2011 beckons - Yeehaa!

[denill]

The morning after the conclusion of the 2010 grand prix season, motorcycles were back on track at Valencia as the Moto2 riders took part in a day of testing at the Spanish circuit.

The test saw new riders make their debut in the class - such as 2010 MotoGP riders Mika Kallio (Marc VDS) and Aleix Espargaro (Pons Kalex), former World Superbike winner Max Neukirchner (MZ), plus 125cc stars Pol Espargaro (Tuenti) and Bradley Smith (Tech 3) - while some of those confirmed as switching teams also got the chance to try their revised machinery.

Unsurprisingly, it was a familiar Moto2 name that led the way with 2010 title runner-up Julian Simon fastest for Aspar Suter. The Spaniard's time of 1min 36.7sec was matched by Moto2 winner Stefan Bradl, who was riding a Pons Kalex rather than Suter chassis.

Marc VDS rider Scott Redding put an early version of the 2011 Suter into third place, two tenths from the top, with new team-mate Kallio recording a 1min 39.9sec after his first 77 Moto2 laps.

Among the rest, new Gresini riders Yuki Takahashi and Michele Pirro set a best of 1min 37.0sec and 1min 37.6sec respectively, with the new Tech 3 line-up of Mike di Meglio and Bradley Smith recorded at 1min 38.3sec and 1min 38.7sec.

Tech 3 had a special test rider on hand today in the form of its MotoGP star Colin Edwards. Edwards, who worked mainly on spring rates, set a 1min 38.7sec.

A two-day MotoGP test at Valencia, when Valentino Rossi will make his Ducati debut and Casey Stoner his first appearance on a factory Honda, starts tomorrow (Tuesday).

[codgyoleracer]

And so it starts all over again........ Oh dear never mind ;-)

My pick for 2011:
Lorenzo 1st
Rossi 2nd
Pedrosa 3rd

[gixerracer]

And so it starts all over again........ Oh dear never mind ;-)

My pick for 2011:
Lorenzo 1st
Rossi 2nd
Pedrosa 3rd

pretty hard to argue with them top three but not sure in that order

[Devil]

My picks:
1: Rossi
2: Rossi
3: Rossi.

...now i'll put my fingers in my ears and go "LA LA LA LA LA LA! NOT LISTENING!"
:innocent:

[Peter Smith]

Stoner all the way. shame he's an Aussie, but hell he can rider fast.:yes:

[denill]

And so it starts all over again........ Oh dear never mind ;-)
My pick for 2011:
Lorenzo 1st
Rossi 2nd
Pedrosa 3rd

What? No Stoner Glen?

My pick:
Lorenzo
Stoner
Rossi
Pedrosa
(Now that's put the kiss of death on that ever happening!)

But boy, am I going to enjoy Simo and Spies getting amongst them. :yes:

[denill]

Repsol signs up for three-rider Honda squad. Repsol has not only re-signed as title sponsor of the factory Honda MotoGP team for the next two seasons, but will also sponsor an enlarged line-up of three riders in 2011. Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso

That's especially good news for Andrea Dovizioso, who will now keep his place.

[denill]

The Tech 3 Team is delighted to announce that Bradley Smith and Mike di Meglio will lead the French squad's second campaign in the ultra-competitive Moto2 world championship in 2011.

British rider Smith joins Tech 3 Racing having established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Grand Prix racing since he first burst onto the scene in 2006. He finished runner-up in the last year's 125cc world championship with two stunning victories in Jerez and Mugello. And he's guaranteed to finish fourth in 2010 after another impressive season that has seen him notch four podiums and three pole positions. The 19-year-old joins Hervé Poncharal's squad highly motivated and ready for the exciting challenge ahead having become the second British rider welcomed into the Tech 3 Racing fold following the signing of Cal Crutchlow for its MotoGP effort. Smith will begin his preparations for the 2011 season immediately after the final round in Valencia next weekend, making his debut on Monday, November 8.

Tech 3 Racing is also thrilled with the signing of former 125cc world champion di Meglio, with the Frenchman excited at the prospect of developing and racing a machine designed and built entirely in France. The 22-year-old is already used to the cut and thrust of Moto2 competition having raced for the Aspar squad in the inaugural campaign. He is currently 20th in the rankings after today's penultimate round in Portugal having scored a best of sixth in the recent Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

[AllanB]

I'd like to see Rossi win for 2011 but that will depend on how quickly he comes to grips with Ducati and or vice versa.


I'd also like to watch it all on Sky but I don't have it and cannot justify the cost for the Moto and Superbikes. Kids, rego and all that shit plus I'm pig-headed and still f-ed off it went from Prime.

[gav]

Looking good so far!

[denill]

http://www.racers-republic.com/motogp/news/2830/motogp-contracts-riders-teams-circuits

MotoGP contracts - Riders, Teams & Circuits:

Unofficial MotoGP contracts list. Updated following Andrea Dovizioso and Repsol deals…

[denill]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Nov/101109a.htm

Valencia Test Day One:

Results
1 Jorge Lorenzo 1'32.012
2 Casey Stoner 1'32.775
3 Ben Spies 1'32.878
4 Dani Pedrosa 1'32.912
5 Marco Simoncelli 1'32.919
6 Andrea Dovizioso 1'33.190
7 Colin Edwards 1'33.513
8 Alvaro Bautista 1'33.558
9 Nicky Hayden 1'33.716
10 Valentino Rossi 1'33.882
11 Randy De Puniet 1'33.914
12 Hiroshi Aoyama 1'33.953
13 Hector Barbera 1'34.110
14 Cal Crutchlow 1'34.314
15 Loris Capirossi 1'34.631
16 Toni Elias 1'35.058
17 Karel Abraham 1'35.076

[roogazza]

Wonder how long the wings last before Burgess takes a hacksaw to them ?223116

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2010/motogp/valencia/test/1/1.htm>What a racer looks like:</A> :yes: And click for more pics from Valencia.

[codgyoleracer]

[QUOTE=denill;1129904147]What? No Stoner Glen?

Its a tough call, but against Stoner is new bike and team & IMO he can still over-ride the thing which is very much to his credit but also his downfall.

I would love to place some dark horses in there Spies, Haybale , Simoncelli & Dovi.
But Lorenzo will be tough with more off season development and on the best bike in the paddock at the mo. Rossi (with repaired shoulder) will be very dangerous, but new bike new team is a big call , even though he has done it before in 2004 - (but not agianst the likes of Lorenzo).
Pedrosa is on the list just due to his stinkin fast untouchable speed this season especially when he has a good start & a clear track + his much improved race-craft.

Its gonna be great viewing!

[crazy man]

And so it starts all over again........ Oh dear never mind ;-)

My pick for 2011:
Lorenzo 1st
Rossi 2nd
Pedrosa 3rdsorry but rossi will be the winner

[gav]

I can't see Pedrosa beating Stoner over the season. And Casey has had history on a Honda before, I think he will be a real threat to Lorenzo.

[k14]

Hayden
Spies
Bautista...

[denill]

Ok it's about 2012 not 2011 - but interesting!:yes:

Aprilia & BMW in 1000cc MotoGP

http://www.racers-republic.com/motogp/news/2849/aprilia-bmw-definitely-in-1000cc-motogp

[slowpoke]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2010/motogp/valencia/test/1/1.htm>What a racer looks like:</A> :yes: And click for more pics from Valencia.

Aaaaah test bikes, ya gotta luv all that bare carbon fibre. Great pic.

[denill]

Final Day of Valencia MotoGP Test

Pos. Rider Team Bike Time
1 Casey Stoner HRC Honda 1:32.066
2 Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Yamaha 1:32.179
3 Ben Spies Fiat Yamaha Yamaha 1:32.322
4 Marco Simoncelli San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1:32.497
5 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Honda 1:32.497
6 Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro Ducati 1:32.583
7 Alvaro Bautista Rizla Suzuki Suzuki 1:32.738
8 Randy De Puniet Pramac Ducati 1:32.836
9 Andrea Dovizioso Repsol Honda Honda 1:32.912
10 Hiroshi Aoyama San Carlo Gresini Honda 1:33.105
11 Hector Barbera Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 1:33.168
12 Colin Edwards II Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha 1:33.325
13 Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha 1:33.483
14 Loris Capirossi Pramac Ducati 1:33.740
15 Valentino Rossi Ducati Marlboro Ducati 1:33.761
16 L. Abraham Ducati 1:33.793
17 Toni Elias LCR Honda Honda 1:34.80

[k14]

Been a long time since Stoner has been leading a test on the duke. I reckon it will just be a race for 2nd between Pedrosa and Lorenzo.

[NZsarge]

Been a long time since Stoner has been leading a test on the duke. I reckon it will just be a race for 2nd between Pedrosa and Lorenzo.

Hmm, you could well be right about that, wouldn't rule Spies out of the equation though..

[denill]

I know tests don't count for too much, but Honda will be happier than Ducati, looking at those times. :yes:

JB's got some thinking to do over the Christmas break. 1.7 secs is a lot on a small track like Valencia. :yes:

[NZsarge]

:

JB's got some thinking to do over the Christmas break. 1.7 secs is a lot on a small track like Valencia. :yes:

You're probably right but then again it could be Rossi being Rossi playing some head games but it's more likely you're right. Has anyone noticed Stoner was fast on the Ducati when he was doing a fair amount of rear wheel steering?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well I did say Stoner would get the hang of the Honda no worries right away!

And Rossi? Maybe the Ducati ain't so good after all eh? Bet Stoner is having a quiet chuckle seeing his times on it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I know tests don't count for too much, but Honda will be happier than Ducati, looking at those times. :yes:

JB's got some thinking to do over the Christmas break. 1.7 secs is a lot on a small track like Valencia. :yes:

Having just been there...I know it's a looooooong time! Fantastic track to spectate at...you can see nearly all of the track from the grandstand we were in.

[denill]

What do you think of Stoner's paintjob?

http://www.racers-republic.com/motogp/news/2864/stunning-stoner-fastest-on-last-day-of-2010

[denill]

Xaus to TenKate:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Nov/101112a.htm

[roogazza]

Electronics lov'em or hate 'em.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/13/motogp_electronics_even_more_complex_tha.html

[carbonhed]

Electronics lov'em or hate 'em.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/13/motogp_electronics_even_more_complex_tha.html

The Eurosport commentators were talking about this very thing during the last race WRT Yamaha. Apparently Edwards had got the completely wrong map installed by mistake (may even have been a wet map) over the course of the race the computer learned and remapped itself and by the end he was lapping as quick as anybody. Amazing.

[NZsarge]

Electronics lov'em or hate 'em.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/13/motogp_electronics_even_more_complex_tha.html

That's full on F1 shit right there! :yes:

[grantnz]

Ducati
Honda
Yamaha

[Crasherfromwayback]

And so it starts all over again........ Oh dear never mind ;-)

My pick for 2011:
Lorenzo 1st
Rossi 2nd
Pedrosa 3rd

Can't wait actually!

Stoner 1st

Lorenzo 2nd

Rossi 3rd

[roogazza]

The Eurosport commentators were talking about this very thing during the last race WRT Yamaha. Apparently Edwards had got the completely wrong map installed by mistake (may even have been a wet map) over the course of the race the computer learned and remapped itself and by the end he was lapping as quick as anybody. Amazing.

Yes Carbon, what's next, suspension adjusting itself ? Too much like F1 for me. Be nice if they would change the rules maybe for 2012 and limit computer assistance. G.

[carbonhed]

Yes Carbon, what's next, suspension adjusting itself ? Too much like F1 for me. Be nice if they would change the rules maybe for 2012 and limit computer assistance. G.

Well the geek in me thinks it's fascinating... but the relative importance of rider v's bike is getting all screwed up... exactly like F1. I suspect most of the elite riders would love less computer assistance and that's good enough for me.

[codgyoleracer]

Yes Carbon, what's next, suspension adjusting itself ? Too much like F1 for me. Be nice if they would change the rules maybe for 2012 and limit computer assistance. G.

Yeah, but if you had your way it would be one set of Pirelli Phantom tyres per meeting as well...........:blink:

[roogazza]

Yeah, but if you had your way it would be one set of Pirelli Phantom tyres per meeting as well...........:blink:

Life used to be very uncomplicated don't knock it. Rebound, whats that? G.

[denill]

Electronics lov'em or hate 'em.

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/13/motogp_electronics_even_more_complex_tha.html

I was gobsmacked. In my ignorance I had no idea it was that sophisticated! I thought electronics was just about dictating the power that went to the ground.

They soon won't need a bloody rider. It will be like a slot car race FFS.........

Thanks for the link Gaz.
Cheers
Bill

[Crasherfromwayback]

Life used to be very uncomplicated don't knock it. Rebound, whats that? G.

Rebound? It's how you come back after a nasty biff innit?

[codgyoleracer]

Life used to be very uncomplicated don't knock it. Rebound, whats that? G.

C'mon Gaz i didnt think you were up to Kerry's sorta weight yet ?, - rebound is when the springs pushes back at least a little bit after you sit on the bike
:-)..............:sick:

[roogazza]

C'mon Gaz i didnt think you were up to Kerry's sorta weight yet ?, - rebound is when the springs pushes back at least a little bit after you sit on the bike
:-)..............:sick:

I've got a neat set of scales whereby if you lean back a tad you can knock off 10kg.
Actually I'm depressed, Dukie told me I'm fat (at least I'm 6') and Dusty has tactfully offered to make me another suit !!!!

[codgyoleracer]

I've got a neat set of scales whereby if you lean back a tad you can knock off 10kg.
Actually I'm depressed, Dukie told me I'm fat (at least I'm 6') and Dusty has tactfully offered to make me another suit !!!!

Haha - those old dog scale tricks work aye..... , Kerry used to be 6ft 7", - he obviously shrunk & it bulged out elswhere.......:shit:

[denill]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-this-is-only-a-test/P1>It Was Only a Test?</A> :woohoo:

[roogazza]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-this-is-only-a-test/P1>It Was Only a Test?</A> :woohoo:

Vale rang the other night Bill, he's fine and has 75 days to recover before the Sepang tests in Feb. G. :love:

[denill]

Vale rang the other night Bill, he's fine and has 75 days to recover before the Sepang tests in Feb. G. :love:



Oh, he must have been in a hurry and didn't have time to chat Gaz. Cos, when he rang me he told me that - Dr Castagna revealed that the surgery was more extensive than had been expected.
“The operation itself had no particular problems, but we encountered a situation like at the supermarket: 'pay for one, get three'," he said "To give an idea of the situation it normally takes 35 minutes to stabilise a shoulder, and with Valentino it took us an hour and 50 minutes."

[roogazza]

Haha yes read that, did it all by keyhole surgery I see.
What are we going to talk about till March ? (Well Feb,at Sepang tests)

[codgyoleracer]

Haha yes read that, did it all by keyhole surgery I see.
What are we going to talk about till March ? (Well Feb,at Sepang tests)

How bout the Rimutaka raceway ?, The Taipa to Thames track or the Akaroa road race circuit ?:shit:

[roogazza]

How bout the Rimutaka raceway ?, The Taipa to Thames track or the Akaroa road race circuit ?:shit:

Mate, have you seen the Takas lately,it's very average. Road works and double yellows and rough as guts,a shadow of its former self.
I hear there is a new legend in the making anyway ? haha.

[codgyoleracer]

With the severe "control type" racing rules now in place for the GP2 & 250 four stroke singles, - what are the proposed 1000cc rules likely to be?, Are we gonna see throttle cables actualy come back into vouge etc ?, or is it proposed to more -or-less remain a "formula development class" ?
The field sized might dictate rationalisation of costs ????

[White trash]

I hear there is a new legend in the making anyway ? haha.

Thanks Gaz, yeah after 5 years of not riding a road bike I'm starting to get back into it again, just sussing out the road and the competition thus far, nothing that impresses me too much yet :D

[slowpoke]

Thanks Gaz, yeah after 5 years of not riding a road bike I'm starting to get back into it again, just sussing out the road and the competition thus far, nothing that impresses me too much yet :D

I can see a handicap system is going to be needed. If ya get too quick Mr Trash then we'll stick ya on me new/old TLR, that'll confuse the fuck outta ya.

[White trash]

I can see a handicap system is going to be needed. If ya get too quick Mr Trash then we'll stick ya on me new/old TLR, that'll confuse the fuck outta ya.

Lol. I'm far from the King mate, simply having a little joke. Gaz knows what I'm on about.

[roogazza]

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/23/more_moto2_marquez_team_confirmed_and_an.html

Some good news for fans of this little guy.

[carbonhed]

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/23/more_moto2_marquez_team_confirmed_and_an.html

Some good news for fans of this little guy.

Boy that's an exciting looking grid for Moto2 next year. Can't wait!

[denill]

What are we going to talk about till March ? (Well Feb,at Sepang tests)

Well for starters Gaz, you can read about the BMW Suter test.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Nov/101126n.htm

[Cleve]

Well for starters Gaz, you can read about the BMW Suter test.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Nov/101126n.htm

Any pictures? Curious to see how it looks.

[denill]

Any pictures? Curious to see how it looks.

http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=Cudlin%20completes%20MarcVDS% 20MotoGP%20shakedown%20test&newsid=6992

[denill]

Any pictures? Curious to see how it looks.

Better pics:

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/prototype-suter-vds-1000cc-motogp-test

[Crasherfromwayback]

Looks like the thing is still on steel brakes

[Cleve]

Looks like the thing is still on steel brakes

looks like maybe they just crammed he S1000RR engine into the Suter Moto2 chassis and hoped for the best!!

[roogazza]

Someone was asking about 2012, Glen maybe ?
Here's some reading from David Emmett.

http://motomatters.com/analysis/2010/11/29/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_1_the_ru.html

[DidJit]

Someone was asking about 2012, Glen maybe ?
Here's some reading from David Emmett.

http://motomatters.com/analysis/2010/11/29/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_1_the_ru.html

Interesting article — thanks! :niceone:

[denill]

Someone was asking about 2012, Glen maybe ?
Here's some reading from David Emmett.

http://motomatters.com/analysis/2010/11/29/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_1_the_ru.html

Yeah, another good read Gaz. Bloody head's spinning tho.............. :yes:

[eelracing]

Yeah, Bloody head's spinning tho.............. :yes:

No the earth is...it's the rule book that's a space oddity.(apologies to David Bowie)



Dorna to MSMA.Check your laptops,put your helmet on.

Msma to Dorna.Here i'm sitting on a 153kg tin can,my circuits are dead and there's nothing I can do.

Can you hear me Dorna i'm fucking with the rules and there's nothing you can do.

Tell the wife to put the kettle on,Moto 2 is looming into view.

[Crasherfromwayback]

No the earth is...it's the rule book that's a space oddity.(apologies to David Bowie)



Dorna to MSMA.Check your laptops,put your helmet on.

Msma to Dorna.Here i'm sitting on a 153kg tin can,my circuits are dead and there's nothing I can do.

Can you hear me Dorna i'm fucking with the rules and there's nothing you can do.

Tell the wife to put the kettle on,Moto 2 is looming into view.

Hahaha...nice one! Now having seen Moto 2 first hand at Valencia, whilst it was a good race...to me...it's still got nothing on the 250's! They actually look really quite slow, and I sure do miss the sound as well.

[denill]

Just in case you didn't catch this:

"You've got good riders, let's say, offering to come ride MotoGP basically for free. Which is f*cking retarded, to put it bluntly. It's these dillweeds that are kind of screwing up things for others, because they're ... nobody really has a lot of money, and when they think they can get an equal or a little bit lesser caliber rider."

And <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Dec/101202-colin-edwards.htm>More From Colin Edwards:</A>

[Cleve]

Just in case you didn't catch this:

"You've got good riders, let's say, offering to come ride MotoGP basically for free. Which is f*cking retarded, to put it bluntly. It's these dillweeds that are kind of screwing up things for others, because they're ... nobody really has a lot of money, and when they think they can get an equal or a little bit lesser caliber rider."

And <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Dec/101202-colin-edwards.htm>More From Colin Edwards:</A>

well that was a little lighter reading from Colin than the David Emmett article!!

[DidJit]

Speaking of David Emmett, here's (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/12/07/engineers_assemble_in_bologna_to_work_on.html) another bit of Ducati goss...

[denill]

I guess it's timely to reflect on who will be handed the plaudits if, yeah, IF Rossi on the Ducati takes it out next year - will be Burgess be recognised as the one who made the difference? :innocent:

[gixerracer]

I guess it's timely to reflect on who will be handed the plaudits if, yeah, IF Rossi on the Ducati takes it out next year - will be Burgess be recognised as the one who made the difference? :innocent:

Rossi wasn't that interested in that 1st test as he was not up to it after the last round with his injury.
He didnt enjoy the bike at all an the even went as far as leaving the engine loose in the frame to see if gave any more feel. It will be interesting indeed once they start testing againg in feb they will have a very different motorcycle from what he last rode:yes:

[roogazza]

Speaking of David Emmett, here's (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/12/07/engineers_assemble_in_bologna_to_work_on.html) another bit of Ducati goss...
Cheers Didjit, seems they're getting into it.

I guess it's timely to reflect on who will be handed the plaudits if, yeah, IF Rossi on the Ducati takes it out next year - will be Burgess be recognised as the one who made the difference? :innocent:
The pair of them make a great team huh Bill ? From what we see of Stoner and his personality maybe he didn't inspire the red team to make the changes (or he couldn't pin down the problems).
I'm amazed anyone doubted what the test at seasons end was about and the point of it.

[DidJit]

A little more light reading (http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Dec/101207-colinedwards2.htm) for Cleve... ;)

[Cleve]

Speaking of David Emmett, here's (http://motomatters.com/news/2010/12/07/engineers_assemble_in_bologna_to_work_on.html) another bit of Ducati goss...

Good article and I liked this comment.

2011, I see 1 really clever Italian rider + 1 dead clever Aussie with tools and unlimited Ferrari computer design center, and 100's of engineers, a budget God would smile at and 3 months up their sleeve, and having made the Yamaha M1 what it is today having every single piece of technical data ever produced on disc and more in workbooks and more than that in his head, I really don't think Jeremy Burgess is stressing out bad enough not to really enjoy Christmas in Italy with his wife and child .
See JB's history in his stats here, can you honestly think that Ducati will fail in this attempt ?
> Winning machines prepared by Burgess range from the Suzukis of Randy Mamola to the Hondas of Ron Haslam, Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi to the Yamaha of Valentino Rossi. Since July 1980, these riders have won 159 GP/MotoGP races (as at 2 November 2010) and a total of fourteen World Championships on motorcycles that "JB" has either prepared himself or whose preparation he has overseen as crew chief. Burgess's machinery have achieved over 290 podium finishes.

[Cleve]

A little more light reading (http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Dec/101207-colinedwards2.htm) for Cleve... ;)

Cheers. Actually not so lite the 2nd 1/2...
Apart from this classic
"Sh*t, I've had so many damn memories in my life. I think once that hard drive gets full, you just start throwing sh*t out to remember new stuff."

[roogazza]

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/12/09/gp_commission_fp3_reinstated_gps_banned_.html

more to keep you busy, couple of changes.

[denill]

A picture can say a thousand words.
This one says a couple, like, "Hey, I'm taking that line!". :facepalm:

[DidJit]

Ducati/VR news: the GP11 unveiled (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/GP11+presented+at+Wrooom+2011); some good reading (http://motomatters.com/news/2011/01/11/at_last_rossi_speaks_on_his_shoulder_and.html) (with great comments); and, of course, some pics (http://motogp2011.ducati.com/jsp/en/gallery/index.jsp).

[Badjelly]

Doesn't Rossi's fluoro green/yellow colour look dreadful with Ducati red?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Sure does! Looks like a bored 5 year old took to it with a fluro marker

[denill]

Castrol Returns To WSBK With Ten Kate Honda

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Jan/110118a.htm

[roogazza]

Can't wait for it all to start again Bill.
The castrol colours look good, I'm a Rea fan too. G.

[NZsarge]

Sure does! Looks like a bored 5 year old took to it with a fluro marker

Yeah gotta say it's a pretty average colour scheme. I'm assuming that Yamaha lost Fiat sponsorship, who's on the fairings now?

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Jan/110124a.htm>The 2011 WSBK Lineup:</A>

[roogazza]

http://motomatters.com/results/2011/02/03/2011_motogp_sepang_1_combined_times_from.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

Looking good for Honda this year!

[NZsarge]

Yep, sure is. Pretty tight at the top though, early days and all that...

[carbonhed]

Looking good for Honda this year!


Day one - Stoner

Day two - Pedrosa

Day three - Simoncelli

Thev've got speed right across the squad.

No doubt Lorenzo and Spies will be up there banging fairings too followed by Rossi. This could be epic... about time some might say.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Day one - Stoner

Day two - Pedrosa

Day three - Simoncelli

Thev've got speed right across the squad.

No doubt Lorenzo and Spies will be up there banging fairings too followed by Rossi. This could be epic... about time some might say.

Yeah I mentioned in a diff thread that I have to eat my words regarding Simoncelli. I think it remains to be seen if he can string more than a few fast laps together before taking someone out though! I wonder if Rossi is foxing...or if he's having trouble with the Ducati. I mean...I know his shoulder is still sore...but you'd think a man of his skill/talent could put one fast lap down shoulder or no?

But anyway...for sure we're in for a ripper of a season if this test is anything to go by. Wish it was starting tomorrow! I just got a new plasma 3d telly...so best they start showing moto GP in 3D!!!

[carbonhed]

Yeah I mentioned in a diff thread that I have to eat my words regarding Simoncelli. I think it remains to be seen if he can string more than a few fast laps together before taking someone out though! I wonder if Rossi is foxing...or if he's having trouble with the Ducati. I mean...I know his shoulder is still sore...but you'd think a man of his skill/talent could put one fast lap down shoulder or no?

But anyway...for sure we're in for a ripper of a season if this test is anything to go by. Wish it was starting tomorrow! I just got a new plasma 3d telly...so best they start showing moto GP in 3D!!!


I agree that Simoncelli's a seriously loose unit but I find that kind of entertaining... you never know what's coming next :laugh:

I imagine Rossi will get there... how soon is the puzzle. But if anyone's capable of foxing and playing the long game Rossi'd be the one.

Jealous of the hi tech gizmos. I've got Blu ray and some Blu Ray discs of the IOM and they're just stunning. MotoGP and WSBK are downloaded from Racing Underground.

[roogazza]

Jealous of the hi tech gizmos. I've got Blu ray and some Blu Ray discs of the IOM and they're just stunning. MotoGP and WSBK are downloaded from Racing Underground.

I'm happy with my 60 inch. <_<

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm happy with my 60 inch. <_<

Bet ya missus is too.

[carbonhed]

Marc Marquez steps the fuck up in Moto 2:-

Unofficial lap times supplied by teams:

Marc Marquez Catalunya Caixa Repsol Suter 1m 35.6secs
Scott Redding Marc VDS Suter 1m 35.6secs
Julian Simon Mapfre Aspar Suter 1m 35.9secs
Yuki Takahashi Gresini Moriwaki 1m 36.0secs
Thomas Luthi Interwetten Suter 1m 36.0secs
Stefan Bradl Viessmann Kiefer Kalex 1m 36.0secs
Andrea Iannone Speed Master Suter 1m 36.1secs
Aleix Espargaro Pons Kalex Pons 1m 36.1secs
Alex de Angelis JiR Motobi 1m 36.3secs
Michele Pirro Gresini Moriwaki 1m 36.4secs
Claudio Corti Italtrans Suter 1m 36.4secs
Simone Corsi Ioda Racing Project 1m 36.6secs
Axel Pons Pons Kalex Pons 1m 36.6secs
Mike DiMeglio Tech 3 1m 36.6secs
Jules Cluzel Forward Suter 1m 36.8secs
Rafaelle de Rosa G22 Moriwaki 1m 36.9secs
Mika Kallio Marc VDS Suter 1m 37.0secs
Alex Baldolini Forward Racing Suter 1m 37.0secs
Mattia Pasini Ioda Racing Project 1m 37.0secs
Randy Krummenacher Switzerland Kiefer Kalex 1m 37.2secs
Xavi Forés Mapfre Aspar Suter 1m 37.2secs
Bradley Smith Tech 3 1m 37.3secs
Kev Coghlan Motorsport 69 FTR 1m 37.5secs
Esteve Rabat Blusens STX 1m 37.7secs
Max Neukirchner MZ Racing 1m 37.7secs
Robertino Pietri Italtrans Suter 1m 37.8secs
Santiago Hernández SAG Team FTR 1m 37.9secs
Anthony West MZ Racing 1m 38.1secs
Kenny Noyes Avintia STX FTR 1m 38.5secs
Dominque Aegerter Technomag CIP Suter 1m 38.6secs

[denill]

Read that Kenan Sofuoglu was in Turkey, visiting his dying father, who passed away on Thursday night. Sofuoglu will be in Estoril later this week.

[Maido]

man, the sofuoglu family has no luck!

[denill]

man, the sofuoglu family has no luck!

Yeah. He's lost both his brothers in accidents, his eldest brother Bahattin to a traffic accident and the middle brother Sinan died in a training crash in 2008. Kenan is the last of the brothers.

[denill]

2011 Provisional World Supersport Rider Line Up:

No. - Rider - Nation - Motorcycle - Team name
4 Gino Rea GBR Honda CBR600RR Step Racing Team
5 Alexander Lundh SWE Honda CBR600RR Cresto Guide Racing Team
7 Chaz Davies GBR Yamaha YZF R6 Yamaha ParkinGO Team
8 Bastien Chesaux SUI Honda CBR600RR MACH - Moto Academy Swiss
9 Luca Scassa ITA Yamaha YZF R6 Yamaha ParkinGO Team
10 Imre Toth HUN Honda CBR600RR Team Hungary Toth
11 Sam Lowes GBR Honda CBR600RR Parkalgar Honda
19 Mitchell Pirotta AUS Honda CBR600RR KUJA Racing
21 Florian Marino FRA Honda CBR600RR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda
22 Roberto Tamburini ITA Yamaha YZF R6 Bike Service R.T.
23 Broc Parkes AUS Kawasaki ZX-6R Kawasaki Motocard.com
24 Eduard Blokhin RUS Yamaha YZF R6 RivaMoto
25 Marko Jerman SLO Triumph Daytona 675 MD Team Jerman
28 Pawel Szkopek POL Honda CBR600RR Bogdanka PTR Honda
31 Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Kawasaki ZX-6R Lorenzini by Leoni
34 Ronan Quarmby RSA Triumph Daytona 675 Suriano Racing Team
38 Balazs Nemeth HUN Honda CBR600RR Team Hungary Toth
44 David Salom ESP Kawasaki ZX-6R Kawasaki Motocard.com
52 Michele Conti ITA Honda CBR600RR KUJA Racing
55 Massimo Roccoli ITA Kawasaki ZX-6R Lorenzini by Leoni
60 Vladimir Ivanov UKR Honda CBR600RR Step Racing Team
69 Ondrej Jezek CZE Honda CBR600RR SMS Racing
73 Oleg Pozdneev RUS Yamaha YZF R6 RivaMoto
77 James Ellison GBR Honda CBR600RR Bogdanka PTR Honda
87 Luca Marconi ITA Yamaha YZF R6 Bike Service R.T.
91 Danilo Dell'Omo ITA Triumph Daytona 675 Suriano Racing Team
99 Fabien Foret FRA Honda CBR600RR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda
117 Miguel Praia POR Honda CBR600RR Parkalgar Honda
127 Robbin Harms DEN Honda CBR600RR Benjan Racing Team

[denill]

Not very encouraging stuff! :facepalm: :facepalm:

<a href=http://motomatters.com/news/2011/02/16/yamaha_unveil_2011_world_superbike_liver.html>Yamaha are putting a brave face on it, underlining the return to corporate colors. But it is a worrying sign of the state of racing sponsorship that a team as successful and competitive as the Yamaha WSBK team is unable to secure a title sponsor. The fear for Yamaha must be that the factory will also be unable to secure a sponsorship deal for their MotoGP team as well, after Fiat pulled out at the end of 2010. Yamaha's MotoGP machine is to be unveiled at Sepang on Monday night. We shall see then whether Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies will also be running in Yamaha corporate colors.</A>

[roogazza]

Revin Kevin's Opinion,

http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1102_kevin_schwantz_talks_rossi_ducati_honda_a nd_more_in_motogp/index.html
ps don't know how old he is Bill, but I'm feeling better about my wrinkles after seeing his photo.

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110222b.htm

[merv]

Revin Kevin's Opinion,

http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1102_kevin_schwantz_talks_rossi_ducati_honda_a nd_more_in_motogp/index.html
ps don't know how old he is Bill, but I'm feeling better about my wrinkles after seeing his photo.

Yeah ya needn't worry Gaz he is a whole lot younger than than you and Bill and even quite a bit younger than me.

[denill]

Is it - <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110223a.htm>Which Honda (Or maybe Yamaha) Rider will be the 2011 Champion?</A> :facepalm:

[codgyoleracer]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110222b.htm

The little mexican will be feeling the pressure...........:bye:

[Crasherfromwayback]

The little mexican will be feeling the pressure...........:bye:

Ping pong...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110223a.htm

[roogazza]

Is it - <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110223a.htm>Which Honda (Or maybe Yamaha) Rider will be the 2011 Champion?</A> :facepalm:

Patience, have faith my son. <_<

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner vs Lorenzo all season! With Pedrosa, Rossi and Spies mixing it up, along with the odd wild ride from the rest!

[eelracing]

Stoner vs Lorenzo all season! With Pedrosa, Rossi and Spies mixing it up, along with the odd wild ride from the rest!

Stoner vs Stoner all season! He can't lose on that bike...the question is who is gonna take it to him?No doubt Lorenzo,thats a given,but I reckon Yamaha are gonna struggle later in the season ditto Spies.
Pedrosa? nah not hungry enough anymore,Dovi is to flakey.
Really looking forward to seeing an aggressive Simoncelli take it to them and if he does watch Honda start favouring him.
Which really only leaves Rossi...now what fool would discount him?not this fool.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner vs Stoner all season! He can't lose on that bike...l.

Yes he can. By binning it! Hopefully he can tell when he's at the edge easier than he could on the Ducati...and knock it back 1/2 notch to stay on the fucking thing!

I see Rossi didn't ride day two of the test due to the 'flu'?

[montsta56]

I think we're in for a year of complete domination by Honda in the Gp's an in WSBK an probably WSS. Bout fuck'n time I say. :woohoo:

[denill]

Day 3 <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Feb/110224a.htm>The last day and oh, look at the Ducatis!</A>

[denill]

Stoner vs Stoner all season! He can't lose on that bike...the question is who is gonna take it to him?

Stoner worked with his technicians on the last day of testing to decide which chassis to use going forward, as well as testing the electronics on the engine braking system. Then followed a simulated race run of 16 laps - the race is 20 laps - during which his pace was much faster than that of the 2010 race-winner.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Think it'd be REALLY funny if Rossi can't win a race on the Ducati after telling Stoner last year he wasn't trying hard enough! I mean...Stoner has, after all, won more races in the 800cc era than ANYONE else. All on the Ducati.

[codgyoleracer]

Think it'd be REALLY funny if Rossi can't win a race on the Ducati after telling Stoner last year he wasn't trying hard enough! I mean...Stoner has, after all, won more races in the 800cc era than ANYONE else. All on the Ducati.

A Honda ?, - Win MotoGP???? , hasnt happened for a long time..... :-), might as well say something hairbrained like its Suzukis turn......:gob:

[Crasherfromwayback]

A Honda ?, - Win MotoGP???? , hasnt happened for a long time..... :-), might as well say something hairbrained like its Suzukis turn......:gob:

How desperate do you think Honda are to win a title in the 800cc era?

[Wingnut]

They're Sweating!:yes:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/166939/1/rossi_we_are_quite_worried.html

Or is it a game of Possum???

[Crasherfromwayback]

They're Sweating!:yes:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/166939/1/rossi_we_are_quite_worried.html

Or is it a game of Possum???

How fast do you think Stoner would've been on the Ducati? I'd say still at the top. Where he's always been.

[White trash]

How fast do you think Stoner would've been on the Ducati? I'd say still at the top. Where he's always been.

Hey does Casey know you're his biggest fan? Sounds like you wanna tongue his bumhole man......

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey does Casey know you're his biggest fan? Sounds like you wanna tongue his bumhole man......

Nah. If I was a bumhole fan...I'd be 'rooting' for Rossi. I simply think we're about to see how good Stoner is, and how Rossi had no fucking idea how shit the Ducati was when he said those things to/about Stoner. I think it's gonna blow up in that bum hole lickers face. You've seen me with chicks. Rossi? Never.

PS: I've seen you lick the bums of New Zealand racers more than I do Stoners.

[Wingnut]

Just watched some coverage of the Sepang test - Stoner looks like he has been riding that Honda for years.

He has sooooo much speed already - but hey, it hasn't even started yet.

And as for Rossi - how many times have people written that guy off! Probably as many times as he has proved them wrong...........

[roogazza]

How fast do you think Stoner would've been on the Ducati? I'd say still at the top. Where he's always been.
Stoners sure looks good at the mo P, but it's still a month off and early yet.
Simoncelli has Dovi worried if you believe the latters interview and I bet Stoner and Pedro won't want to look behind either ?
Rossi is against it but if you read the test data they haven't got near soft tyres yet.
Qatar will see if the Duc has some improvement if you listen to Burgess.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoners sure looks good at the mo P, but it's still a month off and early yet.
Simoncelli has Dovi worried if you believe the latters interview and I bet Stoner and Pedro won't want to look behind either ?
Rossi is against it but if you read the test data they haven't got near soft tyres yet.
Qatar will see if the Duc has some improvement if you listen to Burgess.

All of these things are gonna make the season one of the most interesting in ages I reckon. And for sure they'll get the Ducati there. It's just a matter of when. The more riders/bikes going for race wins the better!

[denill]

Stoners sure looks good at the mo P, but it's still a month off and early yet.
Simoncelli has Dovi worried if you believe the latters interview and I bet Stoner and Pedro won't want to look behind either ?
Rossi is against it but if you read the test data they haven't got near soft tyres yet.
Qatar will see if the Duc has some improvement if you listen to Burgess.

One of VR's mechanics wrote on Twitter: :facepalm:

" Boarding flight home soon from Sepang. . Will leave behind sweat, my sideburns & will be taking away more Questions than Answers. 5:13 PM Feb 24th"

[denill]

How fast do you think Stoner would've been on the Ducati? I'd say still at the top. Where he's always been.

It wasn't VR at his brightest when he said Stoner wasn't riding the Ducati hard enough. :blink:

At this stage it's looking likely that bitchy remark will come back to haunt him. And - The Stoner knockers may have to look for somewhere to hide.

[denill]

One of VR's mechanics wrote on Twitter: :facepalm:

" Boarding flight home soon from Sepang. . Will leave behind sweat, my sideburns & will be taking away more Questions than Answers. 5:13 PM Feb 24th"

He also wrote:

We r disappointed with our times. I thought we would leave here in the top 5. VRs cold & his shoulder account 4 a bit. But not that much. 3:30 PM Feb 24th

[denill]

It wasn't VR at his brightest when he said Stoner wasn't riding the Ducati hard enough. :blink:

At this stage it's looking likely that bitchy remark will come back to haunt him. And - The Stoner knockers may have to look for somewhere to hide.

And VR said:

"We have a problem for turning the bike, so I always have to slow down too much to make the good line. I cannot ride the Desmosedici in the right way." :blink:

[rachprice]

Hey does Casey know you're his biggest fan? Sounds like you wanna tongue his bumhole man......

He can have him I'll have his wife haha

[roogazza]

All of these things are gonna make the season one of the most interesting in ages I reckon. And for sure they'll get the Ducati there. It's just a matter of when. The more riders/bikes going for race wins the better!

Too right !


One of VR's mechanics wrote on Twitter: :facepalm:

" Boarding flight home soon from Sepang. . Will leave behind sweat, my sideburns & will be taking away more Questions than Answers. 5:13 PM Feb 24th"

You can twitter !!!!!! ahead of me then. lol.
Used Farcebook couple of times. Life used to be so simple.

[Crasherfromwayback]

He can have him I'll have his wife haha

Fuck that. I'm into sharing. We'll share her.

[denill]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-ezpeleta-on-future-of-motogp-moto2-and-moto3> Ezpeleta said:</A>

Asked about the Moto3 class (250cc four strokes that will replace the current 125cc two-stroke singles in 2012) he said, “All the brands will be back. The engine will not be from a single supplier, but it will be well defined. It will rev to 14,000 RPM and will have our ECU. Making a winning bike will depend on who can build the best rolling chassis. The engine will cost 12,000 Euros. We must limit technology as much as possible. And for 2013, after having defined the specifications of the engine, Moto2 will not have a single engine supplier either.”

[Badjelly]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-ezpeleta-on-future-of-motogp-moto2-and-moto3> Ezpeleta said:</A>

Asked about the Moto3 class (250cc four strokes that will replace the current 125cc two-stroke singles in 2012) he said, “All the brands will be back. The engine will not be from a single supplier, but it will be well defined. It will rev to 14,000 RPM and will have our ECU. Making a winning bike will depend on who can build the best rolling chassis. The engine will cost 12,000 Euros. We must limit technology as much as possible. And for 2013, after having defined the specifications of the engine, Moto2 will not have a single engine supplier either.”

Interesting!

I wonder how long it will be before MotoGP/Moto1 has a control ECU.

[slowpoke]

Interesting!

I wonder how long it will be before MotoGP/Moto1 has a control ECU.

The sooner the better....and the simpler the better.