WSBK Netherlands (Assen TT)

[wull]

I wonder what all the muppets that questioned Toprak going to BMW are saying now? “Must be for the money because he ain’t going to win” absolute fucktards.

A few months earlier...



Toprak to BMW.JPG

Was I not saying impossible as I was replying to someone who had used that word or what they were saying? I never questioned it either

[wull]

Just had a look, it was replying to the comments before I posted, the proper negative ones including yours.

I'm genuinely non-plussed by this. BMW have, for all the time they've been in WSBK, over-promised and seriously under-delivered. Now I'm sure having Toprak on your bike automatically shaves 2 or 3 tenths off the lap time of whatever bike he's on, but BMW appear to be completely adrift. They've made big promises to other riders in the past, but are always mired in the mid-field.

I can only assume that BMW have dangled a carrot the size of the legendary Camberwell in front of him to make him jump ship.

[mangocrazy]

Yes, I was wrong and I'm happy to admit it. But based on BMW's previous performance it was an easy mistake to make. I think BMW have made a step up this year, but the big thing is what Toprak has bought to the party. I was never doubting Toprak, but clearly also underestimated what level of difference he could make.

[Count Steer]

I'll just be slightly smug then.

"Maybe BMW have convinced him they have real ambitions and a development budget to match. Everyone thought Hamilton was bonkers to do the switch he did but that worked out quite well for a while.

Just have to wait and see what 2024 brings."

[KungFooBob]

I just read this on Friendface...

News circulating within the WSBK paddock indicates that Andrea Iannone's move to the factory BMW team alongside Toprak is confirmed for 2025. Meanwhile, Michael VDM is likely to join the Bonovo Action squad, potentially replacing Redding. Iannone's move could also tie into BMW's future MotoGP project, leveraging his extensive MotoGP expertise to advance the development. While speculative, it presents an intriguing possibility for the future.

[ChrisW]

I was about to settle down on Sunday evening to watch race 2 when a WorldSBK email arrived with the subject which all but read 'Toprak wins race 2'....

I'd already opted out of every category of email contact from them so I deleted my account.

That'll show them.

[ChrisW]

I just read this on Friendface...

News circulating within the WSBK paddock indicates that Andrea Iannone's move to the factory BMW team alongside Toprak is confirmed for 2025. Meanwhile, Michael VDM is likely to join the Bonovo Action squad, potentially replacing Redding. Iannone's move could also tie into BMW's future MotoGP project, leveraging his extensive MotoGP expertise to advance the development. While speculative, it presents an intriguing possibility for the future.

That sounds like quite a reasonable strategy.