MotoGP 2013

[pritch]

Some stats for the last few seasons,

Not sure if the stats are valid. This year both Honda satellite bikes have factory support, that wasn't always the case.

Drew, IIRC only Bautista's bike has Showa/Nissin parts. The Gresini bike has the usual Ohlins/Brembo bits.

[DidJit]

I think you mean Bautista’s Gresini Honda has Showa/Nissin and Bradl’s LCR Honda has Öhlins/Brembo. In saying that, Bradl has been using Brembo since Assen (before that he was using Nissin as well).

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think you mean Bautista’s Gresini Honda has Showa/Nissin and Bradl’s LCR Honda has Öhlins/Brembo. In saying that, Bradl has been using Brembo since Assen (before that he was using Nissin as well).

And Bradl seemed to improve once armed with Brembo.

[GD66]

Well, kind of...his finishes before Assen were dnf, 5, dnf, 10, 4, 5, and since Assen (6th) he has finished 6, 4, 2, 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, so the second at Laguna stands out (bloody good ride) but he's back where he was pretty much.

[Bender]

Latest news: Aspar has decided to drop Aprilia and go with a proddy Honda ridden by Nicky Hayden.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Latest news: Aspar has decided to drop Aprilia and go with a proddy Honda ridden by Nicky Hayden.

Hope he goes well on it too!

[Trudes]

Latest news: Aspar has decided to drop Aprilia and go with a proddy Honda ridden by Nicky Hayden.

Yahhhh!!:banana:

[Mental Trousers]

... and here's a link

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/nicky-hayden-aspar-honda-motogp-2014/

The consequences of Gigi Dall'Igna leaving Aprillia are huge for Aprillia. It's highly likely that next year they won't have a single customer in the MotoGP paddock as at the moment it's only PBM that haven't said they're moving away from Aprillia.

Be great to see Nicky Hayden back on something that isn't a career/soul destroyer. Hopefully being on some decent equipment gets him amped to go really hard.

[Crasherfromwayback]

...Be great to see Nicky Hayden back on something that isn't a career/soul destroyer. Hopefully being on some decent equipment gets him amped to go really hard.

Yeah I think there's still life in the Old Dog.

Some time filler...

http://motomatters.com/press_release/2013/10/16/repsol_media_press_release_pedrosa_and_m.html

[Bender]

Hope he goes well on it too!

I'm sure he will. I like Nicky - he's won me over with his behaviour over the whole Ducati debacle. He's just jumped on the bike and ridden the ass off it every time, never complaining, just getting the best result he can. He can hold his head up.

BUT, it's still going to be a 7th/8th place bike. The first 4 places will go to the true prototypes. Anything from 4 to 6 places to the satellite teams. Then it will be the proddy bikes (Honda and those with the M1 engines) and Ducati. Nicky will be in that part of the grid fighting with those bikes (and maybe whatever Aprilia comes up with).

At least, that's how I see it in the near future.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm sure he will. I like Nicky - he's won me over with his behaviour over the whole Ducati debacle. He's just jumped on the bike and ridden the ass off it every time, never complaining, just getting the best result he can. He can hold his head up.

BUT, it's still going to be a 7th/8th place bike. The first 4 places will go to the true prototypes. Anything from 4 to 6 places to the satellite teams. Then it will be the proddy bikes (Honda and those with the M1 engines) and Ducati. Nicky will be in that part of the grid fighting with those bikes (and maybe whatever Aprilia comes up with).

At least, that's how I see it in the near future.

Be interesting to see how competitive it is. Stoner seems quite impressed with it so far.

[Mental Trousers]

It's sounding like the customer bike will be very competitive. The test riders have been impressed, including Stoner, and the specs are about 99% of the real deal. It's definitely going to lose out on top end power and gear shifting is fractionally slower but I reckon they should be mixing with the satellite bikes every race.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's sounding like the customer bike will be very competitive. The test riders have been impressed, including Stoner, and the specs are about 99% of the real deal. It's definitely going to lose out on top end power and gear shifting is fractionally slower but I reckon they should be mixing with the satellite bikes every race.

Plus they're allowed to carry more fuel...

[Mental Trousers]

Plus they're allowed to carry more fuel...

Yep. They'll be able to run rich when braking to smooth out engine braking etc instead of relying on the electronics to do tricky shit. Once they're all tuned ready to race they probably won't even carry the full 24 litres as the customer bikes and factory bikes use pretty much the same amount of fuel on the throttle but the factory bikes make savings off the throttle.

[DidJit]

Tough buggers they are. Bradl’s gonna see if he can ride (http://superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/131016bradltoride.htm).
Casey’s on standby... ;)

[Mental Trousers]

What's the bet Casey Stoner will be seen wandering around the pits wearing HRC gear?? But I bet he won't ride no matter what.

[tail_end_charlie]

Plus they're allowed to carry more fuel...


Yep. They'll be able to run rich when braking to smooth out engine braking etc instead of relying on the electronics to do tricky shit. Once they're all tuned ready to race they probably won't even carry the full 24 litres as the customer bikes and factory bikes use pretty much the same amount of fuel on the throttle but the factory bikes make savings off the throttle.

Not sure how much fuel the Honda proddie racer will have actually. From what I've read in the comments in MotoMatters article (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/10/15/aspar_decides_nicky_hayden_to_ride_a_hon.html) the general feeling is that while the rules would allow the bike to carry 24l, and while it will be a purchased bike as opposed to a lease, the general feeling is that HRC is going to be vigilent about not letting them run with 24l. Nakamoto seems to have been quoted as saying that they fuel tank on the bike will not have a 24l capacity. So the question is, will the teams have the opportunity to build their own higher capacity tank, or would doing that risk them loosing technical assistance from HRC on the bike (which has been hinted at being available)?

Cause we all know that HRC need to walk the fine line between having the proddie racer beat the Yamaha engined bikes, and maybe the Yamaha satellite bikes, but not the Honda satellite or factory bikes.

[Dave-]

Cause we all know that HRC need to walk the fine line between having the proddie racer beat the Yamaha engined bikes, and maybe the Yamaha satellite bikes, but not the Honda satellite or factory bikes.

Why?

"Faster than a MotoGP bike" seems like a tag line that would sell a lot of product....Not to mention the exclusivity of the claim, yamaha, kawa, suzuki, ducati, triumph etc can't.

[tail_end_charlie]

Why?

"Faster than a MotoGP bike" seems like a tag line that would sell a lot of product....Not to mention the exclusivity of the claim, yamaha, kawa, suzuki, ducati, triumph etc can't.

Well, obviously they want it to beat the compitition, and just as obviously they don't want it to beat their leased or factory bikes that cost somewhere between 2x (leased) and 10x (factory) the proddie bike. And since the proddie bike isn't for sale to anybody other than two or three MotoGP teams, it won't make much sense to make a cheaper bike that someone could beat your much more expensive bikes on.

Note: this "proddie" bike that will race under the 'non-MSMA' or 'non-factory' designation which was formerly know as the 'CRT' class and will next year be known as the 'Open' class (fuck this is confusing (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/10/17/motogp_rules_update_crt_name_dropped_rep.html)) is NOT the same this as the V4 Superbike that Honda is producing for use in the 2015 WSBK series.

[Dave-]

NOT the same this as the V4 Superbike that Honda is producing for use in the 2015 WSBK series.

Ah ha! yes very confusing.

Ok I agree entirely!

[kevfromcoro]

did anyone watch the race in Malaysia yesterday>
there was a big get off.. no body hurt, but the bikes don't look to good.

[MIXONE]

Jeez these guys (or most of them anyway) are tough.Bradl breaks his ankle a week ago and is out practicing today.

[carbonhed]

Going fairly quick then :laugh:

[Asher]

Jeez these guys (or most of them anyway) are tough.Bradl breaks his ankle a week ago and is out practicing today.

Doesnt look like he set a time in FP1 and now he has been declared unfit.
It crazy that these guys even consider riding a bike with some of the injuries they have.

[ecko_nzed]

Doesnt look like he set a time in FP1 and now he has been declared unfit.
It crazy that these guys even consider riding a bike with some of the injuries they have.

As Stoner stares at his phone willing it to ring...

[Wingnut]

As Stoner stares at his phone willing it to ring...

Hardly. With MM on the scene now I doubt he would be chomping at the bit to race that mofo...

[carbonhed]

Hardly. With MM on the scene now I doubt he would be chomping at the bit to race that mofo...

Around Phillip Island?

[ecko_nzed]

Around Phillip Island?

Yeah, it'd be too easy for him to put the learn on the young lad

[Asher]

"Obviously horrendous news for the seagull" made me chuckle.

Im hoping JL does better than MM this weekend to make to championship come down to Valencia

[BMWST?]

"Obviously horrendous news for the seagull" made me chuckle.

Im hoping JL does better than MM this weekend to make to championship come down to Valencia

What?Barring any untoward events its all over.Lorenzo cant catch him he is 43 point s behind.

[Dave-]

What?Barring any untoward events its all over.Lorenzo cant catch him he is 43 point s behind.

Should we start a scenario table?!?!

[BMWST?]

Should we start a scenario table?!?!

if mm wins tomorrow and jlo comes third its all finished

if mm wins and Jlo is second then mm has to finish worse than 13th in motegi to need to get even 1 point in valencia

if jlo wins the next three races MM has to finish worse than 5th in all three races to lose from here

[BMWST?]

redding out of moto 2 for tomorrow fractured wrist

[ecko_nzed]

redding out of moto 2 for tomorrow fractured wrist

Nooooooooooooo!

[steveyb]

If Pol finishes the next two races that is Scott's championship fucked.
Motegi is much more of a stop-start affair, pretty tough with a broken wrist.
Stranger things have happened but.

[Dave-]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/race+direction+decision+for+phillip+island+race

Ahhhh wtf just happened?

[steveyb]

Yeah, how odd is that!?!?
All to do with tyre degradation on the new surface.
Moto2 race shortened to HALF distance to cope with it too!!!

[yod]

poor bastard must be gutted!

[Dave-]

I just put together a wee script that runs through every possible outcome for the next 3 races for MM, DP and JL. Unfortunately I had to assume that they either place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or crash out due to computational limitations.

Data looks something like this:

1st: Marc 94.3% Jorge 5.1% Dani 0.6%

2nd: Marc 4.3% Jorge 61.2% Dani 34.5%

3rd: Marc 1.4% Jorge 33.7% Dani 64.9%

Also says "I'm sorry Dave, you need to get a life, go to fucking bed" so unfortunately I can't handle ties.

[BMWST?]

slightly OT but i sure we all have an interest,Checa to retire!

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-sbk-news/18809-carlos-checa-announces-his-retirement-from-motorcycle-racing.html

[carbonhed]

Gutted for Redding... that was a nasty snappy kind of crash. Wonder if they've located his testicles yet?

[BMWST?]

i reckon someone should feel nervous...I think Smith has a good chance at 5th....a bit of bad luck for any of the normal front runners and he will be right there....

[Crasherfromwayback]

i reckon someone should feel nervous...I think Smith has a good chance at 5th....a bit of bad luck for any of the normal front runners and he will be right there....

I'm not in the slightest mate. And sure...if some front runners do and he finishes top five...good on him. Pity that's what it'll take though. Because a top five finisher he ain't.

[steveyb]

They just commented that Redding will not ride in Japan either.
So, that's him done, most likely.

[Asher]

Things just got very interesting....

[BigAl]

Wow let's have pit stops every race!

Mind you if they used a decent tyre they wouldn't need them.

[Asher]

What an amazing race!

Do i feel bad for MM? Not at all :devil2:

[Kendog]

Wow!

What a season.

[BMWST?]

ok MM and or team made an error but disqualify??,Why not a ride through that would make it the same as going in for another rear tyre,which was a proposed penalty.I dont think some half arsed rules made up on the side of a track should decide the championship.Jlo better not leave any gaps next time MM is near

[cmoore]

rules were the same for everyone, why is it Jl's fault that MM can't count to 9?

[Asher]

I can see where you are coming from, disqualifying him has made the championship more interesting.

But he "ignored" a rule introduced for safety reasons.
The penalty might have been discussed at the rider briefing also, so there was every chance he would have known the consequences of what he did.

[carbonhed]

What a balls up by Marquez and crew! Shame JLo doesn't have a team mate who can fire a shot.

[tail_end_charlie]

Gutted for Redding... that was a nasty snappy kind of crash. Wonder if they've located his testicles yet?


They just commented that Redding will not ride in Japan either.
So, that's him done, most likely.

Now that really sucks. I like Redding, and was hoping that he would be able to take out the Championship, especially since it seemed like Pol was lining up to make it a good fight. Still, I think that Pol is a pretty damn good as well, so I won't be disappointed if he gets the crown.

[GD66]

What a balls up by Marquez and crew! Shame JLo doesn't have a team mate who can fire a shot.


It's proving costly at this end of the year. Now seems content to battle away in the distance with the satellite pilots. 12 seconds behind again....
Ah, well....:whistle:

[Dave-]

I've still got Marc Marquez winning 78.1% of the time....jorge on 21.7% and Dani on 0.2%

[Drew]

I would be stoked if it wasn't for Dani being out of the running.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think a black flag was way too severe. They also should've been able to stay out there as long as they like. You know...like they can on slicks when it rains. That's just as dangerous. The tyre was losung grip...he had a couple of moments...but yeah...the rules were in place and they blew it. Best he just brings it home safe and sound now. And Rossi? Time to stand down Granddad.

[Badjelly]

Apparently MM and his team thought the 10-lap limit meant that he had to come in on the lap after completing 10 laps. They executed their strategy perfectly. OK, that wasn't too smart, but a disqualification?!!

And what about Dani's drop-a-place penalty? It was issued when the next rider back was Rossi, 6s behind. It was apparently discharged when Dani was passed by MM, who was black-flagged a lap or two later. There's no sign that Dani ever knew about the penalty. What if he'd been black-flagged for failing to comply?

If motorbike racers are going to be required to do pit stops, ride-through penalties, drop-back penalties, bend-down-and-touch-your toes penaltes, then they need radio communication with their team.

[roogazza]

It's proving costly at this end of the year. Now seems content to battle away in the distance with the satellite pilots. 12 seconds behind again....
Ah, well....:whistle:

My cricfree wouldn't work, so haven't seen it yet. 12 seconds down again ??
Not at least matching a teammate on the same bike,makes for a thin excuse book. Me a fan, but next year is make or break. C'mon Vale, Go !!!!!
Having MM flagged and Bradl hurt makes the pom tech3 boys look better in the results.

[Crasherfromwayback]

rules were the same for everyone, why is it Jl's fault that MM can't count to 9?

Same reason you don't actually now what the fuck actually happened and why.

[Bender]

It was an effing farce.

To have a race, and possibly a world championship, decided because someone misunderstood some rules that were introduced on the morning of the race (or the evening before, whatever) is just bullshit.

This is a serious business and to have Dorna playing around like this is rubbish.

So Dani Pedrosa had to drop behind the next bike to clear a penalty. How was his crew going to communicate that to him? If MM hadn't come along to do it for him (neither rider being aware of the penalty) then DP would have been black flagged as well?

What is this, the Mickey Mouse World Championship? :mad:

[Crasherfromwayback]

It was an effing farce.

To have a race, and possibly a world championship, decided because someone misunderstood some rules that were introduced on the morning of the race (or the evening before, whatever) is just bullshit.

This is a serious business and to have Dorna playing around like this is rubbish.

So Dani Pedrosa had to drop behind the next bike to clear a penalty. How was his crew going to communicate that to him? If MM hadn't come along to do it for him (neither rider being aware of the penalty) then DP would have been black flagged as well?

What is this, the Mickey Mouse World Championship? :mad:

I agree 100%. Great for the spectators (apart from MM being black flagged of course)...not so great for the racers. And I must say...PI is a dangerous place for bikes to be exiting the pits with the bikes hurtling into turn 1 at those speeds. MM and Lorenzo were both very lucky.

[pritch]

PI is a dangerous place for bikes to be exiting the pits with the bikes hurtling into turn 1 at those speeds. MM and Lorenzo were both very lucky.

I thought that. MM & JL would probably agree they were lucky. The other concern about PI is the confined pit lane, thus the extended slow areas, and the penalty Pedro received for speeding.

Apparently tyre companies used to test a new track surface but that wasn't done this time. Odd, considering WSBK had trouble on the new surface in February. One cost cutting measure too far?

The race definitely wasn't boring though.

Was very interested to see the shots of Marquez in the pit box after the race - apparently smiling happily. Awsome temperament.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Was very interested to see the shots of Marquez in the pit box after the race - apparently smiling happily. Awsome temperament.

I agree. Hope to see him take the title. If this came back to bite him in the ass it'd be sad day for motorcycle racing.

[carbonhed]

Was very interested to see the shots of Marquez in the pit box after the race - apparently smiling happily. Awsome temperament.

Absolutely. Don't really understand it... but way to go.

[ecko_nzed]

Absolutely. Don't really understand it... but way to go.

Spain has more sunshine than England :p

[Crasherfromwayback]

i reckon someone should feel nervous...I think Smith has a good chance at 5th....a bit of bad luck for any of the normal front runners and he will be right there....

And there you have it. Bradl out, MM black flagged, and he still can't do it. Put those two back in it...and he's his usual 8th. And I still don't think he's worthy of the seat.

[Bender]

And there you have it. Bradl out, MM black flagged, and he still can't do it. Put those two back in it...and he's his usual 8th. And I still don't think he's worthy of the seat.


Who would you replace him with?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Who would you replace him with?

Nicky Hayden for starters. Ben Spies. One of the top Moto 2 boys.

[DidJit]

We’ll get to see what’s what next season when Pol Espargaró rides the second (first?) Tech 3 M1.

[Crasherfromwayback]

We’ll get to see what’s what next season when Pol Espargaró rides the second (first?) Tech 3 M1.

Still think Crutchless has rocks in his head.

[Wingnut]

Still think Crutchless has rocks in his head.

Granted. But he will have a shitload of cash in his back pocket to lessen the pain....

[Drew]

Same reason you don't actually now what the fuck actually happened and why.

Hang on a mo. No one knows exactly what went wrong.

I don't believe the story that his team understood he had to complete ten laps and come in after that though. Dani knew the score and pitted appropriately. I think MM was going too fast and couldn't have made pit entry, because he was distracted by trying to chase JL down.

It was deemed the safest option to forfeit a pit stop on all teams. I'd bet dollars to cents that given the choice MM would have tried to go the full 19 laps, given the option. Whether it was safe or not. So that was taken out of the equation.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hang on a mo. No one knows exactly what went wrong.

. I'd bet dollars to cents that given the choice MM would have tried to go the full 19 laps, given the option. Whether it was safe or not. So that was taken out of the equation.

Yeah but you can bet it ain't because MM can't count. And Bridgestone want bumming.

[bogan]

Hang on a mo. No one knows exactly what went wrong.

I don't believe the story that his team understood he had to complete ten laps and come in after that though. Dani knew the score and pitted appropriately. I think MM was going too fast and couldn't have made pit entry, because he was distracted by trying to chase JL down.

It was deemed the safest option to forfeit a pit stop on all teams. I'd bet dollars to cents that given the choice MM would have tried to go the full 19 laps, given the option. Whether it was safe or not. So that was taken out of the equation.

And bear in mind the pit entry was about 2 corners after he had that massive slide, wouldn't surprise me if that just threw his concentration out long enough to forget about pitting.

Whatever happened, big bridgestone/dorna fuckup, MM deserves the championship.

[eelracing]

Regardless of the poofery that brought about the 10 lap swapping of bikes...we was robbed.
What was shaping up to be a battle that would of rivalled Wayne Gardners epic wins at PI was ruined.
There is no doubt in my mind that a rider of Marquez's class(and sheer balls) would of gone on and won shagged tyres or not.
What a sham.

[Crasherfromwayback]

There is no doubt in my mind that a rider of Marquez's class(and sheer balls) would of gone on and won shagged tyres or not.
What a sham.

And so say all of us!

[Drew]

And so say all of us!I don't.

Bridgestone fucked up. Dorna made a stop gap call (right or wrong). Riders and teams tried to work with it.

That a fuck up happened, is hardly surprising. I honestly expected it to be on pit entry. Thought we were gonna see someone commit to it too fast and then watch their bike slide across the grass to meet other riders as they came onto the front straight. She's a narrow bit of tarmac right there, and it's not half as grippy as the rest of the track.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bridgestone fucked up. Dorna made a stop gap call (right or wrong). Riders and teams tried to work with it.

.

Bout time the single tyre supplier rule went in the bin.

[pritch]

There is a free video clip @ the MotoGP web site which depicts considerable consternation among the Honda pit crew as they realise he has failed to stop. Alas, one viewing doesn't explain the cause. There is also some pique shown by MM in reaction to being advised the reason for his disqualification. Nice to know he's human.

It isn't all bad news for HRC, MM might win the title at Motegi in front of the assembled Honda board members?

Someone questioned how a crew would signal that a rider had to drop a place. All crews should have a plan for that, it's not uncommon - has happened several times in WSBK this year IIRC.

[Danger Dave]

I don't.

Bridgestone fucked up. Dorna made a stop gap call (right or wrong). Riders and teams tried to work with it.

That a fuck up happened, is hardly surprising. I honestly expected it to be on pit entry. Thought we were gonna see someone commit to it too fast and then watch their bike slide across the grass to meet other riders as they came onto the front straight. She's a narrow bit of tarmac right there, and it's not half as grippy as the rest of the track.

Everyone is quick to blame Bridgestone and seem to have forgotten that Dunlop are in the same boat, the moto 2 race was shortend to basically half distance and i'm sure that if the moto 2 teams were allowed a second bike then they would of had pit stops as well.

[pritch]

I see there is another clip on the MotoGP site in which MM says he was working to the plan, there was confusion, the team thought he could stop on that lap. He says there was no problem with the pit board.

Not sure if that video is free.

As usual David Emmett sums it all up beautifully on his Motomatters site. He uses the word omnishambles, a good choice. The word clusterfuck would apply equally.

[Drew]

Everyone is quick to blame Bridgestone and seem to have forgotten that Dunlop are in the same boat, the moto 2 race was shortend to basically half distance and i'm sure that if the moto 2 teams were allowed a second bike then they would of had pit stops as well.

I understand your point of view. But the tyres weren't up to the task at the end of the day. I didn't know Dunlop had issues too, but the story is the same. They fucked up.

[pritch]

But the tyres weren't up to the task at the end of the day.

Free clip: http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2013/How+Marquez+took+it+too+far+in+Australia

Check out the tyre that came off MM's bike after eleven laps as shown in that video. Scary!

You can see why Bridgestone stipulated no more than ten laps.

[Cam_Valk]

I have read elsewhere that Brigdestone and Dunlop were not allowed to test due to a cut in private testing weekends.

[speights_bud]

Went for a tootle down to Park Ferme' yesterday. (Tyres are Jorge's)

[Mental Trousers]

I understand your point of view. But the tyres weren't up to the task at the end of the day. I didn't know Dunlop had issues too, but the story is the same. They fucked up.

Pirelli had problems in the WSBK races at Phillip Island too.

[BMWST?]

i dont have a problem with the factt hat MM was penalised for breaking the rules...i just dont understand why it was a disqualification and not a ride through.They had already decided that if you came in earlier you were to to come in again..why not the same thing for coming in late.

[BMWST?]

And there you have it. Bradl out, MM black flagged, and he still can't do it. Put those two back in it...and he's his usual 8th. And I still don't think he's worthy of the seat.

He is gonna smash cal cruthlows equivalent point score of 2011.Whats wrong with you sad sacks.Not every motgp rider is a Casey Stoner,Jorge Lorenzo or Mark Marquez.Why would you put Nicky haden on that bike.Ben Spies maybe,but he had that seat once.Those seats are for new riders.

[Crasherfromwayback]

He is gonna smash cal cruthlows equivalent point score of 2011.Whats wrong with you sad sacks.Not every motgp rider is a Casey Stoner,Jorge Lorenzo or Mark Marquez.s.

I know that. But it's not like he's running amongst the also rans is it now? Seriously...what has he done to deserve the seat mate?

[ckai]

Can't find the picture I saw today but somewhere there was a picture of someone's tyre. The bloody thing and a slab of rubber missing from the outside edge!

Yeah the pit stop was a joke, but the implementation of the rules was beyond a joke. It made for a crazy race though. MM's stop was bloody classic with that rehearsed spin.

It made such different racing, the old man and brother in law ended up watching it as well and they don't even like bike racing.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[Mental Trousers]

I know that. But it's not like he's running amongst the also rans is it now? Seriously...what has he done to deserve the seat mate?

Herve and the rest of the team seem very pleased with his season. That's what it takes to deserve a MotoGP ride, keep the team happy with results.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Herve and the rest of the team seem very pleased with his season. That's what it takes to deserve a MotoGP ride, keep the team happy with results.

If you strive for mediocrity that's all you'll ever acheive I guess. Two rounds to go and it'll cost either you or I beer. I'm still feeling good about it. You?

[BMWST?]

I know that. But it's not like he's running amongst the also rans is it now? Seriously...what has he done to deserve the seat mate?

Deserve?Dont know.I beleive he is doing a good job.

[BMWST?]

If you strive for mediocrity that's all you'll ever acheive I guess. Two rounds to go and it'll cost either you or I beer. I'm still feeling good about it. You?

look back throught the last few years,If he is mediocre so is half the motogp Feild.I reckon he has done better in his first year than any recent tech 3 recruit

[Mental Trousers]

If you strive for mediocrity that's all you'll ever acheive I guess. Two rounds to go and it'll cost either you or I beer. I'm still feeling good about it. You?

It's not so much the beers but all the shit talk that I get to lay down that's the fun for me. Winning beers is a bonus.

I don't particularly like the guy, definitely wouldn't say I'm a fan. But he seems to draw a lot of flak for being a skinny pasty white balding Pommy ginga and that's not on. He's had better results this season than others that have had that seat before him so he does deserve to be there and doesn't deserve the shit he gets.

[BMWST?]

Can't find the picture I saw today but somewhere there was a picture of someone's tyre. The bloody thing and a slab of rubber missing from the outside edge!

Yeah the pit stop was a joke, but the implementation of the rules was beyond a joke. It made for a crazy race though. MM's stop was bloody classic with that rehearsed spin.

It made such different racing, the old man and brother in law ended up watching it as well and they don't even like bike racing.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4


MM tyre after 11 laps
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXC89mSIIAAghG0.jpg

[Dave-]

i dont have a problem with the factt hat MM was penalised for breaking the rules...i just dont understand why it was a disqualification and not a ride through.They had already decided that if you came in earlier you were to to come in again..why not the same thing for coming in late.

I agree it was extreme. But I think it's a safety thing. An integral part of the bike is fundamentally unsafe, after lap 10 he was a danger to himself, the other riders and the spectators. Those are the sorts of rules you do not screw with.

[tail_end_charlie]

Deserve?Dont know.I beleive he is doing a good job.


look back throught the last few years,If he is mediocre so is half the motogp Feild.I reckon he has done better in his first year than any recent tech 3 recruit


It's not so much the beers but all the shit talk that I get to lay down that's the fun for me. Winning beers is a bonus.

I don't particularly like the guy, definitely wouldn't say I'm a fan. But he seems to draw a lot of flak for being a skinny pasty white balding Pommy ginga and that's not on. He's had better results this season than others that have had that seat before him so he does deserve to be there and doesn't deserve the shit he gets.

Gonna have to agree with ya'll. Yeah, he's not ripping it up like MM, but that's not a realistic expectation for every rider that gets brought into MotoGP. The way I see it is that he has come in and scored relatively similar points that a lot of rookies have scored. Seems like that ought to be credit enough to deserve the seat.

Now if he doesn't show some improvement next year.................................
And if Pol is beating him next year on a regular basis.................................

[pritch]

About Smith:

Some people forget that the Tech 3 bike he had last year was a dog. The team knew that and were satisfied with what he achieved under difficult circumstances.

I can't recall the detail but have the impression that whoever has that bike this year isn't looking too flash either. Might look it up tomorrow...

[Mental Trousers]

Now if he doesn't show some improvement next year.................................
And if Pol is beating him next year on a regular basis.................................

Second year tends to be the most difficult so that'll be a good test for him.

Getting stuck with a team mate like Espargaro that has so much hype and expectation around him must be a bitch. By the looks of Randy De Puniet's results he's let it get to him. Mind you I'd spend plenty of time hanging my lip if got me cuddles from Lauren Vickers :D

[tail_end_charlie]

About Smith:

Some people forget that the Tech 3 bike he had last year was a dog. The team knew that and were satisfied with what he achieved under difficult circumstances.

I can't recall the detail but have the impression that whoever has that bike this year isn't looking too flash either. Might look it up tomorrow...

Danny Kent and Louis Rossi are the Moto2 Tech 3 riders. And yes, they are riding a bike make in house by Tech 3. The is a article on Sport Rider somewhere (this is not it but still interesting, (http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1011_colin_edwards_tests_tech_3_moto2_bike_at_ valencia/) a CEII interview is never a boring read ;)) with Herve talking about why he decided to build his own bike and such, but I can't be fucked finding it right now.

Edit: Here (http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_1307_tech_3_motogp_team_the_family/) and here (http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_1004_motogp_moto2_machines/).

[tail_end_charlie]

Mind you I'd spend plenty of time hanging my lip if got me cuddles from Lauren Vickers :D

Yeah, I always want to talk shit about de'Crasher, but then I remember that he's married to her and suddenly I realize he's getting the last laugh..........:laugh:

[Brian d marge]

The bunting has Come out at Work, they were out putting up the tinsel
I haven't seen any Journo's yet but I sent a tweet to Toby Moody and said interview the ground crew !!!
Honda Won the morocco rally so everyone happy in my dept. !!!
As for tyre failure happens @ Roughly speaking @ 90 deg to the force
looks to me bridgestone Underestimated the forces
I Will ask tyre Engineer on Thursday "....

tapped out on a phone

Stephen

[ckai]

MM tyre after 11 laps
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXC89mSIIAAghG0.jpg

That's the bugger. Scary shit. Can't see how Cal did 17 laps in practice unless they were half ass. In saying that, I wouldn't be surprised if MM did all that damage on that in-lap.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[Crasherfromwayback]

I don't particularly like the guy, definitely wouldn't say I'm a fan. But he seems to draw a lot of flak for being a skinny pasty white balding Pommy ginga and that's not on. He's had better results this season than others that have had that seat before him so he does deserve to be there and doesn't deserve the shit he gets.

Funnily enough I'm the opposite. I think he seems like a really nice kid and I quite like him. Just think he's out of his depth.

[roogazza]

If you strive for mediocrity that's all you'll ever acheive I guess. Two rounds to go and it'll cost either you or I beer. I'm still feeling good about it. You?

God help us,and surely not but ? This year is starting to feel like another Americas Cup ! Horhay clawing his way back to what 18 points from MM.
Surely it belongs to MM ? Sillier things have happened ? :crazy:

We've just had the same edge of the seat stuff in BSB.

[tail_end_charlie]

CEII is never one to be PC, case in point: "I never saw my pitboard to come in, I was focussed on the pr**ks in front of me. I was hunting [the] Ducatis & they pitted, I followed" ("http://www.paddockchatter.com/2013/10/motogp-edwards-we-are-not-mathematicians.html). :killingme

[Bender]

Surely it belongs to MM ?

If Lorenzo does successfully defend his world championship it's because he refused to give up. He's been in the trenches, fighting bare knuckled for it. Remember how he ignored a broken collarbone and scored points in two races and they pretty much had to lift him off the bike at the end?

I do think it's bullshit that MM lost a bunch of points because he broke a rule that had been instituted that morning (a start from the back of the grid or something like that would have been appropriate in my view).

But "handing" it to Lorenzo? No way, not at all.

[Tony.OK]

At the end of the day, all teams were playing to the same "new rule", MM's team cocked up, simple!
Would anyone be bothered if it was anyone other than MM?

[steveyb]

Yeah, no one is saying Staring and Cudlin (?? not sure about that) should not have been penalised.

[Crasherfromwayback]

At the end of the day, all teams were playing to the same "new rule", MM's team cocked up, simple!
Would anyone be bothered if it was anyone other than MM?


Yeah, no one is saying Staring and Cudlin (?? not sure about that) should not have been penalised.

Prob you have is that the other peanuts can't change the face of the championship. MM being black flagged may well. And that'd be a shame.

[onearmedbandit]

At the end of the day, all teams were playing to the same "new rule", MM's team cocked up, simple!
Would anyone be bothered if it was anyone other than MM?

If it was Lorenzo, yes. If it was Pedrosa, no one would be surprised lol.

[Tony.OK]

Prob you have is that the other peanuts can't change the face of the championship. MM being black flagged may well. And that'd be a shame.

And they'll have to live with it if it goes tits up. I remember ppl crying when Rossi was shown "special" attention for certain actions.

One thing is for certain, next weekend is gonna be bloody good, lots of fires being lit this close to the end is going to make for some exciting racing!

[DidJit]

Hard passes coming up (if they can be made)... :yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

And they'll have to live with it if it goes tits up. I remember ppl crying when Rossi was shown "special" attention for certain actions.

One thing is for certain, next weekend is gonna be bloody good, lots of fires being lit this close to the end is going to make for some exciting racing!

Yeah when Rossi blatantly cheated at PI he got a 10 sec penalty not black flagged eh! :msn-wink: But yep...last two rounds gonna be as exciting as fuck. Can't wait.

[Tony.OK]

Yeah when Rossi blatantly cheated at PI he got a 10 sec penalty not black flagged eh! :msn-wink: But yep...last two rounds gonna be as exciting as fuck. Can't wait.

Hopefully they'll blame the traction control for overheating tyres and will order them to not use it :laugh:

Did ya get to see your ex (Stoner) riding the parade laps? You could tell he wanted to let rip..................sounds like he's quitting the tin tops to take his "year off". I reckon he'll be back after that............2015, bring it on!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hopefully they'll blame the traction control for overheating tyres and will order them to not use it :laugh:

Did ya get to see your ex (Stoner) riding the parade laps? You could tell he wanted to let rip..................sounds like he's quitting the tin tops to take his "year off". I reckon he'll be back after that............2015, bring it on!

Yeah that'd be great! And yeah...looked like parade laps were the last thing on his mind. Dunno if his pride will let him come back mate. Think he's jealous I've moved on so quickly.

[Drew]

Hopefully they'll blame the traction control for overheating tyres and will order them to not use it :laugh:

Did ya get to see your ex (Stoner) riding the parade laps? You could tell he wanted to let rip..................sounds like he's quitting the tin tops to take his "year off". I reckon he'll be back after that............2015, bring it on!

Maybe he'll come back on a Suzuki.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Maybe he'll come back on a Suzuki.

No one would love to see that more than I. But I don't see him ever coming back...and should he ever...doubt it'd be for anyone other than HRC.

[roogazza]

If Lorenzo does successfully defend his world championship it's because he refused to give up. He's been in the trenches, fighting bare knuckled for it. Remember how he ignored a broken collarbone and scored points in two races and they pretty much had to lift him off the bike at the end?
I do think it's bullshit that MM lost a bunch of points because he broke a rule that had been instituted that morning (a start from the back of the grid or something like that would have been appropriate in my view).
But "handing" it to Lorenzo? No way, not at all.

Be great for Yamaha to come back, wasn't knock'n, just thought it'd be a Am Cup come back.
Lorenzo great, Rossi f...kn fantastic but alas no !
As I said surely MM won't lose it from here ???????????????????? Bet they're trying to calm (slow him )him down as we speak.

[pritch]

Maybe he'll come back on a Suzuki.

Yeah, he can ride my SJ50, he'd have to be careful though it hasn't got traction control.:devil2:

[Robert Taylor]

Lorenzo to win by 2 points at the final round....

Yamaha riders are better at counting elapsed laps

[Badjelly]

Yeah, no one is saying Staring and Cudlin (?? not sure about that) should not have been penalised.

Cudlin's disqualification has been reversed. He pitted on lap 9 & then again on lap 11. The race director black-flagged him after he saw the 2nd pit stop, but then reinstated him when he was told that the 10-lap limit had not been exceeded. A bit of a cock-up really. :rolleyes:

[pritch]

Cudlin's disqualification has been reversed. He pitted on lap 9 & then again on lap 11. The race director black-flagged him after he saw the 2nd pit stop, but then reinstated him when he was told that the 10-lap limit had not been exceeded. A bit of a cock-up really. :rolleyes:

That is a cock up. If he was black flagged and stopped, how can he be reinstated? Then again, with an extra pit stop he wasn't really in the running anyway.

The MM incident was about his team trying to gain an advantage by "creative" application of the rules. It probably doesn't pay to be too cunning if you are working in a language other than your own?

But I now understand the real cause of MMs disqualification, it's because I put him in my MCN Fantasy Race team. The kiss of death if ever there was one.

[Brian d marge]

There is a typhoon this weekend so there Maybe a chance that the Moto gp will be Cancelled
anyway the bikes have arrived.

289004289005289006 stephen

[ecko_nzed]

There is a typhoon this weekend so there Maybe a chance that the Moto gp will be Cancelled
anyway the bikes have arrived.

Better work stories...... you win

[Brian d marge]

Its started raining.its expected to get very wet at and sunday
I would be surprised if it was a dry race

Stephen

Ps, the novelty wore off longtime ago. I can proudly say I am the official Homebrew supplier to the Modelling dept based on feed back I have 100% Customer satisfaction


Stephen:yes:

[husaberg]

Its started raining.its expected to get very wet at and sunday
I would be surprised if it was a dry race

Stephen

Ps, the novelty wore off longtime ago. I can proudly say I am the official Homebrew supplier to the Modelling dept based on feed back I have 100% Customer satisfaction


Stephen:yes:

Stephen were do you keep the endfield.

[Muzzab]

Well have ticked off my first MotoGP and visit to Phillip Island, all i can say is fantastic, I'd do it again tomorrow.
It will definately go on the planning list for when finances and timing allow another overseas holiday.
I'll have to get a DVD of the races to see all the goings on with the bike changes etc as was on the far side of the track when that was going on. No one told me the Moto3 bikes were the loudest things out there, bugger me when they came out of lukey heights and wound it on around the sweeper heading to the main straight it was awesome, they get up to fair rate of knots pretty quickly too.

Cheers
Muzza

[husaberg]

Well have ticked off my first MotoGP and visit to Phillip Island, all i can say is fantastic, I'd do it again tomorrow.
It will definately go on the planning list for when finances and timing allow another overseas holiday.
I'll have to get a DVD of the races to see all the goings on with the bike changes etc as was on the far side of the track when that was going on. No one told me the Moto3 bikes were the loudest things out there, bugger me when they came out of lukey heights and wound it on around the sweeper heading to the main straight it was awesome, they get up to fair rate of knots pretty quickly too.

Cheers
Muzza

Yes i now hate you Murray:lol:.........p...........:killingme

[Brian d marge]

Stephen were do you keep the endfield.

I have a workshop near my house , Office/workshop

and its spitting now , trying to rain

The typhoon is coming , everyone says , sat sunday will be the worst days ,,,,but

watch this space

stephen

Ps I have offered the Enfield to the Dakar team, they are having some small issues ( 40 of them !!) with fuel tanks and such , so I said if they get stuck they can use my Enfield

[DidJit]

Tough buggers (http://motor-racing.tv/figure11/news/detail/redding-passed-fit-to-ride-at-motegi?language=English&site=all#.UmjAKBBVWHs).

Good story on motomatters.com as well on internal politics (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2013/10/23/puig_vs_alzamora_the_dangerous_power_str.html) in the HRC garage.

[Mental Trousers]

Good story on motomatters.com as well on internal politics (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2013/10/23/puig_vs_alzamora_the_dangerous_power_str.html) in the HRC garage.

The MotoGP paddock is really political. That's why Pete Benson isn't going back to MotoGP with Scott Redding, it's one of the reasons (not the main one obviously) Ben Spies got the shits with Yamaha and it's one of the things Stoner always hated about the top class. Usually the shit comes from a rivally between the riders that works it's way up into management and down into the crew, but this time it's starting at the top of the team and working it's way down. My money is on Puig!!

[Muzzab]

Yes i now hate you Murray:lol:.........ps work is kinda sorted...........:killingme


LoL.....the plot thickens.......
Filck me an email , i never did get the gist of who was doing what to whom and not paying :msn-wink:

[Brian d marge]

Tough buggers (http://motor-racing.tv/figure11/news/detail/redding-passed-fit-to-ride-at-motegi?language=English&site=all#.UmjAKBBVWHs).

Good story on motomatters.com as well on internal politics (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2013/10/23/puig_vs_alzamora_the_dangerous_power_str.html) in the HRC garage.I spoke to thetyre engineer but he knew of the problem but didnt know why , My feeling, he did know but was saying nowt
Stephen

[Bender]

Well have ticked off my first MotoGP and visit to Phillip Island, all i can say is fantastic, I'd do it again tomorrow.
Cheers
Muzza

Green wiv envy, me.

We are prepared to forgive you when you put up a post with lots of photos of the pure sex engineering of the bikes, as well as some of God's finest engineering in the form of pit girls and rider's WAGs.

Go on, just do it.

[roogazza]

Motegi 2013.
http://www.motomatters.com/report/2013/10/24/2013_motegi_motogp_preview_three_champio.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

If the anti MM brigade insist rules are rules...then Yamaha should be told to eat shit. You have 60 mins to lodge a complaint. Not a few days.

Fuck of Yamaha.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/131024penalty.htm

[Oscar]

If the anti MM brigade insist rules are rules...then Yamaha should be told to eat shit. You have 60 mins to lodge a complaint. Not a few days.

Fuck of Yamaha.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/131024penalty.htm

I was surprised there was no complaint from yamaha (particularly in light of MM’s past indiscretions), but I figured it was because he’d been black flagged. It did look reckless at the time, but being as how race direction already had their eye on MM and nothing was done immediatley, it is too late now.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was surprised there was no complaint from yamaha (particularly in light of MM’s past indiscretions), but I figured it was because he’d been black flagged. It did look reckless at the time, but being as how race direction already had their eye on MM and nothing was done immediatley, it is too late now.

You found someone new to hate I see Oscar? How the fuck you could blame MM for the turn one incident is beyond me. Hell...even Lorenzo admitted he was just as much at fault! Having bikes come out of the pits into turn one when the bikes are doing 300+ kph is fucking ridiculous. They come over a crest too. Track would be clear one sec...then collision course the next. But yep...rules are rules Yamaha! Bad luck.

[Oscar]

You found someone new to hate I see Oscar? How the fuck you could blame MM for the turn one incident is beyond me. Hell...even Lorenzo admitted he was just as much at fault! Having bikes come out of the pits into turn one when the bikes are doing 300+ kph is fucking ridiculous. They come over a crest too. Track would be clear one sec...then collision course the next. But yep...rules are rules Yamaha! Bad luck.

Fuckin' hell - calm down, Woman!
Is it your time o' the month?
I saw it live and I haven't seen a replay.
I said it seemed reckless at the time, but if race Direction didn't do nothing at the time, it must of been OK.

[wharfy]

Yeah that'd be great! And yeah...looked like parade laps were the last thing on his mind. Dunno if his pride will let him come back mate. Think he's jealous I've moved on so quickly.

......:lol:.....

[steveyb]

Lucky enough to have MotoGP.com streaming at work on my second screen while crunching data on first screen.
All morning sessions cancelled, like Stephen said they might.

Caught the news, Aleix Espargaro to Forward Racing who will be using Yamaha engine next year.

Oh yeah, and Redding to try and race at Motegi.

Well, looking at the weather currently, he will be racing to the onsen with everyone else I would think.

Choice.

[Asher]

If the anti MM brigade insist rules are rules...then Yamaha should be told to eat shit. You have 60 mins to lodge a complaint. Not a few days.

Fuck of Yamaha.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/131024penalty.htm

Imagine if MM is given one penalty point and Motegi is cancelled, im not sure Lorenzo could wish for more.

[Brian d marge]

Lucky enough to have MotoGP.com streaming at work on my second screen while crunching data on first screen.
All morning sessions cancelled, like Stephen said they might.

Caught the news, Aleix Espargaro to Forward Racing who will be using Yamaha engine next year.

Oh yeah, and Redding to try and race at Motegi.

Well, looking at the weather currently, he will be racing to the onsen with everyone else I would think.

Choice.

Its been strange

there are two typhoons upon us

but its drizzling , has been all day see pic

the wind has picked up slightly

I was talking to a fella just now , he reckons the last race will be dry

go figure

Stephen

[Wingnut]

Its been strange

there are two typhoons upon us

but its drizzling , has been all day see pic

the wind has picked up slightly

I was talking to a fella just now , he reckons the last race will be dry

go figure

Stephen

Your pic... Is that a give way or stop sign. I'd be fucked over there regarding road rules....... Rather you than me.

Hope the GP runs as per the latest schedule. Like him or loath him. MM is totally deserving of a title this year. He is doing something in his rookie year that Pedrosa has been striving for for years. Hard to argue that!

[pritch]

Typhoon(s), earthquake @ 7 plus(?), tsunami, evacuation of the Fukushima fun park, it's all go in Japan. At least the riders won't be constipated...

[Ntoxcated]

the wind has picked up slightly



It looks to have blown Japan completely sideways. :facepalm:

[BMWST?]

where is this in relation to the circuit?
seems strange that they are contemplating dismantling the medical helicpoter,transporting to motegi,reassembling in a spot where it wouldnt have to take of again to get to the best place on the the circuit.If its still very low cloud when they needed to use the helicopter wouldnt it still be unable to fly or are the rules different then



On Friday, all practice sessions were called off as heavy cloud cover at Twin Ring Motegi meant the medical helicopter could not be operated. On the grounds of safety, the aircraft must be operable in order to cater for any medical emergencies which could arise. This was explained in a press conference on Friday afternoon.
"We are not prepared to run in these conditions when there is a risk that a seriously injured rider could not be given correct care," commented MotoGP™ Race Director Mike Webb.
"The reason no helicopter is here is that, with the low cloud, there is a lack of visibility in which it is not safe to fly. The helicopter has been trying to get permission to fly to the circuit since Thursday and has even tried to take off and then been told to land again. As soon as permission was granted that it could be taken off, we would have given ten minutes’ notice to the teams, but the helicopter was never given permission to fly."
For Saturday, heavy rain is expected to fall in the morning but Race Direction hopes that, by the afternoon, the cloud cover should have abated which would allow the medical helicopter to operate. Currently situated five minutes’ flying time from the circuit, should cloud cover in its current location remain too much the helicopter will be dissembled, transported to the race track by road and then reassembled. A medical helicopter must be available at the circuit at all times and across Friday time has been spent analysing the best possible locations for its positioning around the circuit, in order to avoid the need of taking off or landing amidst any further heavy cloud cover at the circuit, which is situated on high ground.

[Brian d marge]

Your pic... Is that a give way or stop sign. I'd be fucked over there regarding road rules....... Rather you than me.

Hope the GP runs as per the latest schedule. Like him or loath him. MM is totally deserving of a title this year. He is doing something in his rookie year that Pedrosa has been striving for for years. Hard to argue that!view from fourth floot hrc , the stop go penalty area

Over here there are no roundabouts , just a flashing redsignal and the other car has a flashing orange

Otherwise the same

btw ITS PISSING down at 8;30 in the morning 60km from Motegi ...fk

Stephen

We do need more Simochellis and MM ...

couldnt agree more

Stephen

[roogazza]

Latest I've seen from "Crash".
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/197464/1/latest_motegi_motogp_schedule_revealed.html

[murrayandesther]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/murray_turner/sets/72157636956315144/

[Brian d marge]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/murray_turner/sets/72157636956315144/

Great set of photos , look at the clutch , axil and crank postions ,esp at accel

wonderful

also the exhat length of luis salom moto3 , suggesting to me lots of valve overlap

wonderful wonderful stuff

Stephen

[rapid van cleef]

Its a shame but I saw that coming

Check out Motogp.com for the story

[Bender]

Can't help feeeling that Ben Spies never reached his full potential.

I hope they draft him into the commentary team - I heard him guest commentate at Laguna Seca and he was excellent, able to describe exactly what was going on in a way that the usual guys could not.

[Asher]

The dude must be pretty depressed to quit all racing. I would have thought the would have taken next year off then go and dominate WSBK.

[BMWST?]

is it me or is the sound balance shit lately..the bikes are loud but the commentary hardly audible at times.Obviously we want to hear the bikes but the balance is all wrong.
Jlo doing what he can to keep the championship interesting!

[BMWST?]

Its a shame but I saw that coming

Check out Motogp.com for the story


Can't help feeeling that Ben Spies never reached his full potential.

I hope they draft him into the commentary team - I heard him guest commentate at Laguna Seca and he was excellent, able to describe exactly what was going on in a way that the usual guys could not.


The dude must be pretty depressed to quit all racing. I would have thought the would have taken next year off then go and dominate WSBK.

its a reality they all face i guess,but wouldnt make it any easier for them.He certainly had some highs and lows.more so than any other recently definelty alien status i beleive,just never seemed to get it all together

[Kendog]

Can't help feeeling that Ben Spies never reached his full potential.

I hope they draft him into the commentary team - I heard him guest commentate at Laguna Seca and he was excellent, able to describe exactly what was going on in a way that the usual guys could not.
I agree, he was great in the commentary.

[GD66]

is it me or is the sound balance shit lately..the bikes are loud but the commentary hardly audible at times.Obviously we want to hear the bikes but the balance is all wrong.





Beauty ! :woohoo:

[Trudes]

:wings: Go Nicky!!!
Pity it's not likely to rain today so that pile of poo might actually be competitive, but anyway, front row start is pretty cool.
Bring on the Honda for next year. :scooter:

[Kornholio]

Beauty ! :woohoo:

Roger that!... When you got the home theatre cranked the last thing you want overpowering is the commentators, The sound of those bikes is amazing ;)

[sil3nt]

Bloody good Moto 3 race. Talk about a close championship.

[roogazza]

Beauty ! :woohoo:

haha , I actually have to mute those pom commentators sometimes, wish you could choose to turn them down.

[Trudes]

haha , I actually have mute those pom commentators sometimes, wish you could choose to turn them down.

Especially the one that sounds like Zippy from Rainbow who talks a lot if shite.

[GD66]

If you buy the deluxe package off motogp.com you can shut them right off, shift cameras and choose your own pov off a number of bikes !! But as usual with their video feeds it's fairly costly and has been beset with gremlins. However, after having a season to get the dramas ironed out, next year I will be coughing up the cash to finally shut up that appalling, Dorna-sycophantic, myopic, inaccurate, honking, repetitious, cliché-spewing, irritating (edit : Zippy-sounding) Nick Harris knob jockey once and for all...:motu:








Too harsh ?:whistle:

[roogazza]

If you buy the deluxe package off motogp.com you can shut them right off, shift cameras and choose your own pov off a number of bikes !! But as usual with their video feeds it's fairly costly and has been beset with gremlins. However, after having a season to get the dramas ironed out, next year I will be coughing up the cash to finally shut up that appalling, Dorna-sycophantic, myopic, inaccurate, honking, repetitious, cliché-spewing, irritating (edit : Zippy-sounding) Nick Harris knob jockey once and for all...:motu:

"SPOILER" Just in case someone hasn't see it...........................

Uh huh ! That's interesting!
Wonder if Sky will dig deeper next year ?
GP just finished. Watched on Cricfree.
Horhay dicked MM fair and square, class act huh ! Poor old Vale ran off twice, well once and wide once. From 11th back to 6th.:weep:

[pritch]

next year I will be coughing up the cash to finally shut up that appalling, Dorna-sycophantic, myopic, inaccurate, honking, repetitious, cliché-spewing, irritating (edit : Zippy-sounding) Nick Harris knob jockey once and for all...:motu:
How about Ben Spies? Now that he has retired he is available. He and Gavin Emmett should be OK.

Nick Harris may not be the best, but he is waaaay better than Jonathon Green, the WSBK commentator. If it wasn't for Steve Martin the commentary frequently wouldn't even make sense.

[Brian d marge]

nice Sunny day today who Would have thought
Stephen

[carbonhed]

Thought Rossi might finally fire a shot for Yamaha today. Second off the line and ahead of Marquez... yeah right :facepalm: Didn't cost him a fraction of a second.

[BMWST?]

if mm beats jlo its all over MM the champ
If jlo wins and and mm is 4th or higher mm is champ,if MM is 5th or lower jlo champ
if jlo comes second mm must be 8th or higher,if mm 9th Jlo wins on countback
if jlo 3rd mm must be 12 the or higher if mm 13th Jlo wins on countback

[Brian d marge]

Motegi is just outside the kanto plain and surrounded by hills. It was a very low cloud day, misty and drizzling all day . While the ground would be clear , japan is a very humid country and the cloud cover would be covering the tops of the mountains ,ie very low , couple of hundred meters if that ..
So either the helicopter goes to the circuit by road or it would have to do instruments , ( ie blind ) ...all of which is not good.
It turned out to be a lovely sunny autumn day , a shit day for the teams as they would have had no dry testing ,..
Stephen

[SPman]

Jlo was a class act today. Did he put a wheel wrong?

[GD66]

Thought Rossi might finally fire a shot for Yamaha today. Second off the line and ahead of Marquez... yeah right :facepalm: Didn't cost him a fraction of a second.




Hasn't been any help for JL at all. Must have jumped the start to get into t1 in second from row 2, I notice there wasn't ONE replay of the start. :shifty:
Magnificent display of high-pressure riding from Jorge, man that guy continues to impress.

[Trudes]

Jorge sure is a cool cucumber (and I don't mean the dildo kind), he sure is a class act and has put up a good fight but unless something catastrophic happens to Marc I think he'll be kissing goodbye to the tittle.
Moto3 is going to be a good watch next round too!

[denill]

Wonder if Sky will dig deeper next year ?

On that subject, it's patent bullshit that Sommet can stump up with the money to show MotoGP live on Freeview and Sky said it was toooo expensive.

[denill]

if mm beats jlo its all over MM the champ
If jlo wins and and mm is 4th or higher mm is champ,if MM is 5th or lower jlo champ
if jlo comes second mm must be 8th or higher,if mm 9th Jlo wins on countback
if jlo 3rd mm must be 12 the or higher if mm 13th Jlo wins on countback

Read that: It's only the second time the championship has gone to the final round with the winner yet to be decided in 21 years.

[BMWST?]

On that subject, it's patent bullshit that Sommet can stump up with the money to show MotoGP live on Freeview and Sky said it was toooo expensive.
not only that but we get to see qualifying and practise sessions,which was rare with sky.

[BMWST?]

Read that: It's only the second time the championship has gone to the final round with the winner yet to be decided in 21 years.

and the only reason its done that is because of the balls up in Aussie

[BMWST?]

Jlo was a class act today. Did he put a wheel wrong?

he went very wide once out of turn one i think....thats all saw.He was impressive

[Bender]

next year I will be coughing up the cash to finally shut up that appalling, Dorna-sycophantic, myopic, inaccurate, honking, repetitious, cliché-spewing, irritating (edit : Zippy-sounding) Nick Harris knob jockey once and for all...:motu:



You should stop holding back and tell us what you really think. :yes:

Truly impressive ride from Jorge today. He's won me over this year. His pathetic antics in the past did not impress me - I thought he was a tosser.

But he's fought incredibly hard to defend his title and this ride was just so impressive. He's not likely to win it - Marquez only has to finish higher than 4th to take the title. But then, you never know what is going to happen in the final round.

[roogazza]

On that subject, it's patent bullshit that Sommet can stump up with the money to show MotoGP live on Freeview and Sky said it was toooo expensive.
Bit suss that huh Bill ? wonder what ?

You should stop holding back and tell us what you really think. :yes:
But he's fought incredibly hard to defend his title and this ride was just so impressive. He's not likely to win it - Marquez only has to finish higher than 4th to take the title. But then, you never know what is going to happen in the final round.
Horhays' really,REALLY, going to try and unsettle him at Valencia. Maybe more biff than usual, I hope.

[BMWST?]

Bit suss that huh Bill ? something, wonder what ?

Horhays' really,REALLY, going to try and unsettle him at Valencia. Maybe more biff than usual, I hope.

I dont think JLo can upset MM with any intimidation tactics.I think MM can bash fairings with the best of them.I think MM will go for the win,and maybe crash.otherwise if Jlo is on fire MM will settle for second.I think DP is enough of a team man not to injure MM chances.I think jlo only hope is to involve cc and vr and bautista,but if that happens i think MM has the outright speed and aggression to win any battle like that.
It has the potential to be very intersting,and moto 3 wow who would of thought its now 3 men within 5 points

[puddytat]

Some very lucky riders after that Pileup in Moto2....flashes of Tomizawa while it was unfolding.
Well done Pol !!

[Asher]

I dont think there was a replay of Alexis crashing, did he jump or fall?

[roogazza]

I dont think JLo can upset MM with any intimidation tactics.
Though anybody can go upside down real easy,when pushed by a close scrap.
Young,hot Spanish blood, we'll have to wait and see what JLo can generate? :innocent:

Go Vale !!!!!!

[onearmedbandit]

On that subject, it's patent bullshit that Sommet can stump up with the money to show MotoGP live on Freeview and Sky said it was toooo expensive.


Bit suss that huh Bill ? wonder what ?



I seem to recall Sky wanting to restrict access to live action on MotoGP.com.


I dont think there was a replay of Alexis crashing, did he jump or fall?

We were recording it live and watched it a couple times. he definitely jumped. The bike initially dove when he hit the brakes but it seemed to come straight back up again, maybe either he had a brake issue or his throttle jammed. He was definitely angry with the bike though.

[Asher]

We were recording it live and watched it a couple times. he definitely jumped. The bike initially dove when he hit the brakes but it seemed to come straight back up again, maybe either he had a brake issue or his throttle jammed. He was definitely angry with the bike though.

I just watched this which includes it (free video):
http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/latest+videos#Official+Video+Podcast+Motegi+2013

Maybe it just seemed like a weird way to ditch the bike to me so i thought he fell.

[BMWST?]

Young,hot Spanish blood, we'll have to wait and see what JLo can generate? :innocent:


True dat GaZ

[denill]

Horhays' really,REALLY, going to try and unsettle him at Valencia. Maybe more biff than usual, I hope.

A fitting end to an epic season, eh Gaz. :niceone:

[roogazza]

A fitting end to an epic season, eh Gaz. :niceone:
It is, i've never been to Valencia,probably cos it's usually settled by then. :cool:

[Crasherfromwayback]

It is, i've never been to Valencia,probably cos it's usually settled by then. :cool:

I have. It's fucking awesome!

[Crasherfromwayback]

I nearly pissed myself.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/1310281166.htm

[Brian d marge]

Bailing out on a motogp bike

Balls

Expensive

and pick me mister

Stephen

[tail_end_charlie]

I nearly pissed myself.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Oct/1310281166.htm

Funniest damn shit I've read in a long time.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Funniest damn shit I've read in a long time.

Certainly no love lost there eh!

[tail_end_charlie]

Interesting thoughts about the 2014 MotoGP season from Motorcycle USA's Frank Melling (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/17274/Motorcycle-Article/MotoGP--When-is-a-CRT-Bike-Not-a-CRT-Bike-.aspx). If you dont' feel like reading it all, his last paragraph sums everything up:

"So here is an STM prediction – and for once, incredibly, I’m not absolutely certain of the outcome. First, the 24 liter rule proves to be too much for the pure factory bikes to handle. Second, Hayden and Espargaró do better than Dorna predict or expect. Third, the regulations are changed in a desperate, mid-season shuffle so that normal service is resumed once more. Fourth, all the current regulations are hurriedly buried in a concrete tomb somewhere deep in the Sierra Nevada and their existence is written out of the motorcycle racing history books."

I have a sneaky suspicsion that his Third point is a very real possibility if the first two happen. What are the chances of point One and Two happening????? Well, thats probably the million dollar question.

How much freedom will the Aspar and Gresini teams have to make modifications and work on the proddie racer (ie, how much fuel could they modify it to hold since it supposidly is coming from HRC with <24 litre capacity?)
If the NGM Forward bikes are seriously dogging/beating the Tech 3/Yamaha Factory bikes, will Yamaha tune them down? (remember, lease engines)
How much factory help are the Forward, Aspar, Cardion AB, and Honda Gresini teams going to get from their respective bike manufactures? Are they going to need it?

There is some serious talent there with Aliex Espargaro, Scott Redding, Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards riding these 'Open' class bikes.

[Oscar]

Interesting thoughts about the 2014 MotoGP season from Motorcycle USA's Frank Melling (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/17274/Motorcycle-Article/MotoGP--When-is-a-CRT-Bike-Not-a-CRT-Bike-.aspx). If you dont' feel like reading it all, his last paragraph sums everything up:

"So here is an STM prediction – and for once, incredibly, I’m not absolutely certain of the outcome. First, the 24 liter rule proves to be too much for the pure factory bikes to handle. Second, Hayden and Espargaró do better than Dorna predict or expect. Third, the regulations are changed in a desperate, mid-season shuffle so that normal service is resumed once more. Fourth, all the current regulations are hurriedly buried in a concrete tomb somewhere deep in the Sierra Nevada and their existence is written out of the motorcycle racing history books."

I have a sneaky suspicsion that his Third point is a very real possibility if the first two happen. What are the chances of point One and Two happening????? Well, thats probably the million dollar question.

How much freedom will the Aspar and Gresini teams have to make modifications and work on the proddie racer (ie, how much fuel could they modify it to hold since it supposidly is coming from HRC with <24 litre capacity?)
If the NGM Forward bikes are seriously dogging/beating the Tech 3/Yamaha Factory bikes, will Yamaha tune them down? (remember, lease engines)
How much factory help are the Forward, Aspar, Cardion AB, and Honda Gresini teams going to get from their respective bike manufactures? Are they going to need it?

There is some serious talent there with Aliex Espargaro, Scott Redding, Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards riding these 'Open' class bikes.

I got as far as him claiming credit for predicting that CRT bikes would be redundant sooner rather than later.
The CRT bikes were only ever a stop gap measure stemming from the global financial meltdown and the lack of bikes on the grid.
As for customer bikes beating factory bikes - this has happened occasionaly, but it is not something that the factories are going to put up with it on a regular basis.

[lukemillar]

Moto3 race was frickin awesome!

Top 3 are now only separated by 5 points going into the final round....

[Mental Trousers]

Don't forget it was the factories that asked for the 20 litre rule. Honda will probably be able to do it quite comfortably, Yamaha may have problems. Ducati should be able to do it as well.

The customer bikes and lease engines will be in a similar-ish state of tune to the factory engines so using all 24 litres will actually be a hell of a lot slower because they'd be running far too rich. More fuel doesn't necessarily mean more power. More revs does though so the pneumatic valves of the factories engines mean more revs. Without those few extra revs more fuel isn't required.

[DidJit]

Where will we see MJM (http://www.cyclenews.com/585/22548/Racing-Article/Michael-Jordan-Out-Of-AMA-Racing-But-Headed-Overseas.aspx) in 2015?

[pritch]

- Marquez only has to finish higher than 4th to take the title.

At first the operative word there appears to be "fourth", but in reality it is the word "finish".

To finish fourth first you must finish... Or something?

[DidJit]

An insight into the engine electronics engineer (http://motomatters.com/video/2013/10/29/yamaha_video_kazutoshi_seki_the_man_behi.html)...

[roogazza]

An insight into the engine electronics engineer (http://motomatters.com/video/2013/10/29/yamaha_video_kazutoshi_seki_the_man_behi.html)...
Thanks Didjit for putting that up, really enjoyed it.
Gives good insight into how the GP days roll on thru.
There is so much the average man doesn't see. :drool:

[Crasherfromwayback]

At first the operative word there appears to be "fourth", but in reality it is the word "finish".

To finish fourth first you must finish... Or something?

Thing being...if you start to ride differently to your normal *style* or *way*, you run a huge risk of binning it. And you also don't want to be running round with the guys in 6th back at the start for fear of being cleaned out. So guess he'll just have to be his normal self and back himself to do the bizz. No reason he shouldn't be able to. After all...he's only had the one dnf from Mugello so far. MM FTW!

[Kiwi Graham]

Would love to see the mighty Yamaha win which it probably will but I think MM will win the title.

[tail_end_charlie]

Where will we see MJM (http://www.cyclenews.com/585/22548/Racing-Article/Michael-Jordan-Out-Of-AMA-Racing-But-Headed-Overseas.aspx) in 2015?

Hmmmm, that is interesting. I had seen some rumors floating around on Soup about MJM not doing 2014 AMA, but they hadn't been confirmed until now. Although he doesn't go out of the way to shit talk AMA Pro, he definitely indicates that there was no real incouraging reasons to stay there, which says enough in itself. AMA Pro is in seriously deep shit unless they make some major changes.

[Bender]

I like this - it sums up the whole Phillip Island debacle and asks some searching questions of Dorna. (http://www.bikeme.tv/index.php/caramello-the-clown-and-his-amazing-motorcycle-circus/)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I like this - it sums up the whole Phillip Island debacle and asks some searching questions of Dorna. (http://www.bikeme.tv/index.php/caramello-the-clown-and-his-amazing-motorcycle-circus/)

Pretty much what I've said already. And this? Correct MM haters. "It was a safety measure destined to cause an accident, and it was fortunate that the Marquez-Lorenzo altercation was the only one. Marquez held track position and racing line. Lorenzo, with much greater speed, was technically at fault for the collision, but responsibility ultimately lies with the Dorna think-tank that came up with the idea, especially after demanding that all riders pit and swap bikes on one of only two laps. Clearly, only the best and brightest work at Dorna." Like I say...if the disq of MM costs him the title...it's a very very sad day/time for Moto GP racing. All credit to Lorenzo if he does win it for riding at Assen with a freshly smashed collar bone...and all those that said he was mad to will have to have a shit sandwich. But it'll still be a very hollow victory as far as I'm concerned if he does.

[Oscar]

I like this - it sums up the whole Phillip Island debacle and asks some searching questions of Dorna. (http://www.bikeme.tv/index.php/caramello-the-clown-and-his-amazing-motorcycle-circus/)

Ah, the wonders of hindsight.
Tell me, when Dorna found out that their tyre supplier had cocked up, what should they have done?
Do you think the teams were consulted?

[Oscar]

Pretty much what I've said already. And this? Correct MM haters. "It was a safety measure destined to cause an accident, and it was fortunate that the Marquez-Lorenzo altercation was the only one. Marquez held track position and racing line. Lorenzo, with much greater speed, was technically at fault for the collision, but responsibility ultimately lies with the Dorna think-tank that came up with the idea, especially after demanding that all riders pit and swap bikes on one of only two laps. Clearly, only the best and brightest work at Dorna." Like I say...if the disq of MM costs him the title...it's a very very sad day/time for Moto GP racing. All credit to Lorenzo if he does win it for riding at Assen with a freshly smashed collar bone...and all those that said he was mad to will have to have a shit sandwich. But it'll still be a very hollow victory as far as I'm concerned if he does.

Still on the rag, I see.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Still on the rag, I see.

Lol. Nah. Happy as Oscar. Just think the show is a bit fucked up at the mo.

[Oscar]

Lol. Nah. Happy as Oscar. Just think the show is a bit fucked up at the mo.

From a completely selfish point of view, it made for a great race in Aussie and an interesting finish to the season.

[Crasherfromwayback]

From a completely selfish point of view, it made for a great race in Aussie and an interesting finish to the season.

Can't argue with that Oscar!

[imdying]

if the disq of MM costs him the title...it's a very very sad day/time for Moto GP racingNup. He knew when to come in. He sped into the pits. He hit somebody on the way out. Ok I want to see the guy I picked (JL) win for sure, but MM is kick arse and I want him to win too... at this level rubbing is racing, I've no problem with the other stuff this year, but that nigger can count just fine, and the rules were quite clear to everyone else.

[Bender]

Ah, the wonders of hindsight.
Tell me, when Dorna found out that their tyre supplier had cocked up, what should they have done?
Do you think the teams were consulted?


1: The tyre supplier should not have cocked up. There is universal condemnation of Bridgestone for not testing at PI when it was widely known to have a new high-grip surface. This was an unforgivable mistake (and, arguably, would not have happened if there was competition in the tyre supply side).

2: The way MotoGP is run is developed/argued about by a wide range of people who review it to the Nth degree. It's when something doesn't conform to these pre-determined parameters that Dorna loses the plot. They make poor decisions. That article points to three in particular - forcing the riders to come in over a two-lap period, the second is regarding placement of the pit exit road, the third the ludicrous and inconsistent penalties levied for the riders who transgressed.

Pedrosa having to drop a place? That was just a bloody farce.

Marquez being DSQ'd? As the article says - it pissed all over a year's work by Honda and has affected the championship results.

Was the punishment worthy of the crime?

I don't think many people would say it was.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nup. He knew when to come in. He sped into the pits. He hit somebody on the way out. Ok I want to see the guy I picked (JL) win for sure, but MM is kick arse and I want him to win too... at this level rubbing is racing, I've no problem with the other stuff this year, but that nigger can count just fine, and the rules were quite clear to everyone else.

You've got the wrong *nigger*. MM didn't speed in the pits. Pedro did. He got a fine that was fair enough...but there's no reason whey MM's should've been any worse. And re look at the *collision*. Even Lorenzo agrees he was more at fault. But I do agree that the rule were the same for every cunt...just that the penalty does not match the crime. That's a crock of shit.

[Oscar]

1: The tyre supplier should not have cocked up. There is universal condemnation of Bridgestone for not testing at PI when it was widely known to have a new high-grip surface. This was an unforgivable mistake (and, arguably, would not have happened if there was competition in the tyre supply side).

2: The way MotoGP is run is developed/argued about by a wide range of people who review it to the Nth degree. It's when something doesn't conform to these pre-determined parameters that Dorna loses the plot. They make poor decisions. That article points to three in particular - forcing the riders to come in over a two-lap period, the second is regarding placement of the pit exit road, the third the ludicrous and inconsistent penalties levied for the riders who transgressed.

Pedrosa having to drop a place? That was just a bloody farce.

Marquez being DSQ'd? As the article says - it pissed all over a year's work by Honda and has affected the championship results.

Was the punishment worthy of the crime?

I don't think many people would say it was.

Tyre Suppliers
Do you not watch Moto2?
Neither tyre supplier tested.

I don't recall MM complaining about his DSQ for breaking rules that he and his team agreed to in writing.
The poor decisions were made by HRC.

As for the rest - you have my wife's grasp of hindsight.
It's easy to be clever after the fact.

[Crasherfromwayback]

As for the rest - you have my wife's grasp of hindsight.
It's easy to be clever after the fact.

What's your wife's email addy? I'm telling on you!

[Oscar]

What's your wife's email addy? I'm telling on you!

sybil@fawlty_towers.co.uk

[Dave-]

1: The tyre supplier should not have cocked up. There is universal condemnation of Bridgestone for not testing at PI when it was widely known to have a new high-grip surface. This was an unforgivable mistake (and, arguably, would not have happened if there was competition in the tyre supply side).

From what the guy said at the start of BBC coverage, it sounds like they didn't have the option to test at phillip island.

I think MM's disqualification was justified as it was a rule set in place to protect the safety of the riders and even spectators.

You've all seen MM's tyre after 10 laps the danger was very real.

Ride through penalties should be reserved for sportsmanship rule breaking like jumping the start, cutting a corner, etc

[imdying]

You've got the wrong *nigger*. MM didn't speed in the pits. Pedro did. He got a fine that was fair enough...but there's no reason whey MM's should've been any worse. And re look at the *collision*. Even Lorenzo agrees he was more at fault. But I do agree that the rule were the same for every cunt...just that the penalty does not match the crime. That's a crock of shit.

I saw pedobear's crazy effort, and I saw MM's too, and he was just as hot on the way in. JL was on the track, MM was entering it, case closed there too as far as I can see, although they should have been able to gas it right the way out to reduce the closing speeds more than they were.

It's all moot though; everyone else managed to count just fine, and that's what he was nicked on. So long as the penalty of disqualification was outlined at the start, I'm happy. I don't like it when they get to make up the outcome as they go along.

[Oscar]

From what the guy said at the start of BBC coverage, it sounds like they didn't have the option to test at phillip island.



I spoke to the Race Director three hours before the race and he certainly seemed to think that testing could have and should have been done by both tyre suppliers months previously.

He was a wee bit wound up at the time.

[pritch]

I liked the attitude in that article.

"Mandatory, not optional, pit-stops and changing of bikes. Within a two-lap window, not at rider’s or team’s discretion. In a category where Dorna are already in danger of impeding the racing with restrictions, the mandatory bike change was ridiculous. Why not just allow the option to change?"

The answer to that question is because Bridgestone would not guarantee the tyres past ten laps. Simple. And looking at that pic of MMs tyre they got that right if nothing else.

Would have been really interesting if it started to rain just before the change though, that would have caused major panic.

As for the Dorna circus, it's what you get when the people running it don't know motorcycles - and Ezpalata doesn't. You also get a situation where a half length Moto2 race, which would normally only qualify for half points is awarded full points, but it isn't as if that greatly favoured anyone. Oh hang on... :whistle:

[yod]

As for the Dorna circus, it's what you get when the people running it don't know motorcycles - and Ezpalata doesn't. You also get a situation where a half length Moto2 race, which would normally only qualify for half points is awarded full points, but it isn't as if that greatly favoured anyone. Oh hang on... :whistle:

Sangria anyone???

http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA1249471.jpg

[Dave-]

I spoke to the Race Director three hours before the race and he certainly seemed to think that testing could have and should have been done by both tyre suppliers months previously.

He was a wee bit wound up at the time.

How much input do you think race direction have in bridgestone testing?

Carmine Moscariltolo from the marketing department of bridgestone said "There was no group tests or private tests here at the island....so we didn't have the chance to run it [the tyres] here with the bikes...."

It sounds to me like they didn't have the chance to test there.



I liked the attitude in that article.

"Mandatory, not optional, pit-stops and changing of bikes. Within a two-lap window, not at rider’s or team’s discretion. In a category where Dorna are already in danger of impeding the racing with restrictions, the mandatory bike change was ridiculous. Why not just allow the option to change?"

The answer to that question is because Bridgestone would not guarantee the tyres past ten laps. Simple. And looking at that pic of MMs tyre they got that right if nothing else.

Yes, but if no rule had been made by dorna, then it seems like it'd be in the best interests of every team to not ride the tyres past 10 laps? whole thing could have sorted itself out.

[Oscar]

How much input do you think race direction have in bridgestone testing?



Not much obviously.
However, if Bridgestone had of wanted a test on a newly surfaced track, they would have got one.

[Dave-]

Not much obviously.
However, if Bridgestone had of wanted a test on a newly surfaced track, they would have got one.

So they didn't want to test at Phillip island? got a source for that 'cause this is the first I've heard?

[Oscar]

So they didn't want to test at Phillip island? got a source for that 'cause this is the first I've heard?

Do you have a source that says a test was requested and refused?

[Dave-]

Do you have a source that says a test was requested and refused?

No. But I'm not saying that a test was requested and refused.

I'm saying bridgestone said they didn't have a chance to test and here's my source:

At the start of BBC coverage of the Phillip Island race Carmine Moscariltolo from the marketing department of Bridgestone said "There was no group tests or private tests here at the island....so we didn't have the chance to run it [the tyres] here with the bikes...."

Do you, or do you not have a source to back up your claim that bridgestone didn't want to test at Phillip Island?

[Crasherfromwayback]

At the start of BBC coverage of the Phillip Island race Carmine Moscariltolo from the marketing department of Bridgestone said "There was no group tests or private tests here at the island....so we didn't have the chance to run it [the tyres] here with the bikes...."



But that doesn't mean they couldn't have should they have wanted to.

[Dave-]

But that doesn't mean they couldn't have should they have wanted to.

It also doesn't mean they could, should they have wanted to.

[Oscar]

No. But I'm not saying that a test was requested and refused.

I'm saying bridgestone said they didn't have a chance to test and here's my source:

At the start of BBC coverage of the Phillip Island race Carmine Moscariltolo from the marketing department of Bridgestone said "There was no group tests or private tests here at the island....so we didn't have the chance to run it [the tyres] here with the bikes...."

Do you, or do you not have a source to back up your claim that bridgestone didn't want to test at Phillip Island?

I didn't say they didn't want to.
The comment I heard (from a Dorna employee) was that Bridgestone was taken totally by surprise by the new track surface.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It also doesn't mean they could, should they have wanted to.

Of course not. But I'll be you two cartons of Steinlager (2x 24 packs) that they could've if they'd wanted to.

[Oscar]

It also doesn't mean they could, should they have wanted to.

It's not a matter of could, it's a matter of they never thought to ask.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's not a matter of could, it's a matter of they never thought to ask.

And it would also seem like they didn't even think to check with the peeps that laid it to see what sort of grip levels they'd be faced with. Pretty fucking bad.

[Dave-]

I didn't say they didn't want to.
The comment I heard (from a Dorna employee) was that Bridgestone was taken totally by surprise by the track surface.



However, if Bridgestone had of wanted a test on a newly surfaced track, they would have got one.

Bridgestone did not get a test, this is a fact.

You say if they had wanted one, they would have got one. They did not get a test, therefore you claim they did not want a test.

If you want to retract your statement you're welcome to.

I just wanted to see where you'd got this idea from because it would suggest gross negligence on the behalf of Bridgestone.

From what I can tell, Dorna never set up a group test, Honda/Yamaha/Ducati/satellite and CRT teams never set up a test.

Bridgestone can only test where the bikes are, I don't recall any of the pre-season testing being done without tyres?

[onearmedbandit]

It also states in that article that Bridgestone didn't even consult with the company that laid the new track.

[Oscar]

Bridgestone did not get a test, this is a fact.

You say if they had wanted one, they would have got one. They did not get a test, therefore you claim they did not want a test.

If you want to retract your statement you're welcome to.

I just wanted to see where you'd got this idea from because it would suggest gross negligence on the behalf of Bridgestone.

From what I can tell, Dorna never set up a group test, Honda/Yamaha/Ducati/satellite and CRT teams never set up a test.

Bridgestone can only test where the bikes are, I don't recall any of the pre-season testing being done without tyres?

Jeez, are tripping?
They didn't ask for a test.

As for gross negligence, what would you call the fact that they turned up to PI with no suitable tyres?

[Dave-]

Jeez, are tripping?
They didn't ask for a test.

As for gross negligence, what would you call the fact that they turned up to PI with no suitable tyres?

Bridgestone begged for the opportunity to go to Phillip Island and test.

[Oscar]

Bridgestone begged for the opportunity to go to Phillip Island and test.

When?


>>>

[Dave-]

When?


>>>

I dunno the exact date or time but dorna, honda, yamaha, ducati, and their sub teams each said they couldn't due to time or monetary requirements.

Dorna also predefined the test calendar making fitting another test in impossible as development schedules were organised months in advance.

They couldn't cancel a test to make way as arrangements had already been made with staff, facilities, teams, transport etc contracts etc etc

[onearmedbandit]

Bridgestone begged for the opportunity to go to Phillip Island and test.

Obviously their phones couldn't dial out to the company that laid the track then...

[Dave-]

Obviously their phones couldn't dial out to the company that laid the track then...

Yeah apparently they spoke with the supplier and manufacturer instead. To be honest I'd do the same, have you seen the state of Christchurch roads? what about all the new bumps at Ruapuna on the new seal? Do you really think the guy who can stuff that up knows what PAFV is?

They ran computer simulations based on last years data, the data came back at α = 0.05 that their hardest tyres should work at PI. Even they knew this might not be the case, but without empirical data to back it up they would effectively be taking shots in the dark. With a limited production capacity they couldn't build a tyre for every eventuality, so they stuck with what the data said and took the hardest.

You know what they say about mathematical models though....looks like they were right haha

[BMWST?]

Tyre Suppliers
Do you not watch Moto2?
Neither tyre supplier tested.

I don't recall MM complaining about his DSQ for breaking rules that he and his team agreed to in writing.
The poor decisions were made by HRC.

As for the rest - you have my wife's grasp of hindsight.
It's easy to be clever after the fact.

it wasnt HRC ,it was MM and some of his team.Gabarini didnt know

[Bender]

Tyre Suppliers
Do you not watch Moto2?
Neither tyre supplier tested.
And that excuses poor performance by both suppliers? This debacle was brought about by their mistake in not taking the new surface into consideration.

I don't recall MM complaining about his DSQ for breaking rules that he and his team agreed to in writing.
The poor decisions were made by HRC.

Nakamoto: "This is bullshit." Pretty strong words for the boss of HRC. (I'd put that in the complaints department.) We don't know what other complaints were made because the only media we get out of MotoGP is tame and controlled by Dorna. If you review the on-line footage of the practise session there are shots of HRC people arguing strongly with MGP officials.


As for the rest - you have my wife's grasp of hindsight.
It's easy to be clever after the fact.

When making personal attacks it's probably wise to leave your wife out of it. My views were formed at the time ... as the events unfolded on the track, not later. It's hard to form views about these things before they happen.

I thought the whole "two bikes and swap half way through" was bloody mickey mouse when they announced it. Clumsy at best and potentially dangerous. I was gobsmacked when it was announced. When they practised it during the morning's warm up session, there were a couple of near misses - Lorenzo/Espargaro being one of them, Crutchlow/Marquez was another. They are lucky it didn't rain half way through the race, something that is always a possibility at PI. That would have been a clusterthingy.


Bottom line: all this has made for a much closer and exciting end to the season.

[Oscar]

Bottom line: all this has made for a much closer and exciting end to the season.

Two tyre suppliers cocked up, I'm not disputing that - I only brought it up as you and others were concentrating on the MotoGP class. The inference that multiple tyre suppliers in that class would have avoided the problem is negated by the cock up in Moto2.

What I am saying is that it's easy to be wise after the event.
Can you suggest an alternative?

Cancel it??

As for bike changes, these were very common until recently, so i can't see a problem with using it to extend race distance.

[Mental Trousers]

Bridgestone in MotoGP, Dunlop in Moto2 & Moto3, Pirelli in WSBK. All 3 manufacturers have had big problems with the resurfaced Phillip Island.

It's all good saying they should've tested but to do that they have to have front runners in each class doing the testing. You can't stick a test rider on a bike and know for certain the tyre will last because the test riders are, inevitably, slower than the racers. After all, if the factory test riders for Yamaha were as fast as Lorenzo or even Rossi they wouldn't be test riders, they'd be on the grid.

However, because of budgets, class rules, schedules etc none of the tyre manufacturers were able to test at Phillip Island.

As for bike changes I was loving it and was thinking they should've done 2 changes each to go full race distance.

Having said that Phillip Island isn't the circuit to be doing them because pit lane is narrow and pit exit fires the rider straight out onto the fastest corner on the track.

[Oscar]

Bridgestone in MotoGP, Dunlop in Moto2 & Moto3, Pirelli in WSBK. All 3 manufacturers have had big problems with the resurfaced Phillip Island.

It's all good saying they should've tested but to do that they have to have front runners in each class doing the testing. You can't stick a test rider on a bike and know for certain the tyre will last because the test riders are, inevitably, slower than the racers. After all, if the factory test riders for Yamaha were as fast as Lorenzo or even Rossi they wouldn't be test riders, they'd be on the grid.

However, because of budgets, class rules, schedules etc none of the tyre manufacturers were able to test at Phillip Island.

As for bike changes I was loving it and was thinking they should've done 2 changes each to go full race distance.

Having said that Phillip Island isn't the circuit to be doing them because pit lane is narrow and pit exit fires the rider straight out onto the fastest corner on the track.

Dead right.
The pit lane speed limit extended to the end of the lane was the only thing I had a slight problem with.