MotoGP 2013

[DidJit]

An interview with Dovizioso (http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_13010_new_ducati_hire_dovisioso_talks_neck_inj ury_hope_for_future/) about his thoughts on Ducati and his neck injury.

Also, the corresponding interview with Hayden (http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_13010_hayden_talks_motogp_yamaha_honda_lorenzo _marquez_spies/) talking more about the other riders in MotoGP.

^^^ Broken linkies fixed... ^^^ :) Ducati (and Ferrari) do know how to whet their fans’ appetites (interviews, photos et al from the traditional Wrooom event).

[tail_end_charlie]

^^^ Broken linkies fixed... ^^^ :)

Thanks for the catch.


Ducati (and Ferrari) do know how to whet their fans’ appetites (interviews, photos et al from the traditional Wrooom event).

Must be something about the Italians maybe? They know how to make a show? I would have to say though, Yamaha did a good job of steering some of the talk away from the Wrooom event and back towards team blue with that photo shoot they did. Granted, I doubt there is much other than trash talk going on about it (the comments in the Asphalt and Rubber article are pretty good), but as they say "All publicity is good publicity".

[merv]

Want to see a return to big budgets and full grids? Bring back tobacco sponsership. Or find another manufacturer of a legal additive substance who want to further glamourise their product by chucking huge amounts of cash at 'manly' pursuits. Red Bull do this to a degree already.


Well you'd take beer as a choice wouldn't you http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/130114a.htm

[tail_end_charlie]

Well you'd take beer as a choice wouldn't you http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/130114a.htm

I'm afraid all is not as Soup has put it out there. MotoMatters (http://www.motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/14/hrc_press_release_spanish_alcohol_free_b.html) covers the story a little bit better by explaining that its "Spanish alcohol-free beer brand Estrella Galicia 0,0" that is stepping up for the sponsership. The thought is there, but the execution is lacking.

Edit: I was looking at things from a very naive point of view. Spinner clears things up a little bit in the comments section by indicating that they (Estrella Galicia 0,0) can get around the alcohol advertising ban by advertising their beer as alcohol free............................but of course they also have real beer as well.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well you'd take beer as a choice wouldn't you http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/130114a.htm

Nah. If that's the same fucking goats piss we were drinking at Valencia...it's alcohol free.

[DidJit]

More news (http://motomatters.com/news/2013/01/16/ezpeleta_s_vision_cost_limited_racing_in.html) from Wrooom...

[tail_end_charlie]

More news (http://motomatters.com/news/2013/01/16/ezpeleta_s_vision_cost_limited_racing_in.html) from Wrooom...

Good article that one, interesting stuff. Sure hope things work out and they can keep a set of rules for a few (four) years. That'll probably do the most to help out things.

[tail_end_charlie]

Be warned, bike porn! :drool: For those that can't control themselves at work, you may want to wait till you get home to have your orgasm.

Some very detailed and close-up pics in the pits of Casey Stoner's 2012 RC213V (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/caseysbikeindy2012/index.htm) that were taken at last years Indianapolis GP.

[onearmedbandit]

Nice post, thanks for that.

[McWild]

In other news, Stoner manages to shock absolutely no-one by confirming his participation in V8 Super Cars.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/130119a.htm

[Badjelly]

His new house has five bedrooms and a ten-car garage, apparently. Oh well, he can park the rest on the driveway, I suppose.

[DidJit]

Wonder if he'll do a wildcard or two on this (http://www.motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/24/hrc_press_release_images_and_specs_of_20.html)? More pics here (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-honda-rc213v/).

[tail_end_charlie]

Wonder if he'll do a wildcard or two on this (http://www.motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/24/hrc_press_release_images_and_specs_of_20.html)? More pics here (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-honda-rc213v/).

I would really really reaaaaaaaallllllyyyyyyyyyyy like to see HRC giving Stoner a wildcard appearence at PI this year, just to see him make it 7 in a row. However the chances of that are pretty low.
-I don't see Stoner wanting to ride in a MotoGP this year after just retiring
-The chances of him being able to jump on a new bike and try and get up to speed over a race weekend to actually be competative would be asking a hell of a lot. Even from the guy who has clearly show a complete dominace at that track.

Oh yeah, and I'm not all that keen on Honda's new paint scheme, I like last years a little better.

[tail_end_charlie]

So, will this year finally be the time that Nicky Hayden (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/13012469.htm) is able to show himself as a lead rider for a team? Honda built the '07 bike for a jockey, errrrr, I mean Pedrosa, Nicky was always 2nd gun to Stoner, and then as well to Rossi. I would see this as a first time that he has a good chance to not be overshadowed personality wise (he's too quite to compete with all the hype they built up for Pedrosa when he was at Honda, or Stoner, or Rossi). Fingers crossed that good things happen, even if they do come slowly.

[pritch]

Couple of MotoGP related interviews on Bloomberg currently.

In one Spies talks about MotoGP, being on a non-motorcycle medium there isn't much that would be news to fans.
He must have been talking to CFWB though because he would like an additional, and separate, podium ceremony for the CRT riders. :devil2:

There is also another interview about one of Spies' sponsors.

[Crasherfromwayback]

.
He must have been talking to CFWB though because he would like an additional, and separate, podium ceremony for the CRT riders. :devil2:

.

lol. Yeah, he rang the other day. But I told him to get rid of the fucking heaps of shit full stop. He obviously didn't hear me correctly!

[Mental Trousers]

This applies to Marquez, Ianone, Smith etc

http://www.motovudu.com/blog/view/big-bike-apprenticeship-.html

[BMWST?]

This applies to Marquez, Ianone, Smith etc

http://www.motovudu.com/blog/view/big-bike-apprenticeship-.html


will be interesting to see how marquez gets on..he has crashed his brains out before and it didnt take him long to get his speed back.I think the biggest hurdle is how to ride these insane machines on tyres that are truly past there best....CFWB would prolly use shorter words

[Crasherfromwayback]

will be interesting to see how marquez gets on..he has crashed his brains out before and it didnt take him long to get his speed back.I think the biggest hurdle is how to ride these insane machines on tyres that are truly past there best....CFWB would prolly use shorter words

I dunno. Fucked has 6 letters! And it's 'their'. (Sorry :innocent:)

I'm thinking he'll podium his first race or bin it trying. Win one (if he's not fucked from trying too hard too early) within the first five or six races. He'll be made to sit in the naughty seat more than once...and may end up in fisticuffs with Rossi. It's a real shame he didn't get to team with Stoner...as I think they're both quite similar in the way the ride the bike. Could've been a real spectacle. But I still think it's gonna be a great seaon. Can't wait actually!!

My picks...

Lorenzo

Pedro

MM

Rossi

Bautista

[pritch]

Those picks are ummm brave?

Sepang test starts soon. As in this week? Then we'll get some idea. Not much, but some.

[tail_end_charlie]

My picks...

Lorenzo

Pedro

MM

Rossi

Bautista


Those picks are ummm brave?

He must be bracketing the target. ie, pedro lorenzo mm and rossi at the top and bautista at the back. At least thats what I hope he's doing........



Sepang test starts soon. As in this week? Then we'll get some idea. Not much, but some.

Can't wait for something to finally start happening.

[pritch]

Can't wait for something to finally start happening.

I was having trouble finding the winter testing dates so when I found them...

2013 Pre-Season Tests

03-04 Feb - MotoGP CRT: Sepang

05-07 Feb - MotoGP: Sepang

12-14 Feb - Moto2/Moto3: Valencia

19-21 Feb - Moto2/Moto3: Jerez

26-28 Feb - MotoGP: Sepang

12-14 Mar - MotoGP HRC: Austin

18-21 Mar - Moto2/Moto3: Jerez

23-25 Mar - MotoGP: Jerez

[Crasherfromwayback]

He must be bracketing the target. ie, pedro lorenzo mm and rossi at the top and bautista at the back. At least thats what I hope he's doing........

.

Well Bautista finished 5th last season with 178 points mate. Beat a certain V-Rossi by 15 points. Think he'll go better this year again too. MM (if he stays in one piece) will go great guns I reckon. He's a fast learner.

[tail_end_charlie]

Well Bautista finished 5th last season with 178 points mate. Beat a certain V-Rossi by 15 points. Think he'll go better this year again too. MM (if he stays in one piece) will go great guns I reckon. He's a fast learner.

Well, beating Rossi last year ain't exactly saying much. I don't know, I'm just not all that impressed with Bautista in what I've seen. I would give Bradle more of a chance of being up there, he seemed more consistent last year, especially for his first year.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well, beating Rossi last year ain't exactly saying much. I don't know, I'm just not all that impressed with Bautista in what I've seen. I would give Bradle more of a chance of being up there, he seemed more consistent last year, especially for his first year.

True. But you'll note I have Rossi if front of him now he's back on a Yamaha. Yeah Bradle is good...and steady. But Bautista's been given the word. Perform or fuck off. Might be what he needs. I think he rode the Suzuki well.

[DidJit]

Bradl is factory supported (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/11/14/stefan_bradl_to_be_factory_supported_rid.html) this year; Bautista is not (unfortunately) and his team is still the only one using Showa and Nissin (meaning there's a lot of single rider development and catch up being played) — odds are stacked against him. Like you say, though, might be just what he needs.

[BMWST?]

Bautista is a bit of an enigma on the motogp bikes...he was a fiery character in the 250s,he had the speed but he made some mistakes,and i think he did have a couple of tough moves put on him,which cost him a few points,though to be fair i think he did the same to others.He hasnt shown that fieryness in motogp but that may be an indication that
a) he has grown up a bit and realises that some points are better than none.
b)motgp bikes are truly difficult to ride for all but the aliens.

and the thing that nags me about MM is that x factor about the motogp bikes.I dont think any of us apreciate how much on the edge those last few tenths of a seconds are.we have seen lorenzo learn the hard way,we have seen VR struggle with a bike that is surely just a fraction below par,we have seen spies struggle with a very good bike,we have seen Stoner win or bin on the Honda....its going to be VERY interesting

[Crasherfromwayback]

.I dont think any of us apreciate how much on the edge those last few tenths of a seconds are.we have seen lorenzo learn the hard way,we have seen VR struggle with a bike that is surely just a fraction below par,we have seen spies struggle with a very good bike,we have seen Stoner win or bin on the Honda....its going to be VERY interesting

Reckon I do.

[DidJit]

It's a lovely blue (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/karel-abraham-cardion-ab-aprilia-art/), innit? Press release here (http://motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/28/cardion_ab_press_release_and_photos_kare.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's a lovely blue (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/karel-abraham-cardion-ab-aprilia-art/), innit? Press release here (http://motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/28/cardion_ab_press_release_and_photos_kare.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

Check out the camel toe on the brunette in the last pic...

[Oscar]

It's a lovely blue (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/karel-abraham-cardion-ab-aprilia-art/), innit? Press release here (http://motomatters.com/press_release/2013/01/28/cardion_ab_press_release_and_photos_kare.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

He's a nice bloke, and smart too.
I spoke to him a coupla years ago, he'd just been sitting his law exams.
No sign of rich kid or MotoGP rider attitude...

[Crasherfromwayback]

He's a nice bloke, and smart too.
I spoke to him a coupla years ago, he'd just been sitting his law exams.
No sign of rich kid or MotoGP rider attitude...

Show us your 2013 top five picks Oscar!?

[Oscar]

Show us your 2013 top five picks Oscar!?


Lorenzo
Pedrosa
Marquez
Rossi
Crutchlow

[Crasherfromwayback]

Lorenzo
Pedrosa
Marquez
Rossi
Crutchlow


Bugger. I forgot about Crutchlow when doing my pics!

[pritch]

Bugger. I forgot about Crutchlow when doing my pics!

I was wondering about that, I knew you weren't his biggest fan but... He won't have Dovi as a team mate this year and I don't think Bradley will give him the same problems, so he should finish slightly higher up the order. Bradle, Bautista, and he may have some good scraps but I wouldn't expect Crutchlow to be on the podium unless one or more aliens hit trouble.

Bautista has been given the message so if he doesn't try harder he may disappear from view.

All this is based on the presumption that Ducati are still to get their Ducs in a row.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was wondering about that, I knew you weren't his biggest fan but... .

Yeah but I dodn't let that get in the way of rating his skills. I think MM is a little areshole too...but I sure as hell rate him. Think you're right about Crutchlow, Bradle and Bautista having some good scraps. I'm not thinking anyone but Hayden will get the Ducati to work. But I'd love to be wrong about that.

[Oscar]

Yeah but I dodn't let that get in the way of rating his skills. I think MM is a little areshole too...but I sure as hell rate him. Think you're right about Crutchlow, Bradle and Bautista having some good scraps. I'm not thinking anyone but Hayden will get the Ducati to work. But I'd love to be wrong about that.

I don't believe that Audi will let Ducati fail so publicly.
Either the Ducati will work in the next season or two or it will be gone...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Either the Ducati will work in the next season or two or it will be gone...

Which would be a crying shame.

[tail_end_charlie]

2013 Picks

1. Lorenzo
2. Pedrosa
3. Rossi
4. Marquez

.....gap.....

5. Crutchlow
6. Bradle
7. Hayden
8. Bautista
9. Spies
10. Dovi
11. Bradley
12. Crazy Joe
13 - whatever. CRTs

Best CRT gap during qualifying last year was Randy at 1.6s of the top qualifying time. Normally top CRT through the season was 2s down on top qualifying time. Maybe we'll see the gap lessen a bit this year, say down to 1.5s. And more CRTs battling for the top of the sub-class. (Not that CFWB cares of course.:msn-wink:)

And I agree with BMWST? on his comments about finding those last tenths that MM will need. I suspect it'll be a battle between Pedrosa and Lorenzo for the title, followed closely by MM and Rossi, with each pair battling it out. Then a bit of a gap, then another good battle between Cal, Bradle, Bautista, Hayden, Spies and Dovi. Can't really expect much out of the Ducs because they are more or less the same as last year and are going to be spending some time getting acquainted with where the bikes at (back of the grid), why its there (can't turn), and work thoroughly to fix the problem (bring back the '06 Duc 990 and do better).

[BMWST?]

I don't believe that Audi will let Ducati fail so publicly.
Either the Ducati will work in the next season or two or it will be gone...


not sure that audi can do anything about it.I feel that ducati may not actually know how to get what they need .And i am not sure that audi can actually help them with that.Its a wee bit of a black art these Motogp bikesDont forget that Yamaha and Honda have been at the pointy end of this game for a LONG LONG time.I will also be interested in how Dov does.I think he has a real talent for getting a good race set up/Will be interesting to see if he can find a set up that will last through a whole race better than NH

[Mental Trousers]

Can't really expect much out of the Ducs because they are more or less the same as last year and are going to be spending some time getting acquainted with where the bikes at (back of the grid), why its there (can't turn), and work thoroughly to fix the problem (bring back the '06 Duc 990 and do better).


not sure that audi can do anything about it.I feel that ducati may not actually know how to get what they need .And i am not sure that audi can actually help them with that.Its a wee bit of a black art these Motogp bikesDont forget that Yamaha and Honda have been at the pointy end of this game for a LONG LONG time.I will also be interested in how Dov does.I think he has a real talent for getting a good race set up/Will be interesting to see if he can find a set up that will last through a whole race better than NH

Audi have already taken the main step to improving the Ducati's, they've moved Preziosi sideways. The guy is a genius engineer, but he's also the reason the Ducati's still have the L90 four cylinder and the very aggressive delivery. He wanted to continue with the L90 when it should've been redesigned to a different configuration. The power delivery is so aggressive because he wanted the engine making maximum power, not rider and tyre friendly (which is why Nicky would go great guns for the first part of the race then fade horribly).

They've put guys in place that will get things sorted.

Audi are also extremely good with rapid prototyping and development work. They can get revised/updated bits quicker and easier than Ducati ever could (the time Rossi was with them being the exception). So instead of riding the same bike for the entire season as has been the case so far, Audi are able to help Ducati develop updated parts much quicker.

The thing that disappoints me about Audi and Preziosi being moved out of the MotoGP team is all of the creative flair is gone. Audi will steer things along the course they're on now - an aluminium perimeter frame probably with a narrow angle V four, which is a real shame. Since they switched to the perimeter frame they're not that much better off than they were with the monocoque.

[merv]

Check out the camel toe on the brunette in the last pic...

You always spot the good stuff huh!

[merv]

I don't know if the CRT will get any closer this year. If the rule makers don't stuff Honda up by changing weight limits and tyres again after the start of the season testing and the bike already being designed and built like they did last year I see them being even more potent under Pedro and MM.

I was surprised that Nakamoto was so gracious in accepting that shit so it seemed http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/2012+Season+debrief+with+Shuhei+Nakamoto

[tail_end_charlie]

Rossi seems to be gaining confidence (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jan/130129n.htm) and is anticipating lots of podium finishes and hoping for some wins. Not really new 'news' there, we always knew he would be confident when returning to Yamaha. What I like, though, is the last bit of the article:

"Since we are already well and good into the realm of pre-season hysteria, what follows is a suggestion that borders on the insane: but what if--and this is perhaps the biggest what if currently in MotoGP--a Ducati finishes in front of Rossi in one of his first races back as a Yamaha rider?"

If that actually happens, I would literally ROTFLOL at the irony of the whole situation. I wouldn't even spare the time to feel sorry for the old bugger. In saying that, I do hope he does well, and that MM doesn't tumble him into the kitty litter............

[tail_end_charlie]

Sounds to me like an Epic Fail (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/02/03/chaotic_first_day_of_crt_test_at_sepang_.html). :facepalm:

The impression I've got is that all the CRT teams are sitting around on the floor of the garages at Sepang, surrounded by Magneti Marelli branded packaging, reading the installation instructions, and trying to figure out how to wire/install the spec ECU's. Meanwhile, some guy on a laptop in the back is furiously trying to input 15,000 or so values into the software programing for the Traction Control, Launch Control, Wheelie Control, MP3 playlists, Fueling maps, Display functions, GPS coordinates, Detailed strike packages, Engine Specs, Atmospheric specs, Porn site url's, ect ect ect. :tugger:

Talk about a SNAFU. Shit man. All that CEII was able to do was confirm that the FTR Kawasaki runs and burns petrol.

[denill]

Sounds to me like an Epic Fail (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/02/03/chaotic_first_day_of_crt_test_at_sepang_.html). :facepalm:

The impression I've got is that all the CRT teams are sitting around on the floor of the garages at Sepang, surrounded by Magneti Marelli branded packaging, reading the installation instructions, and trying to figure out how to wire/install the spec ECU's. Meanwhile, some guy on a laptop in the back is furiously trying to input 15,000 or so values into the software programing for the Traction Control, Launch Control, Wheelie Control, MP3 playlists, Fueling maps, Display functions, GPS coordinates, Detailed strike packages, Engine Specs, Atmospheric specs, Porn site url's, ect ect ect. :tugger:

Talk about a SNAFU. Shit man. All that CEII was able to do was confirm that the FTR Kawasaki runs and burns petrol.

Does anyone else get the feeling that it won't be long before we are saying "MotoGP aint what it used to be" - with a whole lot of truth? :facepalm:

[tail_end_charlie]

Does anyone else get the feeling that it won't be long before we are saying "MotoGP aint what it used to be" - with a whole lot of truth? :facepalm:

Alright, well I'm going to try and change my lifestyle here and become a optimist. We have to look at the fact that this year will be better than last year because the CRT catagory will be closer to the prototypes. Yes, the prototypes will get better as well, but the CRT bikes should be able to make a larger jump in performance because last year they were all new and starting off with out any data. This year they will be closer at the start of the season because they have all the data and setup from last year.......................................oh wait.............................................. ...........they don't. Yeah, I guess their fucked.

[Mental Trousers]

To be expected. I'd be surprised if the riders bothered to turn up. Leave the techies alone with things for a couple of days and then see if the thing makes it past pit exit.

[Mental Trousers]

They have all their data from last year. The data isn't showing how the ECU performed, it's showing how the suspension, engine etc were doing. Those things haven't changed, just the shit that controls it. The problem is figuring out how the data relates to the new control unit.

[wharfy]

They have all their data from last year. The data isn't showing how the ECU performed, it's showing how the suspension, engine etc were doing. Those things haven't changed, just the shit that controls it. The problem is figuring out how the data relates to the new control unit.

What OS do they use ? Might have a job for me if its VMS or Linux :)

[yod]

What OS do they use ? Might have a job for me if its VMS or Linux :)

WinME FTW!



:facepalm:

[Crasherfromwayback]

The pace so far in practice...

http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Sepang+Test+2013

[Drew]

The pace so far in practice...

http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Sepang+Test+2013Oh yip, that Spies rooster is awesome.

[onearmedbandit]

Brought a smile to my face seeing Rossi's name at the top of that list. How long will it last though (not the smile, Rossi being at the top).

[Drew]

Brought a smile to my face seeing Rossi's name at the top of that list. How long will it last though (not the smile, Rossi being at the top).Fuck yeah, me too!

[tail_end_charlie]

Brought a smile to my face seeing Rossi's name at the top of that list. How long will it last though (not the smile, Rossi being at the top).

Kinda makes it look like the 'ol man's still got it....

[yod]

1 Yamaha
2 Honda
3 Yamaha
4 Honda
5 Honda
6 Honda
7 Yamaha
8 Yamaha


hmmmmmmm.....Ducs aren't much different to last year then........:no:

[tail_end_charlie]

Oh yip, that Spies rooster is awesome.

1.75s off the leading Duc rider in less than 20 laps of riding the bike. Can't really give him shit on the first day out. If he's at the same place at the end of the test, then you can give him shit.


1 Yamaha
2 Honda
3 Yamaha
4 Honda
5 Honda
6 Honda
7 Yamaha
8 Yamaha


hmmmmmmm.....Ducs aren't much different to last year then........:no:

Anybody surprised by that? Anybody..........................................?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Oh yip, that Spies rooster is awesome.

Yeah bet he and Dovi have shat themselves.


Brought a smile to my face seeing Rossi's name at the top of that list. How long will it last though (not the smile, Rossi being at the top).

Great to see he ain't fogotten how to ride a decent bike eh. What is a real pity I reckon...is that he wasn't able to ride a not so good bike fast enough. People like Lawson, Schwantz and yes... Stoner too, did. That alone makes it hard for me to believe he's the greatest we've ever seen. But regardless...I'm looking forward to the knarly old cunt ruffling some feathers this year for sure!

[Drew]

Yeah bet he and Dovi have shat themselves.



Great to see he ain't fogotten how to ride a decent bike eh. What is a real pity I reckon...is that he wasn't able to ride a not so good bike fast enough. People like Lawson, Schwantz and yes... Stoner too, did. That alone makes it hard for me to believe he's the greatest we've ever seen. But regardless...I'm looking forward to the knarly old cunt ruffling some feathers this year for sure!It is a shame he couldn't just manhandle the thing as Stoner did, but it's great to see he still has the goods.

Means fuck all till the green flag drops though.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It is a shame he couldn't just manhandle the thing as Stoner did, but it's great to see he still has the goods.

.

Maybe if it was early on in his career he may've...but more than likely wasn't prepared to fuck himself up that late in proceedings to bother trying.

[yod]

It is a shame he couldn't just manhandle the thing as Stoner did, but it's great to see he still has the goods.

Means fuck all till the green flag drops though.


Maybe if it was early on in his career he may've...but more than likely wasn't prepared to fuck himself up that late in proceedings to bother trying.

If he grew up riding dirt it may well be a different story eh? He's certainly got the talent but I wonder if it's been 'groomed' in such a way that it would never have suited the Duc...

[Mental Trousers]

Kinda makes it look like the 'ol man's still got it....

He's getting back on equipment he knows, they've got data for him from previous years and he's the one with the most to prove so he'll be trying way harder than anyone else.

But Marquez just bettered his time!!

[yod]

He's getting back on equipment he knows, they've got data for him from previous years and he's the one with the most to prove so he'll be trying way harder than anyone else.

But Marquez just bettered his time!!

Poor ol' Dani :shifty:


edit: this could be one helluva season....

[onearmedbandit]

Apparently Spies has shoulder issues causing him some grief.

[merv]

The kid's not going bad so far either.

[Mental Trousers]

So it's starting to look like the Fab Four this year are Jorge, Dani, Vale and Marc Marquez.



1 PEDROSA, Dani Repsol Honda Team 2:01.157 48 / 49 1:08.174
2 LORENZO, Jorge Yamaha Factory Racing 2:01.241 0.084 0.084 43 / 48 1:19.977
3 MARQUEZ, Marc Repsol Honda Team 2:01.357 0.116 0.200 41 / 55 2:01.749
4 ROSSI, Valentino Yamaha Factory Racing 2:01.584 0.227 0.427 30 / 56 1:17.950

[merv]

At the moment the Jap test riders aren't doing too bad either. Yoshikawa is just behind Hayden and he's about crasher's age - crikey.

[Mental Trousers]

Test Riders



8 AKIYOSHI, Kosuke HRC Test Team 2:02.972 0.735 1.815 46 / 60 1:21.415
9 NAKASUGA, Katsayuki Yamaha Factory 2:03.084 0.112 1.927 32 / 47 1:13.636
11 YOSHIKAWA, Wataru Yamaha Factory 2:03.456 0.120 2.299 14 / 46 1:11.666
18 TAKAHASHI, Takumi HRC Test Team 2:05.188 0.102 4.031 31 / 65 1:16.381


They're handy lads

http://www.bikeracing.it/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/katsuyuki_nakasuga_wild_card_motegi_2012_3.jpg

[yod]

interesting....both the Aspar CRTs are ahead of the Satellite Ducs

[carbonhed]

Some good interviews on MotoGP.com. Good to see Rossi so fkin happy after 2yrs on that POS. Dovi's already starting to develop the haunted look :laugh: Going to be really interesting following Smith because he's articulate and smart and giving a good insight into jumping on a MotoGP and exploring it's capabilities.

[onearmedbandit]

Saw this on Facebook, and just had to share.

<img src="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=278012&d=1360105333"/>

[carbonhed]

Saw this on Facebook, and just had to share.



Classic! :laugh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Saw this on Facebook, and just had to share.




Classic! :laugh:

Yeah funny as fuck and no doubt close to true!

[pritch]

Welcome to 2013. About bloody time... I was starting to watch American football, sort of like taking methadone I guess.

Most of the pundits start out warning that it's testing, not racing, so the times don't mean too much Then again toward the end of the day George went out and did a few quick laps presumably just to give himself a better place in the standings.

Rossi, on the other hand may have been anxious to know if he still had it, so he went quick early.

I wasn't expecting too much from the dwarf. Some of his wins last year were due to the fact that George only had to follow him around to win the title, but the boy is quick. The chatter seems to be less of a problem?

If Rossi's return to form was described as startling (and it was) Marquez is something else. MM was supposed to be getting used to the GP Bridgestones, but there is a photo all over the 'Net of a big abrasion on the elbow of his leathers. Meet the new alien. Casey who?

MM has several records for the taking, if he gets a win in the first half of the season he will be youngest ever. Similarly with winning pole but I can't remember the fine detail.

Compared to MM's performance Smith's debut may seem a bit understated, but his time yesterday was .02 faster than Bradl's last year and he is working to a plan.

Bradl now has a factory spec Honda and was fifth fastest. He is picked to get amongst the top four on accasions during the season.

Crutchlow might be wishing he had a factory Yamaha.

Yamaha don't yet have a seamless gearbox, but they have put a couple of videos out. Here's hoping they keep doing so because MotoGP release very little unless you front the cash. Maybe HRC will think they are missing out and do some vids too?

The Ducati riders will all becoming acquainted with that awful sinking feeling with which Rossi was all too familiar.

And in about an hour and a half it kicks off again. If it doesn't rain.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Marquez is something else. MM was supposed to be getting used to the GP Bridgestones, but there is a photo all over the 'Net of a big abrasion on the elbow of his leathers. Meet the new alien. Casey who?

The Ducati riders will all becoming acquainted with that awful sinking feeling with which Rossi was all to familiar.

.

I agree. 'Cept we should all remember Casey for being the only sick cunt sick (and good) enough to actually make the Ducati look good.

Forget about the fact he was a whinging wee poofta. Embrace him for what he (so now obviously) was. A freak with nuts the size of mellons.

One freak goes...another comes along. Hello MM!

[pritch]

Liked one comment I saw after my last post. Sofaracer I think it was. To the efect that we shouldn't expect much from Rossi today, he's likely suffering from a huge hangover.

[onearmedbandit]

http://bikerpunks.com/mediaviewer/4070/team-yamahas-motogp-sepang-test-2013.html

[Reckless]

Cheers for that


Its gettin exciting :)

Early days yet!

Looks like MM as the goods, he'll mix it up I'd guess.
Rossi only .4 ish behind Danni so he's still got it (so far)

From the early times its a battle between George and Danni with Marquez and Rossi trying to spoil their party.

Crutchlow and Bradl almost in the mix but if they cant take a 1/2 second or more off they wont be in the front group.

Ducati still over a second off??

Looks like we could get a 4 way fight this season that'll be a damn good watch!!

[roogazza]

The second coming ! The Messiah hath returned !

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::yes::yes::yes::yes:

[steveyb]

Remind you of anyone?
Change the number and the helmet.

To 27.........

[Maido]

Pretty sure the Yamaha do have a seamless shift this year, well the factory boys do anyway.

[pritch]

Pretty sure the Yamaha do have a seamless shift this year, well the factory boys do anyway.

The ony report I've seen said no.

Interestingly the factory Yamahas are working on improving the back suspension yet Crutchlow says he has no new parts to work on. Seems a waste of resources?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Remind you of anyone?
Change the number and the helmet.


Funny you should say that...he's a cunt as well.

[steveyb]

Well, enough said about that.
But I just thought that the resemblence in riding style was pretty uncanny.
He is a fast little paella eater that is for sure.
Let's see how well he can slide the rear....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well, enough said about that.
But I just thought that the resemblence in riding style was pretty uncanny.
He is a fast little paella eater that is for sure.
Let's see how well he can slide the rear....

Yeah be keen to see it. Taken to it pretty quickly eh!

[pritch]

Pretty sure the Yamaha do have a seamless shift this year, well the factory boys do anyway.

From MotoMatters following session 2 Sepang test:
"Lorenzo and Rossi have spent the past two days evaluating new chassis and engine options, but there is so far still no sign of the seamless gearbox"

[merv]

From MotoMatters following session 2 Sepang test:
"Lorenzo and Rossi have spent the past two days evaluating new chassis and engine options, but there is so far still no sign of the seamless gearbox"

Funny, Soup says otherwise http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130205seamless.htm

[tail_end_charlie]

From MotoMatters following session 2 Sepang test:
"Lorenzo and Rossi have spent the past two days evaluating new chassis and engine options, but there is so far still no sign of the seamless gearbox"

Also read somewhere (I've been trolling every MotoGP reporting site I can think of here lately so I can't remember which one it was) that it was unlikly that Cal and the Tech 3 team would receive the seamless gearbox this year for fear that he might take podiums away from the cash cow that would be (Rossi on the podium). Personally I think thats a load of shit, and that the satellite teams should get the same bikes as the factory, the only difference would be in the riders. Seems like thats what Honda and Ducati are doing this year. Freakin' step up Yamaha! (They might need to if they want the constructors championship too, what with both Bradle and Bautista on factory Hondas.)

On a slightly different subject, MotoMatters has been Crunching the Numbers (http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/07/crunching_the_numbers_pedrosa_lorenzo_ma.html) in reference to testing times.

[tail_end_charlie]

Funny, Soup says otherwise http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130205seamless.htm

Yeah, that was the one I was refering to.

[onearmedbandit]

On a slightly different subject, MotoMatters has been Crunching the Numbers (http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/07/crunching_the_numbers_pedrosa_lorenzo_ma.html) in reference to testing times.

Very interesting reading thanks.

[Robert Taylor]

The ony report I've seen said no.

Interestingly the factory Yamahas are working on improving the back suspension yet Crutchlow says he has no new parts to work on. Seems a waste of resources?

Its called budget ( the factory team has more ) and pecking order. Yamaha and Honda factory teams get the very best stuff first from Ohlins because they pay them a lot more than the satellite teams. Also there are not unlimited resources at Ohlins in terms of manpower, so it makes sense to try the newest and trickiest stuff with the two blue ribbon teams, with the blue ribbon budgets.

[Robert Taylor]

Also read somewhere (I've been trolling every MotoGP reporting site I can think of here lately so I can't remember which one it was) that it was unlikly that Cal and the Tech 3 team would receive the seamless gearbox this year for fear that he might take podiums away from the cash cow that would be (Rossi on the podium). Personally I think thats a load of shit, and that the satellite teams should get the same bikes as the factory, the only difference would be in the riders. Seems like thats what Honda and Ducati are doing this year. Freakin' step up Yamaha! (They might need to if they want the constructors championship too, what with both Bradle and Bautista on factory Hondas.)

On a slightly different subject, MotoMatters has been Crunching the Numbers (http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/07/crunching_the_numbers_pedrosa_lorenzo_ma.html) in reference to testing times.

See my post in reply to Pritch, its also about ability to pay.

[Robert Taylor]

Funny you should say that...he's a cunt as well.

This one I like though.

[Crasherfromwayback]

This one I like though.

Man you hated Stoner bad! MM is unreal. But even you must admit...he reminds you of Stoner on the bike!

[raziel1983]

Personally I think thats a load of shit, and that the satellite teams should get the same bikes as the factory, the only difference would be in the riders. Seems like thats what Honda and Ducati are doing this year. Freakin' step up Yamaha! (They might need to if they want the constructors championship too, what with both Bradle and Bautista on factory Hondas.)

I'm pretty sure Bautista's bike isn't on the same level as the Repsols, I believe he is forced to run Showa suspenders and Nissin brakes, as opposed to the Ohlins and Brembo gear the big boys get. :cry:

[tail_end_charlie]

I'm pretty sure Bautista's bike isn't on the same level as the Repsols, I believe he is forced to run Showa suspenders and Nissin brakes, as opposed to the Ohlins and Brembo gear the big boys get. :cry:

-Correct on the Showa suspension. Bautista is the only MotoGP rider on Showa, and if I understand correctly they did have the choice to run Ohlins, but they were "encouraged" by Honda to run Showa. (Because Honda has stakes in Showa and still want them racing.) The testing in late Nov that the Gresini team did at Sepang was to try new Showa suspension to see if they wanted to run them for the 2013 season. Evidently they thought it was good enough.

-Both Bradl and Bautista run the Nissin brakes as opposed to Brembo.

I think (and someone will probably come along and correct me if I'm wrong) that the satellite teams have some choice in what suspenders/brakes they can run. The factory bike (engine, electronics, frame, swingarm, wheels, and bodywork) that Honda supplies in which I was referring to is the same as the factory team gets.

So if the team doesn't run Ohlins or Brembos, it could very well be down to the budget of the team (just like what Robert was saying in his posts) not being able to afford the ultimate top shelf stuff; that stuff may not come with the lease price of the bike. I know last year Cal and Dovi were exchanging a few words over brakes because one of them had the top shelf stuff and the other one was one iteration back. That leads me to believe that its the teams decision.

[BMWST?]

bautista gets showa cos honda wants showa in the game.They cant have the factory bike on showa cos ohlins is the top of the heap at the moment.

[Mental Trousers]

Ok, so I used the analysis these guys (http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/07/crunching_the_numbers_pedrosa_lorenzo_ma.html) did on the first day for the second day. Here's the numbers



Laps under the lap record
Dani Jorge Marquez Rossi
9/37 (24%) 22/52 (42%) 14/34 (41%) 21/45 (47%)

Times in the 2:00's, low 2:01's and high 2:01's and higher
Dani Jorge Marquez Rossi
2:00.0 - 2:00.9 22% 14% 14% 0%
2:01.0 - 2:00.4 56% 59% 21% 33%
2:01.5 - 2:02.108 22% 27% 64% 67%

Average lap time under the lap record
Dani Jorge Marquez Rossi
02:01.2 02:01.3 02:01.5 02:01.6



Things are remarkably consistent with day 1, even though the fastest laps are lower than day 1's. Looks like they're testing at race pace alright.

[Bender]

I know last year Cal and Dovi were exchanging a few words over brakes because one of them had the top shelf stuff and the other one was one iteration back.

I thought Cal paid for his own Brembos - 50K Euros.


From Christian Gabbarini (via Jose G. Maroto on twitter): "In many ways (Marquez) resembles Casey"
"He is very sensitive on the gas. Already begun to understand how to make the bike slide"

T'is gunna be good.

Wonder how long Audi's patience lasts with Ducati...

[BMWST?]

I thought Cal paid for his own Brembos - 50K Euros.


From Christian Gabbarini (via Jose G. Maroto on twitter): "In many ways (Marquez) resembles Casey"
"He is very sensitive on the gas. Already begun to understand how to make the bike slide"

T'is gunna be good.

Wonder how long Audi's patience lasts with Ducati...


twas dovi who paid for the new brembos

[Wingnut]

I thought Cal paid for his own Brembos - 50K Euros.


From Christian Gabbarini (via Jose G. Maroto on twitter): "In many ways (Marquez) resembles Casey"
"He is very sensitive on the gas. Already begun to understand how to make the bike slide"

T'is gunna be good.

Wonder how long Audi's patience lasts with Ducati...

WTF!!! Don't these guys make millions per season? If so - whats $50k! Fuck I'd be like "Just put it on me tab" your not gonna notice it :gob:

[BMWST?]

WTF!!! Don't these guys make millions per season? If so - whats $50k! Fuck I'd be like "Just put it on me tab" your not gonna notice it :gob:


not sure that crutchlow would be on millions...dovi prolly more likely he is #4 after all.I think the factory boys are the real high paid ones

[Bender]

WTF!!! Don't these guys make millions per season? If so - whats $50k! Fuck I'd be like "Just put it on me tab" your not gonna notice it :gob:

That's Euros, not dollars.

Ah Dovi bought his Brembos, my mistake.

[Robert Taylor]

Man you hated Stoner bad! MM is unreal. But even you must admit...he reminds you of Stoner on the bike!

Stoner came from a penal colony. As I have Spanish ancestors Ill go with Jorge. Marc and ( grudgingly ) that little fast guy

[Robert Taylor]

I'm pretty sure Bautista's bike isn't on the same level as the Repsols, I believe he is forced to run Showa suspenders and Nissin brakes, as opposed to the Ohlins and Brembo gear the big boys get. :cry:

Im pretty sure that the team is running Ohlins this year. As an aside the Kawasaki WSBK team tested Ohlins during the off season and were immediately faster. The riders really liked it but politics intervened.

[steveyb]

Will we see a return to the years of a million RS500's and the like in privateer hands on the grid???

He commented: "Both riders are working very hard testing several items. With Dani, some items he was happy about, some unhappy - but this is normal for winter testing. Marc, now that he’s riding a MotoGP™ machine he is not testing items, but getting to know and understand the bike." When prompted whether he was surprised by the rookie’s pace he said: "To be honest not surprised, but a little bit quicker than I expected."

He also mentioned that he expected the two other Honda riders, in the form of LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl and Go & Fun Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista, to improve their performances this year. Bradl, he said, could be a serious podium contender this year, while Bautista could at least double his podium tally from last season.

Finally he spoke about Honda’s "production racer", which will be a cheaper option for satellite teams from 2014: "We’ll make a factory spec bike, but the engine is a bit different with a valve spring system and a standard transmission. The chassis we are trying to make a little bit cheaper, but to keep the performance is not easy. This is the reason our schedule is a little bit delayed." The bike is set to run the Magneti Marelli hardware and Dorna software, and will be fully available to all riders for the first test after the Valencia GP this year.

[tail_end_charlie]

Im pretty sure that the team is running Ohlins this year. As an aside the Kawasaki WSBK team tested Ohlins during the off season and were immediately faster. The riders really liked it but politics intervened.

HRC Sepang Private Testing (http://www.motomatters.com/results/2012/11/28/hrc_sepang_private_test_day_3_marquez_en.html) in late November included Bradl, Bautista, and MM.

"Bautista spent more time evaluating the Showa suspension and new brake parts from Nissin, as part of a program to decide whether to continue with the Japanese-built suspension and brakes or not. At the end of the test, Bautista told Jose Maroto of Spanish magazine Motociclismo that he and the team had decided to continue with the Showa suspension, a decision that will please HRC, as Honda plan to use Showa suspension on their production racer to be launched in 2014."

Thats the last information that I've heard that indicates Bautista is running Showa..............................that and the Showa stickers on his bike at the current test......................

[Robert Taylor]

HRC Sepang Private Testing (http://www.motomatters.com/results/2012/11/28/hrc_sepang_private_test_day_3_marquez_en.html) in late November included Bradl, Bautista, and MM.

"Bautista spent more time evaluating the Showa suspension and new brake parts from Nissin, as part of a program to decide whether to continue with the Japanese-built suspension and brakes or not. At the end of the test, Bautista told Jose Maroto of Spanish magazine Motociclismo that he and the team had decided to continue with the Showa suspension, a decision that will please HRC, as Honda plan to use Showa suspension on their production racer to be launched in 2014."

Thats the last information that I've heard that indicates Bautista is running Showa..............................that and the Showa stickers on his bike at the current test......................

Cheers, my last information ( from other sources ) preceded that. Theres a lot of politics interspersed into all this as well, makes it interesting!

[pritch]

OK, so it's on again. The MCN Fantasy league that is.

http://mcn.fantasyleague.com/index.aspx

[wharfy]

Will we see a return to the years of a million RS500's and the like in privateer hands on the grid???

Finally he spoke about Honda’s "production racer", which will be a cheaper option for satellite teams from 2014: "We’ll make a factory spec bike, but the engine is a bit different with a valve spring system and a standard transmission. The chassis we are trying to make a little bit cheaper, but to keep the performance is not easy. This is the reason our schedule is a little bit delayed." The bike is set to run the Magneti Marelli hardware and Dorna software, and will be fully available to all riders for the first test after the Valencia GP this year.

Ooooo....sounds interesting

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ooooo....sounds interesting

Yeah. If I ever have a win with Lotto like old Trev...I'm in!

[wharfy]

Yeah. If I ever have a win with Lotto like old Trev...I'm in!

Yeah if I had money to burn it would make a nice lounge art installation - I couldn't actually ride one :)

[tail_end_charlie]

Yeah. If I ever have a win with Lotto like old Trev...I'm in!

Good luck with that. Accoring to MotoMatters (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/02/07/hrc_boss_reveals_of_honda_s_production_r.html) they are only going to build 10 of them (equip 5 riders) and it will only be available to the MotoGP paddock. Sure hope you have your connections sorted.............

[Crasherfromwayback]

Accoring to MotoMatters (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/02/07/hrc_boss_reveals_of_honda_s_production_r.html) they are only going to build 10 of them (equip 5 riders) and it will only be available to the MotoGP paddock. Sure hope you have your connections sorted.............

Oscar knows people. And he loves me.

[denill]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/187884/1/marquez_shakes_up_sepang_shrugs_off_fall.html>Looks like the new boy is picking up where the old master left.</A>

278144

[tail_end_charlie]

Oscar knows people. And he loves me.

Ha ha ha, I've noticed how good ya'll get along and how much you think alike. :shutup:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ha ha ha, I've noticed how good ya'll get along and how much you think alike. :shutup:

Truth be told I'd have a beer and a laff anytime with Oscar in person.

[tail_end_charlie]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/187884/1/marquez_shakes_up_sepang_shrugs_off_fall.html>Looks like the new boy is picking up where the old master left.</A>



I like the second page (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/187884/2/marquez_shakes_up_sepang_shrugs_off_fall.html) of that where they have the lap times for his race simulation. Then go to the page with Lorenzo's lap times (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/187881/1/lorenzo_signs_off_with_fearsome_race_pace.html).

Compare MM race simulation (19 laps) to JL race simulation (13 laps) and you get the attached spreadsheet. (note that the times are in seconds)

278145

MM averaged a 2:01.526 over 19 laps with a range of 0.875s including his outlap.
JL averaged a 2:01.197 over 13 laps with a range of 0.768s not including his outlap.

I would say the young gun just pulled out a freakin' impressive first performance.

[Oscar]

Oscar knows people. And he loves me.

Yeah Baby...(as long as you're buying).

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah Baby...(as long as you're buying).

Yeah. But only Steinlager.

[Oscar]

Yeah. But only Steinlager.

Holy shit, I already knew that you had no taste....but STEINLAGER!!!:no::no::no:

You sick bastid...

[steveyb]

Good luck with that. Accoring to MotoMatters (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/02/07/hrc_boss_reveals_of_honda_s_production_r.html) they are only going to build 10 of them (equip 5 riders) and it will only be available to the MotoGP paddock. Sure hope you have your connections sorted.............

That will be 10 riders when they change to the one bike rule.

[tail_end_charlie]

That will be 10 riders when they change to the one bike rule.

Can't switch MotoGP to a one bike rule, that would possibly fuck around with the TV schedule too much if they have to redflag and restart a race.

[DidJit]

SofaRacer’s commentary on Twitter has convinced David Emmett to give him his own guest blog on Motomatters.com. Entertaining read (http://motomatters.com/blog/2013/02/08/sofaracer_speaks_of_moto3_shang_a_lang_a.html).

[denill]

SofaRacer’s commentary on Twitter has convinced David Emmett to give him his own guest blog on Motomatters.com. Entertaining read (http://motomatters.com/blog/2013/02/08/sofaracer_speaks_of_moto3_shang_a_lang_a.html).

How very true! "The fact is that in five, ten, fifteen years time there will be Grand Prix motorcycle racing. It will have its heroes, it will have its villains and it will have a load of middle-aged men harping on about how things ain't what they used to be. They'll moan about how these aren't 'proper' bikes and how you should have seen Kenny Roberts 'back in the day'. It will also have a rider of whom it will be said, "We'll never see his like again". Plus ça change."

[roogazza]

How very true! "The fact is that in five, ten, fifteen years time there will be Grand Prix motorcycle racing. It will have its heroes, it will have its villains and it will have a load of middle-aged men harping on about how things ain't what they used to be. They'll moan about how these aren't 'proper' bikes and how you should have seen Kenny Roberts 'back in the day'. It will also have a rider of whom it will be said, "We'll never see his like again". Plus ça change."
I can't help but think Bill, that this new youngster MM, is going to raise the bar again. His bike control is superb.

[denill]

I can't help but think Bill, that this new youngster MM, is going to raise the bar again. His bike control is superb.

I can't help but agree with you Gaz. MM's going to bring something to the table....................

[Drew]

I don't like change!

[steveyb]

How come you keep getting fatter, balder and more obstinate then?
You must feel really bad......

[Drew]

How come you keep getting fatter, balder and more obstinate then?
You must feel really bad......

Being more obstinate, solidifies my statement.

Just to mess it right up though, I am losing weight again.

[merv]

A few words from the Repsol boys:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wxQJnSHdkb0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[tail_end_charlie]

Farken' hell this boy can ride.

278299

[Crasherfromwayback]

Farken' hell this boy can ride.

]

Yeah he's a bit of an animal eh!

[Kiwi Graham]

Farken' hell this boy can ride.

278299

He's starting to defy physics now as well as his critics, an amazing pic.


However he has missed the apex ;)

[Badjelly]

Farken' hell this boy can ride.

278299

Nah, he was just feeling a bit tired and wanted a lie-down halfway round the circuit.

[Kendog]

I want to see him racing in traffic like he did last year.

This is my most look forward to season in a while.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I want to see him racing in traffic like he did last year.

This is my most look forward to season in a while.

I'm with you on that one!

[roogazza]

Farken' hell this boy can ride.

278299

Looks like he'll be needing 'arse sliders'.

[denill]

Looks like he'll be needing 'arse sliders'.

And I thought Stoner defied the laws of physics...................

[merv]

Just shows how sticky dem tyres are getting these days. Either that or the prototypes have some amazing sorts of gyros in them that prevent a bike falling over - most of the time at least.

[roogazza]

And I thought Stoner defied the laws of physics...................

Stoner ??? He was that young Australian fella, wasn't he ?

nah , this guy is going to be better than that.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner ??? He was that young Australian fella, wasn't he ?

nah , this guy is going to be better than that.

Shame we're not gonna see them sharing the track. That could've been action packed!

[roogazza]

Shame we're not gonna see them sharing the track. That could've been action packed!

Jokes aside, that would of been great to see.

[merv]

Stoner ??? He was that young Australian fella, wasn't he ?



Nah, Stoner was that old retired Aussie - sounds a bit like you Gaz. Maybe he should come over here and do the 'takas with ya in his spare time.

[roogazza]

Nah, Stoner was that old retired Aussie - sounds a bit like you Gaz. Maybe he should come over here and do the 'takas with ya in his spare time.

Thats a prick of a place nowdays,either that or I scare easy in my old age.
But just to make you green with envy I've booked and pay for my tickets today for my yearly sojourn to Mugello !
Saved me a grand booking early. Bugger huh ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Jokes aside, that would of been great to see.

Instead, we'll make do with this. Who is MM gonna piss off first?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Looks good.

278407

[Hinny]

As I have Spanish ancestors Ill go with Jorge. Marc and ( grudgingly ) that little fast guy

Why do you not like that little, fast, Spanish guy?
2nd most winning rider on the tour. (after Rossi)
Most lap records, fastest lap, hole shots.
Won more GPs last year than Jorge.
His accomplishments and his respectful style should engender admiration at least.
What does he have to do to get some love?

[roogazza]

Why do you not like that little, fast, Spanish guy?
2nd most winning rider on the tour. (after Rossi)
Most lap records, fastest lap, hole shots.
Won more GPs last year than Jorge.
His accomplishments and his respectful style should engender admiration at least.
What does he have to do to get some love?

Putting it that way yes, he is the quiet achiever. But he has to do something more this year.(last chance ?)
As P asked, he is unlikely to want to play second fiddle to MM ?

[Hinny]

Putting it that way yes, he is the quiet achiever. But he has to do something more this year.(last chance ?)
As P asked, he is unlikely to want to play second fiddle to MM ?

This year for the championship.
If he can escape being run into like last season. That cost him the championship.

[Crasherfromwayback]

This year for the championship.
If he can escape being run into like last season. That cost him the championship.

Dunno that you can say that. Lorenzo got taken out as well.

[Kiwi Graham]

278415
Looks good.

278407

Pft ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]

Pft ;)

Nice effort!

[merv]

Don't worry about what Robert says, he loves Margaret Thatcher and Yamahas, that's why he'd only begrudgingly like a Honda rider.

[sugilite]

Looks like Dorna are insisting on ballast for lighter riders too :devil2:

<img src="http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/%7Esugilite/jpg/marquez.jpg">

[pritch]

Shame we're not gonna see them sharing the track. That could've been action packed!

For them to be both on Repsol machinery Pedrosa would've had to get the arse card. Early last season that was entirely possible, not so much once he started stringing wins together.

Am awaiting the coming season somewhat guardedly. Have had great expectations in previous years which have not been fulfilled, basically I guess 'cause there are just too few competitive factory bikes. Honda will permit the occasional extra, eg Bradl this year, but apparently Yamaha won't permit more than just the two. And Ducati? Ah well, shame about that.

This season both of the Japanese factory teams could give new meaning to the phrase "team mate" each having what would appear to be intense competition within. It could get messy.

Here's hoping nobody gets hurt and that the potential for excitement turns into reality.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. It could get messy.

Here's hoping nobody gets hurt and that the potential for excitement turns into reality.

Bring it!!!

[Drew]

Looks like Dorna are insisting on ballast for lighter riders too :devil2:

Looks like I'm a Marquez fan then.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Looks like I'm a Marquez fan then.

Ever noticed his mouth looks like the Joker?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130208repsol.htm

[Drew]

Ever noticed his mouth looks like the Joker?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130208repsol.htm

Why so serious?

Reckon that makes him cooler. Never actually paid any attention to him in the past, only like him if he does go to Suzuki though. Otherwise I'm backing Rossi and Pedrosa.

[tail_end_charlie]

Why so serious?

Reckon that makes him cooler. Never actually paid any attention to him in the past, only like him if he does go to Suzuki though. Otherwise I'm backing Rossi and Pedrosa.

What?!?! Race for Suzuki? Why would he want to go from a bike he could win with, :confused: to a bike he could chase the Ducati's with?

[tail_end_charlie]

Ever noticed his mouth looks like the Joker?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130208repsol.htm

Yeah, you really notice it in that video.

[tail_end_charlie]

Right, for all you CRT haters out there (yes Crasher, I'm talking to you) I would like you to read Mat Oxley's ("http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/moto-gp-race/crt-bikes-some-perspective/') article and take things into perspective. There have always been, and always will, a mixture of the hugely expensive factory bikes and cheap cobbled together bikes that make up the grid. For the most part, there were no "good 'ol days" where everyone ran factory machinery and the top 15 fought it out the whole race. So whats the problem?

-Lapped traffic?
-Not 'true' prototypes?
-Different rules for the CRT and Prototypes?
-Fastest CRT has a place in Parc Ferme? CRT champion?

At least with CRT it gives you a rule set and a chance for some Tom, Dick and Harry to get together, come up with some ideas, put them together, and test it against the best in the world. Surely anyone who likes to wrench on and talk bikes would appreciate that?






Right, I'm sure this will incite a shitstorm. :dodge: Bring it on, I'm ready! :2guns::ar15::2guns:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Right, for all you CRT haters out there (yes Crasher, I'm talking to you)


:

I'd hardly the only one hating them. Plenty of people far more knowledgeable on the subject feel the same way 'bout 'em. But you tell me...what do they add to the spectacle other than numbers and mobile chicanes?

[roogazza]

I plan to have a good look at them this year. But admit I know nothing of them other the DePuny and Espargro being the quicker ones.
More like packing so far , but it may grow into something, maybe ?

[DidJit]

They're not fully fledged prototypes, and struggle mightily to keep up in any way, shape or form, but at least there isn't any of this:

At Hockenheim in ’67 Ago[stini] lapped everyone twice, including the considerably talented Peter Williams, aboard a Matchless G50, who finished second!

Although, having said that, that particular feat would've been quite something to see.

[tail_end_charlie]

I'd hardly the only one hating them.

Very true, you were just the only one I could remember off the top of my head.


Plenty of people far more knowledgeable on the subject feel the same way 'bout 'em. But you tell me...what do they add to the spectacle other than numbers and mobile chicanes?

Well, from my pov, they add a lot of difference to the feild. You have at least four different chassis manufactures and four different engine manufactures all throwing their stuff together into a bunch of different packages. There are v-4, IL-4, and crossplane IL-4 engines (Attack Kawasaki Crossplane here (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/attack-kawasaki-crossplane-crt-motogp-video/) and here (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/banter/crossplane-crankshaft-video/)). There are teams building their own chassis as well as using a well know chassis, both with the same engine, that will be competing side by side for some good comparison. And all of these teams are competing on budgets that are probably about 1/2 of the other satellite teams, and probably 1/4 of the factory teams. These teams are obviously not going to improve because they have thrown money at the problem, they are going to improve because they are trying different and innovative ways to do things. It's also giving a chance for other riders to be able to get into MotoGP that might not quite make the factory teams. You have a grid of 25+ in both Moto2 and Moto3, but only 12 "true prototypes" in MotoGP. The more people you have out there on the track, the more racing there will be, and the more interesting things will be. The more interesting, the more people who watch. The more people who watch, the more sponsers come in, the more sponsers the more money in the industry.



And to turn things around, how interesting is it to watch 4 factory bikes......gap......4 satellite bikes.......gap.......4 Ducati's..................................oh yeah, that would be it. A 12 bike grid would be pretty embarassing for the premier motorcycle racing class of the world, would it not?

[tail_end_charlie]

They're not fully fledged prototypes, and struggle mightily to keep up in any way, shape or form,

From the combined results of the first MotoGP Sepang test (http://resources.motogp.com/files/testresults/MotoGP_Test__Sepang_combined_3.pdf?version=1360231 775) you'll find that the spread between DP and the slowest CRT lap time is ~6 seconds. With DP doing 2:00 lap times and catching up at 6 seconds a lap on the backmarker, it would take 30 laps for the backmarker to get lapped. And the Sepang race is, what, 22 laps?? So there is a good chance that no one would get lapped. The only time I saw a serious conflict between a lapped rider and a race leader was last years Valencia race..............and that was a dog's breakfast anyway you look at it. No one knew where they were in the pack and there was only one narrow dry line.


Although, having said that, that particular feat would've been quite something to see.

Sure would have, I was quite impressed to read about that one.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well, from my pov, they add a lot of difference to the feild. .


The more people you have out there on the track, the more racing there will be, and the more interesting things will be.



And to turn things around, how interesting is it to watch 4 factory bikes......gap......4 satellite bikes.......gap.......4 Ducati's


A 12 bike grid would be pretty embarassing for the premier motorcycle racing class of the world, would it not?

And that's fair enough.



Not necessarly. The Camera's normally only show you what's going on at the front anyway.


I absolutely LOVED watching the front three or four guys the last couple of years. Has been some superb action imo.

I agree. Doesn't mean I think CRT is the answer. What Yamaha and Honda look to be doing next year is a far better bet.

[DidJit]

From the combined results...

I wasn't really knocking them. They are what they are — able to fill the grid and not embarrass themselves. Initially, I was an optimist about the CRTs a year or so ago and had as much enthusiasm about the concept as you seem to now, but after watching them struggle for a year with not much (if any) development going into them (because the teams fielding them don't have those sorts of budgets), I've just accepted that... they are what they are. Ask any of the riders atop them and I'm sure they'd prefer to be astride a prototype. There's an interview with Randy de Puniet about his thoughts on them somewhere on the internet — not this one (http://w.popfodder.com/sports/sport-news/427-interview-gallic-force-randy-de-puniet), but it'll do — where he explains the differences from his point of view. Michael Laverty (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2013/February/feb1313-laverty-shocked-at-crt-speed-gap/) (who was impressive on his debut) also had a few words about them.

[roogazza]

What Yamaha and Honda look to be doing next year is a far better bet.

Yeah P, that would seem to a better way to go and of course it has been done in the past with intro of production racers such as tz500s and rg 500s, rs 500 hondas.
I could see that working well if it comes to pass.The incentive is always there to step up to the 'Works" bikes.

[DidJit]

Just a matter of accumulating the necessary $$$s (as it always is)...

[Mental Trousers]

I agree. Doesn't mean I think CRT is the answer. What Yamaha and Honda look to be doing next year is a far better bet.

The only reason Yamaha and Honda are actually going to do this is because Dorna have been threatening to change the rules and take away all of their advantages, basically turning the entire series into a CRT based one. Without the pressure Dorna are putting on through having the CRT's on the grid Yamaha and Honda would never again build customer bikes or engines.

As amazing as the prototypes are you can't have a 2 team series and expect it to be popular and profitable.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The only reason Yamaha and Honda are actually going to do this is because Dorna have been threatening to change the rules and take away all of their advantages, basically turning the entire series into a CRT based one. Without the pressure Dorna are putting on through having the CRT's on the grid Yamaha and Honda would never again build customer bikes or engines.

.

And that's fine. I don't really mind how/why. Just be glad to see it happen.

[eelracing]

Yeah P, that would seem to a better way to go and of course it has been done in the past with intro of production racers such as tz500s and rg 500s, rs 500 hondas.
I could see that working well if it comes to pass.The incentive is always there to step up to the 'Works" bikes.

Totally agree Roog as can remember Gardner,Mamola,Haslam,Baldwin etc earning Works rides on the back of their performances on the venerable RS500.Something CRT riders hav'nt a hope in hell of earning.
Lets not forget The Harris and Roc Yamahas as well...so good in fact that Rainey used the Roc chassis in his final year.

Actually the era between the RS and Roc Bikes was a golden age so maybe it's a def step in the right direction for the future? Heres hoping eh.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Actually the era between the RS and Roc Bikes was a golden age so maybe it's a def step in the right direction for the future? Heres hoping eh.

Indeed mate!

[tail_end_charlie]

I wasn't really knocking them. They are what they are — able to fill the grid and not embarrass themselves. Initially, I was an optimist about the CRTs a year or so ago and had as much enthusiasm about the concept as you seem to now, but after watching them struggle for a year with not much (if any) development going into them (because the teams fielding them don't have those sorts of budgets), I've just accepted that... they are what they are. Ask any of the riders atop them and I'm sure they'd prefer to be astride a prototype. There's an interview with Randy de Puniet about his thoughts on them somewhere on the internet — not this one (http://w.popfodder.com/sports/sport-news/427-interview-gallic-force-randy-de-puniet), but it'll do — where he explains the differences from his point of view. Michael Laverty (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2013/February/feb1313-laverty-shocked-at-crt-speed-gap/) (who was impressive on his debut) also had a few words about them.

Interesting articles there from RDP and Laverty. Like you said, I'm sure everyone would prefer a prototype to a CRT, but if it is a choice between CRT or nothing, that seems pretty easy as well.

Development: Yeah, that is a more difficult road to hoe. While running a CRT allows the teams to modify and work on the bikes as they see fit, this is a far cry from the satellite teams that can't hardly touch their bikes and end up giving them back at the end of the year. I'm sure development is also a little stunted as people wait to see what will change with the rules for next year, ect.

Optimistic about CRT? I dunno. To be honest, I don't like the fact that there is so much difference between them. And I don't really think that there is any chance in hell of a CRT bike winning a race (though I will admit to jumping up and down cheering on Aleix at Valencia last year when he lead the race!). But I do find the combinations interesting, and I do think that they are making a valuable contribution to the racing overall.

[tail_end_charlie]

The only reason Yamaha and Honda are actually going to do this is because Dorna have been threatening to change the rules and take away all of their advantages, basically turning the entire series into a CRT based one. Without the pressure Dorna are putting on through having the CRT's on the grid Yamaha and Honda would never again build customer bikes or engines.

As amazing as the prototypes are you can't have a 2 team series and expect it to be popular and profitable.

That in of itself makes the CRT worthwhile I think.

[tail_end_charlie]

Totally agree Roog as can remember Gardner,Mamola,Haslam,Baldwin etc earning Works rides on the back of their performances on the venerable RS500.Something CRT riders hav'nt a hope in hell of earning.
Lets not forget The Harris and Roc Yamahas as well...so good in fact that Rainey used the Roc chassis in his final year.

Actually the era between the RS and Roc Bikes was a golden age so maybe it's a def step in the right direction for the future? Heres hoping eh.

And why wouldn't a standout performance on a CRT lead to a rider being picked up by a prototype team (either factory or satellite). I would think that teams that might have a seat open for 2014 would be keeping an interested eye on Aleix this year, seeing as how well he went last year.

[tail_end_charlie]

Oh yeah, and a look under the fairings of the 2013 Yamaha YXR-M1 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-yamaha-yzr-m1-no-fairings/) shows an interesting development on the frame package.

Too bad I can't read Italian for the original article.

[eelracing]

And why wouldn't a standout performance on a CRT lead to a rider being picked up by a prototype team (either factory or satellite). I would think that teams that might have a seat open for 2014 would be keeping an interested eye on Aleix this year, seeing as how well he went last year.

I would agree but the riders I mentioned were more consistently battling the works boys because of the type of machinery they were riding, ie closer to factory bikes,not some halfarsed proddy bike.
I'm interested to know if you really think the satellite teams get to choose their riders in this current Dorna age?
Because as we all damn sure know the grid does'nt need another fucking Spaniard on a works bike.

[tail_end_charlie]

I would agree but the riders I mentioned were more consistently battling the works boys because of the type of machinery they were riding, ie closer to factory bikes,not some halfarsed proddy bike.

Ah, ok. I haven't been following MotoGP for that long, so I'm really not familar at all with the 500 GP days.


I'm interested to know if you really think the satellite teams get to choose their riders in this current Dorna age?
Because as we all damn sure know the grid does'nt need another fucking Spaniard on a works bike.

I would like to think that the satellite teams get the say in who they hire to ride for them. Maybe I'm being a bit naive about how much influence Dorna has, but I don't think that they tell the teams who will ride for them. As far as the distribution of riders goes:

6 - Spainish
5 - Italians
3 - Brits
3 - Americans
1 - Columbian
1 - Aussie
1 - German
1 - Frenchman
1 - Chech
1 - Japanese

So yes, there are a lot of Spanish and Italians (those two nationalities make up half the grid), but I would also hazard a guess to say that the Spanish also do the best job of nuturing young riders and preparing them to make it in the upper echelons of motorcycle racing. I would imagine that the old man, Carmen Expolusia (whatever the f*** his name is, too lazy to look it up), has some recommendations to the satellite teams on who they may want to look at (and what nationalities), but I can't believe that he is telling them specifically who to hire.

[pritch]

Because as we all damn sure know the grid does'nt need another fucking Spaniard on a works bike.

Amen brother. I wonder how they'll fit Vinales and Espagero in next year?

Ooops! I'm promoting maverick prematurely, he'll probably graduate in 2015?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Amen brother. I wonder how they'll fit Vinales and Espagero in next year?

How 'bout a Frog with a hot GF on a Suzuki then?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130214b.htm

[tail_end_charlie]

How 'bout a Frog with a hot GF on a Suzuki then?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Feb/130214b.htm

Sounds reasonable to me, just so long as they have Melandri's g/f teach Lauren how to do the bouncy bouncy when the camera is around.........................:eek:

[DidJit]

Viewership goes up tenfold, sponsors come a-knockin' and all is well with MotoGP again. Sorted. :clap:

Moto2 (http://motomatters.com/results/2013/02/14/2013_moto2_valencia_february_test_overal.html) and Moto3 (http://motomatters.com/results/2013/02/14/2013_moto3_valencia_february_test_overal.html) look like they’re going to have fun seasons. Again. :2thumbsup

[steveyb]

Not that it really matters, but a quick analysis of testing indicates that it might be possible for Spanish riders to take all 3, if not 4 places at all races in all championships this season.
Certainly looking probable in Moto3 and Moto2 and quite possible in MotoGP (except when The Honey Badger wins a race or two).

[DidJit]

Shows how good the CEV is, dunnit!

[pritch]

How 'bout a Frog with a hot GF on a Suzuki then?


She's not his GF, she's his missus now. They tied the knot a few weeks back.
I was waiting for her to change her mind and give me a call but she musta lost my number. :whistle:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was waiting for her to change mind and give me a call but she musta lost my number. :whistle:

You must be gutted!

[DidJit]

Here’s a juicy one for ya, Crasher:

Bern ‏@berncar1


@motomatters Persistent rumours in V8 paddock say Casey signed for HRC at Japan & Australia rounds. Dates fit Dunlop series. We'll see...

We’ll see indeed... F@#kin’ cool if he does race!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Here’s a juicy one for ya, Crasher:

Bern ‏@berncar1


We’ll see indeed... F@#kin’ cool if he does race!

Yeah be awesome to see. If he was able to come back after most of a season off and do the bizz @ PI, even the haters would have to be in awe.

[Bender]

What do you mean "if"?

Ye of little faith.

[tail_end_charlie]

Here’s a juicy one for ya, Crasher:

Bern ‏@berncar1


We’ll see indeed... F@#kin’ cool if he does race!


Yeah be awesome to see. If he was able to come back after most of a season off and do the bizz @ PI, even the haters would have to be in awe.

Hmmmm, may have to torpedo the racing budget for this year and buy tickets for PI. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hmmmm, may have to torpedo the racing budget for this year and but tickets for PI. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Yeah I was planning on maybe doing Laguna again next year...but would probably rather see my ex in action!

[Kendog]

Yeah I was planning on maybe doing Laguna again next year...but would probably rather see my ex in action!
CS v MM at PI = OMG

[Crasherfromwayback]

CS v MM at PI = OMG

Hell yes!!

[Wingnut]

Why would they (HRC) have Stoner race at a couple of rounds? What have they got to gain from it.

MM may be the goose thats gonna do some laying I think....... So why bother with Casey.... Hope it does happen but just dont see why they would. Those HRC fellas are pretty serious and level headed aint they. Not like they are gonna get all sentimental on it....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Why would they (HRC) have Stoner race at a couple of rounds? What have they got to gain from it.

MM may be the goose thats gonna do some laying I think....... So why bother with Casey.... Hope it does happen but just dont see why they would. Those HRC fellas are pretty serious and level headed aint they. Not like they are gonna get all sentimental on it....

Because I think they'd love to tempt him back I'm guessing. It's no secret that the head honcho in HRC was in awe of Stoner's ability on the bike. Plus...if Doohan wasn't fucked...they would've tried to get him to come back too. So there may be a tinge of sntiment in the beast they normally keep well hidden.

[trustme]

Can't see it, Honda have one goal , to win the championship. Why the hell would they introduce such a wild card, Forget emotions or awe of his ability, it makes no sense .

Jeez , I'd love it.

[Robert Taylor]

Why would they (HRC) have Stoner race at a couple of rounds? What have they got to gain from it.

MM may be the goose thats gonna do some laying I think....... So why bother with Casey.... Hope it does happen but just dont see why they would. Those HRC fellas are pretty serious and level headed aint they. Not like they are gonna get all sentimental on it....

Lets not forget who the world champion is................

[Crasherfromwayback]

Can't see it, Honda have one goal , to win the championship. Why the hell would they introduce such a wild card, Forget emotions or awe of his ability, it makes no sense .

Jeez , I'd love it.

Wildcards are hardly anything new.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Lets not forget who the world champion is................

And I reckon he'll be so again at the end of the year.

[trustme]

And if Stoner crashed taking out Honda's title contender !!! Honda is too professional to take that risk.

I'll pick Pedrosa

[Crasherfromwayback]

And if Stoner crashed taking out Honda's title contender !!! Honda is too professional to take that risk.

I'll pick Pedrosa

We'll know soon enough I guess!

Yeah if he doesn't get hurt...it's a hard pick. But I think Lorenzo is just such a fucking robotic machine that he'll do the bizz again.

[trustme]

I have not been a huge Pedro fan , still a little ambivalent . He has become a lot more consistent , Honda will have upped their game.

Either way it should be a great season.

[roogazza]

Yeah if he doesn't get hurt...it's a hard pick. But I think Lorenzo is just such a fucking robotic machine that he'll do the bizz again.
Maybe it's Hondas turn again, certainly going to be tougher. There are two more guys that are hungry for and going to take points. Last year if he didn't win, he was able to grab seconds,an amazing year. Can he have another like that ?

[BMWST?]

Don't forget the Japanese factories put a lot of effort into the manufacturers championship,1,2,3 at P I would be a good haul

[DidJit]

Here’s a juicy one for ya...

A little more (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/casey-stoner-wildcard-phillip-island-motegi-hrc-rumor/) on that.

[roogazza]

A little more (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/casey-stoner-wildcard-phillip-island-motegi-hrc-rumor/) on that.
The way he left Didjit, it's highly unlikely and you'll notice where that gossip started,it has been deleted.
The wonderful Internet, with all its faults.

[DidJit]

'Twas what it was — a juicy rumour to speculate and fantasize over. ;)

[merv]

I dunno Gaz, the way he left did not seem to offend Honda at all and it is it that will put him on a bike as a wildcard. I wouldn't be surprised if he does at least those two rounds and especially if the Yamaha boys are doing well by then and need a few points taken away from them to help the manufacturers title points for Honda.

[slowpoke]

I heard he's going to debut the new "Production Racer" to try and make the heap of shit look good.

[merv]

I heard he's going to debut the new "Production Racer" to try and make the heap of shit look good.

Lol, just like the TZ250, TZ350, TZ750, RG500, and NS500 production racers were heaps of shit in their day too - not!!

There is no pleasing some people.

[tail_end_charlie]

Well, i would have to say, the GP Tech CRT bike is the ugliest, most Frankenstein looking of all the entries. The frame looks like a.......a.......well, fucked if I know, but it looks like shit.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/cotatestfeb/1/9a.htm

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/cotatestfeb/1/9c.htm

[Mental Trousers]

Well, i would have to say, the GP Tech CRT bike is the ugliest, most Frankenstein looking of all the entries. The frame looks like a.......a.......well, fucked if I know, but it looks like shit.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/cotatestfeb/1/9a.htm

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/cotatestfeb/1/9c.htm

It's wearing modified GSXR fairings, of course it's going to be ugly.

As for the frame, they seem to have spent most of their time on making a frame that works rather than a pretty one.

However, I'm glad to see there are quite a few wild cards starting to show up in MotoGP. It can only be a good thing.

[Deano]

Well, i would have to say, the GP Tech CRT bike is the ugliest, most Frankenstein looking of all the entries. The frame looks like a.......a.......well, fucked if I know, but it looks like shit.



Not much different in shape to an SV650......bwahaha, good luck with that. (The thing is box section though so should be a bit stiffer)

[slowpoke]

Lol, just like the TZ250, TZ350, TZ750, RG500, and NS500 production racers were heaps of shit in their day too - not!!

There is no pleasing some people.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz! Goes the sound of the reel.......

Edit: the bikes you've mentioned are good examples, they were cheap and got you within cooee if you were good enough. A Production Racer is outrageously expensive and still won't get you anywhere near the mark, so what's the point? Keep the CRT's, at least you minimise the Factory influence and push the money around different circles. I fail to see how more Honda's on the grid, especially slow ones help the current situation.

[roogazza]

I dunno Gaz, the way he left did not seem to offend Honda at all and it is it that will put him on a bike as a wildcard. I wouldn't be surprised if he does at least those two rounds and especially if the Yamaha boys are doing well by then and need a few points taken away from them to help the manufacturers title points for Honda.

Well yes maybe Merv, but I was more thinking about him pulling up stakes at 27 rather than just pissing Honda off.
He'd made up his mind and was pretty firm on it.
But hey, I'd watch him. (wouldn't listen to him though):lol:

[tail_end_charlie]

It's wearing modified GSXR fairings, of course it's going to be ugly.

As for the frame, they seem to have spent most of their time on making a frame that works rather than a pretty one.

However, I'm glad to see there are quite a few wild cards starting to show up in MotoGP. It can only be a good thing.

Glad to see someone else thinks the GSXRs are ugly as sin.

As far as the frame goes, is it me, or do the frame rails look CNC machined? Like the all of the frame was CNC milled and them the bits welded together, as opposed to the Jap (big four) was of doing it with a box section main spare?

Yeah, wild cards are good...........................at least the CRT makes that possible.

[Drew]

Glad to see someone else thinks the GSXRs are ugly as sin.

As far as the frame goes, is it me, or do the frame rails look CNC machined? Like the all of the frame was CNC milled and them the bits welded together, as opposed to the Jap (big four) was of doing it with a box section main spare?

Yeah, wild cards are good...........................at least the CRT makes that possible.

Looks like plate shaped and made into box to me, rather than billet.

[Deano]

Glad to see someone else thinks the GSXRs are ugly as sin.


I think the Millenium Model thousand looks fucken mint. The can is awesome too. Not often I compliment a Gixxer but there ya go LOL

[sugilite]

I think the Millenium Model thousand looks fucken mint. The can is awesome too. Not often I compliment a Gixxer but there ya go LOL
Cough, cough, showing my age, I liked the slabbies, and the slingshots, but they lost their way after that. Though I agree the millennium model looks quite tasteful. I reckon your repsol was the last decent looking fireblade made, the last one looks like one of those cats with a pushed in face, yuk.

[Deano]

Cough, cough, showing my age, I liked the slabbies, and the slingshots, but they lost their way after that. Though I agree the millennium model looks quite tasteful. I reckon your repsol was the last decent looking fireblade made, the last one looks like one of those cats with a pushed in face, yuk.

I can't disagree with much there mate :niceone:

[Reckless]

Can't see it, Honda have one goal , to win the championship. Why the hell would they introduce such a wild card, Forget emotions or awe of his ability, it makes no sense .

Jeez , I'd love it.

The rumor mill still has this in its sights? Wonder what Casey's opinion actually is??

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/casey-stoner-wildcard-phillip-island-motegi-hrc-rumor/

[Crasherfromwayback]

The rumor mill still has this in its sights? Wonder what Casey's opinion actually is??

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/casey-stoner-wildcard-phillip-island-motegi-hrc-rumor/

See post # 460.

[Cleve]

My understanding is that Stoner's wildcard rides in 2013 will only be confirmed once he has denied he will be doing them on his Twitter account

[DidJit]

A spanner in the theory that the Duc’s woes derive from its engine’s 90° angle (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-honda-rc213v-90-v4-engine/)...

[Crasherfromwayback]

A spanner in the theory that the Duc’s woes derive from its engine’s 90° angle (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-honda-rc213v-90-v4-engine/)...

lol. Funny as.

[slowpoke]

A spanner in the theory that the Duc’s woes derive from its engine’s 90° angle (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-honda-rc213v-90-v4-engine/)...

I didn't think it was the 90deg angle so much as the L-twin layout making the engine extremely long? Just as an aside, last week I measured up the difference between my GSXR1000K7 and Ducati 749R swingarm's: the GSXR's is 70mm longer. It was only done out of curiousity but I thought that was a staggering difference for 2 bikes of almost identical wheel base.

[Mental Trousers]

lol. Funny as.

Wouldn't surprise me. That would be Honda showing their technical superiority. They already know the stuff about the magic triangle etc, where the weight has to be and the disadvantages of using a 90 degree V4.

Ducati can fix the problem (at least the part that isn't related to harsh engine output) by redesigning the stuff around the intake area to be heavier and parts in other places to be lighter. Because there's a minimum weight limit the bike isn't at it's ideal weight, ie it's got ballast built in to comply with the rules. So move the ballast around.

The Ducati engineers are brilliant and they've designed and built bikes to the specification they were given. Unfortunately, that specification has the COG and weight in the wrong place. Not their fault.

[merv]

Yeah well 90 deg V4s are nothing new to Honda but as they've made the power plants more compact over the years I guess they we able to go back to the 90 deg without any compromise on the 75 and as Nakamoto says - more power less vibration - so a couple of benefits gained that they lost when they went to the 75, no doubt at that time to gain some other benefits. Clever pricks the Japanese applying kaizen continuous improvement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen

[DidJit]

A spanner in the theory that the Duc’s woes derive from its engine’s 90° angle (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-honda-rc213v-90-v4-engine/)...

David Emmett rethinks (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/18/honda_rc213v_revealed_to_use_a_90_v_engi.html) his thoughts on the Duc.

[tail_end_charlie]

Very, very interesting. I'll have to delve into this a little bit more after work today. I have thought that blaming the 90* L-4 for all of Ducati's woe's was a bit excessive. Too bad I didn't state that earlier, would have been nice to sit around now and bask in the glory of being right.

[Mental Trousers]

David Emmett rethinks (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2013/02/18/honda_rc213v_revealed_to_use_a_90_v_engi.html) his thoughts on the Duc.

As I said above ....


The Ducati engineers are brilliant and they've designed and built bikes to the specification they were given. Unfortunately, that specification has the COG and weight in the wrong place. Not their fault.

Honda know where the COG should be and put the weight in the right place. Ducati still seem to be using the long and low layout despite rotating the engine backward.

[slowpoke]

Very, very interesting. I'll have to delve into this a little bit more after work today. I have thought that blaming the 90* L-4 for all of Ducati's woe's was a bit excessive. Too bad I didn't state that earlier, would have been nice to sit around now and bask in the glory of being right.

Getting a lil' ahead of yourself, no-one will be basking in anything until they've fixed the ferkin' thing.

[tail_end_charlie]

Ok, yeah, it's Moto3 and not the 'real' bikes, but there are still some seriously sexy shots of KTM putting together their RC250R Production Racer (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/photos-ktm-rc250r-production-racer/).

[tail_end_charlie]

A time-lapse video of KTM assembling their RC250GP (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2013-ktm-rc250gp-timelapse-video/).

[DidJit]

Nice, eh — all shiny and new. :niceone:

[Reckless]

Testing again Sepang


‎1 LORENZO, Jorge Yamaha Factory Racing Team 2:00.282
2 PEDROSA, Dani Repsol Honda Team 2:00.651
3 CRUTCHLOW, Cal Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:00.907
4 MARQUEZ, Marc Repsol Honda Team 2:00.992
5 ROSSI, Valentino Yamaha Factory Racing Team 2:01.065
6 BAUTISTA, Alvaro GO&FUN Honda Gresini 2:01.208
7 BRADL, Stefan LCR Honda MotoGP 2:01.485
8 DOVIZIOSO, Andrea Ducati Team 2:01.803
9 HAYDEN, Nicky Ducati Team 2:02.106
10 SMITH, Bradley Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:02.539
11 IANNONE, Andrea Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
12 PIRRO, Michele Ducati Test Team 2:02.920
13 NAKASUGA, Katsuyuki Yamaha 2:03.227
14 ESPARGARO, Aleix Power Electronics Aspar 2:03.252
15 YOSHIKAWA, Wataru Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team 2:03.354

[Reckless]

Latest update here

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Lorenzo%20goes%20fastest%20on%20second%20Sepang%20 morning

Crutchlow is doin good :)

[tail_end_charlie]

Latest update here

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Lorenzo%20goes%20fastest%20on%20second%20Sepang%20 morning

Crutchlow is doin good :)

That he is, and I love his interviews. “I wouldn’t really call it testing because we haven’t really got much to test, but I’m happy. We’re just going through the motions...."

Every interview I've seen of him this preseason he's made sure to mention that his M1 is exactly the same as last year. Doing everything he can to try and shame Yamaha into giving him some new parts. Don't know if it'll work though.....:(

[Reckless]

That he is, and I love his interviews. “I wouldn’t really call it testing because we haven’t really got much to test, but I’m happy. We’re just going through the motions...."

Every interview I've seen of him this preseason he's made sure to mention that his M1 is exactly the same as last year. Doing everything he can to try and shame Yamaha into giving him some new parts. Don't know if it'll work though.....:(

I cant Find it now but im bloody sure I read that Rossi went back to last years bike????

[tail_end_charlie]

I cant Find it now but im bloody sure I read that Rossi went back to last years bike????

Yeah, engine (electronics) problem on his 2013 bike part way through the morning session yesterday brought him back to the pits, so he took the 2012 bike back out for the rest of the morning session. 2013 bike was ready to go back out just in time for the rain to come in the afternoon. Fairly sure he's back out on the 2013 bike for today.

[tail_end_charlie]

I cant Find it now but im bloody sure I read that Rossi went back to last years bike????

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Yamaha+Factory+Racing+on+first+day+at+Sepang+Test

[Reckless]

Yeah, engine (electronics) problem on his 2013 bike part way through the morning session yesterday brought him back to the pits, so he took the 2012 bike back out for the rest of the morning session. 2013 bike was ready to go back out just in time for the rain to come in the afternoon. Fairly sure he's back out on the 2013 bike for today.


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Yamaha+Factory+Racing+on+first+day+at+Sepang+Test

Ha cheers for that! Kiwibiker with the latest and greatest news by the moment LOL :brick:

[Brett]

REPOST ALERT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGBlq5aJlj4

Those that haven't already seen Hero's Story (Re: Casey Stoner) might want to watch this. I am sure that it has been posted at least once, but thought I would chuck it up here because it is pretty good. I will never get tired of watching slow motion pictures of Stoner sliding that Honda around the corners.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. I will never get tired of watching slow motion pictures of Stoner sliding that Honda around the corners.

Yeah how could ya!?

[merv]

Stoner a DNF so far in his V8 debut in Adelaide - story here http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/motogp-champion-casey-stoner-hits-the-wall-in-first-v8-race/story-e6frea6u-1226588704748 and here http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/v8-supercars/v8-supercars-recruit-casey-stoner-hits-a-wall-and-retires-in-his-dunlop-series-debut-in-adelaide/story-fn2ms9um-1226588687858#.UTFFhqKj12A

Maybe he'll do better in the second race.

Gaz and other Rossi fans would love this comment after the second article - though its meant to be 'talent' not 'ability':

<cite class="comment-info" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, 'MS Trebuchet', sans-serif; line-height: 12px;">What goes around ... of Perth says… March 01, 2013 at 7:03 PM</cite>
Tut Tut - looks like his 'ambition outweights his ability' - goose