MotoGP 2015

[carbonhed]

At least he has finished 7-7-3-4, which means so far so good in that he appears to have stopped pitching it up the road. He's always had quite good pace, if he can stay aboard it will be something of a breakthrough but much better all round for results and getting out of the sack in the morning. In saying that he is bloody fit and bounces well. Hopefully this year we will see what he can do with a prolonged effort.

He does seem to have found that sweet spot of being quick without throwing it down the road repeatedly. Plus that run of results has come despite what have been very lacklustre qualifyings for him. If he can put it all together one weekend it could be interesting.

[denill]

Honda would be mindful that he is the 2nd best Honda at the moment - when it comes to handing out the latest goodies.

[pritch]

Assuming we are still talking about Redding. Honda have gone to the trouble of giving him a bigger frame. He was tending to run out of adjustment being way bigger than the Spanish midgets. Can't remember where I read that, but this from Crash.net covers it.


"Marc VDS has confirmed that Scott Redding will receive a chassis upgrade for his RC213V at this weekend's Spanish MotoGP.

Providing an improvement in braking and corner entry, the new parts were first used by the factory Repsol team in winter testing, then made available to LCR Honda's Cal Crutchlow from Austin.

“The chassis has a different seat mounting position. In Sepang II we found something better in this area so therefore we started to make this chassis for Cal and Scott [Redding],” HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto said in Texas.

“Cal is the same [size] as the Factory [riders], but Scott is bigger so he needs another modification. His chassis is a little bit bigger. We need more time. So Cal received here and Scott will receive at Jerez.”

That has now been confirmed by the Marc VDS squad, with Redding eager to try the new developments.

“We will receive updated chassis parts in Jerez, so this should help us make the next step, but we also return to Europe with more experience of the bike and a clear direction in which to go in with regards to set up,” Redding said.

The #45, who has tried stiffening the front-end of his Honda in search of better cornering performance, added:

“The priority is to improve my feeling from the front, to give me more confidence. We've made a lot of progress in this area since the start of the season and we just need to continue in the same way. The goal for Jerez is simply to carry on improving and to try and close the gap to the guys at the front.”

Redding took a season-best ninth last time out in Argentina. "

[Reckless]

Now, finally, I can tell you that I will be in Le Mans this weekend…
In his official blog for repsol.com Dani Pedrosa announces his return to racing in Le Mans:

Hey everyone,
I’m really happy to be able to catch up with you on the blog today and give you some good news.

My recovery has gone well, I think I was right to be patient and take it slowly, and to respect the time frames that I needed. Now, finally, I can tell you that I will be in Le Mans this weekend.

The truth is that I’m really keen to get back on my motorbike, as I’m sure you can guess.

It’s not just about that, though. I’m also excited to get back to my team to work side by side with them again. They’re a great bunch.

I wanted to thank you again for the countless messages of support that you’ve all sent me. They’ve made the wait much easier, I can tell you that from the heart. You’ve always been with me. As you always remind me, I know I don’t walk alone!

[Autech]

Now, finally, I can tell you that I will be in Le Mans this weekend…
In his official blog for repsol.com Dani Pedrosa announces his return to racing in Le Mans:

Hey everyone,
I’m really happy to be able to catch up with you on the blog today and give you some good news.

My recovery has gone well, I think I was right to be patient and take it slowly, and to respect the time frames that I needed. Now, finally, I can tell you that I will be in Le Mans this weekend.

The truth is that I’m really keen to get back on my motorbike, as I’m sure you can guess.

It’s not just about that, though. I’m also excited to get back to my team to work side by side with them again. They’re a great bunch.

I wanted to thank you again for the countless messages of support that you’ve all sent me. They’ve made the wait much easier, I can tell you that from the heart. You’ve always been with me. As you always remind me, I know I don’t walk alone!

Been shit not having my main man out there!

[McWild]

Too early to start predictions?

Weather in Le Mans is meant to be clear all weekend, for a change.

Rossi has this one IMO, he went well here last year and MM isn't on the warpath quite like he was the first half 2014. Pedrosa will be busy getting used to the bike again. Lorenzo, I d'know I mean he went good last time out but I think Le Mans is a bit too stop-go for his liking.

Ducatis could be in with a shot? Maybe?

[Erelyes]

If Lozenge is entirely a mind over matter man, then as long as he can start the weekend with a solid time, I think he will have it in the bag.

But if he's out of the top few spots in P1 fuggedabowdit.

Pedro will be too hesistant imo so not a podium contender. Not that I don't want to see him do it, I just don't think he can do it.

[roogazza]

Too early to start predictions?

Weather in Le Mans is meant to be clear all weekend, for a change.

Rossi has this one IMO, he went well here last year and MM isn't on the warpath quite like he was the first half 2014. Pedrosa will be busy getting used to the bike again. Lorenzo, I d'know I mean he went good last time out but I think Le Mans is a bit too stop-go for his liking.

Ducatis could be in with a shot? Maybe?

Looking forward to the French.
As long as its dry,should be a good fight. Nice to have Pedro back too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

MM

Rossi

Dovi

Lorenzo

Pedro

[speights_bud]

MM

Rossi

Dovi

Lorenzo

Pedro

+1 on that.

[Reckless]

Hasnt Lorenzo won the last couple years there?

I'll go Rossi, Lorenzo (or visa versa) MM, Dovi, then its a toss up between Pedro, Crutchlow, Iannone, Aliex Espargro, or his brother, Bradley smith.

Iannone could have a shoulder problem?

Andrea Iannone dislocates his left shoulder after a crash testing at Mugello, and will have to undergo treatment ahead of the French GP.
The Ducati Team rider, who was concluding a two day private test at the circuit, crashed at the Arrabbiata 2 corner bruising his left shoulder. Later in the afternoon he went for a medical check in Cattolica with Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini who diagnosed him as having dislocated his left shoulder. Over the next three days Iannone will follow treatment agreed with his specialist, with the aim of lining up for the start of the French GP at Le Mans.

Andrea Iannone:
“It was for sure an interesting test, because testing before a race is always useful, and we were able to evaluate some solutions that during the GPs we find it difficult to do. In the end it was a useful two-day test and I am happy with how I was doing, even though unfortunately today at the end of the session I crashed at Arrabbiata 2 and banged my left shoulder pretty hard. In any case I’m satisfied with the way we are working, especially because the bike is still new and so we need to try different solutions in order to find the best set-up.”

[McWild]

Actually... Can I change my answer? Lorenzo FTW if he goes well in qualifying. But then, MM... man who even knows any more, what a wicked season.

Reckless, not the last couple but has a good history there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_...cle_Grand_Prix


Sucks for Iannone! Hard bugger though, the fact that he smashed his shoulder almost comes off as an afterthought. More important to talk about "evaluating solutions"? I guess? Awesome.

[samgab]

Well, I've gotta say, it always makes for exciting watching when it's a MotoGP race with Rossi, Marquez, and Lorenzo in the mix!! Can't wait for Le Mans this weekend...

For the nostalgic: Here's a blast from the past; the 2000 British MotoGP race on the 2 stroke 500's of yesteryear; and Rossis first Big Boy Bike win, beating out Kenny Roberts Jr:


Really interesting to see how the bikes and riding style have evolved in 15 years.
There's no sign of the "Rossi Leg Dangle"© which all the riders seem to have adopted these days... Back then even Rossi wasn't doing it. Everyone's feet stayed firmly planted on the footpegs.

[BMWST?]

MM and Pedro the last couple of years...I think the stop go will normally favour MM but with his finger still troubling him...??If it i wet i say Mr Rossi,unless the Ducs work evn better in the wet than do in the dry

[pritch]

After the first day's practice Pedro reports pain but is waiting to see if the arms flare up overnight in reaction to his exertions.