MotoGP 2013 [Archive] - Page 3

tail_end_charlie

2nd March 2013, 18:05

Now back to some proper two-wheel news.....

Rossi commenting on Marquezs' riding: "Fuck he rides very hard!" (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130301a.htm) I think that the old man is seriously pondering his ability to beat these guys. Especially when Jorge pulls out a race simulation of 20 laps (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130301b.htm) that is 36 seconds faster than the current race record set by Rossi in 2010. He oughta get rid of the whole 'Black Mamba' theme he's working on and just put a metronome on the back of his helmet, it would be more fitting.

Last but not least we have some onboard footage from Dani and Marc (http://www.motomatters.com/video/2013/03/01/repsol_media_video_a_lap_of_sepang_with_.html) at the Sepang test. Unfortunately they don't have a whole lap of onboard (the jump around to off bike shots a lot) and they have the instrument cluster blurred out. The good news is that its a onboard shot through the windscreen which you don't see too often from MotoGP.

merv

2nd March 2013, 21:19

.... and Stoner 9th in his second V8 race http://www.clipsal500.com.au/attending_the_event/raceday_program/347/dunlop_series

McWild

3rd March 2013, 09:14

The Repsol Media Service, ever eager for publicity, issued the following video after the second MotoGP test at Sepang.

Bollocks! They could put up a video every time Pedrosa walks through the damn garage and I'd probably watch them religiously.

I swear, if any of the teams in Motogp do actually give any thought to promoting themselves through youtube videos and so on, they need to find new people to manage it. Fans want all the footage they can lap up! That video was good, but it would be nice to see a lot more of it publicly available. They talk about a lack of new fans and so on - give people something to follow!

tail_end_charlie

3rd March 2013, 09:36

Bollocks! They could put up a video every time Pedrosa walks through the damn garage and I'd probably watch them religiously.

I swear, if any of the teams in Motogp do actually give any thought to promoting themselves through youtube videos and so on, they need to find new people to manage it. Fans want all the footage they can lap up! That video was good, but it would be nice to see a lot more of it publicly available. They talk about a lack of new fans and so on - give people something to follow!

I agree, but I don't think that the teams really have much choice in the matter. I would guess that they have to pass everything through Dorna before they can release any videos or such, and Dorna like to keep a very tight lid on that sorta stuff. Can't allow people to watch videos for free on Youtube when you can make'em pay to watch it on MotoGP.com. All you have to do is look and see how many video's get pulled off Youtube now because of Dornas' copyright nazi's.

pritch

3rd March 2013, 15:51

Dorna are very tough on protecting their copyright. There is a lot of comment to the effect that they should loosen up as a lot of the clips would be good publicity.

At least they aren't as tough as NASCAR who asked YouTube to take a spectator's video clip down. After the request was complied with, it was pointed out to YouTube that NASCAR were not the rights holders, the spectator was, so the clip went back up.

Lots of problems around over-aggressive protection of copyright currently, just ask Kim Dotcom

DidJit

5th March 2013, 09:55

Excellent. (http://motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/04/sofaracer_speaks_of_homer_s_odyssey_dona.html) :lol:

Mental Trousers

5th March 2013, 11:07

Typical. All they concentrate on is Rossi. Not a hater but there's others in the race as well (wouldn't be a race otherwise eh).

DidJit

5th March 2013, 11:20

SofaRacer is the court jester. King Lear’s Fool if you will. A bit of lighthearted entertainment interspersed with some insightful truths.

Geeen

5th March 2013, 11:25

So if Rossi is Odysseus who's Penelope??

DidJit

5th March 2013, 11:41

The happy couple (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/Valentino+Rossi+Yamaha+Factory+Racing+Sepang+Offic ial+MotoGP+Test+2+12).

Drew

5th March 2013, 16:20

Excellent. (http://motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/04/sofaracer_speaks_of_homer_s_odyssey_dona.html) :lol:

Bloody funny, and clever analogy.

Can't disagree with anything he says either.

Brett

6th March 2013, 08:30

Bloody funny, and clever analogy.

Can't disagree with anything he says either.

I'm an unabashed massive Rossi fan, but I have to say, I am really excited to see what Marquez can do.

Crasherfromwayback

6th March 2013, 09:35

I am really excited to see what Marquez can do.

Me too. Just hope he doesn't fuck himself up going too hard too soon.

Drew

6th March 2013, 12:00

Me too. Just hope he doesn't fuck himself up going too hard too soon.

Worked out hunky dori for Jorge.

Crasherfromwayback

6th March 2013, 13:20

Worked out hunky dori for Jorge.

Yeah but with some of the shuttle take offs he did it could've very easily worked out badly.

pritch

6th March 2013, 16:46

Typical. All they concentrate on is Rossi. Not a hater but there's others in the race as well (wouldn't be a race otherwise eh).

I can't even see how you read that into it. I thought he looked at all the options then picked one, OK it was Rossi, but he had considered all four likely contenders.

Sofa Racer doesn't take things too seriously, after that post he wrote,
"Today, Greek mythology and Medieval Persian poetry. Tomorrow, knob gags."

tail_end_charlie

6th March 2013, 20:34

OK, yeah, he did hold up Rossi as the main one to look at and judge everyone against, but I definitely viewed the article as a fun read. I think he did a great job of injecting a little bit of humor that one does not normally see in Road racing blogs. Good on him

Oh, yeah, and I agree with pretty much everything he says...................................its gonna be fun watching Jorge/Dani and Rossi/Marc battles with regular guest appearances from Cal, Stefan and Alvaro. :2thumbsup (And hopefully some Ducati's too.)

pritch

7th March 2013, 10:52

Sadly I seem to lack the courage of my convictions.

The head says Lorenzo will win the title, I think he has the wood on Pedrosa.

OK, the latter won more GPs last year than he managed in any other year but I believe in part that was only due to the increasing maturity of Lorenzo who wasn’t going to risk everything on a dice when all he had to do was follow the dwarf around to win the title. If Stoner hadn’t retired Pedrosa wouldn’t even be on a Repsol bike this season.

Where Rossi will fit in to the scheme of things is anybody’s guess at this stage. In the past he has performed feats no other rider has achieved previously. Question is, can he surprise and amaze one more time as retirement beckons?

Marquez is another question mark. He is supposed to take an intelligent approach to his racing. He reportedly writes notes in the pits which is apparently considered unusual behaviour for a rider.

So the first race or two may not be a true indication of what is to follow as Rossi and Marquez play catch up.

Or not?

Whatever, here’s hoping that someone can give George a serious run for his money.

Roll on April.

Crasherfromwayback

7th March 2013, 11:15

roogazza

7th March 2013, 11:19

Sadly I seem to lack the courage of my convictions.
The head says Lorenzo will win the title, I think he has the wood on Pedrosa.
OK, the latter won more GPs last year than he managed in any other year but I believe in part that was only due to the increasing maturity of Lorenzo who wasn’t going to risk everything on a dice when all he had to do was follow the dwarf around to win the title. If Stoner hadn’t retired Pedrosa wouldn’t even be on a Repsol bike this season.
Where Rossi will fit in to the scheme of things is anybody’s guess at this stage. In the past he has performed feats no other rider has achieved previously. Question is, can he surprise and amaze one more time as retirement beckons?
Marquez is another question mark. He is supposed to take an intelligent approach to his racing. He reportedly writes notes in the pits which is apparently considered unusual behaviour for a rider.
So the first race or two may not be a true indication of what is to follow as Rossi and Marquez play catch up.
Whatever, here’s hoping that someone can give George a serious run for his money.
Roll on April.
Gee Pritch, I don't think I could guess which of the four, they all have their good points.
I remain a Rossi loyal of course, but can't wait until April rolls round.
Going over to watch one in the flesh ?

pritch

7th March 2013, 12:38

Going over to watch one in the flesh ?

Probably not this year. I want to retire and I want to do it sooner rather than later - preferably in a couple of months .

Once the dust has settled though who knows?

I recently read a comment to the effect that Pedrosa was #1 Honda rider for years, on a bike that was designed around him, and while he was winning his couple of races a year, two of his team mates actually won the championship. As Sofa Racer says, if he doesn't do something special this year events may pass him by.

roogazza

7th March 2013, 18:27

Probably not this year. I want to retire and I want to do it sooner rather than later - preferably in a couple of months .
Once the dust has settled though who knows?
I recently read a comment to the effect that Pedrosa was #1 Honda rider for years, on a bike that was designed around him, and while he was winning his couple of races a year, two of his team mates actually won the championship. As Sofa Racer says, if he doesn't do something special this year events may pass him by.
After his best year just gone you'd think he was a big chance, just need all the ducks in row ?
I have been lucky in that I retired at 56 and have had 7 years of it already. I still really enjoy my sojourns to Europe, do it while you can.
Worst part for me are the long 12 hour hauls (two of them to Rome). Meet some great people though.

DidJit

9th March 2013, 17:10

Insight into the mind of a Moto2 team boss (http://motomatters.com/interview/2013/03/08/marc_vds_boss_michael_barthol_my_intervi.html).

Hinny

10th March 2013, 13:59

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?

Numbers and mobile chicanes are good!

Crasherfromwayback

10th March 2013, 14:09

Numbers and mobile chicanes are good!

If you've done any racing yourself you'll know they're actually nothing but dangerous and a waste of space.

Hinny

10th March 2013, 14:09

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

He'd only begrudgingly like a Honda rider because right-thinking is somewhat anaethema to Robt. :ar15:
That is; 'right' as in 'correct', as opposed to being a Michelle Boag poster boy.

Hinny

10th March 2013, 14:16

If you've done any racing yourself you'll know they're actually nothing but dangerous and a waste of space.

The fact that they are dangerous is what makes them good.
Like many, or maybe most, you wouldn't do it if it was easy and the harder it becomes the greater the triumph in overcoming the difficulties.

Advocating the removal of the difficulties is being a wuss. :angry2: For coping with these 'difficulties' is where the measure of true champions lies. Not just relying on having the best package and keeping it upright for the duration....IMHO

Crasherfromwayback

10th March 2013, 15:45

The fact that they are dangerous is what makes them good.
Like many, or maybe most, you wouldn't do it if it was easy and the harder it becomes the greater the triumph in overcoming the difficulties.

Advocating the removal of the difficulties is being a wuss. :angry2: For coping with these 'difficulties' is where the measure of true champions lies. Not just relying on having the best package and keeping it upright for the duration....IMHO

I see. You've obviously never popped out of another racers draft to over take them only to come across some plonker that was unsighted going 30kph slower than you then. But all good in the name of sport eh?

merv

10th March 2013, 16:02

Crasherfromwayback

10th March 2013, 16:36

Yikes :eek5:

It's how people die.

sugilite

10th March 2013, 16:52

It's how people die.
Yep, I remember doing a track day at Manfield when I 1st got a GSXR1100. In those days they did not bother with this group 1, group 2 etc, it was all in. I was hunting down two riders along the back straight, and was just getting ready to move to the side to go past when they both suddenly split, one left and the other right leaving me no where to go. The reason they split? A lovely little suzuki B20 scooter doing all of about 80 kph. And yes, thought I was going to die but juuuuust missed it, whew! :sweatdrop

ecko_nzed

10th March 2013, 22:24

I see. You've obviously never popped out of another racers draft to over take them only to come across some plonker that was unsighted going 30kph slower than you then. But all good in the name of sport eh?

What I don't get, is that they have all sorts of electronic aids to make the bikes safer, but they can't put warning lights on the instrument panel of the bikes that corrospond to the flags being waved? Light on the dash to let a slower rider know that he was about to be lapped. Light to let a rider know that there is oil on the track. Light to let a rider know that he had a black flag penalty or ride through. Or am I being overly simple?

Or do they already have it and I don't pay enough attention?

Crasherfromwayback

11th March 2013, 07:44

but they can't put warning lights on the instrument panel of the bikes that corrospond to the flags being waved? Light on the dash to let a slower rider know that he was about to be lapped. Light to let a rider know that there is oil on the track. Light to let a rider know that he had a black flag penalty or ride through.

I hear ya. And you'd think so eh.

Mental Trousers

11th March 2013, 09:13

They're set up to do that from this year on.

All Classes

Effective 2014:

In 2013 Dorna will introduce a new timekeeping transponder that will have the ability to display on the dashboard additional information for the rider. Most importantly, this will include the ability to duplicate flag signals. Use of a compatible dashboard is mandatory from 2014 and optional in 2013.

DidJit

12th March 2013, 12:33

Everything (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/MotoGP+Test+Circuit+of+the+Americas+Austin+7) is (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/MotoGP+Test+Circuit+of+the+Americas+Austin+6) bigger (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/MotoGP+Test+Circuit+of+the+Americas+Austin+5) in (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/MotoGP+Test+Circuit+of+the+Americas+Austin+2) Texas (http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2013/MotoGP+Test+Circuit+of+the+Americas+Austin+1).

ac3_snow

12th March 2013, 16:38

steveyb

12th March 2013, 22:05

Far out!!!!!

Badjelly

13th March 2013, 09:30

Wow that uphill into turn one looks wicked. Appears to be a bit higher than the pit garages, which are 3 stories!

Oh the storeys I could tell!

Mental Trousers

13th March 2013, 10:25

I downloaded and watched the F1 race they had there. The racing was average cos it was cars, but the track is excellent. Only problem I found was how bright the paint around the track is, it was distracting.

DidJit

13th March 2013, 10:42

MM93 (http://instagram.com/p/WxkRSPmgMT/) getting comfortable @ CotA.

Edit: First day’s times (http://motomatters.com/news/2013/03/12/2013_motogp_austin_test_day_1_test_times.html_0?ut m_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

yod

14th March 2013, 13:17

Marquez seems to be reasonably comfy on that Honda - 1.1 secs ahead of Rossi!?

1 Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 2m 3.853s (54 laps)
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 2m 3.976s (58)
3. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory (YZR-M1) 2m 4.351s (65)
4. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda (RC213V) 2m 4.640s (49)
5. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory (YZR-M1) 2m 4.960s (67)
6. Blake Young USA Attack Performance (Attack-Kawasaki CRT) 2m 13.641s (47)
Michael Barnes USA GPTech (BCL-Suzuki CRT) 2m 13.993w (22)

Mental Trousers

14th March 2013, 21:48

COTA is awesome. Watch it before Dorna take it down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mQMBVArvGk&feature=youtu.be

Crasherfromwayback

14th March 2013, 22:48

COTA is awesome. Watch it before Dorna take it down

[]

Yeah Superbikes be fucked.

McWild

15th March 2013, 04:05

What an incredible day the cameraman must have had! Good find.

Question: Do the GP bikes sound like that in person? They seem to have a really distinctive pitch, where I wouldn't mistake it for any other kind of bike. But is that due to the microphones used to record or do they really sound like that?

And fark those Texans don't do their motor racing by halves huh.

Drew

15th March 2013, 06:55

Crasherfromwayback

15th March 2013, 07:04

There's nothing that sounds like a GP bike. The microphone doesn't do it justice.

If you ever go to a race, ear plugs are a must! They are beyond loud.

What he says.

roogazza

15th March 2013, 09:27

What he says.

Great sounds huh, I love it early in the morning when one or two come out on track first thing. The V5 Honda had a great sound and the ducati has quite a distinctive rark to it.
Just love that low flat sounding Yamaha though.
Not long to go Crasher, I'm fizzin !

Crasherfromwayback

15th March 2013, 09:28

Great sounds huh, I love it early in the morning when one or two come out on track first thing. The V5 Honda had a great sound and the ducati has quite a distinctive rark to it.
Just love that low flat sounding Yamaha though.
Not long to go Crasher, I'm fizzin !

Yeah the V Five was an awesome sound. And tell ya what...I always thought the GSVR sounded really gruff and angry. Loved it.

Reckless

15th March 2013, 10:29

Damn I missed it Grrrr "vid unavailable"

Drew

15th March 2013, 13:44

Yeah the V Five was an awesome sound. And tell ya what...I always thought the GSVR sounded really gruff and angry. Loved it.

I was at PI the last year Suzuki ran. Was my favourite sounding GP bike, probably because it was the only bike on track not running big bang, or cross plane configuration.

trustme

15th March 2013, 14:28

Many many years ago Butler Smith campaigned a BMW on the US AMA circuit , it was up against 2 strokes , fours etc, sounded completely different. The comment was made, ' that thing does not sound like a motorsickle it sounds like a goddamn war '

Can't wait for battle to commence

pritch

15th March 2013, 16:44

I was at PI the last year Suzuki ran. Was my favourite sounding GP bike,

Yeah I thought the Suzuki sounded sweetest as well. Shame it didn't go as good as it sounded...

Before I went to PI everybody told me about the GP bikes, "Fuck they're loud!"
When I got there people said "Fuck they're loud!"
I started thinking "Yeah, yeah."
Then when I heard them, "Fuck they're loud!"

Interesting results from COTA. The Yamaha guys have decided that the track suits the Honda, it has an edge on acceleration out of the hairpin and on the edge of the tyres. There was an unusual photo of Lorenzo, Rossi, and other key Yamaha people in a huddle brainstorming. Presumably they are worried.

Probably not as worried as Pedrosa though? :whistle:

McWild

16th March 2013, 04:41

Did some homework... I think I see what you guys are getting at.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqBKbA7Vf1U

Wingnut

16th March 2013, 07:29

Damn I missed it Grrrr "vid unavailable"

WTF? I'm watching it now....

misterO

16th March 2013, 13:35

Got my ticket- Moto GP at COTA, Austin TX in April. No talk. All Action. I'll buy you a beer if you turn up!

Crasherfromwayback

16th March 2013, 13:53

Got my ticket- Moto GP at COTA, Austin TX in April. No talk. All Action. I'll buy you a beer if you turn up!

Nice work. I'm very jealous!

Cleve

16th March 2013, 14:07

COTA is awesome. Watch it before Dorna take it down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mQMBVArvGk&feature=youtu.be

Don't worry - Dorna can't as it is a private test. The reason Honda stayed for the 3rd day alone was mostly to shoot promotional material that they can use.

BMWST?

16th March 2013, 15:48

i think the Hondas may have their turn at the top as the best package out of the box this year .

merv

16th March 2013, 17:20

i think the Hondas may have their turn at the top as the best package out of the box this year .

Well here's hoping they don't make them add more weight and change the tyres again long after they have finalised the current year's design. Oh that's right, Rossi isn't at Ducati any more so no need to try and hand Honda a disadvantage again.

Oscar

17th March 2013, 15:35

Well here's hoping they don't make them add more weight and change the tyres again long after they have finalised the current year's design. Oh that's right, Rossi isn't at Ducati any more so no need to try and hand Honda a disadvantage again.

Casey's gone, Merv - you take your hand off it now.
The fact is that Honda gets their own way most of the time due to their dominance in the manufacturers association.
Almost all of the Formula changes that Stoner whined about were either driven or rubber stamped by Honda.

The tyres were down to a vote by the riders, and guess what?
Only two (Pedrosa and Stoner) voted against them.

BMWST?

17th March 2013, 15:41

Well here's hoping they don't make them add more weight and change the tyres again long after they have finalised the current year's design. Oh that's right, Rossi isn't at Ducati any more so no need to try and hand Honda a disadvantage again.

my point is that it seems that such is the knife edge these bikes operate at that Honda and Yamaha seem to so often go year by year when one bike starts out slightly better than the other...I dont know say if Honda worked hard to totally eliminate last years problems(probably yes) or if yamah hasnt dome much to last years bike(unlikely?),or maybe made a tweak thought desireable which has gone slightly too far in some aspect

Crasherfromwayback

17th March 2013, 18:49

.
Almost all of the Formula changes that Stoner whined about were either driven or rubber stamped by Honda.

The tyres were down to a vote by the riders, and guess what?
Only two (Pedrosa and Stoner) voted against them.

Sheesh Oscar...you're starting to sound as much of a stuck record as myself! And of course Stoner and Pedrosa were the only ones complaining about the tyres not working for their factory Hondas. They were the only two going fast enough to find their short comings on the Honda. Duh.

merv

17th March 2013, 21:47

Agree crasher he is a stuck record, and Oscar did your buddy Mike the Yamaha man race director explain why they changed the weight limit after Nakamoto had his bikes built properly to spec.

Oscar

18th March 2013, 09:45

Agree crasher he is a stuck record, and Oscar did your buddy Mike the Yamaha man race director explain why they changed the weight limit after Nakamoto had his bikes built properly to spec.

Yeah, he's a Yamaha plant and hates Honda's.

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 09:50

Yeah, he's a Yamaha plant and hates Honda's.

lol. Don't we all! He was pretty bloody handy on his TZ's though that's for sure!

Oscar

18th March 2013, 09:52

lol. Don't we all! He was pretty bloody handy on his TZ's though that's for sure!

He's still bloody handy on my R80g/s.
Right up until the point where he crashed it...

MIXONE

18th March 2013, 09:53

lol. Don't we all! He was pretty bloody handy on his TZ's though that's for sure!

Is that Mike Webb from the Waikato?Bloody nice guy if so.

Oscar

18th March 2013, 09:55

Oscar

18th March 2013, 09:56

Is that Mike Webb from the Waikato?Bloody nice guy if so.

The very same.

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 09:57

He's still bloody handy on my R80g/s.
Right up until the point where he crashed it...

Happens to the best of us!

Is that Mike Webb from the Waikato?Bloody nice guy if so.

Think that's where he's from. Oscar will tell ya.

roogazza

18th March 2013, 10:13

280077

Ok baby, play it cool, don't show our speed until Qatar !

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 10:42

[

Ok baby, play it cool, don't show our speed until Qatar !

Baby now eh? Sheesh...

merv

18th March 2013, 11:47

Yeah, he's a Yamaha plant and hates Honda's.

lol. Don't we all!

Yeah, bloody awful bikes you hated like the red CR250R, your RS250, the NSR500 and the RC211V, oh and let alone all the RC models since like the RC212V and RC213V.

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 11:50

Yeah, bloody awful bikes you hated like the red CR250R, your RS250, the NSR500 and the RC211V, oh and let alone all the RC models since like the RC212V and RC213V.

lol. Nah...it's Honda's bully boy antics I don't like Merv. Am loving certain bikes they've built over the years don't worry. I'd still love a mint RC30. It's a lotto bike for me!

merv

18th March 2013, 11:51

Hey Merv, Mike says Hi!

Yeah, hi Mike.

lol. Nah...it's Honda's bully boy antics I don't like Merv. Am loving certain bikes they've built over the years don't worry. I'd still love a mint RC30. It's a lotto bike for me!

I liked the interviews with Nakamoto and his manner and openness didn't reek of bully boy to me and he even agreed with you over CRT. No worries he said we'll build you some customer bikes instead.

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 12:00

I liked the interviews with Nakamoto and his manner and openness didn't reek of bully boy to me and he even agreed with you over CRT. No worries he said we'll build you some customer bikes instead.

I did too. But I think even yourself would have to admit that what Honda wants, Honda normally gets Merv!

merv

18th March 2013, 12:14

I did too. But I think even yourself would have to admit that what Honda wants, Honda normally gets Merv!

Yeah well it comes from the "Power of Dreams" brother. http://world.honda.com/history/

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 12:28

Yeah well it comes from the "Power of Dreams" brother. http://world.honda.com/history/

Thanks for that Merv!

roogazza

18th March 2013, 18:12

Baby now eh? Sheesh...

That was supposed to be a caption, him talking to what he calls his baby.
Not humorous ????
ps I see they're down on Accel again to the Honda this year, be nice to get the skinny on it ?

merv

18th March 2013, 18:24

Well Gaz as you said above we will all see at Qatar and we all remember the first time Rossi rode a Yamaha there he didn't win did he? Maybe they are sandbagging right now, but it will be hard to match the new "elbowz" I am sure.

roogazza

18th March 2013, 18:39

Well Gaz as you said above we will all see at Qatar and we all remember the first time Rossi rode a Yamaha there. Maybe they are sandbagging right now, but it will be hard to match the new "elbowz" I am sure.

Honda money well spent Merv. Rossi is really up against it but hey I'm loyal to the end.
Imagine 10 titles !!!! (not titties crasher !)

280081

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 19:08

That was supposed to be a caption, him talking to what he calls his baby.
Not humorous ????
ps I see they're down on Accel again to the Honda this year, be nice to get the skinny on it ?

I know mate, was just winding you up. Honda's have always had HP and accelleration mate. But generally the Yamaha's have been the better handlers. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

pritch

18th March 2013, 20:03

Honda's have always had HP and accelleration mate. But generally the Yamaha's have been the better handlers. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

True. The problems Yamaha are experiencing may be caused to some extent by the layout of the COTA track. On a more flowing track things may be different. Certainly Yamaha will be hoping that's the case.

We'll all have a better idea in a few weeks.

Maybe?

merv

18th March 2013, 20:33

Well Gaz I was a Rossi fan too when he was winning and I'm sure he's not done yet - just needs to do a few "Laguna Seca's" on those boys like he did to Casey a while back.

merv

18th March 2013, 20:36

I know mate, was just winding you up. Honda's have always had HP and accelleration mate. But generally the Yamaha's have been the better handlers. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

You would have liked reading steady Eddie's 1993 Daytona story then http://superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/13031993.htm the rare time when Yamaha gave him the horsepower as well as the handling.

tail_end_charlie

18th March 2013, 20:44

Don't know who this SofaRacer dude is, but he sure is good at putting out an entertaining read. (http://www.motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/18/sofaracer_speaks_an_open_letter_to_micha.html)

Crasherfromwayback

18th March 2013, 22:06

DidJit

19th March 2013, 05:22

... entertaining read. (http://www.motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/18/sofaracer_speaks_an_open_letter_to_micha.html)

He’s a funny guy. Something to chortle over in the long, long break between races.

roogazza

19th March 2013, 07:51

You would have liked reading steady Eddie's 1993 Daytona story then http://superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/13031993.htm the rare time when Yamaha gave him the horsepower as well as the handling.
Thanks for putting that up Merv , enjoyed it.

Yeah I remember it from the time. Lucky he didn't pop an engine during the big one though eh!!??
Me too, like he said, retired and relaxed. A big win at the time and I am a big fan of Lawson, laconic dude that he was.

DidJit

20th March 2013, 10:34

Technology (http://goo.gl/GSE8F) marches on (in Moto2 and Moto3)... and CEII explains (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/colin-edwards-explains-circuit-of-the-americas-video/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter) how to ride CotA.

tail_end_charlie

20th March 2013, 11:28

Seems that although they arn't in the same sport anymore, much less racing eachother, Rossi and Stoner will continue to keep throwing shots at one another (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130319a.htm) through the media. Oh well, I guess it keeps things interesting.

Crasherfromwayback

20th March 2013, 12:27

Wingnut

20th March 2013, 13:10

Unless Stoner wants to go back to Moto-GP, he should now simply give it a rest.

Whats that saying.... Opinions are like assholes.... everyone has one. I think Casey has earnt the right, more than most anyway.

He used to annoy me with the Moaner thing but atleast he tells it like it is.

Crasherfromwayback

20th March 2013, 13:27

Whats that saying.... Opinions are like assholes.... everyone has one. I think Casey has earnt the right, more than most anyway.

He used to annoy me with the Moaner thing but atleast he tells it like it is.

Hey I agree with that. But he needs to get over Rossi.

imdying

20th March 2013, 13:39

I expect some reporter asked him a question, and he simply gave it, as he does. I expect they're the ones that should get over it, but from their perspective he is probably uniquely positioned to answer that question, and gives a good sound bite. Just because he's not getting paid in MotoGP won't stop the press from milking more money out of him.

Crasherfromwayback

20th March 2013, 14:40

DidJit

20th March 2013, 14:47

You’re in an agreeable mood today, old chap.

Crasherfromwayback

20th March 2013, 14:48

You’re in an agreeable mood today, old chap.

No I'm not! Run out of agreements now! :-)

Crasherfromwayback

21st March 2013, 10:04

Golly...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/13032034.htm

Mental Trousers

21st March 2013, 10:27

Far canal :facepalm:

roogazza

21st March 2013, 10:42

Golly...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/13032034.htm

I seem to recall a bit of a tiff going on from a while back ?
Lawyers at dawn sorta stuff.

Crasherfromwayback

21st March 2013, 10:46

I seem to recall a bit of a tiff going on from a while back ?
Lawyers at dawn sorta stuff.

Yeah. All a bit of a shame really.

DidJit

21st March 2013, 13:03

Egos (http://motomatters.com/news/2013/03/21/kevin_schwantz_and_circuit_of_the_americ.html) and $$$s. Usual business bitch fight.

Geeen

21st March 2013, 16:15

Far canal :facepalm:

Wot he gone dun sed

pritch

22nd March 2013, 14:56

This isn't the first time COTA did something like this. The guy who originally had the dream of having a track in Texas, Tavo Hellmund, and who got the money men on board, got the shaft by the same money men at an early stage.

"Forbes" magazine covered the initial shambles here:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2012/10/19/wild-ride/

I get the impression that Hellmund and Schwantz would have a lot to talk about over a beer...

DidJit

22nd March 2013, 15:22

Good read.

Crasherfromwayback

25th March 2013, 07:38

Dovi eh?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130324a.htm

DidJit

25th March 2013, 07:53

Indeed. Smart, methodical and fast.

Pritch and Roogazza will be happy with this (http://motomatters.com/results/2013/03/24/2013_jerez_motogp_test_day_2_times_rossi.html).

pritch

25th March 2013, 09:13

Another day, another track, and everything changes. I was wondering if track conditions, or whatever, were slowing things down and affecting the results, but I note that the top four are all under lap record pace.
Nobody is down to pole record pace yet though.

Crutchlow has had a little rant about “caravans” and blames the usual suspects.
Bradley Smith owns up to getting a tow from Rossi. Michael Laverty got a tow from Crutchlow although the latter didn’t seem to mind that too much and offered another quicker one later.

Reportedly neither of the Tech 3 bikes have any new parts to test, although Crutchlow doesn’t seem to need too many right now.

The Dorna rules limiting testing have put teams under pressure the last couple of years with the rain cutting testing back to something like half of the available time.

Didn't Dovi do well?

Here’s hoping tomorrow (their time) the weather is fine.

roogazza

25th March 2013, 09:52

Indeed. Smart, methodical and fast.

Pritch and Roogazza will be happy with this (http://motomatters.com/results/2013/03/24/2013_jerez_motogp_test_day_2_times_rossi.html).

Still testing, but nice to see with what,about two weeks to go ?

Dovi first Duc, I'd pick him over Hayden when the racing starts. Imagine if he is able to stay that close to the front 4! Means he is able to and willing to change style, Mmmmmm ?

Crasherfromwayback

25th March 2013, 10:08

Dovi first Duc, I'd pick him over Hayden when the racing starts. Imagine if he is able to stay that close to the front 4! Means he is able to and willing to change style, Mmmmmm ?

Be nice to see him competitive on the thing. Be a shame if Ducati fucked off due to shit results for so long.

roogazza

25th March 2013, 10:24

Be nice to see him competitive on the thing. Be a shame if Ducati fucked off due to shit results for so long.
Wouldn't it just. Remember him in 250 against Horhay, great racer
demon braker.

Damien_Toman

25th March 2013, 12:38

Great to see Rossi at the sharp end again. Crutchlow is fast and confident. Dovi is a surprise on a bike that most can't ride and with so little practice - impressive.

Iannone looked extremely fast in the wet session - when on form, he will surprise us.

Marquez may not have featured well in day 2 tests but I expect he has done enough already to prove his capability (Austin) and is under strict orders to keep it very safe 'till Qatar.

I expected more from my fellow countryman, Laverty, after being the 2nd fastest CRT in Sepang. In the MotoGP interview he explained that they are working hard to fix electronic issues.

Fun letter to "thief" Laverty:

http://motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/18/sofaracer_speaks_an_open_letter_to_micha.html

Damien

Crasherfromwayback

26th March 2013, 07:59

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130325ki2.htm

Now let's get racing!!

pritch

26th March 2013, 10:39

Crasher,

I know you’ll be thrilled, Rossi has a new page on Facebook.
From memory: Valentino Rossi VR46 official
We can’t access social network sites from work, maybe they think we’ll organise another Arab uprising? :whistle:

There’s some nice pics on the new page including one from the weekend of Rossi doing the elbow down thing.

I was thinking "old dogs & new tricks?" but a Google image search shows Rossi and others, including Stoner, have done the elbow down before. Maybe nobody prior to Marquez did it so often that they needed special elbow sliders though?

The factory Yamaha team were supposed to be testing new chassis parts at Jerez on Monday but with a wet track most of every day, they'll presumably have to wait until Qatar.

Reckless

26th March 2013, 10:42

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Mar/130325ki2.htm

Now let's get racing!!

MMMM interesting. I think the conditions are a bit dodgy so it might suit some riders and set ups more than others?

Good effort Cal tho :)

eg Marquez might find it harder on the thousand when its not a hot track with 100% grip, might be why he's not as far up.
Combined with the fact the others are now giving it 100%.

These conditions suit Rossi but still makes me wonder if the old fox has been holding 2% back????

Crasherfromwayback

26th March 2013, 10:44

Bring it on I say! Could be one of the best seasons we've had in ages.

Crasherfromwayback

26th March 2013, 10:49

These conditions suit Rossi but still makes me wonder if the old fox has been holding 2% back????

Think only a madman would discount Rossi.

roogazza

27th March 2013, 08:40

Bring it on I say! Could be one of the best seasons we've had in ages.

Heres hoping bud aye. Had a bloke yell out 'Valentino' in
pac n slave Paraparam last week ( was wearing a Rossi T). First time it's happened here !
Was thinking, that happens all the time in Italy VALE, VALE !
Could be a good year, fingers crossed.

Cleve

27th March 2013, 08:46

The racing hasn't even started yet and already this thread is on page 42! Bring it on. Qatar is next weekend! Cannot wait.

Crasherfromwayback

27th March 2013, 08:48

The racing hasn't even started yet and already this thread is on page 42! Bring it on. Qatar is next weekend! Cannot wait.

Ditto. I'm gonna be off work and laid up for a few months...so it'll keep me (semi) sane!

roogazza

27th March 2013, 14:20

Ditto. I'm gonna be off work and laid up for a few months...so it'll keep me (semi) sane!

I'll bite........ you getting something fixed , ankle ?

(or breast implants ? )

Crasherfromwayback

27th March 2013, 14:23

I'll bite........ you getting something fixed , ankle ?

(or breast implants ? )

Ankle fused in three joints. No tits.

MIXONE

27th March 2013, 15:33

Ankle fused in three joints. No tits.

Can I please do your job while you are off work?I'm a smart cunt who loves bikes and makes shit coffee so I must fit the job description...

Crasherfromwayback

27th March 2013, 15:34

Can I please do your job while you are off work?I'm a smart cunt who loves bikes and makes shit coffee so I must fit the job description...

Get hold of me if you're serious mate. They're gonna need help.

Nat

28th March 2013, 10:48

Is there any TV coverage this year? I could get my friends to record it on myksy if it's on. If not are most people paying to watch it online?

Kendog

28th March 2013, 10:58

Is there any TV coverage this year? I could get my friends to record it on myksy if it's on. If not are most people paying to watch it online?
What race is on this weekend?

pritch

28th March 2013, 11:43

Last year I tried the half price - second half of the season option. It was good because some of the later races: Malaysia, Japan, Oz, were closer to our time zone than the Euro races.

I'd certainly do that again, might even spring for he whole season, but I've got a week to think about it...

tail_end_charlie

28th March 2013, 14:38

The new multi-screen apps should be a bit of fun. (Can watch multiple cameras at once).

I got the impression that is only for Qatar for right now? Are they going to have that available for all the seasons' races?

Crisis management

28th March 2013, 14:56

Mental Trousers

28th March 2013, 15:11

Ditto. I'm gonna be off work and laid up for a few months...so it'll keep me (semi) sane!

Get the feeling the timing of that op wasn't luck. Pete laid up for 3 months right at the start of the MotoGP season .....

Crasherfromwayback

28th March 2013, 15:18

Get the feeling the timing of that op wasn't luck. Pete laid up for 3 months right at the start of the MotoGP season .....

One good thing to come out of it mate...

Kendog

28th March 2013, 20:03

Am I completely stupid or has Sky decided to not televise MoptoGP?

I just checked the magazine and there is no listing for MotoGP next weekend, please let this not be true?

Edit:
The fuckers are still negotiating for the coverage.... hope to hear something by the end of next week!
That would suck big time.
Sky seem to be doing that a bit lately, the League coverage was confirmed only a couple of days before the first game kicked off.

pritch

31st March 2013, 12:10

tail_end_charlie

31st March 2013, 12:57

Many of the pundits are on record with comments to the effect that Rossi might be a regular podium contender, may even win a race or two, but has no chance of winning the championship. This seemed more or less unanimous following the private test at CotA, Austin, TX.

Saw an earlier interview this morning from late 2012, the interviewee expressed the opinion that Rossi is a very real threat to win the title this year.

That interviewee? Marc Marquez.

Ha ha, nice. So the question would be, was he underselling himself because that was pre-testing? Or was he just paying homage to the GOAT? Playing mind games? Trying to pass himself off as the underdog? ..................................

Bugger man, I'm tired of all this pre-season, sofa-racing, keyboard warrior bullshit (of which I'm just as guilty as everyone else).

BRING ON QATAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pritch

31st March 2013, 14:19

Or was he just paying homage to the GOAT? Playing mind games?

It was presented more or less as the former, but I did wonder about the mind games...

Cleve

1st April 2013, 06:23

Am I completely stupid or has Sky decided to not televise MoptoGP?

I just checked the magazine and there is no listing for MotoGP next weekend, please let this not be true?

Edit:
The fuckers are still negotiating for the coverage.... hope to hear something by the end of next week!

Just watch out as I think the races are live on MONDAY morning our time. So check the Sky timetable for that day not the weekend. That being said - I don't have Sky - I watch on the internet.

paturoa

1st April 2013, 10:10

Just googling it and is the Qatar race this weekend, or the weekend of the 7th April?

BMWST?

1st April 2013, 10:16

Just googling it and is the Qatar race this weekend, or the weekend of the 7th April?
next weekend

paturoa

1st April 2013, 10:18

next weekend

Thanks, post #2 had it this weekend.

roogazza

1st April 2013, 10:41

280680

Bored shitless today so have been ringing Sky Television. No result there still. Told to keep checking Electronic programme guide.
So have sent E mail. Will cancel Sky if no joy by Sunday.

BMWST?

1st April 2013, 10:42

Thanks, post #2 had it this weekend.

i keep an eye on motogp.com (http://www.motogp.com/) too

BMWST?

1st April 2013, 10:43

Bored shitless today so have been ringing Sky Television. No result there still. Told to keep checking Electronic programme guide.
So have sent E mail. Will cancel Sky if no joy by Sunday.

same sent them an email saying i would ditch skysport if i didnt know soon

frogfeaturesFZR

1st April 2013, 10:47

Monday 8 th at 1 pm on Sky, first coverage

t595

1st April 2013, 11:02

Ok, so can it be recorded some how for viewing when suitable - or do you have to watch it live?

BTW it comes up as 99.99Euro on my page.

You can watch anytime + u get qualifying ,interviews,testing ,the last 10 seasons of racing (maybe more?) plus everything else you could possibly want to see. I think you can look through the selection of vids at bottom of page but just cant watch them if you aren't a subscriber?

pritch

1st April 2013, 11:09

Monday 8 th at 1 pm on Sky, first coverage

I did searches on the programme guide and got "no results". Still get the same answer.

My bankcard balance wasn't looking too flash so I just transferred a wedge and it's healthier now. Also, at the current exchange rate that E99.95 is rather less than I thought.

I too initially got SKY for the bike racing. I sent them a message mentioning the apparent unavailability of the GP and cancelling a couple of their services. This may indicate that I'm not a happy customer, or they may not give a shit. Either way the extras I cancelled should pay the MotoGP sub over time.

My Apple TV can earn its keep, I'll still be able to watch the coverage on the 42" screen.

roogazza

1st April 2013, 18:24

I did searches on the programme guide and got "no results". Still get the same answer.

My bankcard balance wasn't looking too flash so I just transferred a wedge and it's healthier now. Also, at the current exchange rate that E99.95 is rather less than I thought.

I too initially got SKY for the bike racing. I sent them a message mentioning the apparent unavailability of the GP and cancelling a couple of their services. This may indicate that I'm not a happy customer, or they may not give a shit. Either way the extras I cancelled should pay the MotoGP sub over time.

Yeah much better exchange for Euros this year, got me a bag of them.
Sky will lose my 100 bucks a month if they fail to cover,F... em.!

rapid van cleef

1st April 2013, 20:34

I went through the sky tv planner and the only motogp race i can find is on monday the 8th at 1pm for the highlights...........

if sky do not sort their shit out im definetly going to get the online subs to motogp.com.

Bastards!

Damien_Toman

2nd April 2013, 00:28

For NZ MotoGP Times, Qatar 2013, click on thumbnail below:

280729

Just 3 days to go! :)

Go Marquez, Iannone, Laverty and Smith. Newbees performing can only be great for the sport.

Cal, you can do it!

Oh, and go 46 - we have waited. It has been too long. Now we are ready to celebrate with the rest of the world!

Shame Stoner will not be there. Could Marquez fill the excitement gap?

Can Dovi do a Stoner on the Duc?

Can Dani complete a whole season without injury and win? He must feel like he can easily do it - for the first time - no Stoner!

Moto2 and Moto3 will also be amazing if 2012 is any indicator.

Damien

rapid van cleef

2nd April 2013, 07:52

Anyone managed to watch motogp online on Xbox live? I tried watching the free vids last night and they wouldnt play. I can log into Motogp.com on the xbox, but no videos. It plays youtube etc. It does ask for a flash player download but apparently flash does not work on xbox....

any ideas?

Warr

2nd April 2013, 10:07

I wanted to view on my Android phone and initially just the sound played but I 'clicked'
on the progress bar and up came the video.
Not sure I want to watch a lot on my phone but you never know !

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

denill

2nd April 2013, 12:12

280680

Bored shitless today so have been ringing Sky Television. No result there still. Told to keep checking Electronic programme guide.
So have sent E mail. Will cancel Sky if no joy by Sunday.

Received at 1.09pm today:

Thank you for your email.

We are still under negotiations for the rights of MotoGP events and nothing is confirmed yet. We advise you to keep checking the EPG (electronic programming guide) and Sky Sport website at www.skysport.co.nz for any changes or updates.

Please feel free to contact SKY Television Customer Services on 0800 759 759 for further information during weekdays 8am-10pm and weekends 8am-9pm. Alternatively, please respond via return email and we will endeavour to reply within 24 hours.

With kind regards,

SKY Online Support

Geeen

2nd April 2013, 13:54

That looks exactly like the email I got from them today......... Heres hoping they get their shit together

denill

2nd April 2013, 14:13

You can watch anytime + u get qualifying ,interviews,testing ,the last 10 seasons of racing (maybe more?) plus everything else you could possibly want to see. I think you can look through the selection of vids at bottom of page but just cant watch them if you aren't a subscriber?

OK, a bit slow but just confirming - So is all the coverage available at any time, on demand?

jasonu

2nd April 2013, 14:25

Received at 1.09pm today:

Thank you for your email.

Blah blah blah, only a couple of people actually watch motorcross so stick your complaint up your arse.
With kind regards and fuck off,

SKY Online Support

Translated with real world technology...

tail_end_charlie

2nd April 2013, 14:38

Received at 1.09pm today:

Thank you for your email.

We are still under negotiations for the rights of MotoGP events and nothing is confirmed yet. We advise you to keep checking the EPG (electronic programming guide) and Sky Sport website at www.skysport.co.nz for any changes or updates.

Please feel free to contact SKY Television Customer Services on 0800 759 759 for further information during weekdays 8am-10pm and weekends 8am-9pm. Alternatively, please respond via return email and we will endeavour to reply within 24 hours.

With kind regards,

SKY Online Support

That looks exactly like the email I got from them today......... Heres hoping they get their shit together

Translated with real world technology...

Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if it's mainly Dorna's fault? Like maybe they are stalling with the contract negotiations so that the hardcore followers (the people who really care about MotoGP) all start to panic a little and buy the online subscriptions to make sure they can watch the races. Then right before the races, Dorna will sign an agreement so as to still get the TV money, and all the audience that don't really follow MotoGP but just see it as they are clicking through the channels on Sky (or whatever channel).

denill

2nd April 2013, 14:55

Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if it's mainly Dorna's fault? Like maybe they are stalling with the contract negotiations so that the hardcore followers (the people who really care about MotoGP) all start to panic a little and buy the online subscriptions to make sure they can watch the races. Then right before the races, Dorna will sign an agreement so as to still get the TV money, and all the audience that don't really follow MotoGP but just see it as they are clicking through the channels on Sky (or whatever channel).

I like your thinking and whether intentional or not - that's the reality.

pritch

2nd April 2013, 16:01

OK so I too received a reply from SKY. Apparently they aren't big on multi tasking. They advised that I will no longer be charged for the services I cancelled, but there was no response to my comments re MotoGP coverage.

Ah well, I had signed for the MotoGP coverage anyway.

Dorna have apparently increased their charges to people who cover the MotoGP events. The MotoPod podcast guys mentioned a five fold increase (?) and they don't even do video.

Kendog

2nd April 2013, 16:44

I have the same email reply from sky.
My fingers are crossed they get the deal done.

roogazza

2nd April 2013, 18:30

Brett

2nd April 2013, 22:58

Screw sky. Will just subscribe online to MotoGP.com this year I reckon.

tail_end_charlie

3rd April 2013, 07:38

In other news........anyone feel like working for David Emmett on MotoMatters.com (http://www.motomatters.com/blog/2013/03/29/help_wanted_freelance_motogp_race_and_pr.html)? I love the way he presents the job, what you won't get, what you might get, and what you will get. Striaght up and honest.

And another article from MotoMatters on PR (http://www.motomatters.com/opinion/2013/03/29/the_upside_of_private_testing_turning_co.html), how to exploit it, and how Dorna is more or less finacially holding back all the teams in MotoGP because of their close-mindedness. Its amazing how hard it is for the MotoGP teams to do any video or media packages without Dorna literally charging them out the ass for licensing fees. That means that the sponsers can't get any extra footage or anything other than what is on the Dorna feed, and even then they have to pay for it.................after they have already paid to sponser the teams. No wonder the teams are having so much trouble finding sponsers. :weird:

Kendog

3rd April 2013, 11:36

I don't know why the teams don't get together and organize more private tests so that they can stick it to Dorna. Costs are definitely higher as Dorna cover a bunch of things for testing (transportation, circuit hire etc) but the benefits to the teams and sponsors of getting on track/in pit/behind the scenes footage without any encumbrances should easily outweigh that.
Don't bite the hand that feeds you?

Mental Trousers

3rd April 2013, 11:58

Don't bite the hand that feeds you?

More like the hand that's strangling you.

pritch

3rd April 2013, 13:11

Yeah bud, long as I can get the coverage onto the 60inch TV i'll be happy.

And as has been recently mentioned hereabout, there is more than one way to do that :yes:

DidJit

3rd April 2013, 15:27

“This could be the best MotoGP season ever! (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2013/04/03/2013_motogp_season_preview_the_best_seas.html)”

carbonhed

3rd April 2013, 16:39

OK. Who's your pick for champeen?

My pick is Pedrosa. Having Stoner riding alongside you as team mate would have destroyed about 90% of the paddock but it just made him stronger. This year he's got Marquez to keep his feet to the fire and he's on probably the best bike on the grid... if he stays healthy I think he'll win it.

Still be rooting for Lorenzo and Rossi though and GO! Cal Crutchlow... my biggest suprise from last year.

Geeen

3rd April 2013, 17:30

Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if it's mainly Dorna's fault? Like maybe they are stalling with the contract negotiations so that the hardcore followers (the people who really care about MotoGP) all start to panic a little and buy the online subscriptions to make sure they can watch the races. Then right before the races, Dorna will sign an agreement so as to still get the TV money, and all the audience that don't really follow MotoGP but just see it as they are clicking through the channels on Sky (or whatever channel).

Ive just searched all the Aussie sports channels and found nuthin' about MotoGP, I think TEC might have hit the nail on the head.:(:mad:

Mental Trousers

3rd April 2013, 17:34

Pedro
Lorenzo
Dovizioso
Rossi

Marquez to crash big a couple of times.

carbonhed

3rd April 2013, 18:27

Marquez to crash big a couple of times.

Yeah... don't like to think it but when he goes he'll go big. Even bigger than Lorenzo :shit:

Mort

3rd April 2013, 19:31

My Apple TV can earn its keep, I'll still be able to watch the coverage on the 42" screen.

How do you get AppleTV to show Motogp then ?

BMWST?

3rd April 2013, 19:37

Pedro
Lorenzo
Dovizioso
Rossi

Marquez to crash big a couple of times.

i just hope that he doesnt involve others too

yod

3rd April 2013, 20:07

i just hope that he doesnt involve others too

yep, he's not exactly backward in coming forward as it were....waiting for some good ol' fashioned fairing bashing this season

can you imagine if Super Sic was still around?! jeebus those two would be worth the price of admission by themselves...

tail_end_charlie

4th April 2013, 01:07

I'm betting on the metronome.......

1. Lorenzo
2. Pedrosa
3. Marquez
4. 'Ol man Rossi
5. Crutchlow
6. Bradle
7. Bautista
8. Dovi
9. Hayden
10. Smith

pritch

4th April 2013, 06:43

How do you get AppleTV to show Motogp then ?

Pay MotoGP for their coverage, access it on the iPad, then select to watch it on the TV.

The Apple TV hasn't been getting a lot of use over summer. That's about to change.

Mort

4th April 2013, 06:47

Pay MotoGP for their coverage, access it on the iPad, then select to watch it on the TV.

The Apple TV hasn't been getting a lot of use over summer. That's about to change.

Not sure that will work though - I tried it last season. Only the races in the library can be viewed that way - the live races cannot (unless you know otherwise.... :) ). I think it can be watched via a HDMI cable.

tail_end_charlie

4th April 2013, 08:02

A&R have put up some video's that HRC have released from their private test at the COTA.
-Moar MotoGP Movie Magic Please (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/hrc-motogp-season-preview-video/)
-Lap COTA with Stefan Bradl (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/lap-circuit-of-the-americas-stefan-bradl-video/)

denill

4th April 2013, 08:48

Well, paid my Euros across and yeah, the coverage looks to be very interesting. Making the time to watch it all could be a problem.

Can anyone tell me why I can only get audio though the laptop, and not TV audio, even though I am using the same TV input HDMI port as the SKY box?

Dadpole

4th April 2013, 09:04

And how could one effectively record it - as I am on time limited broadband. (On peak - off peak satellite) :(

ecko_nzed

4th April 2013, 09:07

Qatar GP is on BBC2 at 7:30 on Sunday over here in blighty. Sunday roast and motoGP, this may be my best holiday ever!

denill

4th April 2013, 09:17

Can anyone tell me why I can only get audio though the laptop, and not TV audio, even though I am using the same TV input HDMI port as the SKY box?

Got it.

Changed an Audio settting on the laptop to "HDMI Audio Jack'. Makes sense, eh................ :mad:

pritch

4th April 2013, 09:50

Not sure that will work though - I tried it last season. Only the races in the library can be viewed that way - the live races cannot (unless you know otherwise.... :) ). I think it can be watched via a HDMI cable.

I only had the cut rate half season package last year, I can't remember a problem. Mind you I'm not planning on getting up at 3.00AM but...

If I find there is a problem I'll be frantically going through cables looking for one to connect the laptop to the TV.
So many cables, so little time...

McWild

4th April 2013, 12:03

Found this cool infographic on another site.

Very interesting to look at Stoner and Lorenzo's histories considering their success in the main classes. Also, I would argue that the data does make Rossi look like the man in charge, at least historically anyway.

And it continues to make Marquez look very, very intimidating, at least after his "warmup" season.

http://www.aclr8.com/images/marquez_first78.png

cmoore

4th April 2013, 17:57

BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!

most anticipated start to the year...for years....

And while i may be very slighty biased....YAMAHA may go 1,2,3.....

GO YAMAHA!!!!!!!!

stevereds

4th April 2013, 21:43

I see the Motogp originally at 1.00pm on H/L's Channel on Monday has now become V8's.

Does that bode well or bode very unwell....?

slowpoke

5th April 2013, 00:03

My hope? Mechanical DNF's for both J-Lo and wee DeePee at Qatar.

That might just give ol' stager Rossi enough time to get accustomed to the heat of the racing blowtorch on the M1 to really contest the latter half of the season. It'd be great to see the ol' boy's nostrils flaring with the scent of another championship while also giving JL and DP something to chase/worry about other than each other.......and all the while Marquez will be pinching points, punching holes in the trackside scenery and generally throwing petrol on the championship fire. I'm not a Rossi fan boy (although I'm liking him a lil' more now that he's been forced to choke down some humble pie) but I'd love to see 3 (or 4?) of these guys arriving at Valencia with just a 10 point spread....

It's a nice dream but realistically JL and DP are gunna walk (rather than run) away with it again. With no machine/chatter issues DP won't pay JL the courtesy of handy head start this season and will do just as JL did last year and manage a lead through the 2nd half of the season to take his first title.

I can't see anyone else really having much influence, although I'll be interested in the battle for top Ducati (go Dovi!) and I'm praying they can squeeze some competitive juice out of the red lemon. Oh the joy of seeing Crutchlow go Ducati red with frustration if they can just find that elusive few percent improvement to push him down the ranks....fingers crossed!

I'm also wishing the CRT guys well. Ideally they'd get close enough to the satellite bikes that the teams can tell the evil empire's of Honda and Yamaha to stick their stupidly expensive ($1million to lease an engine? Fark orf) options up their respective kimono's.

denill

5th April 2013, 04:58

Not finding the MotoGP site very friendly.

Can get live video. But - can someone kindly tell me where i can find the menu for viewing previous sessions

pritch

5th April 2013, 04:59

After what seems like the world's longest ever foreplay, the Moto GP bikes are on the track for FP1.

The technology is all working as it should, life is good :niceone:

denill

5th April 2013, 05:02

I see the Motogp originally at 1.00pm on H/L's Channel on Monday has now become V8's.

Does that bode well or bode very unwell....?

I think it's dead in the water. Quatar is live at 4 am Monday (NZ time) and all the SKY Sport channels have live coverage of other sports scheduled for that time. So they are not leaving a gap, just in case they get a last minute deal.

pritch

5th April 2013, 05:23

At the halfway mark:
Ros
Lor
Maq
Cru
Brd
Ped

Cru has spent most of the session in third place.

pritch

5th April 2013, 05:48

Final order:
Lor
Cru
Ros
Maq
Dov
Bau

Rossi was on top most of the session. Crutchlow went top near the end until Lorenzo made a late run.
Dovi was the other surprise and was third at one point.

Times not super fast, there is some sand but that's not too bad. There is also a lack of rubber, times should come down as more rubber gets laid.

denill

5th April 2013, 07:00

Great to see Dovi has the Ducati where it should be - close to the pointy end. :niceone:

tail_end_charlie

5th April 2013, 08:02

Not finding the MotoGP site very friendly.

Can get live video. But - can someone kindly tell me where i can find the menu for viewing previous sessions

On the home page they (during a race weekend) they have the Time Schedule and results box up. At the top are the tabs for whatever day you want, and then the have listed all the sessions that were run that day. To the right are three little icons for each session, the first is summary, the second is the timing results, and the third is a little 'play' button that will let you view the video of that session.

Alternatively you can go to the 'Videos' tab at the top of the screen and go down to 'Seasons' on the menu. That will bring up a page with a video at the top, and right underneath that will be a list of years (from 1992 - 2013). Click the year you want, then below that click the race you want and it will bring up all the sessions (or just the races video's from more than 5 years ago).

tail_end_charlie

5th April 2013, 08:09

...........
I'm also wishing the CRT guys well. Ideally they'd get close enough to the satellite bikes that the teams can tell the evil empire's of Honda and Yamaha to stick their stupidly expensive ($1million to lease an engine? Fark orf) options up their respective kimono's.

Ha ha ha, so far so good. Aleix Espargaro is 1.1s down on Lorenzo after FP1. Probably won't last because the prototypes will get faster, but still, not bad. Prime example of the best way to tell Yamaha to fark off with their $1 million euro lease engine. :crazy:

vinducati

5th April 2013, 08:50

ac3_snow

5th April 2013, 09:08

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+Basics/tv_broadcasters

Sounds as though a deal has been reached but no body told sky? Guessing they will get there shit sorted over the weekend and hopefully show it. Although there is NASCAR, Indy and wait for it.... GOLF! all being shown live on sky about the same time motogp would be live, will have to wait and see what happens there.

For those of you ditching sky altogether, there is a guy on you tube who uploads all the WSBK races not long after they are done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtGvve9Nx_8

Kiwi Graham

5th April 2013, 10:26

Just spoke to Sky.
They are still talking with Dorna.
Did not sound good.
Was told it was possible that the first race will not be shown.
I am now going to buy a videopass from MotoGP for the Qatar race, to see if it is any good.
If I like it I will look at ditching sky sports
But I have not found a site that does live SBK.
I am not to happy.

Just spoken to them and had the exact same answer.
Talks have stalled and unlikely to be showing this weekends race.
I asked if they managed to agree at this late stage and with live coverage of other events scheduled to be shown when would it be screened?
She said she didn't know but they would "probably shuffle things around".

Whatever it's not looking very promising.

99 Euros eh, will the broadband speed our west be up to decent pictures?

denill

5th April 2013, 11:12

Cheers Reckless, I was on the phone to Sky AGAIN, last night and was expressing myself to the Curry Muncher I had on the line.
Finally I said, the racing starts tomorrow ! So, your are expecting a deal very soon , it IS coming ? The reply was YES !

So fingers crossed, Far too late for us Fans, and yes I'm sure it will bite them in the end ? ( Both Dorna and Sky.) F...em !:mad:

Not looking good Gaz. :mad:

I bit the bullet and what the hell - it would cost more than 100 euros to be there.

Love to ditch SKY. I hate them. They SUCK on m/cycle sport. MX coverage is limited to AMA SX and there's more to MX than that. :mad:

But - I can't dump SKY cos, don't laugh, we watch a lot of Cricket.

merv

5th April 2013, 11:36

As for Crutchlow has all his bleating got him an improved bike or was it never the truth that his bike wasn't comparable with those of George and Vale?

Crasherfromwayback

5th April 2013, 12:28

As for Crutchlow has all his bleating got him an improved bike or was it never the truth that his bike wasn't comparable with those of George and Vale?

Yeah he's been bleating a fair bit alright mate. Reminding me of Carl Fogarty.

pritch

5th April 2013, 13:56

denill

5th April 2013, 14:32

Yeah he's been bleating a fair bit alright mate. Reminding me of Carl Fogarty.

Wouldn't compare anyone with Fogarty.

But politics are important and Crutchlow is doing what (he thinks) is important to Crutchlow's future. Right or wrong.

steveyb

5th April 2013, 14:35

99 Euros eh, will the broadband speed our west be up to decent pictures?

You can watch in several different definitions depending on the quality of your broadband/computer/data cap.
You can set viewer to a set definition, or set it to automatically change depending on feed speed and quality.
I usually do this so as to minimise interruptions. Can be a shame when quality goes down, but with Telst... I mean Vodafone cable network in Wellington and 40GB/month it is usually pretty good.
The worst races are out of the USA. The feed from USA is often really shit, for whatever reason. Will be good to see how the feed is from TX.

tail_end_charlie

5th April 2013, 14:58

The consistent word is that Crutchlow has George's bike from last year - no new parts.
He has to do a balancing act, he has to try and show that he can do the job, but could do it better with the latest kit. He also has to make his point without labouring it so much he pisses Yamaha off.

He has a case, both Bradle and Bautista now have works bikes while he has only a hand-me-down...

Good points pritch.

Everybody seems to want to moan about how much Cal is bitching about his bike, but yet he is the only rider out there that is running the same machinery as last year. That includes the CRT's and Ducati's. All through the testing he was telling people he wasn't really worried about testing, because he had nothing to test. They could screw around with the settings, and he could work on his riding style................................but he already had the best setup nailed, and the riding practice was good. So he didn't really do any testing this winter, just practice. That is a bit of waste considering that he about .3 behind JL at both Sepang 1 and 2 while the fastest Yamaha test rider was more than 2 seconds adrift.

So,
1.) How often do non-factory bikes win a MotoGP race?
2.) When was the last time that a non-factory bike won the Championship?
3.) Does anyone really think that any of the MotoGP riders will be happy being 3rd - 6th in the championship and say "Oh, well, thats good enough for me, I didn't really want to win anyways."

Therefore,
1.) Cal needs to get a factory bike
2.) He can't buy one
3.) The team can't buy one
4.) He's not going to get a ride in the factory team this year or next.........................

So the only option is to point out that everything he is doing is on a bike from last year, while everyone else is on new bikes. The only hope he has is to embarras Yamaha to the point where they give him a factory bike...............................and that seems to be what he's trying to do right now. Good on him, and I hope he gets it.

Pumba

5th April 2013, 16:53

ATTENTION: MOTOGP FANS
Statement from SKY Sport regarding coverage of MotoGP

Article By: skysport.co.nz,
skysport.co.nz, Friday, 5 April 2013 8.17 a.m.

More Sharing ServicesShare|Share on facebookShare on emailShare on favoritesShare on print

We are aware that there is strong interest amongst Moto GP fans as to whether SKY will be showing the first race of the series from Qatar on Monday morning.

Negotiations between SKY and the Moto GP rights holders have stalled and there is a strong possibility that the Moto GP Race scheduled for Monday morning may not be shown on SKY.

We understand that if the race is not on SKY many passionate fans will be disappointed and this is something that we would very much like to avoid.

Our teams will remain on standby over the weekend to be able to add the race to the schedule if a breakthrough occurs right up until the start of the race.

Our offer for the rights remains and should we miss the Qatar race then we will continue to try and secure the rights to show the remaining races.

If significant developments occur then we will notify you via Facebook (www.facebook.com/skysportnz) and our Twitter (@skysportnz) feed.

http://www.skysport.co.nz/article/motorsport/headlines/attention-motogp-fans-64120/

Mental Trousers

5th April 2013, 17:10

If Crutchlow is going to make a statement it has to be in the first third of the season. After that the factory bikes will have advanced whereas his won't and he'll end up watching them ride off into the distance. So he really needs to throw it all out there in these first few races. Should make for fun watching.

Damantis

6th April 2013, 09:08

but this guy is posting up coverage via facebook. It's in spanish or itallian or something tho

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inregistrarimotogp-2013/257033834433283

cmoore

6th April 2013, 09:48

The new qualifying format is good....my guess is in a perfect world there are 6 factory bikes. So that is the top six places...then there are...3 or 6?? satellite bikes so that is the top 9/12....so those not in that group would hope for a top 10 but not expect to be there...

Lorenzo, Rossi, Pedrosa, Marquess, Hayden, Dovi - 1 - 6

Crutchlow, Smith, Bradle, Bautista, Iaonnone, Spies - 7 - 12

the rest

puddytat

6th April 2013, 10:08

There's a couple of streaming sites ...www.bahistv./tk & http://www.streamhunter.eu/motor-sports-live-streaming-video.html.
You'll have to use the search on Bahis....

yod

6th April 2013, 11:14

Dovi - one thousandth behind Rossi on his old bike :facepalm:

the new qualifying could turn up an interesting grid...Duc on the front row, anyone??

93 Marc MARQUEZ SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 344.2 1'56.084
2 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 341.0 1'56.085 0.001 / 0.001
3 35 Cal CRUTCHLOW GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 337.5 1'56.326 0.242 / 0.241
4 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 340.2 1'56.416 0.332 / 0.090
5 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Ducati Team Ducati 343.0 1'56.417 0.333 / 0.001

merv

6th April 2013, 12:57

Yep, so far Dovi is going well on the maligned machine.

Crasherfromwayback

6th April 2013, 13:07

Dovi - one thousandth behind Rossi on his old bike :facepalm:

Yeah funny.

tail_end_charlie

6th April 2013, 14:00

9/10 separating the top ten..............................not bad. Should make things interesting.

cmoore

6th April 2013, 17:19

they are still 2 seconds of the best lap time..the track is sandy and hasn't got much rubber...lets see what the difference is between rossi and dovi when the race gets going..rossi was only 1-2 seconds off...per lap..... last year........

pritch

6th April 2013, 21:28

The new qualifying system is going to change the way things are done.

The favoured tyre choice for practice at Qatar so far seems to be hard front, soft rear. The teams apparently have insufficient allocation of soft tyres to last the weekend though. Bikes were reported to be leaving the pits on used tyres, others were apparently circulating on two hards during FP3 to save softs for qualifying.

The new rules certainly make practice exciting but turn the whole thing into a chess game. A 344kph chess game.

Both Rossi and Lorenzo have stated tyre choice will be critical. I thought they meant the race. I didn't realise they meant the whole bloody weekend.:whistle:

Reckless

7th April 2013, 08:07

The new rules certainly make practice exciting but turn the whole thing into a chess game. A 344kph chess game.

Both Rossi and Lorenzo have stated tyre choice will be critical. I thought they meant the race. I didn't realise they meant the whole bloody weekend.:whistle:

It will certainly mix things up when they get things wrong and have to catch up over the next meeting. I like it, brings a bit of team strategy into things.

I'm wondering if Rossi is doing a little better because of the slippery conditions, his Expereiance etc?

With that in mind I'm not even grudgingly giving Marquez my respect anymore. However he has been in the past to get on (even the best bike in the field) and run where he is running first season out is nothing short of brilliance. Man does he hang off that bike :)
Big turn around for me but the boy can ride!

Last season i plainly batted for pedro?
Mmmmm this season maybe back to Rossi always liked the sense of humor he brings.
Love to see Pedro win one championship for his efforts?
But if the boy can stay on his bike he might steal the show?

I think I'll be up at 4am :) :)

McWild

7th April 2013, 08:14

Dovisioso... I've always thought him the eternal 4th man. His number has always seemed like an eerie curse. When he was on a Honda, always 4th. When he was on the Monster, always battling out 4th.

And now all I can say is holy fucking shit, he got the Ducati to 4th, in his first qualifying on it. What a madman. I hope he races it as well as he's been riding it these last couple of days.

Good to see Lorenzo up at the top, I was starting to wonder about him when Marquez was taking out the free practices. Speaking of which, good on that man for those performances, but it is interesting to see that he didn't make it stick for QP. Nerves? I bet he's gutted anyway.

And Pedrosa, for a guy who's been walking around the sand traps all week it's good to see him on the front row, if only to keep his confidence up and inspire some tension between them all.

Star of the show for me though has to be Crutchlow. He's been banging on a bit about how he deserves this and that, but he's at least managed to back it all up by clinching 2nd in QP. I hope he continues to be a fly in the ointment of the factory boys for the rest of the season. The Tech 3 has always been the best (most successful) of the satellites, and we know it can see regular podiums - but I want to see him win.

Also, and probably most importantly, how awesome is it that for the first time in fuck only knows how long, each of the top 5 qualifiers is riding for a different team. Now that HAS to be a good omen for the season.

ecko_nzed

7th April 2013, 08:24

ecko_nzed

7th April 2013, 08:27

Also...... Valentino who!

Dunno maybe he was saving tyres,but it didn't look like he was really pushing?

denill

7th April 2013, 08:46

Also, and probably most importantly, how awesome is it that for the first time in fuck only knows how long, each of the top 5 qualifiers is riding for a different team. Now that HAS to be a good omen for the season.

Yes! Those two sentences sum it up perfectly. :niceone:

And the reason why it is starting out as the best season for a number of years now. :clap:

Wingnut

7th April 2013, 10:49

cant help but think that Dani's wee sit up mid corner with MM behind him (athough he probably didn't realise he was so close) upset the planning for a quick last couple of laps from the repsol boys.

This season is looking sweeeeet so far!

Robert Taylor

7th April 2013, 12:33

Good points pritch.

Everybody seems to want to moan about how much Cal is bitching about his bike, but yet he is the only rider out there that is running the same machinery as last year. That includes the CRT's and Ducati's. All through the testing he was telling people he wasn't really worried about testing, because he had nothing to test. They could screw around with the settings, and he could work on his riding style................................but he already had the best setup nailed, and the riding practice was good. So he didn't really do any testing this winter, just practice. That is a bit of waste considering that he about .3 behind JL at both Sepang 1 and 2 while the fastest Yamaha test rider was more than 2 seconds adrift.

So,
1.) How often do non-factory bikes win a MotoGP race?
2.) When was the last time that a non-factory bike won the Championship?
3.) Does anyone really think that any of the MotoGP riders will be happy being 3rd - 6th in the championship and say "Oh, well, thats good enough for me, I didn't really want to win anyways."

Therefore,
1.) Cal needs to get a factory bike
2.) He can't buy one
3.) The team can't buy one
4.) He's not going to get a ride in the factory team this year or next.........................

So the only option is to point out that everything he is doing is on a bike from last year, while everyone else is on new bikes. The only hope he has is to embarras Yamaha to the point where they give him a factory bike...............................and that seems to be what he's trying to do right now. Good on him, and I hope he gets it.

He has got a ''factory'' bike, just not the very latest level as the ''A'' team. Has it occured that Yamaha will only have so much capacity and budget, who pays for all of this, in the end event? Its always assumed that the factories have endless capacity and budget, actually they dont and theyve had to rein in a lot of spending, just like the rest of us. The ''A'' team get the first call on the very latest technology from suppliers such as Ohlins, equipment that is not sponsored ( contrary to wideheld assumption ) but is paid for in full at not insubstanial cost, plus a seperate service contract for the use of a technician for the season. Business transactions! This is very much the same terms that Ohlins have with HRC and Im willing to lay money that Danny and Mark get first call on the new stuff before the other supposed full factory Hondas.
Good on Crutchlow for his gutsy riding ability but he has to do all of his talking on the track, the Japanese dont usually take so kindly to ranting and raving in the media. He has to solidly earn the chance of an ''A'' bike and support, just like Lorenzo ( my pick as the very very best ) and Valentino. There are only so many ''A'' places available and economically sustainable, as has always been the case
Hopefully tonight a Yamaha 1, 2 ,3 .........Lorenzo, Rossi, Crutchlow with Ohlins suspended bikes first 10 places at least ( Im biased )

Brett

7th April 2013, 12:56

4am start...I thought that the main race start was 7am??

denill

7th April 2013, 15:43

4am start...I thought that the main race start was 7am??

Yes, 7am NZ

carbonhed

7th April 2013, 18:58

Dovi dicking Rossi on the Duke is fucking funny. Don't imagine his tyres will last but... still fucking funny... particularly when you think that Dovi's a piss poor qualifier usually.

Geeen

7th April 2013, 20:05

Does anyone know of a good link I can use to watch the race after I've dropped the kids at school tomorrow?? Thanks heaps

pritch

7th April 2013, 20:41

Has it occured that Yamaha will only have so much capacity and budget, who pays for all of this, in the end event?

Well it's not their sponsors 'cause they've got bugger all. :whistle:

Crutchlow now has his own column with the BBC, he's being generous and gracious. So far.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motogp/22042391

tail_end_charlie

7th April 2013, 22:47

Not unexpectedly, I'm going with Lorenzo for the win, but I'm also really impressed with Cal and think that he has been showing enough speed and consistency to get a podium at Qatar. Probably Pedrosa for the remaining podium spot. Dovi qualified pretty good, but the weakness of the Ducati lately seems to be how it uses the rear, so I don't think he will be able to maintain his pace over race distance.

Can't wait for the race, little over 8 hrs!!!

speights_bud

8th April 2013, 05:12

In Thailand at the moment and the stupid hotel doesn't have fox sport only showing NASCAR on another channel which was advertising the GP on behalf... so paid up for a pass to watch on the tablet/netbook and now it wont work! piece of crap!:mad:

speights_bud

8th April 2013, 05:23

just found an app for gp but its another $40 or something, but ive already paid :bs:

DidJit

8th April 2013, 07:48

Oh yes, this is the season we’ve been waiting for. :yes:

Dave-

8th April 2013, 07:54

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

how good was that?!?!

Oscar

8th April 2013, 08:14

Incredibile!
Vale è Dio...

roogazza

8th April 2013, 08:22

Incredibile!
Vale è Dio...

Nyuck,nyuck,nyuck !! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Crasherfromwayback

8th April 2013, 08:57

Incredibile!
Vale è Dio...

Nyuck,nyuck,nyuck !! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Pretty good effort wannit! I must say, I thought early on when he got in hot a few times...that he might be in trouble. But as they say...form is temporary, class is permanent! Gonna be a great season I feel.

ecko_nzed

8th April 2013, 09:04

Stars of the show for me, Rossi and Marquez.

Crasherfromwayback

8th April 2013, 09:31

Stars of the show for me, Rossi and Marquez.

Awesome for sure...but kinda taking away from the brilliance of Lorenzo I feel. The man is a machine.

Oscar

8th April 2013, 10:06

Stars of the show for me, Rossi and Marquez.

Sideshow.

Lorenzo was the star.

Metronomic, I think one of the commentators called him.
We are in the presence of greatness (unfortunately, sometimes greatness doesn't make for great racing).

Crasherfromwayback

8th April 2013, 10:31

Sideshow.

Lorenzo was the star.

Metronomic, I think one of the commentators called him.
We are in the presence of greatness (unfortunately, sometimes greatness doesn't make for great racing).

Agree 100%. The rest of them must be shitting themselves. He just gets better year after year.

ecko_nzed

8th April 2013, 10:32

Sideshow.

Lorenzo was the star.

Metronomic, I think one of the commentators called him.
We are in the presence of greatness (unfortunately, sometimes greatness doesn't make for great racing).

George can ride no question, but a performance like his isn't as exciting to watch as others, as arguably talented, dicing for a podium spot.

Kendog

8th April 2013, 13:33

Really glad we paid for the online service, that was a great race.

Lorenzo is awesome.

The others (mainly Rossi and Marquez) added some excitement.

Damien_Toman

8th April 2013, 15:00

That was one of the best rides of Rossi's career! If he hadn't been baulked and held up, while overtaking Bradyl and nearly running into the back of an early-braking Pedrosa, he could possibly have beaten Jorge. Crutchlow also stated that Rossi was "amazing"! Great solid ride by Crutchlow. Marquez/Rossi battle was a highlight.

Metastable

8th April 2013, 15:28

Rossi put on a clinic coming from fairly back in the pack. Cal needs to bust some moves.... he is quick, but he never tries to overtake. Lorenzo was good, but he wasn't under any pressure today... sure he had to pull away, but Rossi had to hunt down the same guys he was pulling away from, while passing a bunch of other people in the process. I'm not saying one is better than the other... just saying that Rossi obviously likes the Yamaha a lot better than he did the Ducati.

Mort

8th April 2013, 16:06

There's a shit storm over on Facebook about Sky's decision not to show MotoGP - feel free to join in.

https://www.facebook.com/skysportnz?fref=ts

and

https://www.facebook.com/SKYMOTOGP2013?fref=ts

Brett

8th April 2013, 17:57

Marquez Lap 3...very nice overtake. Rossi...excellent performance. This is shaping up to be a brilliant season. I'm excited...how about you?

carbonhed

8th April 2013, 20:05

Good racing across all three classes. Great rides by Rossi and Marquez, Lorenzo all class... got to feel for Crutchlow who spent the whole race getting murdered down the straight even when he was perfectly situated to get the draft... which I imagine is fairly frustrating.

Petrolic

8th April 2013, 21:09

Does anyone know of a good link I can use to watch the race after I've dropped the kids at school tomorrow?? Thanks heaps

I watched the whole race at 9am at work in the office on FIRST ROW free down load, you just have to click 4 pop ups as it starts then you get no interuptions. Qulity is not all that good but its free...... and you can choose which srteaming comp is using had one in another language then loaded an english one. Just wait once moto gp has grabbed enough on line subs then they will sell the rights. Something is better than nothing now that they've grabbed all the hard core addicts. Moto GP is nothing more than a bussnes...and we are addicts. I'll be buying the GP ticket dam it..........

pritch

8th April 2013, 21:33

After Rossi ran out of gas he got a ride back with Ianone. As someone else said, "Bet he didn't think he'd be back on a Ducati so soon."

Things might be different next time out, the Honda gearbox seems to make a difference at Austin. Ah well, in a couple of weeks we'll know.

pritch

8th April 2013, 21:38

And I liked Sofa racer's comment to the ladies.

If you are feeling like a bit of the other, tell him you want it "a la Rossi", hard and fast and from behind.
For the full experience, get him to come second.

Reckless

8th April 2013, 22:53

After Rossi ran out of gas he got a ride back with Ianone. As someone else said, "Bet he didn't think he'd be back on a Ducati so soon."

Now that was good lmao :)

Just come from my boyz place :) what a great night for once nothing over shadowed the MotoGP for excitement and close racing :) fucking brilliant!!

I've just gotta find a way to log on without seeing the results! Bloody big fail that was?? Lucky all I saw was Lorenzo while we were logging on and the main excitement was behind?

You Just have to give it to Lorenzo bloody brilliant performance!
Rossi far out! only making it 1/2 a lap passed the finish Jeepers that was close prob used extra catching up tho!
Good to see the old boy still has it looked to be clear second fastest on the day! Looking at that I think he has the stuff to take it to Lorenzo!
Super impressed by Marquez! He will learn and will win in the later part of the season.
Poor old Dani just doesn't seem to have that little extra spark of talant/brilliance the other 3 have. That must be hard??
Crutchlow keep your chin up son your turn will come when Rossi gives up or they sack Pedro or if Rossi falls off and they want to have another Yamaha on front of the Honda's. Then he might get the flash bits??

Is Rossi the GOAT?? Well you gotta say after 9 championships to still have what it takes. Its hard to deny :)

Damn fine race!!
Now they all have a target to aim for "Lorenzo"