Alex Briggs (Rossi's crew chief) has described it as a "seat warming" exercise. Yoshikawa has tested Rossi's bike before and uses a very similar configuration, which saves Yamaha plenty of work.

Apparently Edwards ruled himself out of moving to the factory team last week. The rookies rule meant that, in theory, they couldn't promote Spies although I'm presuming that there's a loophole or "special circumstances" clause that has allowed them to bring in Yoshikawa.

According to Wikipedia, he has made 1 MotoGP appearance back in 2002, on an M1. Wonder if that's how he's allowed?

Would have to check the exact number but I think you're considered as a "rookie" until you've made at least eight appearances in one season. Espargaro is considered a rookie even though he made four appearances for Pramac last year. It stops factory teams giving riders wildcard rides to avoid the "no rookies" rule.

On a side note, if today's qualifying in Assen is anything to go by, this season is going to end on a whimper. Pedrosa isn't fit, Stoner can't ride his bike and Lorenzo is too damn quick.

Just found this:

To help clear up the situation, the Commission has given the following definitions of new ‘rookie’ rider and a ‘contracted’ rider:

“A contracted rider is a rider who has participated in nine or more events during one season.

“A “Rookie” is a rider nominated by a participating team for participation in the entire season, who has not been a contracted rider as defined above in the same class in any previous season.”



So by my reckoning, the fact that Yoshikawa will not be participating for the full season is why he's allowed. And I'm guessing that the fact Spies would have still been participating in MotoGP for the full season was what still prevented him switching.

MCN reports that Valentino Rossi has walked out of contract talks with Yamaha and WILL sign for Ducati.

No surprise there but who will Ducati let go - Hayden or Stoner ? There was not much chance of Lorenzo being told to bugger off from Yamaha was there ? I hope Hayden stays at Ducati. Send Stoner to Yamaha or Spies to the factory Yamaha.

I reckon Stoner will go. Ducati seem to be trying to make it more of a riders' bike judging by the gap closing between Hayden and Stoner, so I think it might not suit Stoner so much any more. I also don't think his ego could take it if Rossi started 'beating him on his own bike'.

I'd rather Hayden stay at Ducati and Stoner go elsewhere which I'd not be surprised if he did so.

Agree. Could also see Rossi preferring that, and wonder if it might play into negotiations with him.

Stoner confirmed to Honda. Rossi has been testing a WSB bike in Brno today to prove his fitness and the word is that things have gone well. He could return to action in Germany this weekend (which would be a miraculous recovery if true). We could also have an announcement this week about Rossi's move to Ducati. Oh, and whilst it's all speculation, it looks like we won't be seeing that much more of Colin Edwards.

Stoner confirmed to Honda. Rossi has been testing a WSB bike in Brno today to prove his fitness and the word is that things have gone well. He could return to action in Germany this weekend (which would be a miraculous recovery if true). We could also have an announcement this week about Rossi's move to Ducati. Oh, and whilst it's all speculation, it looks like we won't be seeing that much more of Colin Edwards.