't look like they dicaide about who will rode for Louis D'antin ..........ROBY ROLFO......its still as only one ,,official driver for 05''
http://www.dantin-pramac.com/ing/equipo/equipo.asp

Nothing about ELILSON.....propobly they waiting for next tests......

 

[Cruser]

Update*update*

Tech 3 Yamaha team manager Herve Poncharal has confirmed to Crash.net that James Ellison will test for his team at Sepang next week.

As previously reported, 2005 WCM rider Ellison was set to sign for the Pramac backed d'Antin Ducati outfit, following an impressive performance on Roby Rolfo's Desmosedici GP4 during testing at Valencia on November 9 (lower pics).

Luis d'Antin's team subsequently told Crash.net that a decision on their two man 2006 rider line-up - set to be decided between Ellison, Rolfo and Jose Luis Cardoso - would be made last week, but no announcement came...

The reason for that delay now appears to have been a late rival offer for Ellison's services from Tech 3 Yamaha, a bid which Crash.net understands also has considerable backing from Dunlop.

Dunlop worked with both Rolfo and Ellison this season and, after watching the Brit match Rolfo's best lap time on his Desmosedici debut, is believed to have decided to up its backing of the former World Endurance champion and attempt to find him the most competitive ride possible for 2006.

d'Antin is also thought to be chasing a supply of Bridgestone tyres, meaning that Dunlop might lose Ellison if he signs for the Spanish team, while Tech 3 - having recently lost title sponsor Fortuna - could welcome direct Dunlop support next season, rather than face paying for Michelins.

With Ellison now expected to be the only British rider in the premier-class next year, following the departure of Shane Byrne, the #77 is also likely to enjoy full Dorna assistance in his efforts to secure the Tech 3 seat - one of the most competitive rides still available, since it involves a 2006 YZR-M1.

The factory backed Fortuna Yamaha Team ran Toni Elias and Ruben Xaus in MotoGP this season, with Elias taking rookie of the year honours and a best race finish of sixth.

 

[Oldbull]

good news fingers crossed for him, he deserves it :bow:

 

[KUCIAR666]

Yes keep fingers crossed for him :yo:
I just recive the same press release from Tech 3

 

[KUCIAR666]

here is another one from motogp.......

Ellison to join Yamaha Tech 3 at Sepang test
Briton James Ellison will take part to the test held next week at the Sepang circuit, in Malaysia, with the Yamaha Tech 3 team. He will ride the 2005 version of the YZR-M1, shod for the first time with Dunlop tyres as confirmed team manager Herv? Poncharal.

?We?ll fly to Sepang on Friday and we?ll test for three days with James Ellison,? said Poncharal. ?He will have the bikes Toni (Elias) used this year, and will ride on Dunlop tyres.?

?However, it doesn?t confirm our plans for 2006,? stressed the Frenchman. ?Anyway, this test should be interesting as there will be a strong presence of the Dunlop people, they seem determined to bring their MotoGP effort to another level.?

When it came to comment on his team?s 2006 plans, Poncharal admitted that many things were still in the air: ?So far, there?s nothing signed, neither with the rider nor with Dunlop. We still have to go through various things, as it?s the case of the other satellite teams.?

The Yamaha Tech 3 team could be sized-down to a single rider next year, a situation Poncharal hopes to avoid.

?At the moment, we are looking at the option to line-up a sole rider, even if I think it?s a heresy ? relying on a single rider is risky, but it?s also costly, as having only one rider doesn?t mean that you?ll spend half from what you need for a two-rider team.?

?So we?ll do everything so we can line up two riders in 2006. MotoGP is a great showcase and the satellite teams have an important part to play : it?s not about making numbers on the grid, but about having competitive riders in the pack, a Grand Prix is not only a fight for victory.?