Chris Vermulen or Loris Caparossi?

Question

Although Moto GP has been a little predictable this season, one fascinating dynamic for me has been the rivalry within the Suzuki Garage.

On paper at least, Chris appears to be the better rider. He's got more podiums (including a win) in far shorter a time span than Hopper ever managed.

If you look at the evidence from your eyes during most race weekends, you would have to say that Hopper looks the better. He nearly always out qualifies his team mate, and usually, at least for the first few laps of a race is several places ahead.

But whereas John tends to start well, then fade towards the end, Chris starts poorly and then seems to get stronger as the race goes on.

Johns main strength is his demon late braking, making him very difficult to pass, whereas Chris is far more aggressive in his passing maneuvers which tends to make them stick more.

This is all irrelevant now, as next season they will not be in the same garage. So getting back to my original question:

Will there be same kind of close rivalry next season with Chris and Loris?

Or will one of them be head and shoulders above the other?

Mickyboy - I have to agree and disagree on your points there.

I Agree, if Loris hadn't had that accident he probably would have been World Champ last year.

I disagree that he will come out top Suzuki next year. I think Chris will have the edge, wet or dry.

Vermulen is constantly improving. If he could just get the hang of qualifying, and have a bit more confidence early in a race, I think he could be a genuine contender.

As for Hoppers move......I think he's made a mistake (racing wise, not financially!), but I could be wrong.........I hope I'm wrong!

Wiggysan - I don't think Loris will end up as D'antin works manager. I reckon he's burnt all his bridges with Ducati. I know the press releases said it was an amicable split.......but somehow I doubt it!

Answer 1

I think Chris Vermulen is going to be a big star in Moto GP.
Loris hasn't done much this year really and I think he's always struggled with the Ducati. It's last chance saloon for him on the Suzuki next year. I hope he does well though. But Moto GP has been so dull this year. Just a parade of bikes going around. No real racing. I don't know what the reason is behind it. Alot of talk about the new tyre rule. I hope it improves next season or World Super bikes will be taking its crown away.

Answer 2

Interesting interview with Chris and Casey Stoner on TV last night: Chris is very much more ambitious than I realised, and more than a little envious of Casey. "If I was on the Duc, I reckon I'd be as well placed as Casey". Casey was much more laid back. Of course, a little aggression and ambition will do Chris good, as long as it doesn't become a sore point .
At the start of the season, I thought it was all just the machine, rather than the rider; but now I think the other makes have adjusted; and it doesn't explain why Casey is so far ahead, and Loris is behind Chris in the championship.
I often wonder where Valentino would be this season, if he were riding for Ducati.

Answer 3

I think it's a strange move for hopper to go to Kawasaki, it seems a sideways move at best, although he was never going to get a top ride. As for the other 2, Chris is the up and coming new kid, whereas loris is the old pro, so it should work as far as Loris helping Chris, but not the other way round as Loris has been there and done it, and unfortunately his career is now on the wane. THE big Q though is can Rossi ( the best that there has ever been) come back and compete ????

Answer 4

Chris Vermulen

Answer 5

I hope that it is Loris that will finish above Chris as he is still a class rider and he would have had the number one plate this year if he hadn,t been involed in the accident last year.Think it will be good to watch next year what with Toseland hopefully fighting for a top three finish

Answer 6

It will be close but my money will be on Caparossi (unless all the races are wet). He's had a bad season as he doesn't get on with the Ducati but had he not had an accident last year he might have been champion. I think he will feel he has something to prove.
I can't wait to see how John Hopkins goes with Kawasaki.

Answer 7

I have to agree with Mr M, on his points there.

Loris is going to see his Motogp time out with Suzuki for sure.

Yes he still very fast, but he is nearing the point of hanging up those leather ( taking over from Dantin as the "works" team manager? )

I feel they both have a lot to offer each other.

I have said this every year, but next year is going to amazing !

Answer 8

Vermulen..

Answer 9

Caparossi!!!!!