Contracts with KTM, Kaw, Kaw, respectively, tho I think Steve is open? Anyone know for sure? He rode on the THR team but I don't think has a contract. Kendall and JCR- who knows? But the rumors at the time were that it was not a simple situation... This is the best part of the internet- speculation without any need for facts! Point remains, it would be great to see some of our talent take one of those seats, sad tho it is that they are open.
Yes all great speculation, but without the necessary navigational GPS/Roadbook skills it would be a non starter for the factory teams and not something to be learnt in a few weeks with the actual event as the test. Nevertheless for the information we have Honda are not intending to replace Sam for the Dakar and are relying on Helder supported by Johnny. Philipe is another issue and the concensus is that with it being Honda SA and if Philipe is not fit then it will very probably be a South American rider. Jaun Carlos could be favourite and he has actually retweeted something that may indicate this, although my Spanish only identifies key words not the grammer to go with them, so he could making the coffee for HCR for all I know - but doubt it No it wasn't coffee but a general ad for Honda in Bolivia (but they make coffee) still my favourite as a replacement if one is required. No new news on Philipe though :eek1
Bad translation is a close second to a complete lack of information for internet perfection... He's proven he's got the stuff, he's proven his navigation, I agree he'd be a great candidate.
On the road here and not sure what all has been said for replacement riders but... A few names I've read would be foolish choices at the level of this program and what's needed. I'd suggest Aussie Jake Smith. Fit and ready, good navigator, knows Hondas, been to Dakar before, pissed he didn't get the GHR ride at Dakar.
Have heard a little whisper the Jake Smith will ride at Dakar to fill in for Sam. Looks like they will be taking five riders ?
Oh the irony of being passed over to get a gig with HRC. He might need some sleeping pills to contain the excitement and achieve some rest!!
would also be a highly beneficial situation for HRC as they would unoficially gain added support for Jake through GHR.
i'm not talking major surgery in the dunes. familiar faces, moral support. i'm sure these things would be counted as beneficial to HRC. nothing wrong with a few extra bodies keeping an eye out for each other.
On Zanol's facebook, fans are commenting asking for more info. 5 min ago there was a reply from whomever manages his facebook: Not looking good go Zanol!
Looks like some more statements were posted via FB... (Translated) Folks, today is a week since Felipe Zanol suffered an accident while training for the 2013 Dakar Rally and is hospitalized in the United States. Like you, we look forward to official information of the state of health of our champion. The timing is delicate, so no good news postarmos based only on impressions from friends and family, even reinforcing that data are unofficial. What we can guarantee is that the pilot is receiving the best possible treatment and has beside his loved ones and important.
Well the dust has somewhat settled on the California week and here has been a level of criticism around with Honda testing so close to the event, however when you look around there are many teams carrying out final testing and it would appear that Morocco alone would be like the London M25 rush hour in parts! Technical testing per se appears to be the norm late Nov/ early Dec for many, unless of course you have the developed Orange machine, so perhaps we shouldn't be too hard on Honda and considering what the have achieved in the recent months and the following this has generated. The accident's, well they happen - pretty shitty luck to have 2 at this stage and let's keep our fingers crossed and prayers for Philipe. I am sure Honda will provide some feedback on the position as soon as they have the chance in returning from the field and are able to sort out what did and is happening Sam will be on his way home in a day or so and is hoping to be fit and challenging for podium on what will be his home event - the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge early in April No news on Philipe, but let us hope he is recovering and will be back in action soon. Good luck to the HRC team for Jan. Go Helder, Johnny and Javier
Very well put, good luck to all involved with HRC come January and let's hope all the bad luck is out of the way now, prayers for Felipe.
You almost have as much insider knowlege about Sam as MXMUM! Will yo be changing your name to 'MXAlmostFatherInLaw'