Interesting thread,

Personally, at the time I was half and half with MD's decision to switch manufacturers, but in the end I think he made the right decision. The bike has gone on to achieve nothing on the roads in its first full season. I know that DH has stuck with it this year and has had some fair results at the smaller road races but when you talk about Real Road Races the three big meetings are without doubt the TT, NW and UGP and I don't seem to recall any rostrum places for the new R1.

I also wouldn't class MD as"fortunate" because he can choose rides, he can do this for one reason, which is that he is the top man at the moment.

I think that the top teams will understand his passion for winning and realize that as long as they can provide him with a competitive machine then he will wipe the floor with the opposition.