MotoGP 2012

[cs363]

Cept Stoner would give them even more of a hiding.

Still not having a problem with it! :lol:

[Mental Trousers]

The environmentally friendly shit would've affected any two strokes if they were still being produced for racing at top level. Direct Injection and bypassing the crank case so no oil in the mix means no smoke.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Still not having a problem with it! :lol:


The environmentally friendly shit would've affected any two strokes if they were still being produced for racing at top level. Direct Injection and bypassing the crank case so no oil in the mix means no smoke.

Bring 'em back I say. Clean burning two strokes. Yes please. (Not that I ever gave a fuck that they smoked. I used to too)

[Oscar]

The environmentally friendly shit would've affected any two strokes if they were still being produced for racing at top level. Direct Injection and bypassing the crank case so no oil in the mix means no smoke.

They were looking at direct injection two strokes for Moto2 - factories (i.e. Honda) didn't like it.

[Oscar]

Fuck, it would give me the horn! :D Bring on the blue haze.....

+1
Nothing beats that noise/smell and general air of impending deflagration.

[DidJit]

Onboard with the man at Sepang...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U7YiFP8FXIU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[carbonhed]

"Onboard with the man at Sepang... "

Fuck! I'm liking that gearbox.

[puddytat]

Sounds like they need to fix the rattle.......

Anyone got any times or scuttlebutt about Moto2 & Moto3 times.?

[jasonu]

Onboard with the man at Sepang...

That is one angry sounding bike!
He brakes a bit early though, poofter.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That is one angry sounding bike!
He brakes a bit early though, poofter.

I thought he was going pretty well for an out lap.:baby:

Fucking thing sounds feral.

[pritch]

Anyone got any times or scuttlebutt about Moto2 & Moto3 times.?

None of those at Sepang. They were testing at Valencia.

[merv]

Well crasher your boy was quickest again at the latest Sepang test, no surprise there :clap: and you'd kinda expect that from the Hondas. The surprise was Dovi doing so well on the Yamaha coming in behind the Repsol Hondas. Rossi is left wondering why he didn't get a contract with Piaggio using a Vespa perhaps as a pizza delivery boy lol.

[merv]

Onboard with the man at Sepang...

Who the hell needs a two stroke when your four stroke sounds like that :lol:??

[Crasherfromwayback]

Who the hell needs a two stroke when your four stroke sounds like that :lol:??

Here's a better listen...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i9H2-MoIJ7M

[pritch]

Following the goings on the last three days provokes a sense of deja vu. I hope we aren't in for a re-run of 2011, and that someone can actually make a race of it.

[DidJit]

David Emmett's take (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/02/2012_sepang_2_motogp_test_day_3_round_up.html) on that.

[merv]

Here's a better listen...



Yeah like I said who needs a two stroke. To be honest with you the way the four strokes rev and except for the slight overtone of a deeper bark in there and those super slick gear changes, it reminds me slightly of the sound of TZ750 anyway that had a reasonably deep bark for a two stroke :cool:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah like I said who needs a two stroke. To be honest with you the way the four strokes rev and except for the slight overtone of a deeper bark in there and those super slick gear changes, it reminds me slightly of the sound of TZ750 anyway that had a reasonably deep bark for a two stroke :cool:

Take yer earplugs out Merv...you're going deaf!

[merv]

Take yer earplugs out Merv...you're going deaf!

... but you love the sound of the new four strokes too I know :sweatdrop

[merv]

Does this make you happy then?

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[Crasherfromwayback]

Does this make you happy then?

<>

Bring some more gearing for that track!

[merv]

Bring some more gearing for that track!

It says it was a Sunday ride, and he sure aint slick shifting. If Casey's bike just rattled and blubbered a bit it would sound very similar I reckon and they are very alike on the throttle. I just played the two videos together at the same time which is quite interesting.

[cs363]

It says it was a Sunday ride

And now a real man on a Sunday ride :D (fast forward to about 3.55 for the actual riding, if you must):

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And the King on another Sunday ride, this time at Imola:


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[BMWST?]

<tbody style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; ">
1
Casey Stoner
Repsol Honda Team
2:00.473
-
-
34




2
Dani Pedrosa
Repsol Honda Team
2:00.648
+0.175
+0.175
40




3
Andrea Dovizioso
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
2:00.802
+0.154
+0.329
54




4
Jorge Lorenzo
Yamaha Factory Racing
2:00.877
+0.075
+0.404
51




5
Cal Crutchlow
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
2:00.986
+0.109
+0.513
54




6
Hector Barbera
Pramac Racing Team
2:01.231
+0.245
+0.758
66




7
Alvaro Bautista
San Carlo Honda Gresini
2:01.275
+0.044
+0.802
51




8
Ben Spies
Yamaha Factory Racing
2:01.432
+0.157
+0.959
28




9
Stefan Bradl
LCR Honda
2:01.492
+0.060
+1.019
54




10
Valentino Rossi
Ducati Team
2:01.550
+0.058
+1.077
57




11
Nicky Hayden
Ducati Team
2:01.609
+0.059
+1.136
44




12
Franco Battaini
Cardion AB Motoracing
2:03.490
+1.881
+3.017
39




13
Colin Edwards
NGM Mobile Forward Racing
2:03.681
+0.191
+3.208
43




14
Yonny Hern?ndez
Avintia Racing
2:06.632
+2.951
+6.159
48




15
Ivan Silva
Avintia Racing
2:06.785
+0.153
+6.312
53

</tbody>


Uh oh....could the Duc,s be any slower?

[NZsarge]

And now a real man on a Sunday ride :D (fast forward to about 3.55 for the actual riding, if you must):


First decent post in this thread in ages, cheers!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Uh oh....could the Duc,s be any slower?

Interesting thing to me is Barbera being quite a bit quicker than Rossi.

[BMWST?]

Interesting thing to me is Barbera being quite a bit quicker than Rossi.

so what is barbera on?(the bike I mean!)

[Crasherfromwayback]

so what is barbera on?(the bike I mean!)

I dunno if he's riding on the alloy frame or not.

[nudemetalz]

I'm a huge Rossi fan but do you think that his days are numbered for getting another title (or even winning a race) ??

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120302y.htm

[Ivan]

I'm a huge Rossi fan but do you think that his days are numbered for getting another title (or even winning a race) ??


nope not at all never can count the dr out

[Crasherfromwayback]

nope not at all never can count the dr out

He sure as fuck ain't gonna win the title this year sorry. A (wet) race maybe.

[BMWST?]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120302y.htm

.3 of a second a lap,7 laps s two seconds gap

[BMWST?]

nope not at all never can count the dr out

not so sure of that anymore.....maybe his leg ,shoulder an uncoperative bike and some fast kids have shaken him to the core.....I hope i am wrong I would love to see a trio or more fighting for the lead if not the championship but ....

[Crasherfromwayback]

.3 of a second a lap,7 laps s two seconds gap

What surely must freak the others out is how quickly and easily Stoner whips out the fast laps.

[codgyoleracer]

Man that YZR has a wiiiiiiiiide band :niceone:

[Crasherfromwayback]

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Wheelies for Africa

[eelracing]

What surely must freak the others out is how quickly and easily Stoner whips out the fast laps.


Now now old bean let's not be getting to carried away,maybe Casey has found his groove (no doubt)but with the limited test time they have forced on them the other factories are forced to try radical settings to just learn to find an optimum to stay within the Hondas times...you know, like testing.

Afterall the only thing Honda has changed apart from the bigger motor is rearranged the glove space to house Stoners lippy/tampax.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Afterall the only thing Honda has changed apart from the bigger motor is rearranged the glove space to house Stoners lippy/tampax.

He wears a bum bag for that! But if Stoner is so shit at developing a bike...odd that after a year on it it's still the bike to beat eh. And Rossi seems to be having trouble beating the satelite Ducatis. Odd.

[merv]

Man that YZR has a wiiiiiiiiide band :niceone:

Yeah I see he let it drop to about 5,000 on one corner and it pulled out no sweat and and he was peaking it up about 11,000.

The missed shift showed he had no fancy Honda type seamless shift back then.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah I see he let it drop to about 5,000 on one corner and it pulled out no sweat and and he was peaking it up about 11,000.

The missed shift showed he had no fancy Honda type seamless shift back then.

Think the thing actually jumped out of gear a couple of times?

[Cleve]

Barbera was on the GP 0 - the end of last year's first alloy framebike. He did his usual latch on to a faster guy and do one fast lap. His race pace or lap average was slower than Rossi. Rossi was working on set up - not a fast lap (still he was pissed off).
The Honda's are doing fast laps for sure - especially Stoner - but as of yet the new more powerful Hondas with the new 2012 softer Bridgestones have not done a long race pace simulation. The Yamaha's have and this has HRC's Nakamoto worried. Especially Lorenzo's effort. All are saying that tyre wear will be an issue this year. We may get the wonderful scenario of guys going fast at the start and then having tyres go off and guys start slower and move thru the field at the later stages of the race. The yardstick for all this Honda v Yamaha is of course Dovizioso. From HRC to Yamaha and going fast quickly on them. The 2012 season is not done and dusted just yet...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Barbera was on the GP 0 - the end of last year's first alloy framebike. He did his usual latch on to a faster guy and do one fast lap. His race pace or lap average was slower than Rossi. Rossi was working on set up - not a fast lap (still he was pissed off).
The Honda's are doing fast laps for sure - especially Stoner - but as of yet the new more powerful Hondas with the new 2012 softer Bridgestones have not done a long race pace simulation. The Yamaha's have and this has HRC's Nakamoto worried. Especially Lorenzo's effort. All are saying that tyre wear will be an issue this year. We may get the wonderful scenario of guys going fast at the start and then having tyres go off and guys start slower and move thru the field at the later stages of the race. The yardstick for all this Honda v Yamaha is of course Dovizioso. From HRC to Yamaha and going fast quickly on them. The 2012 season is not done and dusted just yet...

Yeah, were HRC only doing short runs because they were worried about and engine 'issue'? And for sure worn tyres will make things interesting I reckon. Spies is good on them, as is of course Rossi. Stoner will be, and Dovi is looking good for sure. Bring it on I say.

[BMWST?]

Yeah, were HRC only doing short runs because they were worried about and engine 'issue'? And for sure worn tyres will make things interesting I reckon. Spies is good on them, as is of course Rossi. Stoner will be, and Dovi is looking good for sure. Bring it on I say.

+100 33 day s 9 hours n countin

[Crasherfromwayback]

+100 33 day s 9 hours n countin

Bike porn for us that can't wait...

259358

[wharfy]

Bike porn for us that can't wait...

259358

Tricky bit of plumbing, I assume we are looking at exhaust gas analysers ?

[cs363]

Tricky bit of plumbing, I assume we are looking at exhaust gas analysers ?

My bet is iconel headers, titanium mid pipe and oxygen sensors..... :)

[Reckless]

Tricky bit of plumbing, I assume we are looking at exhaust gas analysers ?

We used to run Exhaust gas temperature sensors on our Karts like that. Set about 200mm from the head on a smoker.
After you blew an engine or two or advanced timing to far and melted the front of a piston you knew what temp to tune for or compression was reliable :)

[DidJit]

Some CRT number crunching (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/05/crunching_the_numbers_measuring_the_prog.html) thus far...

[pritch]

Some teams may be starting the season a bit underdone. The Sepang test lost a lot of time to rain and Honda lost another day while they awaited the result of an engine postmortem.

Currently CRT bikes are testing at Aragon, except that day one was lost due to strong winds. The main problem with the wind being that it was cold enough so that the tyres could not maintain a safe operating temperature.

[BMWST?]

Some teams may be starting the season a bit underdone. The Sepang test lost a lot of time to rain and Honda lost another day while they awaited the result of an engine postmortem.

Currently CRT bikes are testing at Aragon, except that day one was lost due to strong winds. The main problem with the wind being that it was cold enough so that the tyres could not maintain a safe operating temperature.


yep ambient and track temps very low

[Badjelly]

I guess that answers the question, "Why do they test at Sepang?"

[DidJit]

Ducati GP12 launch (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/03/19/video_specs_and_photos_from_today_s_duca.html) as covered by David Emmett.

[Crasherfromwayback]

This years M1 looks great with more white on it I reckon...

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[merv]

The nice thing about a MotoGP bike is it looks so like an ordinary sportsbike you could ride on the street. You can't say the same about an F1 car, it looks nothing like and ordinary sportscar.

Crasher I remember the fleeting moment when WMCC was a Yamaha dealer - I even looked at buying one at the time. Mind you I could say the same about Triumph.

[Badjelly]

The nice thing about a MotoGP bike is it looks so like an ordinary sportsbike you could ride on the street. You can't say the same about an F1 car, it looks nothing like and ordinary sportscar.

True, but this is not unrelated to the fact that an F1 car is typically 20s per lap faster than a MotoGP bike.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Crasher I remember the fleeting moment when WMCC was a Yamaha dealer - I even looked at buying one at the time. Mind you I could say the same about Triumph.

That's when I started here. And the reason we're now neither is the same too.

[Badjelly]

And the reason we're now neither is the same too.

And that is, what??

(Sorry, I know this is off-topic, but as a mere customer I've been watching the dealership merry-go-round and wondering what the hell is going on. Surely there must be some good gossip.)

[Crasherfromwayback]

And that is, what??

)

Both Moller Yamaha (the distributor at the time) and Triumph NZ sucked serious arse.

[DidJit]

MotoGP porn and bare, naked CRT chassis (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/03/23/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_photos_a_str.html)...

[spada]

Anyone know if the vyrus company are going to run their funny front end bike this season? Saw an article in a performance bike mag about them doing it a while back but haven't heard anything since.


This is the first page of the article: Go to page 11 of 23 of the preveiw
http://issuu.com/kardesign/docs/pb_nov_2011_sampler

So has anybody heard anything?

[merv]

True, but this is not unrelated to the fact that an F1 car is typically 20s per lap faster than a MotoGP bike.

That's more due to the fact it has four wheels and not two.

[SimJen]

That's more due to the fact it has four wheels and not two.

wings help those damn 4 wheelers a little too!

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's more due to the fact it has four wheels and not two.


wings help those damn 4 wheelers a little too!

F1 cars stop waaaaay faster than GP bikes (funny that), and obviously corner faster too (funny that too). But a GP bike is quicker in acceleration. And a million times more fun to watch.

[SimJen]

F1 cars stop waaaaay faster than GP bikes (funny that), and obviously corner faster too (funny that too). But a GP bike is quicker in acceleration. And a million times more fun to watch.

debatable whether a GP bike is quicker in acceleration! F1 cars do 0-100k in just over 2 seconds maybe even quicker these days! From all the comparo's I've seen of race bikes vs cars etc, bike are sort of stuck in the 2.5+ second zone!
But whats clear is that Motogp or bike racing in general is far more of a spectacle to watch, especially as you can see what the rider is doing!
F1 is just a little head bobbing side to side!

[Crasherfromwayback]

debatable whether a GP bike is quicker in acceleration! F1 cars do 0-100k in just over 2 seconds maybe even quicker these days! From all the comparo's I've seen of race bikes vs cars etc, bike are sort of stuck in the 2.5+ second zone!


I beg to differ. A Hayabusa or ZX14 will be pretty close to 2.5 sec 0-100. A Moto GP bike will kick sand in their fat faces.

[SimJen]

Id like to see it :)

[SimJen]

I beg to differ. A Hayabusa or ZX14 will be pretty close to 2.5 sec 0-100. A Moto GP bike will kick sand in their fat faces.

A Mclaren MP4-22 did it in 1.753 seconds at Silverstone! Don't think a gp bike can match that......I could be wrong.

[Crasherfromwayback]

A Mclaren MP4-22 did it in 1.753 seconds at Silverstone! Don't think a gp bike can match that......I could be wrong.

Like stopping and cornering...an F1 car has two huge tyres for drive. So maybe it is quicker out of the hole to 100kph. But I stand by the fact that I reckon a GP bike will blow it into the weeds in a drag.

[SimJen]

what we need is everybodies favourite wingeing opinionated twat Jeremy Clarkson to do one of his famously unbiased comparo's, then reverse the outcome to get the real answer!

[Crasherfromwayback]

what we need is everybodies favourite wingeing opinionated twat Jeremy Clarkson to do one of his famously unbiased comparo's, then reverse the outcome to get the real answer!

Yeah. Because even if you try and get info on top speeds down the straights of various tracks...they often take readings so far down the straight the bikes are already off the gas and on the picks while the car still has full throttle on!

[merv]

Now if MotoGP had berms on the corners of the tracks that would even the speed between them and F1 a bit - they'd have to be pop up berms so they don't get in the way when the cars used the same track, but then the riders would have to practice on the wall of death or something to get used to the G Forces. Rodger Freeth tried the wings thing didn't he, but we never saw that again.

Anyway my comment on four vs two was in reply to the 20 secs different lap times point, and what I would add is that difference in lap time between an F1 car and the best road going sportscar would probably be very similar to the difference in lap time between a MotoGP bike (a proper one, you know a Honda, not a CRT bike) and the best road going sportsbike (I'll leave you to argue what that is), but in any case it won't be as great as 20 seconds for either four or two wheels.

[slowpoke]

Anyway my comment on four vs two was in reply to the 20 secs different lap times point, and what I would add is that difference in lap time between an F1 car and the best road going sportscar would probably be very similar to the difference in lap time between a MotoGP bike (a proper one, you know a Honda, not a CRT bike) and the best road going sportsbike (I'll leave you to argue what that is), but in any case it won't be as great as 20 seconds for either four or two wheels.

Nah, I reckon a cheap arse yamondawasuki sportsbike would be waaaaay closer to a MotoGP bike than any sportscar vs an F1 car. But that's what makes sportsbikes such fun, they are ridiculously cheap for the performance vs horrendously expensive for any decent sportscar.

[denill]

That's more due to the fact it has four wheels and not two.

Yeah, meaning - MORE rubber on the road. :yes:

[SimJen]

first day of testing in Jerez is over, obviously a few teams testing setups! (ducati/crt's) but Stoner is straight back into it, posting the quickest lap on his final lap!

1. Casey Stoner AUS Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 39.146s (Lap 54/54)
2. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory (YZR-M1) 1m 39.419s (46/76)
3. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 39.579s (40/60)
4. Ben Spies USA Yamaha Factory (YZR-M1) 1m 39.984s (44/71)
5. Cal Crutchlow GBR Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1) 1m 40.130s (60/74)
6. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Team (GP12) 1m 40.512s (60/77)
7. Alvaro Bautista ESP San Carlo Honda Gresini (RC213V) 1m 40.545s (49/56)
8. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1) 1m 40.665s (45/46)
9. Valentino Rossi ITA Ducati Team (GP12) 1m 40.920s (51/64)
10. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 40.983s (48/64)
11. Randy De Puniet FRA Power Electronics Aspar (ART)* 1m 41.015s (35/39)
12. Hector Barbera ESP Pramac Racing (GP12) 1m 41.388s (66/72)
13. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB Motoracing (GP12) 1m 41.603s (55/71)
14. Aleix Espargaro ESP Power Electronics Aspar (ART)* 1m 42.293s (52/59)
15. Franco Battaini ITA Ducati Test Rider (GP12) 1m 42.403s (5/72)
16. Colin Edwards USA NGM Forward Racing (Suter-BMW)* 1m 42.462s (47/56)
17. Michele Pirro ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini (FTR-Honda)* 1m 42.655s (43/49)
18. Danilo Petrucci ITA Came Iodaracing (Ioda-Aprilia)* 1m 42.750s (19/39)
19. Mattia Pasini ITA Speed Master (ART)* 1m 43.006s (17/59)
20. Yonny Hernandez COL Avintia (FTR-Kawasaki)* 1m 43.437s (48/49)
21. James Ellison GBR PBM (ART)* 1m 43.477s (60/61)
22. Ivan Silva ESP Avintia (FTR-Kawasaki)* 1m 44.025s (60/60)

* CRT entry.

[Mental Trousers]

Bring 'em back I say. Clean burning two strokes. Yes please. (Not that I ever gave a fuck that they smoked. I used to too)


They were looking at direct injection two strokes for Moto2 - factories (i.e. Honda) didn't like it.

Good to see the CRT bikes are starting to get a bit of pace. RdP is under 2 seconds off Stoner's time, which means he's within 1.5 seconds of what's achievable for everyone who isn't Casey Stoner. That's not bad for a bike that hasn't raced yet. Aprillia might find themselves being labelled a Factory Team next season if they don't watch out.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Good to see the CRT bikes are starting to get a bit of pace. RdP is under 2 seconds off Stoner's time, which means he's within 1.5 seconds of what's achievable for everyone who isn't Casey Stoner. That's not bad for a bike that hasn't raced yet. Aprillia might find themselves being labelled a Factory Team next season if they don't watch out.

I'll be glad if they can all go as fast as a factory bike eventually. And yeah...Aprillia are bending the rules a tad I'd say.

[DidJit]

I'll be glad if they can all go as fast as a factory bike eventually.

I don't know if the factories would let that happen.

Crutchlow was at pains to point out that his bike is a step behind the factory Yamahas of Spies and Lorenzo, something that was painfully clear at track side. The Factory Yamahas hustled through the fast corners with nary a hint of interference, while Crutchlow's M1 sounded like an asthmatic smoker having a coughing fit. (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/24/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_day_1_round_.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29)


And yeah...Aprillia are bending the rules a tad I'd say.

Who cares. They've been able to put 4½ more bikes on the grid via privateer teams — one of whom is already harassing the satellites with a second not far behind. One great season of racing coming up!

[pritch]

This years M1 looks great with more white on it I reckon...




That's only 'cause they haven't got a major sponsor. I'm sure they'd like less white and a big sponsor's name.

Honda and Yamaha seem to have their ducks in a row for speed and handling but Ducati hasn't found a magic bullet. Yet.
Rossi says the weight is still too far back and he wants to move forward on the bike. Some pundits blame the 90 degree engine.
If the engine layout is actually the cause of the problem, it's likely to be a less than rivetting year with only four guys in with a real chance.

The comments by Simon Crafar on his MotoVudu DVD about the effect tyres can have on a career may be germane.
Gary McCoy has been there done that too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's only 'cause they haven't got a major sponsor. I'm sure they'd like less white and a big sponsor's name.

.

Don't think they had one last year though either mate. Fiat left at the end of 2010 didn't they?

[pritch]

Fiat went with Rossi when he went, although that arrangement might be jeopardised by the reported Audi move to buy Ducati.
As may be the existing "special relationship" between Ducati and Mercedes AMG?

Malaysian oil & gas company Petronas belatedly came on board Yamaha as a sponsor for 2011, but evidently didn't stay for 2012.

[Cleve]

I'll be glad if they can all go as fast as a factory bike eventually. And yeah...Aprillia are bending the rules a tad I'd say.

There are no CRT rules. Just "guidelines"...

[Cleve]

and as Dennis Noyes puts it;
"There will be disagreement among the big three over some details, and unified distrust of Aprilia’s status as a CRT (independent) team (which grants an allowance of 12 engines rather than six and 23 liters of fuel rather than 21), but there are no grounds to reclassify Aprilia as a factory entry because the ART machines supplied by Aprilia to various teams are not leased but sold outright, unlike the satellite bikes rented out by Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati. Ultimately, the difference between factory and CRT machines is exclusively in the fact that CRT bikes are sold outright to teams."

[Cleve]

the full article is here: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-big-changes-beyond-2012

[Reckless]

great read thanks Cleve :)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Can't wait for the action to start!

[Mental Trousers]

the full article is here: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-big-changes-beyond-2012

One thing from that article is the bit about pit stops.


One proposal is to establish a minimum time in the pits at around two minutes. This matter will come under discussion with some team technicians favoring a neutralized minimum time (with any rider completing his wheel and tire changes in less than the minimum held at the exit of pit lane until the time is completed) while others believe that at this level of professional championship teams should be expected to simply use endurance racing equipment and skills to make the fastest stops possible.

I've always believed that pit stops should have a minimum time put on them, not just for MotoGP but for things like F1, Aussie V8's etc.

The reason for this is that the teams job is to prepare the bike for the rider. Once the flag drops the team are spectators until the end of the race and it's solely up to the rider. That is something that is fundamental to any kind of non-endurance motor racing until you get to the higher levels and I don't think that should be different.

A race should be won on the track, not in the pits. Any form of racing that relies on pit stops to sort out the finish order needs a damn good shake up.

[DidJit]

Dennis Noyes and David Emmett are great at illuminating the inner workings of this little sport of ours, aren't they? :sunny:

On another note, just to show he's got a playful side to him as well, Stoner's last session, time sheet topping dash yesterday was, "... just trying to be cheeky!" (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/26/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_day_3_round_.html)

[baffa]

The nice thing about a MotoGP bike is it looks so like an ordinary sportsbike you could ride on the street. You can't say the same about an F1 car, it looks nothing like and ordinary sportscar.



That's why touring cars exist. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport for me, regardless of whether you like bikes, cars, or both, you cant help but be impressed by F1 cars and their drivers.
They have to be 640 kilos minimum with full fuel and driver. So a dry F1 car weighs just over 400 kilo, with 800hp. They also spend a million bucks making a new front wing, but that's the price you pay!

Both seasons seem to be heating up, going to be a great year motorsport, 2 wheels or 4.

[Cleve]

great read thanks Cleve :)

No worries. Dennis has been busy post Jerez final test. Here is his next one.
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-stoner-even-faster-than-he-looks/P1

[Crasherfromwayback]

No worries. Dennis has been busy post Jerez final test. Here is his next one.
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-stoner-even-faster-than-he-looks/P1

I think even the non believers are starting to believe!

[Badjelly]

A race should be won on the track, not in the pits. Any form of racing that relies on pit stops to sort out the finish order needs a damn good shake up.

Damn straight. Mind you, 50 million NASCAR fans might disagree with you (and me) on this one.

[slowpoke]

One thing from that article is the bit about pit stops.



I've always believed that pit stops should have a minimum time put on them, not just for MotoGP but for things like F1, Aussie V8's etc.

The reason for this is that the teams job is to prepare the bike for the rider. Once the flag drops the team are spectators until the end of the race and it's solely up to the rider. That is something that is fundamental to any kind of non-endurance motor racing until you get to the higher levels and I don't think that should be different.

A race should be won on the track, not in the pits. Any form of racing that relies on pit stops to sort out the finish order needs a damn good shake up.


Damn straight. Mind you, 50 million NASCAR fans might disagree with you (and me) on this one.

I dunno, pitstops are why it's a TEAM sport. Too often the emphasis is on the rider (driver) and the bike (car) totally forgetting the rest of the crew who have sweated mentally and physically off the track. The race is the culmination of effort, not the only effort.

So I have no problem at all with flag to flag races where the riders/drivers have to change to "wet" bikes or refuel. But I do have a problem with mandatory piststops in short sprint races as per F1 where mandatory stops are used to artificially inject drama into an otherwise processional event. If teams want to voluntarily pit to effect some smart thinking tyre/fuel strategy all good, but a mandatory tyre change etc is just bollocks.

On a side note remember that dude in "Closer to the Edge" changing out that rear rim in 30 odd seconds? Farkin' amazing!

[Cleve]

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/03/26/whats-up-ducati-racing/

[DidJit]

Ryder Notes (http://superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120328rydernotes.htm). How he sees it.

[roogazza]

Ryder Notes (http://superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120328rydernotes.htm). How he sees it.

Yep, Ryder seems to have it sorted, thanks Didjit.
Should I start waving my Rossi flags yet ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yep, Ryder seems to have it sorted, thanks Didjit.
Should I start waving my Rossi flags yet ?

The solid white one? He's already waving it mate.

[pritch]

If you're frustrated at having to wait one more week for Qatar, tune to Sky Sport 1 - 9.30PM Sunday & 12.30AM Monday, for Superbikes from Imola.

[jasonu]

The solid white one? He's already waving it mate.

He must be mimicking WW2 movies that involved the Italian military...

[roogazza]

The solid white one? He's already waving it mate.
I'm trying my best to remain positive. lol


He must be mimicking WW2 movies that involved the Italian military...
What, tanks with four reverse gears and one forward ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm trying my best to remain positive. lol




http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/12032846.htm

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120328nsr500.htm

[jasonu]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Mar/120328nsr500.htm

Yep, those were the days.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yep, those were the days.

Aye. I wet myself when I first rode my RS250. I can only imagine and dream what the 500 was like.

[pritch]

That Ducati photo wasn't Rossi, that's Toni Elias in disguise... :whistle:

[merv]

Aye. I wet myself when I first rode my RS250. I can only imagine and dream what the 500 was like.

You know I'm a Honda fan but do we agree the NSR500 was the greatest Grand (pronounced with a good American accent) Prix machine of all time? It won 10 rider's championships in its 19 years.

[slowpoke]

You know I'm a Honda fan but do we agree the NSR500 was the greatest Grand (pronounced with a good American accent) Prix machine of all time? It won 10 rider's championships in its 19 years.

Hard to say, by what criteria are you judging? Aprilia's complete annihilation of the 250 class is hard to go past, as are Count Agusta's dominant MV's.

With all the CRT knocking going on here's an interesting timesheet from the "Golden Era": http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/1993usgp/keithsfolder/33.htm. There was a huge field that MotoGP can only dream off, but check out the disparity in times: 8sec's. Also great to see a certain Mr Stroud on the grid, albeit armed with a knife in a gun fight.

Basically, unless you had Factory backing you were buggered: it's funny how things change yet stay the same.......

[Crasherfromwayback]

You know I'm a Honda fan but do we agree the NSR500 was the greatest Grand (pronounced with a good American accent) Prix machine of all time? It won 10 rider's championships in its 19 years.

To a certain extent Merv. But that Yamaha was always a pretty good bike too. Honda simply always spent the money to have the best riders most of the time.

[merv]

To a certain extent Merv. But that Yamaha was always a pretty good bike too. Honda simply always spent the money to have the best riders most of the time.


Yeah well you could probably tell I was a bit tongue in cheek with my question because even as a Honda fan I thought they were a bit over the top with their claim. The run by MV probably can't be beaten, some would say they had it easy then, but there were sure a lot that tried to knock them off, Honda included with Hailwood, but he never won the 500 crown on a Honda but he did on MV. MV won 17 straight and 18 altogether, though not with quite the same bike as some were fours and some were triples http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_500cc/MotoGP_Motorcycle_World_Champions Perhaps that is Honda's argument if you take the NSR as a specific model at 10 championships it probably did win the most 500 titles.

The saddest part of the story though as we all know is that if Doohan hadn't got so badly injured in '92 he was a cert for the championship then, but then Rainey had his accident the following year and who's to say if that didn't happen the Yamaha would have had a better record? Just goes to show that racing has that knife edge to it and no matter how good the bike, the rider and luck still play their part.

The rule changes don't help either - how well in recent times could the RC211V V5 done if they'd kept the 990 formula longer and Rossi hadn't gone to Yamaha? There are a lot of variables involved in conjecture huh.


Roll on 2012 season.

[Crasherfromwayback]

- how well in recent times could the RC211V V5 done if they'd kept the 990 formula longer and Rossi hadn't gone to Yamaha? There are a lot of variables involved in conjecture huh.


Roll on 2012 season.

Honda certainly caught them all napping with the V5. Awesome bike. I loved the way it sounded in person. The NSR certainly was the 5 hundy I'd love to have ridden though.

And yes. Can't wait!

[actungbaby]

No worries. Dennis has been busy post Jerez final test. Here is his next one.
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-stoner-even-faster-than-he-looks/P1

Thanks that was intresting article i have not read anything from this man before . reminds me kevin cameron

In cycle magizine he was awsome techical writer:yes:

[BMWST?]

well in a bout a week we will have the new season before us!

[Mental Trousers]

well in a bout a week we will have the new season before us!

Can't farken wait. It's been so boring during the off season I downloaded all 3 seasons of Veronica Mars just so I had something to watch.

[puddytat]

Free to view Superbikes tonight on www.bahistv.tk

[Crasherfromwayback]

Free to view Superbikes tonight on www.bahistv.tk

Cheers for that!

[gatch]

Cheers for that!

Dontchoo paupers have sky ?

[rachprice]

Dontchoo paupers have sky ?

No :(

Apparently sky will charge us $500 to scale down the side of the building to put the wires in, we are on the wrong side of the building...bad buzz
Oh and then get the body corporate's permission to have a the wires running down the building
Bastards!

[puddytat]

I just hate that prick Murdoch.

[rachprice]

I just hate that prick Murdoch.

How do I get that free superbikes? I can't see where to click on that link you gave (yes I am a retard!)

[puddytat]

Its..http://www.bahistv.tk/p/watch-live-other-online.html


Just click on it...wait for page to load then scroll down, click on what you want & usually you get a choice or 2 of streams...

[BMWST?]

woo hooo 2 days 8 hours and counting to elbow draggin, tyre deforming, front wheel lofting, seamleess shiftin yamaha destroyin V5 goodness

[Crasherfromwayback]

woo hooo 2 days 8 hours and counting to elbow draggin, tyre deforming, front wheel lofting, seamleess shiftin yamaha destroyin V5 goodness

Sorry Buddy. The Honda's are still v fours.

[BMWST?]

No :(

Apparently sky will charge us $500 to scale down the side of the building to put the wires in, we are on the wrong side of the building...bad buzz
Oh and then get the body corporate's permission to have a the wires running down the building
Bastards!

surely the body corp can do it for other building dwellings on the wrong side ,There must be a lift shaft or plumbing ducts

[BMWST?]

Its..http://www.bahistv.tk/p/watch-live-other-online.html


Just click on it...wait for page to load then scroll down, click on what you want & usually you get a choice or 2 of streams...

it has to be live i think???

[pritch]

Pedrosa was arrested the other day, something to do with allegedly giving false information about a yacht.
There are several news reports on the Net, but everything I've seen is in Spanish. He has apologized and says he was badly advised. Then again some people woud say he has been receiving bad advice for years

[SimJen]

How do I get that free superbikes? I can't see where to click on that link you gave (yes I am a retard!)

go to this place on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dituttotutto?feature=g-u-u
Its got italian commentary
copy and paste the links into Keepvid.com to download them if you choose :)

[SimJen]

Pedrosa was arrested the other day, something to do with allegedly giving false information about a yacht.
There are several news reports on the Net, but everything I've seen is in Spanish. He has apologized and says he was badly advised. Then again some people woud say he has been receiving bad advice for years

it was the yachtsmen exam to allow you to get a licence for sailing a boat or something. He cheated on it with an earpiece and someone telling him the answers! Hilarious, shows he's a sneaky little fucker ;)

[puddytat]

it has to be live i think???

Aye it does Ted....

[Badjelly]

it was the yachtsmen exam to allow you to get a licence for sailing a boat or something. He cheated on it with an earpiece and someone telling him the answers! Hilarious, shows he's a sneaky little fucker ;)

It's not his fault. Someone told him to do it.

:facepalm:

[rachprice]

That is hilarious!

[Cleve]

Countdown to Qatar... can't wait...

[carbonhed]

Well I'd say...

Stoner
Lorenzo
Pedrosa
Spies

etc

but that's boring. Soooo...

Lorenzo
Dovi
Hayden
Crutchlow
Bautista
Rossi
Spies

Pedrobot and Stoner collide in turn three which is followed by fisticuffs in the sandpit... the marshalls stand and watch. Spies gets mugged off the start line and then punted sideways in turn 1 by De Puniet... dead last by turn two he then heroically rides through the field for seventh.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner will kick sand in all their faces.

Lorenzo

Pedro

Dovi

Spies

[carbonhed]

Stoner will kick sand in all their faces.

Lorenzo

Pedro

Dovi

Spies

Dovi beats Spies!!!!!! WTF? :thud:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Dovi beats Spies!!!!!! WTF? :thud:

Goes without saying. He wants his factory seat and goes well at Qatar!

[steveyb]

For those of you who have not had the luck to be in the paddock at MotoGP in Europe, check out this (free) animated video on MotoGP.com.
Gives a peak at the hospitalities and things to be seen at races in Europe. Unfortunately at the flyaways you don't get to see all that razzmataz.

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2012/Who+is+Behind+Who+makes+up+the+MotoGP+experience

Oh, yeah, Randy is gonna kick some cul on the weekend. Those Aspar bikes look every part MotoGP bikes. Same can't be said for Edwards' piece of merde.

[Mental Trousers]

Oh, yeah, Randy is gonna kick some cul on the weekend. Those Aspar bikes look every part MotoGP bikes. Same can't be said for Edwards' piece of merde.

Early days yet, they haven't even done a single race. Ducati did an entire season with a bike that was a complete disaster and they're a factory team.

[carbonhed]

Goes without saying. He wants his factory seat and goes well at Qatar!

Well if getting kicked off the factory Honda has given him the mongrel grudge to beat Spies on the Tech III bike it'll be the best thing that's ever happened to him. IMHO.

[BMWST?]

Well if getting kicked off the factory Honda has given him the mongrel grudge to beat Spies on the Tech III bike it'll be the best thing that's ever happened to him. IMHO.

a mate of a mate...who is in one of the gp teams says that dovi is a pretty relaxed character ,praps this has given him an edge previously missing

[DidJit]

Countdown to Qatar... can't wait...

Oh yeah... :woohoo: It's on like Donkey Kong! :headbang:

[jasonu]

Stoner will kick sand in all their faces.

Lorenzo

Pedro

Dovi

Spies

Agreed.

Stoner
Who cares
Who cares
Who cares
Spies

[cmoore]

Come on.....testing showed it was very close between the Honda and the Yamaha.....Yamaha seem confident their bike suits the track.....But gotta admit Stoner is bringing form....but I hope it will be closer then last year...and who knows what the CRT bikes wil cause and of course the Ducati was competitive so who knows....can't wait.

[rachprice]

Stoner has always done do well at Qatar though

[cmoore]

I know...he is a great rider but i hope there will be more then the honda competitive

[carbonhed]

a mate of a mate...who is in one of the gp teams says that dovi is a pretty relaxed character ,praps this has given him an edge previously missing

He always seems a well balanced sort of bloke... maybe getting pissed is what is required?

7 hrs 21 and counting :woohoo:

[denill]

OK, A bit too soon to get excited I know - but look where Hayden is.:woohoo:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120405mgp1.htm

[roogazza]

OK, A bit too soon to get excited I know - but look where Hayden is.:woohoo:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120405mgp1.htm

If that's not a one off Bill, maybe,just maybe, Rossi has something? It's not likely Hayden will finish in front.
It's been a long wait.
At least we know Stoner isn't foxing he can't/doesn't do that.

[codgyoleracer]

I can see your eyes going all watery Gaz, fingers crossed aye !

Looking at the time spread, lapped bikes should become a factor 2/3rd way through the race - which usually isnt a regualar occurance at this level and may add another dimension ?

[codgyoleracer]

Lot of cloud around i see, but likelyhood of rain less than 20% :sunny:

[cmoore]

Looking at the time spread, lapped bikes should become a factor 2/3rd way through the race - which usually isnt a regualar occurance at this level and may add another dimensionYEAH!!!!....and we all know how good stoner is with "other" people being on "his" track.......not knocking him.....great rider an all.....just he seems to be one of the more intolerant riders......so looking forward to helmet smashing at the end and lots of finger gestures.....maybe thats what CRT really means....Can't Ride Together.....:)

[Mental Trousers]

OK, A bit too soon to get excited I know - but look where Hayden is.:woohoo:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120405mgp1.htm

Good to see Nicky towards the pointy end. Hopefully he can maintain that through the rest of the weekend.


I can see your eyes going all watery Gaz, fingers crossed aye !

Looking at the time spread, lapped bikes should become a factor 2/3rd way through the race - which usually isnt a regualar occurance at this level and may add another dimension ?

Just like a club race only longer!! (.... and faster and much more expensive)

[pritch]

Just like a club race only longer!! (.... and faster and much more expensive)

And ginormous egos!

[cmoore]

YEE HAA.....Lorenzo with fastest lap of the FP sessions......and three Yamahas in the top five......shame about Spies...he needs to do something this year!!...strange that the factory ducati has dropped back.....

[Cleve]

am loving all the bikes out in MotoGP. CRT's included. They look horn (apart from Edwards Suter - that one was hit with the ugly stick) and all are well within the 107%. We are getting back towards the "good ol' days" when production RG's and TZ's got to mix with the factory boys - except the gap these days is not as big as back then.
Also I am loving some of the new colour schemes. The more black in the Gresini and Tech 3 teams in particular. I also love the look of the FTR Kwaka's of Hernandez and Silva.

Gonna be a GREAT season this year.

[codgyoleracer]

am loving all the bikes out in MotoGP. CRT's included. They look horn (apart from Edwards Suter - that one was hit with the ugly stick) and all are well within the 107%. We are getting back towards the "good ol' days" when production RG's and TZ's got to mix with the factory boys - except the gap these days is not as big as back then.
Also I am loving some of the new colour schemes. The more black in the Gresini and Tech 3 teams in particular. I also love the look of the FTR Kwaka's of Hernandez and Silva.

Gonna be a GREAT season this year.

+ 1 to that, - along with more rule changes for 2013 looming.

The amount of bikes on the grids for 2010/11 had to be dealt with........

[pritch]

A young man to watch:

Fenati - haven't seen mention of his first name yet, but I'm sure we will.

It was David Emmett I think who said Fenati was "The real deal". He is current Italian and European 125 champ and has joined Moto3 right at the sharp end; currently second fastest after FP3.

[Matt Bleck]

I hope Spies can get his shit in one sock this year, cause if he don't Mr Crutchlow might pull this factory ride out from under him!

I'm lovin the music those M1's are making this year too!!! :drool:

[James Deuce]

Those CRT Aprilias are going to have to be careful, looking at those times. Dorna will label them factory bikes.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I hope Spies can get his shit in one sock this year, cause if he don't Mr Crutchlow might pull this factory ride out from under him!

:

Think Dovi has his eyes on that seat!

[Cleve]

Those CRT Aprilias are going to have to be careful, looking at those times. Dorna will label them factory bikes.

They can't be factory bikes as you can buy one. You can't buy a factory bike.

[James Deuce]

They can't be factory bikes as you can buy one. You can't buy a factory bike.
They can be declared a factory team and subject to those rules if they get too close to the MotoGP team's lap times too often.

Aprilia are essentially providing engines and electronics to five teams. The only "real" CRT team is the Suter BMW team Colin Edwards is racing for.

The Aspar team will be the CRT team to watch IF De Puniet can stay on the bike and not break any bones.

[puddytat]

What time is kickoff in Qatar?

[curly]

It's live on Sky at 4:45am.

[James Deuce]

New Zealand times.

MotoGP WUP 03:00 - 03:20

Moto3 RAC 04:00

Moto2 RAC 05:20

MotoGP RAC 07:00

[pritch]

I hope Spies can get his shit in one sock this year, cause if he don't Mr Crutchlow might pull this factory ride out from under him!


Crutchlow has been lookin' good and he likes the new bikes. As I understand the situation, Crutchlow or Dovizioso stand to lose the Tech 3 ride to Bradley Ginga at the end of the season - depending... If Crutchlow can upset the apple cart and take Spies ride, that complicates the issue slightly. Particularly for Spies.

The aliens all come off contract this year, not sure about Spies. There might not be too many moves among the factory rides though.

If Ducati can't get their Ducs in a row, what chance Rossi to WSBK?

[denill]

If Ducati can't get their Ducs in a row, what chance Rossi to WSBK?

Now that's thinking lateraly Pritch. :facepalm: :facepalm:

[steveyb]

Romano Fenati. He most certainly looks the goods.

De Puniet already crashed and big limp away. Hope he is OK as he is my man (so to speak! Now that's enough you lot).

Loving the ART bike. Hope Paul Bird Racing get theirs sorted. Don't want Ellison so far away from the pack.

Crutchlow looking choice too.

The factory Ducati colour scheme looks great. A bit retro looking, choice!

Luthi and Marquez looking great in Moto2. Riders backing them in heaps more this year it seems.

Keep eye on Crazy Joe (Iannone).

Smith will go nowhere, sadly.

QMMF team as slow as wet weeks. Crystal Ball sees West saying "It's a piece of shit" pretty soon and being shown the door. Rosell will hurt herself trying to keep up. Moriwaki simply off the pace.

And so say all of me.......

[steveyb]

Crutchlow has been lookin' good and he likes the new bikes. As I understand the situation, Crutchlow or Dovizioso stand to lose the Tech 3 ride to Bradley Ginga at the end of the season - depending... If Crutchlow can upset the apple cart and take Spies ride, that complicates the issue slightly. Particularly for Spies.

The aliens all come off contract this year, not sure about Spies. There might not be too many moves among the factory rides though.

If Ducati can't get their Ducs in a row, what chance Rossi to WSBK?

More likely that Tech3 will develop a CRT bike and run 3 bikes in 2013. They seem to have a good line on funds as Moto2 testing has left no stone unturned by them this off season. Bradders has been riding non-stop.

[rachprice]

Interesting qualifying hey?
Go Lorenzo!


Pos. Rider Team Bike Time
1 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha M1 1:54.634
2 Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team Honda RC213V 1:54.855
3 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha M1 1:55.022
4 Ben Spies Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha M1 1:55.512
5 Nicky Hayden Marlboro Ducati Team Ducati GP12 1:55.637
6 Andrea Dovizioso Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha M1 1:55.858
7 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team Honda RC213V 1:55.905
8 Hector Barbera Pramac Racing Team Ducati GP12 1:55.983
9 Stefan Bradl LCR Honda MotoGP Honda RC213V 1:56.063
10 Karel Abraham Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati GP12 1:56.198
11 Alvaro Bautista Honda Gresini Honda RC213V 1:56.521
12 Valentino Rossi Marlboro Ducati Team Ducati GP12 1:56.813
13 Colin Edwards Forward Racing Suter 1:57.644
14 Randy De Puniet Aspar Team MotoGP ART 1:58.226
15 Aleix Esparago ART 1:58.520
16 Yonny Hernandez BQR BQR-FTR 1:58.795

[cmoore]

yeah great start...bloody close at the top....pedrosa and spies must be looking over their shoulders...

[James Deuce]

Pedrosa's been in the best funded team for how long? He's rewarded them for their expenditure with 15 wins. Time to head to World Super-Fat-Arse-Wobbly-Bikes methinks.

[denill]

Pedrosa's been in the best funded team for how long? He's rewarded them for their expenditure with 15 wins. Time to head to World Super-Fat-Arse-Wobbly-Bikes methinks.

Yeah, what a difference a year makes. Where would Honda be without Stoner? :facepalm:

[gixerracer]

Interesting qualifying hey?
Go Lorenzo!


Pos. Rider Team Bike Time
1 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha M1 1:54.634
2 Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team Honda RC213V 1:54.855
3 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha M1 1:55.022
4 Ben Spies Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha M1 1:55.512
5 Nicky Hayden Marlboro Ducati Team Ducati GP12 1:55.637
6 Andrea Dovizioso Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha M1 1:55.858
7 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team Honda RC213V 1:55.905
8 Hector Barbera Pramac Racing Team Ducati GP12 1:55.983
9 Stefan Bradl LCR Honda MotoGP Honda RC213V 1:56.063
10 Karel Abraham Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati GP12 1:56.198
11 Alvaro Bautista Honda Gresini Honda RC213V 1:56.521
12 Valentino Rossi Marlboro Ducati Team Ducati GP12 1:56.813
13 Colin Edwards Forward Racing Suter 1:57.644
14 Randy De Puniet Aspar Team MotoGP ART 1:58.226
15 Aleix Esparago ART 1:58.520
16 Yonny Hernandez BQR BQR-FTR 1:58.795



Im pretty sure Rossi is developing Spewgatis new CRT bike

[puddytat]

yeah, several zillion bucks later & 2.2 secs off pole:facepalm:

[denill]

yeah, several zillion bucks later & 2.2 secs off pole:facepalm:

With Hayden in a respectable grid position Rossi (and his team) have been hugely embarassed. An unthinkable scenario and we will be looking for something improving tomorrow.......................

[carbonhed]

With Hayden in a respectable grid position Rossi (and his team) have been hugely embarassed. An unthinkable scenario and we will be looking for something improving tomorrow.......................

Last of the protoype bikes... :eek5:

[puddytat]

jeez I cant remember when I was last up at 4am .....work's going to be a bitch:yawn:

[MIXONE]

jeez I cant remember when I was last up at 4am .....work's going to be a bitch:yawn:

At times like this I love mysky.

[pritch]

I might watch the first two rces later, just get up in time for the main event.

Pedrosa had a bad day, he didn't like his bike so he pulled into the pits to change and the other bike woudn't start. Put him off his stride.
He'd better watch out though, Marquez is coming...

I don't think we should read too much into the fact that Rossi is racing a Ferrari next weekend. Not yet!

[Crasherfromwayback]

yeah, several zillion bucks later & 2.2 secs off pole:facepalm:

Getting beat up by Hayden and Barbera. Not too flash for the worlds best development rider.:innocent:

[pritch]

Getting beat up by Hayden and Barbera. Not too flash for the worlds best development rider.:innocent:

Not at all. Presiozi is supposed to be a genius, Burgess has a brilliant record as a crew chief, and Rossi has the reputation of giving the best feedback. There's some big reputations on the line, here's hoping they can make a race of it.

[jasonu]

jeez I cant remember when I was last up at 4am .....work's going to be a bitch:yawn:

Bummer for you and the rest of you K1's. It is LIVE noon tomorrow (Sunday) here. After I get up, have a coffee, some B&E and a dump I will be ready to watch.
Hope the raceing is more watchable than last year.

[cmoore]

main race is live here at 7am....nice time for a coffee.....

Stoner is already telling everyone why he can't win.....http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Casey+Stoner

Pedrosa won't get another year at this rate...unless the new engine hassles mean they can't blame the riders

I agree that Hayden must have embarrassed Rossi big time.....

Luckt Spies crashed as well or he might have been embarrassed by crutchless

As a Yamaha nut...im happy it seems to have started the year well..I think the monster team has been getting better each year so no reall surprises...be nice to challange the honda...but would also be good if the ducpussy was up there...

I guess there is still the fact we havn't run these bikes for a full race lenght.....and of course tyres seems to be a big issue......

can't wait for the flag to drop!!

[lukemillar]

I might watch the first two rces later, just get up in time for the main event.

Problem with that is the frickin commentators usually say shit that happens in the previous 2 races during the motoGP race. If you want no spoilers, you have to watch them in order.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I agree that Hayden must have embarrassed Rossi big time.....

As a Yamaha nut...im happy it seems to have started the year well..

Especially good for all of the Hayden knockers.

I wonder if Lorenzo wins the championship again, everyone will cry that it's just because he has the best bike like they all do when Stoner wins?

I reckon we're gonna see some ding dongs this year. Bring it.

[carbonhed]

Especially good for all of the Hayden knockers.

I wonder if Lorenzo wins the championship again, everyone will cry that it's just because he has the best bike like they all do when Stoner wins?

I reckon we're gonna see some ding dongs this year. Bring it.

Maybe Lorenzo's not such a bad bike developer after all?

[rachprice]

Well done Lorenzo! Good to see him shine in a situation you wouldn't think is normally his strength (worn tyres, sliding)

Stoner Tsk Tsk wearing his tyres to much early on, expected better
Am sure he is right pissed that the midget beat him

Will spies still have a job at the end of this year?

As much as crutchlow is a douche, he rode well (loose though), good on him for taking dovi!

Good to see Hayden do relatively well, shame bout barbera getting in too hot during their battles

[Crasherfromwayback]

Maybe Lorenzo's not such a bad bike developer after all?

I think he's a master at it. After all, when he won the title as Rossi's team mate, more often than not his bike looked the better of the two.

[pritch]

crutchlow is a douche,

Golly girl, what did he do to upset you?

[rachprice]

Golly girl, what did he do to upset you?

Haha not that much just reckon he was always a little arrogant especially since he was never actually achieving much

But for sure he is doing awesome this year
Hopefully he will be good for the sport in the uk!

[DidJit]

Well ridden race, Señor Lorenzo. I suspect HRC will be prioritising the Honda’s chatter problem now.

I wonder if there'll be some similar passes put on Marquez now that he's thrown down his gauntlet...

[slowpoke]

Haha not that much just reckon he was always a little arrogant especially since he was never actually achieving much



Yeah, same here. A few of the interviews, even in pommy mags, have him coming across as a bit of a cock so I'm not a fan. I thought he was lucky to score a MotoGP ride after nothing really special in WSBK, but there's no arguing with his result this morning.

Here's hoping the rest of 2012 is as interesting as the first race.

[cmoore]

GREAT START TO THE SEASON.....Lorenzo was awesome...although tempered by the speed of the Honda....twas super fast in the beginning.....moto2 was a great race....must be great to watch the racing under lights..onlt twoi things spoil quatar.....no drinking and the ummm grid girls are a bit covered up........anyway..what happened to the lap the CRT bike predictions??..i.e being lapped?

[James Deuce]

Rossi should have retired two years ago. The Ducati won't be competitive until next year, at which point they'll be starting with two new riders, so they'll go backwards again.

The CRT bikes went well and Edwards was awesome.

Bradl did bloody well. If he learns how to look after his tyres he'll be competing with the Tech 3 boys before long.

Marquez needs to be taken out the back and have his scrotum shaved and nuggeted. How no one saw that as a deliberate swerve is beyond me.

[steveyb]

Romano Fenati. He most certainly looks the goods.

Yep!

De Puniet already crashed and big limp away. Hope he is OK as he is my man (so to speak! Now that's enough you lot).

Nope!

Loving the ART bike. Hope Paul Bird Racing get theirs sorted. Don't want Ellison so far away from the pack.

Well, maybe later!

Crutchlow looking choice too.

Yep!!! And his Mrs is pretty cute too. I think he is just an understated guy, few pretentions.

The factory Ducati colour scheme looks great. A bit retro looking, choice!

Well, OK.

Luthi and Marquez looking great in Moto2. Riders backing them in heaps more this year it seems.

Yep and Yep. Deliberate second line change. Definitely grounds for a protest, but maybe he would only get a talking to, so little point and can't change Toms result. I hope Tom can keep on it.

Keep eye on Crazy Joe (Iannone).

Yep!!

Smith will go nowhere, sadly.

Yep.

QMMF team as slow as wet weeks. Crystal Ball sees West saying "It's a piece of shit" pretty soon and being shown the door. Rosell will hurt herself trying to keep up. Moriwaki simply off the pace.

Yep. Fractured pelvis in practice and a few ribs. Ouch.

And so say all of me.......

Time for bed I think.

[DidJit]

‘Interesting’ few weeks ahead in Italy (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201204086580/Rossi-questa-non-e-la-Ducati-che-volevo.html)... I wonder how this is going to pan out with no-one losing face. Will the marque give up on their last notion of tradition (90° V engine)? Will they acquiesce to a rider’s ideas of what their bike needs? Seeing as the marque is up for grabs at the moment, I would surmise interested parties would most likely not want to pay top dollar for a brand that is not reaching the top step of the podium.

[carbonhed]

‘Interesting’ few weeks ahead in Italy (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201204086580/Rossi-questa-non-e-la-Ducati-che-volevo.html)... I wonder how this is going to pan out with no-one losing face. Will the marque give up on their last notion of tradition (90° V engine)? Will they acquiesce to a rider’s ideas of what their bike needs? Seeing as the marque is up for grabs at the moment, I would surmise interested parties would most likely not want to pay top dollar for a brand that is not reaching the top step of the podium.

Holy fuck!

[Crasherfromwayback]

‘Interesting’ few weeks ahead in Italy (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201204086580/Rossi-questa-non-e-la-Ducati-che-volevo.html)... I wonder how this is going to pan out with no-one losing face. Will the marque give up on their last notion of tradition (90° V engine)? Will they acquiesce to a rider’s ideas of what their bike needs? Seeing as the marque is up for grabs at the moment, I would surmise interested parties would most likely not want to pay top dollar for a brand that is not reaching the top step of the podium.

There's only one thing left for it. Ride it like Stoner did.

[roogazza]

There's only one thing left for it. Ride it like Stoner did.

No mate , he's got RSI ! Adrianna has changed the rules. :oi-grr:

[Crasherfromwayback]

No mate , he's got RSI ! Adrianna has changed the rules. :oi-grr:

Maybe. But he was still on the podium mate.

Didn't see any satelite riders in front of him either.:innocent:

[eelracing]

No mate , he's got RSI ! Adrianna has changed the rules. :oi-grr:


Apparantly she also packs a mean right hook...


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UKzy7Cxzx10" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[rachprice]

interesting what rossi said in that article.....i could see in his stance that he'd all but given up!

[Crasherfromwayback]

interesting what rossi said in that article.....i could see in his stance that he'd all but given up!

And if that's the way you feel...you may as well.

[PirateJafa]

And if that's the way you feel...you may as well.

Which is a hell of a pity. While I like a number of the other riders out there, and will still follow the season through... Rossi was what started me watching the GP. I would have loved to see him up there dicing for the front again.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into another processional season. At least Moto2 and Moto3 seem to be shaping up a bit.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Which is a hell of a pity. While I like a number of the other riders out there, and will still follow the season through... Rossi was what started me watching the GP. I would have loved to see him up there dicing for the front again.



Without doubt Rossi has been one of the best things that's ever happened to the sport of motorcycle racing.

Be a shame to see him go...but it's even worse seeing him struggle like he is I reckon.

[SimJen]

its a sad sight alright, I don't think he's lost the ability I just think he's maybe not as hungry as he was and not willing to ride so close to the limit like perhaps Stoner was when he rode the Ducati.
I'm not writing him off yet though! I reckon another couple of races will tell us more of the capability of both the bike and Rossi!
Hayden was still way off the pace of the front runners and considering the newness of the bike, hopefully there is more to come????
If only there was more testing allowed it would help Ducati immensely!
Honda/Yamaha are effectively using developments of their 800's so already have a good starting point to work from.
Next few weeks will be interesting

[DidJit]

The man is human. Considering where he's used to being in the order of things, I thought he dealt with last year's travails rather well — in public at least. Very little throwing of toys. His frustration is understandable from where an onlooker like me sits. It seems quite reasonable that someone like VR, who is used to fighting for the podium, doesn't want to settle for the leftovers of 5th, 6th, 7th etc as being the highest he can hope to achieve on his current equipment. And, even though he's lashing out at the factory, it may very well be frustration at his own inability to get the temperamental beast to do what he wants, or ride it the way it needs to be ridden. Sometimes it's tough accepting things — especially when you're a 9-time World Champion — and to maintain faith in one's abilities in the face of more than 12 months of disappointment would be incredibly difficult.

[codgyoleracer]

GREAT START TO THE SEASON.....Lorenzo was awesome...although tempered by the speed of the Honda....twas super fast in the beginning.....moto2 was a great race....must be great to watch the racing under lights..onlt twoi things spoil quatar.....no drinking and the ummm grid girls are a bit covered up........anyway..what happened to the lap the CRT bike predictions??..i.e being lapped?

I agree, although 2min lap probably had something to do with. Was impressed with Bradle first race.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Was impressed with Bradle first race.

100% agree.

[Brett]

Which is a hell of a pity. While I like a number of the other riders out there, and will still follow the season through... Rossi was what started me watching the GP. I would have loved to see him up there dicing for the front again.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into another processional season. At least Moto2 and Moto3 seem to be shaping up a bit.

I'm with you. There are many 'Rossi Haterz' here, but I find that he brings character to the sport.

I wonder what his next move will be then? Surely he isn't ready for retirement at teh end of this season, I would have thought he would have done another 2 or 3 seasons. What would his options be...doubt Yamaha would take him back...

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm with you. There are many 'Rossi Haterz' here, but I find that he brings character to the sport.

I wonder what his next move will be then? Surely he isn't ready for retirement at teh end of this season, I would have thought he would have done another 2 or 3 seasons. What would his options be...doubt Yamaha would take him back...

Even though sometimes I seem like one...I certainly am not. The sport will be far poorer when he leaves.

[Mental Trousers]

Loved the start to the GP season.

Moto3 was great. Freneti was a surprise (although that canny bugger steveyb tipped him as something special before the race). Vinales is going places. The bikes sound like a nonstop duck fart but other than that they're doing the job as they're meant to.

Moto2 was as crazy as last year. Marcquez is going places but he's gonna leave a hell of a trail of bad will behind him.

I reckon Herve is gonna be a nervous wreck by the end of the season if Dovy and Clutchlow are as fast as each other for the whole season. If Honda can cure their chatter problems and Stoner's missus starts putting out so he doesn't get arm pump anymore the rest of the season might turn into another Stoner benefit judging by the first 3/4 of that race. Spies needs to stop bending his bike during practice/qualifying cos it don't work properly in the race otherwise. I just wonder how long it's going to take Ducati to get around to building a different engine. Really, it's the only thing they haven't changed and there's still problems so they might have to suck it up and redesign the engine to be a narrow vee.

Five months to wait for this was madness too long. The break needs to be a lot shorter!!

[Cleve]

Loved the start to the GP season.

Moto3 was great. Freneti was a surprise (although that canny bugger steveyb tipped him as something special before the race). Vinales is going places. The bikes sound like a nonstop duck fart but other than that they're doing the job as they're meant to.

Moto2 was as crazy as last year. Marcquez is going places but he's gonna leave a hell of a trail of bad will behind him.

I reckon Herve is gonna be a nervous wreck by the end of the season if Dovy and Clutchlow are as fast as each other for the whole season. If Honda can cure their chatter problems and Stoner's missus starts putting out so he doesn't get arm pump anymore the rest of the season might turn into another Stoner benefit judging by the first 3/4 of that race. Spies needs to stop bending his bike during practice/qualifying cos it don't work properly in the race otherwise. I just wonder how long it's going to take Ducati to get around to building a different engine. Really, it's the only thing they haven't changed and there's still problems so they might have to suck it up and redesign the engine to be a narrow vee.

Five months to wait for this was madness too long. The break needs to be a lot shorter!!


+1

Might take a while for us to get the new kids name right but Fenati in F3 was a revelation. Dr Steve had picked it but so too had a number of GP scribes for good reasons.

I feel we will be hearing great stories in the not too distant future of battles between Marquez, Fenati and Vinales in MotoGP.
Personally for me the Moto3 noise is no better or no worse than the ring ding of the 125's.

Moto 2 - well nothing changes there. Marquez - the man that may polarise more and more fans in the future. I count now at least 5 times the lad has done something bordering on attempted murder of another rider. Has Luthi been penalised for the post race punch (a la Casey Stoner on RdeP last year)? I have heard nothing...

MotoGP. Going to be a great year and I have no predictions. 3 Aliens for the whole season with the nearly Aliens and hopefully 1 ex alien all putting on a good show. The CRT bikes - can only get better and so early in the season already showing promise. Remember these are DETUNED sbk engines (Biaggi ran 28 engines last year in sbk and the CRT team guys only get 12 this whole season).

Roll on Jerez. Can't wait.

[steveyb]

Don't put Romano up on the pedestal just yet, it might be beginners luck.

But what it could also be is the ability of a larger number of riders who are genuinely good riders finding it easier to ride the 4-T bike over the 2-T bike. But also, in Year 1, the playing feild of bikes is much more even than it became latterly in 125 and 250. Let's see how he goes over a whole season.

The Ambrogio Next Oral/Aprilia, the Ioda and the Mahindra Moto3 bikes are obviously struggling.

One thing that I have been surprised and impressed with.... the abilities of the new batch of young euro riders to interview in passable or good English. This was unheard of even 3-5 years ago. Speaks to the value of the Rookies Cup where everything is done in English, and also to the globalisation of the sport (which some will argue is not such a good thing).

If Luthi gets penalised then Marquez should get penalised. Agreed, Toms actions did not look great, but the riders were all warned pre-race that they were allowed one line change only during braking and cornering. He clearly moved twice right into Luthi's path. That was hard racing and probably should be seen as such, but if it contravenes a pre-race ruling then it needs to be dealt with in that light. It seems though that we will hear nothing about either incident, probably the way it should be. My gut feeling is that Marquez now thinks he is invincible. But I think the other riders will show him a thing or two.

[Crasherfromwayback]

My gut feeling is that Marquez now thinks he is invincible. But I think the other riders will show him a thing or two.

And if not the Moto 2 crowd...the big boys next year certainly will.

[pritch]

Don't put Romano up on the pedestal just yet, it might be beginners luck.



As I said earlier he's the current Italian and European 125 champion, so "beginner" is a relative term.

Talk of Rossi retiring seems a bit premature, he's what 32 or 33?. If Ducati can't sort their bike, his options in MotoGP would appear limited,
which is why I mentioned WSBK. With the exception of Spies all the recent WSBK champs: Baylis, Biaggi, & Checa, have been distinctly fortyish.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Talk of Rossi retiring seems a bit premature, he's what 32 or 33?. If Ducati can't sort their bike, his options in MotoGP would appear limited,
which is why I mentioned WSBK. With the exception of Spies all the recent WSBK champs: Baylis, Biaggi, & Checa, have been distinctly fortyish.

I think seeing Rossi 'retire' to WSB would be sad.

[Mental Trousers]

Rossi's stuck with Ducati now. His options are

CRT bike
hope Suzuki gets their arse back to MotoGP soon
a different competition like WSBK
a completely different retirement option like cars


Both Yamaha and Honda have their choice of the best riders and there's lots of competition for seats with them so he can't go back there, even if there weren't any other reasons.

[Cleve]

Both Marquez and Luthi have been warned after their Qatar incident...
http://motomatters.com/news/2012/04/10/marquez_and_luthi_issued_formal_warning_.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120409nottriedthis.htm>Sad to read - but that seems to be how it is</A>:facepalm: :facepalm:

[DidJit]

KS34 (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/12041034x34.htm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)'s take on Qatar's racing.

[Cleve]

KS34 (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/12041034x34.htm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)'s take on Qatar's racing.

Good read - cheers.

[Crasherfromwayback]

KS34 (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/12041034x34.htm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)'s take on Qatar's racing.

I recall saying last year that I though the horrific accident with Simo may well effect Rossi more than most think. Got poo poo'ed for it too.

[Robert Taylor]

I recall saying last year that I though the horrific accident with Simo may well effect Rossi more than most think. Got poo poo'ed for it too.

Do you recall me telling you that Jorge would win the first round? ( There is a God )

[Crasherfromwayback]

Do you recall me telling you that Jorge would win the first round? ( There is a God )

No.:innocent: Bet you he won't win the championship though! Barring injury, Stoner will still beat him to it. If Spies carries on like he is...he'll be looking for a job next year too.

Rachel's shocks are on their way to you.

[steveyb]

What has been bugging me, other than Taylors gloating, and Crashers teenage Stoner crush, is this:
Back in, when was it? 2005? When Capirex and Gibernau and Bayliss rode the Ducati Desmoseidici GP5 990 it seemed, on the face of it, to be an excellent race bike. It seemed that, prior to the Barcelona accident, Capirex was on track to walk away with the championship in the first year of the Desmoseidici GP5.
Now, perhaps that was because the Honda and the Yamaha, certainly the Yamaha, were not actually very good and the Ducati was just a little bit better. It certainly had more power and straight line speed.
Since then the Honda and Yamaha have developed forward significantly while the Ducati has developed sideways.
It has bugged me that Ducati seem to have a good design base in the Desmoseidici GP5 but are not exploiting it.
Am I being a little naive to suggest that the current riders would perform better than they are currently if they simply rolled out the GP5's and tarted them up a bit (i.e. new electronics, suspensions etc)?
I wonder................

[Mental Trousers]

The problem is that Ducati is an Italian company and is full of Italians. They all know better than everyone else and don't listen.

Nicky Hayden got a decent result on the weekend but he's still saying there's front end problems, ie they haven't fixed it. The only thing they haven't totally redesigned is the engine. It's been the one constant the entire time, right from when Stoner got on the Carbon Monocoque through to now - a 90 degree L engine. That entire time there has been front end problems.

There's a very good reason that conventional bike designs have been pushing the engine and rider forward. Any pit lane mechanic will tell you it's best if the engine's weight is as far forward as you can get it.

[Robert Taylor]

The problem is that Ducati is an Italian company and is full of Italians. They all know better than everyone else and don't listen.

Nicky Hayden got a decent result on the weekend but he's still saying there's front end problems, ie they haven't fixed it. The only thing they haven't totally redesigned is the engine. It's been the one constant the entire time, right from when Stoner got on the Carbon Monocoque through to now - a 90 degree L engine. That entire time there has been front end problems.

There's a very good reason that conventional bike designs have been pushing the engine and rider forward. Any pit lane mechanic will tell you it's best if the engine's weight is as far forward as you can get it.

If you look at a map of Italy its shaped like a boot. Why you may wonder?

Because there is no way you'd get that amount of shit in a shoe....

[slowpoke]

And if not the Moto 2 crowd...the big boys next year certainly will.

Absolutely! The list of 125 and 250 champs who've gone on to do absolutely nothing is longer than those who've done otherwise. It only gets tougher to ptrogress from where he is.


I think seeing Rossi 'retire' to WSB would be sad.


I recall saying last year that I though the horrific accident with Simo may well effect Rossi more than most think. Got poo poo'ed for it too.

True again. I think the fun has well and truly gone out of it for Rossi and all of a sudden it's a fukn hard grind. Nothing tales away from what he's done in therpast but it's going to be interesting looking back over this, and what happens next, in years to come.

If I was Mr Yamaha I'd still take Rossi in a flash over Spies, so there could be a twist in the tale yet. Spies is good but he's never gonna be a world champion.


What has been bugging me, other than Taylors gloating, and Crashers teenage Stoner crush, is this:
Back in, when was it? 2005? When Capirex and Gibernau and Bayliss rode the Ducati Desmoseidici GP5 990 it seemed, on the face of it, to be an excellent race bike. It seemed that, prior to the Barcelona accident, Capirex was on track to walk away with the championship in the first year of the Desmoseidici GP5.
Now, perhaps that was because the Honda and the Yamaha, certainly the Yamaha, were not actually very good and the Ducati was just a little bit better. It certainly had more power and straight line speed.
Since then the Honda and Yamaha have developed forward significantly while the Ducati has developed sideways.
It has bugged me that Ducati seem to have a good design base in the Desmoseidici GP5 but are not exploiting it.
Am I being a little naive to suggest that the current riders would perform better than they are currently if they simply rolled out the GP5's and tarted them up a bit (i.e. new electronics, suspensions etc)?
I wonder................

Yep, thought the same thing mate. In years gone by several racers have made a decent fist of the earlier Duc's (as opposed to the later bikes), and Capirossi was leading that title chase until the bingle with Gibernau. But how have lap times progressed since then? What were the 2005 bikes doing vs the 2012 bikes? We won't know until they reach the same tracks but even then we'll be asking ourselves how much is due to the bastard electronics.

Like you I can't help wondering if a return to the future wouldn't be a step forward? Be great to hear about Rossi and Hayden rolling out a 2005 bike for a comparison, and given how things are going I'd put money on it having already happened. And they can bash out trellis frames in a fraction of the time it takes to turn around a billet ally spar unit. Does it really matter that they lose 5hp through the airbox restrictions of a trellis frame?

[DidJit]

Some insights (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98702) into Valentino's thoughts on the Ducati, and the struggle both bike and rider currently face.

[Cleve]

and here Mat Oxley on Stoner, chatter and arm pump http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp/casey-stoners-dreaded-pump-and-chatter/

[Crasherfromwayback]

What has been bugging me, other than Taylors gloating, and Crashers teenage Stoner crush, .

Hey...at least they guy I have a crush on is of age!!!

[Mental Trousers]

hmmmm .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly4m-o9wUIg&hd=1

[steveyb]

Wunderbar!

[Robert Taylor]

Wunderbar!

''All political careers end in failure'' ( Helen Clark )

''A single death is a tragedy, a thousand deaths are a statistic'' Josef Stalin ( Uncle Joe )

[DidJit]

Casey Stoner explains how to slide (http://motomatters.com/interview/2012/04/12/casey_stoner_explains_how_to_slide_a_mot.html) a MotoGP bike.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Casey Stoner explains how to slide (http://motomatters.com/interview/2012/04/12/casey_stoner_explains_how_to_slide_a_mot.html) a MotoGP bike.

Even the haters must have to admit he's pretty awesome to watch. Reason I'm such a fan, is his shear agression on the bike is something I've not seen in the wole time I've been watching GP racing.

[pritch]

There is some amazing crap being written about the ongoing Rossi/Ducati drama. Some of it makes the "racist" claims re the Warriors and the Blues look tame. A lot of the comment makes KB look really good in comparison.

I guess if there's one born every minute, there's a lot of them out there.

On one comments list a writer felt that most of those criticising Rossi couldn't even ride a bike, and were merely Playstation warriors. I think he may have been on to something.

Anyhoo if you fancy a more reasoned appraisal try this:

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-he-said-red-said/

[Robert Taylor]

Even the haters must have to admit he's pretty awesome to watch. Reason I'm such a fan, is his shear agression on the bike is something I've not seen in the wole time I've been watching GP racing.

NO, NO NO. Jorges classic and smooth style is poetry in motion. We are comparing here a classy Spaniard to a brash unappealing descendant of Convicts. The only good thing going for him is the suspension he uses!

[DidJit]

Oh, I don't know... Seeing Casey in slow motion is more my kind of "poetry in motion". ;)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4snkUUolJ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

No disrespect to Mr Consistent though — Jorge is impressive to watch in different ways.

[Crasherfromwayback]

THIS is poetry in motion. !

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Not too shabby...

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[trustme]

NO, NO NO. Jorges classic and smooth style is poetry in motion. We are comparing here a classy Spaniard to a brash unappealing descendant of Convicts. The only good thing going for him is the suspension he uses!
I can't help but think back to a time when everyone was neat & tidy, smooth was the fastest way. Then came the King , elbows & knees, rear wheel steering, turned road racing on it's head. Stoner does shit none of the others can , even Lorenzo has labelled him a freak. He's the fastest rider by a bit, I am still not convinced he is the best racer, get in his face & mix it with him & he is beatable.

[Robert Taylor]

I can't help but think back to a time when everyone was neat & tidy, smooth was the fastest way. Then came the King , elbows & knees, rear wheel steering, turned road racing on it's head. Stoner does shit none of the others can , even Lorenzo has labelled him a freak. He's the fastest rider by a bit, I am still not convinced he is the best racer, get in his face & mix it with him & he is beatable.

Exactly, and Jorge is the man that will beat him.

[trustme]

Exactly, and Jorge is the man that will beat him.

Don't see it. Stoner will get enough clear tracks a head of him to keep Lorenzo at bay. A clear track, a small buffer to protect & Stoners metronomic fast laps make him a very very hard man to catch. Lorenzo will mix it with him but not consistently enough to win the title.
Pedrosa too inconsistent. Spies by now should be there or thereabouts, he's usually barely thereabouts, he is not an alien. Rossi, it's an ignominious end to a fine career. Hayden, likeable reliable journeyman. The satellite riders will not be able to step up on a consistent basis. The Yamaha & Honda have different strengths but are pretty close. The Duke is an enigma to everyone but a certain Honda rider.
There's a long way to go , racing is a funny old game, I can't wait

[BMWST?]

Exactly, and Jorge is the man that will beat him.

He wont ....

[Mental Trousers]

The Duke is an enigma to everyone but a certain Honda rider.

Even he couldn't deal with it. The only way he could ride the thing was to crash it every corner and catch it just before it hit the deck.

[Cleve]

The intelligent Dennis Noyes and his take on Rossi and Ducati http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-he-said-red-said/P1

[Cleve]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120413-1046.htm

[trustme]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120413-1046.htm

I'd have to go with pretty much all of that. I believe his old man was the most influential person in modern road racing [ slicks era ] along with Rossi & Burgess, that is why it is pretty sad to see the later two floundering so badly. Stoner was over riding the Ducati continually just like Hopkins ,on the Honda he is like a pig in shit.
KRsnr said you only have 3 good laps in you, after that you get too physically & mentally tired to hold the pace safely.
Rossi was the master of knowing when to let rip with those 3 laps
Stoners ' cruise ' mode is closer to his 100 percent mode than any of the others.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoners ' cruise ' mode is closer to his 100 percent mode than any of the others.

That's why he reminds me so much of Doohan.