Just over a week ago I was talking about how Troy Bayliss retiring from World Superbikes has left the paddock in limbo. More specifically it is Xerox Ducati delaying a decision/ announcement on who will replace him causing the limbo.

Now it seems that Noriyuki Haga, after being reportedly unhappy with the financial deal being offered to stay at Yamaha, is in the frame although the announcement is yet to be made by Xerox Ducati although Yamaha Italia have announced that Tom Sykes will replace him in the team next year when he moves from British Superbikes following his recent successes as a wildcard in the World Superbikes.

Never the Bride
Nori has always been the bridesmaid and never the bride having been extremely close to winning the championship in previous years being only one point behind winner James Toseland in the 2007 championship so can the move to Ducati finally see him win the championship, I for one would like to see that happen as Nori has always been an exciting rider who has never quite reached the top spot.

Paddock all shook up
Nori’s likely move has certainly shaken up the paddock as Nori was a real outsider for the coveted ride at Ducati and has big boots to fill.

One of the riders most put out must surely be Max Biaggi who must have thought his transfer to the factory team from the satellite team was a formality. With Ruben Xaus moving to BMW from the Sterilgarda Ducati will Max stay put?

This has also likely put paid to Shakey Byrne moving to the championship. Also as there is still no announcement from Airwaves Ducati as to what they are doing and I suspect Shakey really wants to stay with Ducati, most likely he will be defending his BSB title.

HM Plant Honda have said they will not be moving to World Superbikes next year so has this dashed Leon Haslam’s chances of transferring over too?

As always we wait and see what develops as each team announces their riders for next year and no doubt there will be some surprises.