MotoGP 2013

[Kendog]

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?
If you are talking about Motogp.com, this is the page you want to use

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos-nospoiler

[Dave-]

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

Surely the greatest of all time would transcend the limitations of the machinery and be capable of winning any race?

[onearmedbandit]

GOAT or not? Couldn't give a fuck. What I saw was brilliant racing, the class of which we've missed for too long. Well I have.

The perfect ride of Jorge, spectacular to watch. Crutchlow taking it to the factory Honda's was brilliant. Marquez showing his form from the get go, and seeing how happy he was after the race was great. But for me the biggest shit eating grin was reserved for Rossi. For so long he has ridden above all others, with some saying it's talent, some saying luck, or having the best machinery. Or a mixture of the aforementioned. To see him come back so early and so strong in his first race was fantastic. Sure he made a couple of errors, he ain't the smooth rider that we see in Lorenzo. But what we saw was typical Rossi, performing better in the race than in practice, fighting for position everywhere, and the ability to put in fast laps with worn tyres.

Too early to say how this season is shaping up, we're only one race in. But please let it continue in this form.

[slowpoke]

Yep, I'm stuck at work on nightshift and all I have is the poxy MotoGP website lapchart to follow, and even with that I was riveted by a race as I haven't been in years. 2 minutes between updates is a looooong time!

I thought "here we go...!" when Rossi got a good start and Dovi was initially strong......then was gutted when Rossi dropped back to 7th, got snookered by Bradl for so long and Dovi started drifting. I went and made a coffee, came back to see Rossi had finally got past Bradl, then when he caught Crutchlow so quickly it was obviously just on for young and old. There's plenty of fight in that old dog!

What can you say about Lorenzo that hasn't already been said? He's incredible.

Interesting that the top 11 riders fastest laps were all in laps 2-4.....except for Rossi, his best lap was on lap 16 so they've done well setting the bike up for the back half of the race. http://resources.motogp.com/files/results/2013/QAT/MotoGP/RAC/FastLapRider.pdf?v1_42b32825

[Crasherfromwayback]

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.

As good as it was...Ive seen far better from him. And "he could've possibly have beaten Jorge"...we'll see soon enough. But I think you'll find Jorge could've wicked it up a notch if he'd had to.

How long before MM wins his first race? How 'bout the next round? I may put a few bucks on him at the TAB...

[pritch]

How long before MM wins his first race? How 'bout the next round? I may put a few bucks on him at the TAB...

Well if he can do it before Silverstone he'll be the youngest ever winner, and I wouldn't bet against it.

He must be a big chance at Austin, perhaps I'd better find out how to place a bet?

People were commenting on whether the happy atmosphere in the Yamaha garage would survive the first few races. After Sunday it's quite possible that it'll survive better than that of the Repsol team.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. After Sunday it's quite possible that it'll survive better than that of the Repsol team.

Yeah poor old Pedro eh! I see him a bit like Randy Mamola. Forever the bridesmaid.

[denill]

Yeah poor old Pedro eh! I see him a bit like Randy Mamola. Forever the bridesmaid.

When does his contract expire?

[Crasherfromwayback]

When does his contract expire?

Dunno. Guessing end of this year. It would seem that Honda have pretty much told him now or never? He (like Dovi), strikes me as a very good 2nd rider...but will maybe never quite be *the man*. In another time maybe...but not with guys like Rossi, Lorenz and MM around.

[denill]

Dunno. Guessing end of this year. It would seem that Honda have pretty much told him now or never? He (like Dovi), strikes me as a very good 2nd rider...but will maybe never quite be *the man*. In another time maybe...but not with guys like Rossi, Lorenz and MM around.

Googled:

"Spaniard Dani Pedrosa has signed a new two-year deal to remain with Honda’s official factory MotoGP squad until the end of 2014."

[Crasherfromwayback]

Googled:

"Spaniard Dani Pedrosa has signed a new two-year deal to remain with Honda’s official factory MotoGP squad until the end of 2014."

To me...his style of riding is better suited to the Yamaha...best he look for a job there next.

[denill]

To me...his style of riding is better suited to the Yamaha...best he look for a job there next.

In 2015 he will be "out to pasture".

[Crasherfromwayback]

In 2015 he will be "out to pasture".

He won't know what to do with himself. Maybe he can swap seats with Crutchlow. Stop him grizzling about the Honda's being the best bike despite Yamaha going 1-2.

[raziel1983]

All aboard!

[Crasherfromwayback]

All aboard!

lol...I reckon!

[cmoore]

even though i am totally biased....i think it is understood that this was a track the yamaha likes...lets wait and see what happens we we start hitting the "other" tracks...

[Crasherfromwayback]

even though i am totally biased....i think it is understood that this was a track the yamaha likes...lets wait and see what happens we we start hitting the "other" tracks...

Whilst they all have their fav tracks (bikes and riders), Lorenzo is good enough to be fast at all of them when need be.

[paturoa]

Looked for a torrent but couldn't find one - anyone else got a link / source?

EDIT: no sweat found one on Torrrentz

[roogazza]

All aboard!

Never a truer word, raziel !

34 he's over the hill
too old
the others are too fast now
Ducati has ruined him
he's lost his drive
He can't win anymore

Fuck 2nd, how'd he do that ?
Thought we'd chopped that tall poppy down ? :lol::lol:
All aboard !

[denill]

Whilst they all have their fav tracks (bikes and riders), Lorenzo is good enough to be fast at all of them when need be.

Qatar's message is - to win a round they need to beat Lorenzo

[cmoore]

even though i am totally biased....i think it is understood that this was a track the yamaha likes...lets wait and see what happens we we start hitting the "other" tracks...



Whilst they all have their fav tracks (bikes and riders), Lorenzo is good enough to be fast at all of them when need be.

A review of last years stats will show a trend which hopefully Yamaha have worked on to correct...but I still beleive the Honda will suit some tracks more than the Yamaha. The difference this year is we have four riders capable of being at the pointy end, as as we know, sometime the "fighting" between riders opens opportunities for those behind and in front...IMO..:)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Never a truer word, raziel !

34 he's over the hill
too old
the others are too fast now
Ducati has ruined him
he's lost his drive
He can't win anymore

Fuck 2nd, how'd he do that ?
Thought we'd chopped that tall poppy down ? :lol::lol:
All aboard !

Fuck me...you really do want his babies don't ya!

Hey...it was an awesome race by Rossi for sure..he showed us why he's one of the best ever when it comes to passing/scrapping. But you do realise he got beaten by his team mate...on the same bike...by basically six seconds eh? The same guy that was beating him fair and square when he broke his leg? The same guy Rossi told Yamaha "it's him or me"...then came crawling back to the very same factory as the #2 rider eh?

I've got 2 doz Steinies that says Lorenzo will beat Rossi at the pointy end of the season. Bet?

[Kendog]

The difference this year is we have four riders capable of being at the pointy end
5 riders based on that race.

[onearmedbandit]

I've got 2 doz Steinies that says Lorenzo will beat Rossi at the pointy end of the season. Bet?

For shits and giggles I'm in.

[Reckless]

Ha said in my post Lorenzo is the target this year and so it should be! Being last years champ.

Now just to add fuel to the Rossi debate I found this for Roogazza :)

All about Rossi :( but some of the best passing moves in the race :)
Pretty close to binning it at 48 secs I reckon
But you gotta say for the new kid to fight like this with a 9 time, on form champ, When in his first MotoGP race its pretty damn good eh!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOoR5uSKq08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Crasherfromwayback]

For shits and giggles I'm in.

Make 'em cold too Mofo! :-)

[BMWST?]

i tell ya what i saw....I didnt doubt rossi would be mixing it withthe top 4.But MM was very impressive..Rosi put some pretty strong passes on him,but he stuck to it passed him back a few times,thats a very good sign.I think the very best riders can overtake at will...i reckon we got a cracker of a season coming up.

[denill]

What he said: :niceone:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130408rydernotes.htm

[roogazza]

Fuck me...you really do want his babies don't ya!
Hey...it was an awesome race by Rossi for sure..he showed us why he's one of the best ever when it comes to passing/scrapping.
I've got 2 doz Steinies that says Lorenzo will beat Rossi at the pointy end of the season. Bet?

Hey I couldn't resist after two years. (true tho huh ?)
It's a four way fight I reckon , well, 3 really cos I still don't think Pedrosa can quite match the other 3 in a fight ???

The odds aren't good enough to bet on for this boy, sorry.

Title number TEN ! maybe,just maybe ! :banana::banana:

[roogazza]

Ha said in my post Lorenzo is the target this year and so it should be! Being last years champ.

Now just to add fuel to the Rossi debate I found this for Roogazza :)

All about Rossi :( but some of the best passing moves in the race :)
Pretty close to binning it at 48 secs I reckon
But you gotta say for the new kid to fight like this with a 9 time, on form champ, When in his first MotoGP race its pretty damn good eh!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOoR5uSKq08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks reckless , but Dorna have closed the door AGAIN ! :mad:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Title number TEN ! maybe,just maybe ! :banana::banana:

Maybe if he goes to World Superbikes.

[DidJit]

Some beautiful race day Scott Jones images (http://motomatters.com/news/2013/04/09/shots_in_the_dark_day_4_scott_jones_race.html) up on motomatters.com...

Edit: Scott Jones’ story (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/trackside-tuesday-valentino-rossi-qatar-gp-story/) from his side of the lens...

[DidJit]

Direct your query to motogp.com (https://secure.motogp.com/en/contact); they're pretty quick at replying — well, within a couple of days anyway. Make sure your browser on the laptop accepts cookies. I've no idea about the smart TV, though, sorry.

[DidJit]

MotoGP marketing Red Bull USA/CotA (http://youtu.be/wy9i5NzUwSY) style...

[pritch]

Next up CotA, It was decreed at the recent private practice there that those who did not attend would be at a big disadvantage in terms of track knowledge.
The times suggested that the track suits the Honda better than the Yamaha, the pundits postulated that this was because of the hairpins requiring more acceleration during a lap than normal, and the Honda seamless gearbox gives them the advantage in this respect.
Then again, those same pundits said that Pedrosa and Lorenzo had improved over the last two years so as to have advanced beyond Rossi’s level.

To refresh your memories here are the times from day 1 at CotA:
1. Marc Márquez – Repsol Honda Team – 55 laps – 2’04.619 - photo
2. Dani Pedrosa – Repsol Honda Team – 59 laps – 2’05.047
3. Jorge Lorenzo – Yamaha Factory Racing – 54 laps – 2’05.291
4. Stefan Bradl – LCR Honda MotoGP – 50 laps – 2’06.053
5. Valentino Rossi – Yamaha Factory Racing – 68 laps – 2’06.507

Maybe the magicians at Yamaha have come up with something, but we’ll know in a couple of weeks. Barring accidents or incidents I wouldn’t expect George to disappear into the distance quite like he did in Qatar.

But a Honda might?

[Crasherfromwayback]

But a Honda might?

Yeah...might be a bit prem betting on MM..but I might waste a few bucks on him at the TAB.

[Mental Trousers]

Yeah...might be a bit prem betting on MM..but I might waste a few bucks on him at the TAB.

I'd put it on the dwarf at this early stage. Later in the season when Marquez has a bit more experience under his belt it'll definitely swing his way, but at this stage I'd go with Pedro. After all, he's never done well in Qatar, something to do with him being a lightweight on a very dirty surface and it's a layout he doesn't like anyway.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'd put it on the dwarf at this early stage. Later in the season when Marquez has a bit more experience under his belt it'll definitely swing his way, but at this stage I'd go with Pedro. After all, he's never done well in Qatar, something to do with him being a lightweight on a very dirty surface and it's a layout he doesn't like anyway.

Nah. Considering MM just handed Pedro his arse on a platter at the very first round...and topped testing times there..I can't bring myself to back him over MM here.

[pritch]

I'd put it on the dwarf at this early stage. Later in the season when Marquez has a bit more experience under his belt it'll definitely swing his way, but at this stage I'd go with Pedro. After all, he's never done well in Qatar, something to do with him being a lightweight on a very dirty surface and it's a layout he doesn't like anyway.

Pedro is supposed to have a sore neck. I guess that would make the head-down arse-up position they use on the straights uncomfortable.
With the attentions of the best physios money can buy, two weeks might make a lot of difference?

[Warr]

........................... Now I'm doing some hard thinking about whether I would be willing to drop Sky Sport. Hmm, $26.something per month for Sky Sport vs 100 Euro for the remainder of the year for motogp.com. But what about WorldSBK?? :confused:

Keep an eye on this (http://www.youtube.com/user/The666Sicco) uTube user. He has in the past posted WorldSBK up on uTube which may give you coverage .. Not live of course ....

[onearmedbandit]

Rockstar! Owe you beer. I'll share some of the Steinies OAB is gonna be delivering!!

Delivering????

[Crasherfromwayback]

Delivering????

Well..the courier anyway! Either that...or if you're ever in Welly bring 'em round and help me drink the fuckers.

[onearmedbandit]

Well..the courier anyway! Either that...or if you're ever in Welly bring 'em round and help me drink the fuckers.

Fuck I should come up for the last race. Then after I've drunk your beers I can crash on your couch.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Fuck I should come up for the last race. Then after I've drunk your beers I can crash on your couch.

lol. It'll be over before the last race. Fuck the couch too..I've a spare room in the apartment with a decent bed mate!

[tail_end_charlie]

MotoGP marketing Red Bull USA/CotA (http://youtu.be/wy9i5NzUwSY) style...

'Merica, FUCK YEAH!!

[onearmedbandit]

lol. It'll be over before the last race. Fuck the couch too..I've a spare room in the apartment with a decent bed mate!

Yeah you're right, Rossi will have it nailed by then. Regardless, I know you're off work at the moment (as am I permanently) so it'll give you time to save up for the beers and the bacon and egg breakfast.

[Mental Trousers]

Seeing as there was so much chatter about the MotoGP Video Pass in this thread I moved a whole bunch to it's own thread. You can find it here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/157955-MotoGP-Video-Pass-2013)

I'll go back through this thread and weed out more posts that are relevant to that thread so things may look out of kilter for a little while.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah you're right, Rossi will have it nailed by then. Regardless, I know you're off work at the moment (as am I permanently) so it'll give you time to save up for the beers and the bacon and egg breakfast.

Yeah ACC are at least paying me. I'm one of the dummies that makes your rego so dear...

[jellywrestler]

Yeah ACC are at least paying me. I'm one of the dummies that makes your rego so dear...

but you did yours in a racing crash which comes out of a different account to road registered accidents ACC told us!

[Crasherfromwayback]

but you did yours in a racing crash which comes out of a different account to road registered accidents ACC told us!

Aaaahh...that's ok then! As you were!

[roogazza]

Aaaahh...that's ok then! As you were!

Crasher, your private message quota is full and won't accept any messages until you make space ie delete shit !

Was gonna ask about your foot OP.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Crasher, your private message quota is full and won't accept any messages until you make space ie delete shit !

Was gonna ask about your foot OP.

Sorry Old Bean..had a quick cleanout now!

Yeah bit sore. Bone graft from the hip...triple joint ankle fusion.

Should be better than before once it's all over.

:-)

[Berries]

triple joint ankle fusion.
Their third album was a fucking classic.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Their third album was a fucking classic.

So am I...

[Drew]

So am I...

Being old, a classic does not make.

[tail_end_charlie]

An interesting article in Sport Rider about Mike Sinclair (http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_1303_team_roberts_mike_sinclair/) and his work with the Roberts team and working with Wayne Rainey. Evidently if you want to bitch about all the electronics in MotoGP you'll have to blame a Kiwi.

Also, to more up to date stuff, here is David Emmett's (http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2013/04/11/crunching_the_numbers_lorenzo_vs_rossi_m.html) take on the Lorenzo, Rossi, Marquez, Pedrosa, and Crutchlow lap time as well as a graphical representation (http://www.theriderfiles.com/2013/04/10/motogp-lorenzo-%E2%80%93-not-even-close/).

[wysper]

Sorry Old Bean..had a quick cleanout now!

Yeah bit sore. Bone graft from the hip...triple joint ankle fusion.

Should be better than before once it's all over.

:-)

I heard your coffee was bad, but that is some serious fallout!

[Crasherfromwayback]

I heard your coffee was bad, but that is some serious fallout!

Could use some to help with the fusion process!

[cmoore]

can someone help please, Crutchlow said the yamaha was faster with nothing in front of it but slower when behind traffic....what did he mean?, or why would that happen?..other than the obvious reason....

[Crasherfromwayback]

can someone help please, Crutchlow said the yamaha was faster with nothing in front of it but slower when behind traffic....what did he mean?, or why would that happen?..other than the obvious reason....

I could only think that maybe the ram air works a lil better when not in a draft perhaps.

[carbonhed]

I could only think that maybe the ram air works a lil better when not in a draft perhaps.

Didn't he talk about having problems braking when in the draft of another bike? Not that he was close enough on the straight to be in the draft very often :-)

[Dave-]

I could only think that maybe the ram air works a lil better when not in a draft perhaps.

I was once told that the bikes with tail mounted exhaust try to set the exhaust height to the intake height of every other bike (including their own?) so any bike that comes up behind it is sucking in hot air and may lose 1 or 2 horse?

[roogazza]

can someone help please, Crutchlow said the yamaha was faster with nothing in front of it but slower when behind traffic....what did he mean?, or why would that happen?..other than the obvious reason....

They cramp his style when in front or get in his way lol

Maybe he thinks he's faster with a clear run ??? He's learning being able to qualify well doesn't mean he will win.

[Mental Trousers]

can someone help please, Crutchlow said the yamaha was faster with nothing in front of it but slower when behind traffic....what did he mean?, or why would that happen?..other than the obvious reason....

All bikes have strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha's strengths are negated by others being in front of it as they're slower where the Yamaha is fast, ie Honda's are slower through the middle of the corners.

[Brian d marge]

Sorry to inturupt , have just had a chance to watch Quatar


MM on Rossi ,,

If he carries on like this it will be an exciting year

Stephen

[BMWST?]

can someone help please, Crutchlow said the yamaha was faster with nothing in front of it but slower when behind traffic....what did he mean?, or why would that happen?..other than the obvious reason....


i think he means that his best speed was if he was not behind a bike which may hold him back in the corners..not so much an outright top speed thing?

[denill]

i think he means that his best speed was if he was not behind a bike which may hold him back in the corners..not so much an outright top speed thing?

And you can't deny that he's got good corner speed.

[pritch]

The Yamaha's strengths are negated by others being in front of it as they're slower where the Yamaha is fast, ie Honda's are slower through the middle of the corners.

That's it. The Yamaha strength is corner speed, the Honda holds the Yamaha up in the corner then has the advantage in acceleration. Rossi got stuck behind Bradl for a time,
as did Crutchlow behind MM.

[roogazza]

That's it. The Yamaha strength is corner speed, the Honda holds the Yamaha up in the corner then has the advantage in acceleration. Rossi got stuck behind Bradl for a time,
as did Crutchlow behind MM.

At least the difference isn't like the Yamaha to the Ducati in 2007 huh, Pritch ?
That little Austruckinfalian could pull heaps on the straight bits in his Championship year.

[BMWST?]

At least the difference isn't like the Yamaha to the Ducati in 2007 huh, Pritch ?
That little Austruckinfalian could pull heaps on the straight bits in his Championship year.

thats cos he had power to burn AND good mid corner speed

[wharfy]

I was once told that the bikes with tail mounted exhaust try to set the exhaust height to the intake height of every other bike (including their own?) so any bike that comes up behind it is sucking in hot air and may lose 1 or 2 horse?

Well I don't know if that was the reason - but it would certainly be a nice side effect (if you were in front) don't know if it would be enough to counter the slipstream advantage.
Actually with the amount of effort that goes into streamling today is it better for a bike to be in clean air or disturbed air ? ( I know from yacht racing sailing into another boats "dirty" air had an obvious detrimental effect)
Also I remember reading that Ducati had some of the exhaust exiting up behind the rider to fill in the vacum behind them and help with aerodynamics. Do they still do that ?

[cmoore]

thank you for the responses..:)...corner speed advantage which is negated by the "slower" bikes in front...sound good to me....i suppose it is nice to know that after all these years of engine / bike refinement...they are not all the same....

[cmoore]

Also I remember reading that Ducati had some of the exhaust exiting up behind the rider to fill in the vacum behind them and help with aerodynamics. Do they still do that ? ..no the vacuum quit last year...:)

[Smokin]

Can anyone give me a heads up to the better Grandstand at Phillip Island to watch the MotoGp? I cant make my mind up and was hoping someone had some first hand info. Cheers

[Crasherfromwayback]

Can anyone give me a heads up to the better Grandstand at Phillip Island to watch the MotoGp? I cant make my mind up and was hoping someone had some first hand info. Cheers

Yep. Bass Straight without a doubt. I've been there many times and sat nearly everywhere. That did it for me. Turn three without a doubt is THE most exciting corner in GP racing IMO.

[Dave-]

Well I don't know if that was the reason - but it would certainly be a nice side effect (if you were in front) don't know if it would be enough to counter the slipstream advantage.
Actually with the amount of effort that goes into streamling today is it better for a bike to be in clean air or disturbed air ? ( I know from yacht racing sailing into another boats "dirty" air had an obvious detrimental effect)
Also I remember reading that Ducati had some of the exhaust exiting up behind the rider to fill in the vacum behind them and help with aerodynamics. Do they still do that ?

I don't know enough about fluid dynamics, but I understand the F1 guys have started moving the turbulent air from way beyond the back of the car to just behind the back of car in an effort to close the slip streaming volume. I wonder if this is the case for GP yet or at all?

I can imagine the calculations and simulations into having the exhaust exit into the vacuum behind the bike is a scary one, you've got a less dense fluid entering a "vacuum" which is surrounded by turbulent flow etc etc fascinating topic.

[BMWST?]

Yep. Bass Straight without a doubt. I've been there many times and sat nearly everywhere. That did it for me. Turn three without a doubt is THE most exciting corner in GP racing IMO.

but dont be afraid to move around a lot esp on the practise day(s),then you can see for your self.Siberia(from the hairpin up to Lukey heights) would be good too they go seriously fast up there

[Smokin]

Yep. Bass Straight without a doubt. I've been there many times and sat nearly everywhere. That did it for me. Turn three without a doubt is THE most exciting corner in GP racing IMO.

Thanks Mate, That will do me just fine.

[Smokin]

but dont be afraid to move around a lot esp on the practise day(s),then you can see for your self.Siberia(from the hairpin up to Lukey heights) would be good too they go seriously fast up there

Some more good info, Thanks, Ill grab the Bass Straight stand and go for a cruise around.

[Crasherfromwayback]

but dont be afraid to move around a lot esp on the practise day(s),then you can see for your self.Siberia(from the hairpin up to Lukey heights) would be good too they go seriously fast up there

Yep. Best to do the wandering on the practice/qualifying days...then park yourself up for the main races I reckon.


Some more good info, Thanks, Ill grab the Bass Straight stand and go for a cruise around.

Take warm/waterproof clothes. Only time I've been to PI without rain was last year. It can get FUCKING cold. Fucking hot too.

[Smokin]

It looks as though the weather can be quite unpredicable there, Must be a mongrel for the bike techs. Thanks for the info guys.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It looks as though the weather can be quite unpredicable there, Must be a mongrel for the bike techs. Thanks for the info guys.

It's like having a race track at Island Bay in Wellington.

[Brian d marge]

I don't know enough about fluid dynamics, but I understand the F1 guys have started moving the turbulent air from way beyond the back of the car to just behind the back of car in an effort to close the slip streaming volume. I wonder if this is the case for GP yet or at all?

I can imagine the calculations and simulations into having the exhaust exit into the vacuum behind the bike is a scary one, you've got a less dense fluid entering a "vacuum" which is surrounded by turbulent flow etc etc fascinating topic.
here a a simulation I did using a standard shape

http://477-racing.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/11668917-shape-in-wind-tunnel-

See the negative pressure building up under the back of the "car"

Stephen

[Reckless]

Also I remember reading that Ducati had some of the exhaust exiting up behind the rider to fill in the vacum behind them and help with aerodynamics. Do they still do that ?


I can imagine the calculations and simulations into having the exhaust exit into the vacuum behind the bike is a scary one, you've got a less dense fluid entering a "vacuum" which is surrounded by turbulent flow etc etc fascinating topic.

I remember reading somewhere that they turned/pointed the exhaust inwards on the big twins eg the RC51 because the turbulence was effecting the aerodynamics of the bike. Pretty sure my VTR and the SV are like this to???

[Badjelly]

I don't know enough about fluid dynamics, but I understand the F1 guys have started moving the turbulent air from way beyond the back of the car to just behind the back of car in an effort to close the slip streaming volume. I wonder if this is the case for GP yet or at all?

What they need is a fan blowing a high-speed jet of air out the back. The engine power required to drive the fan won't be wasted, because the jet will give thrust, and any bastard who tries to catch a draft will be picking himself out of the kitty litter wondering what happened.

[Oscar]

Yep. Best to do the wandering on the practice/qualifying days...then park yourself up for the main races I reckon.



Take warm/waterproof clothes. Only time I've been to PI without rain was last year. It can get FUCKING cold. Fucking hot too.

I got off the plane at Tullamarine, 10am - 36 degrees.
Drove down to the Island, 3.30pm - 6 degrees.

[Dave-]

here a a simulation I did using a standard shape

http://477-racing.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/11668917-shape-in-wind-tunnel-

See the negative pressure building up under the back of the "car"

Stephen

That is seriously cool, is that all open source?


I remember reading somewhere that they turned/pointed the exhaust inwards on the big twins eg the RC51 because the turbulence was effecting the aerodynamics of the bike. Pretty sure my VTR and the SV are like this to???

Intuition tells me that exhaust gasses ought to be laminar (the opposite to turbulent) as they exit the exhaust, I would have thought the aerodynamics of the bike would effect the exhaust? Anyone?


What they need is a fan blowing a high-speed jet of air out the back. The engine power required to drive the fan won't be wasted, because the jet will give thrust, and any bastard who tries to catch a draft will be picking himself out of the kitty litter wondering what happened.

I wonder if jet propulsion is ruled out?

My uncle was going to try running a jet engine in his TQ midget 30 odd years ago as apparently there was no rule against them, he just couldn't think of a way to manage the cars speed.

[Asher]

Pretty much any flow through a pipe is considered turbulent unless it has a very low velocity. Exhaust gases would be turbulent. Given the volume of air coming out of an exhaust compared to the air displacement caused by a bike going 300kmh or other speeds where drafting is effective I would thinki would have little effect on a following bike.
I could see how positioning the exhaust to exit right behind the rider could help decrease the area of low pressure and help with top end speed

[roogazza]

Pretty much any flow through a pipe is considered turbulent unless it has a very low velocity. Exhaust gases would be turbulent. Given the volume of air coming out of an exhaust compared to the air displacement caused by a bike going 300kmh or other speeds where drafting is effective I would thinki would have little effect on a following bike.
I could see how positioning the exhaust to exit right behind the rider could help decrease the area of low pressure and help with top end speed
So the 'hump' on the front of my leathers is of no help at all ? not even displacement ? ah huh .

[Asher]

So the 'hump' on the front of my leathers is of no help at all ? not even displacement ? ah huh .

lets keep this thread PG please.

What I was saying is that if you are drafting someone, them adding a few m3 of exhaust gas to the area in front of you is likely to be insignificant when compared to the total volume of air you are already pushing through anyway.

[Dave-]

lets keep this thread PG please.

What I was saying is that if you are drafting someone, them adding a few m3 of exhaust gas to the area in front of you is likely to be insignificant when compared to the total volume of air you are already pushing through anyway.

not to mention it's less dense air with lots of carbon oxides which wont burn real good (although someone was telling me some carbon dioxide through the engine can increase efficiency)

[bogan]

I remember reading somewhere that they turned/pointed the exhaust inwards on the big twins eg the RC51 because the turbulence was effecting the aerodynamics of the bike. Pretty sure my VTR and the SV are like this to???

Not surprising, yet another reason to go with and under/in tail exhaust system!


Intuition tells me that exhaust gasses ought to be laminar (the opposite to turbulent) as they exit the exhaust, I would have thought the aerodynamics of the bike would effect the exhaust? Anyone?

They're also high speed and high temperature gases exiting into a turbulent stream, point em right and I guess you can reduce the turbulence, point em wrong and you increase it.

also this :drool:

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f114/Virgil072/ARCexhaustRC51.jpg?t=1164958925

[Brian d marge]

That is seriously cool, is that all open source?


yes Open foam , tis what I do ! ( not website design as you can see!)

I have a motorbike one somewhere , and there is a tutorial included ( not this one but its open foam )

http://<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1RTHQTFPGNo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> (http://<iframe width=&quot;420&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/1RTHQTFPGNo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allowfullscreen></iframe>)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4Eug3RzHHqc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Not a good one , but Ill see if I can find an old one of mine sometime

Stephen

[yod]

also this :drool:


:drool::drool: oh bugger...can some pass the tissues please....:facepalm:

[cmoore]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that Yamaha( and maybe others) evaluated the exhaust under the seat concept but found no difference in performance which is why they still have the pipe out the side..

[Brian d marge]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that Yamaha( and maybe others) evaluated the exhaust under the seat concept but found no difference in performance which is why they still have the pipe out the side..

just watch the 2 videos i posted ,,,answers all there

Stephen

[cmoore]

right.....that explains it then

[pritch]

I was wondering how the time zone in Texas would relate to us. Not too bad apparently.

If the Moto GP website is right Q1 is at 7.10AM Sunday
Q2 - 7.35AM
Moto2 - 8.05AM

The MotoGP race is at 7.00AM Monday. And I'm on leave :yes:

The tiddlers can wait until later.

[roogazza]

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/04/18/fire_in_yamaha_garage_gets_austin_motogp.html

So have SKY pulled their finger out yet ?? anyone ?

[Dave-]

So have SKY pulled their finger out yet ?? anyone ?

In another thread it's pretty much a "No" from sky

[Geemsee]

I was wondering how the time zone in Texas would relate to us. Not too bad apparently.

If the Moto GP website is right Q1 is at 7.10AM Sunday
Q2 - 7.35AM
Moto2 - 8.05AM

The MotoGP race is at 7.00AM Monday. And I'm on leave :yes:

The tiddlers can wait until later.

Click on the posted time and you can change it to local time, hey presto!

[merv]

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/04/18/fire_in_yamaha_garage_gets_austin_motogp.html



Mmmm, fire due to a lithium battery, just like the Dreamliner. Would that have been a Shorai battery I wonder>?

[Crasherfromwayback]

MM

Lorenzo

Rossi

Pedro

Bautista

[DidJit]

Man, that track is huge! If you’ve got a spare 7 minutes, you can ride along with Hector Barbera (http://youtu.be/VW2Kdl1-RtQ) as he does his track reconnaissance.

[tail_end_charlie]

MM

Lorenzo

Rossi

Pedro

Bautista

Pedro
MM
Lorenzo
Rossi
Cal
Bradle
Bautista
Nicky
Dovi
Spies
Andrea
Aliex
Hector
Randy
Colin
blah, blah blah

[Dave-]

Man, that track is huge! If you’ve got a spare 7 minutes, you can ride along with Hector Barbera (http://youtu.be/VW2Kdl1-RtQ) as he does his track reconnaissance.

holy crap look at the size of it! you can really see it at the hairpin, one end of the track disappears to the left and the other stretches out to the right

[tail_end_charlie]

Man, that track is huge! If you’ve got a spare 7 minutes, you can ride along with Hector Barbera (http://youtu.be/VW2Kdl1-RtQ) as he does his track reconnaissance.


holy crap look at the size of it! you can really see it at the hairpin, one end of the track disappears to the left and the other stretches out to the right

Typical American thought process: "Bigger is better!" ..............................and then of course, everything is bigger in Texas. :yes:

Looks like a pretty sweet track, too bad it sounds like there is fuck all chance there will ever be any trackdays that anyone other than rich oil tycoons could afford. :no:

[Crasherfromwayback]

MM fastest in both sessions so far...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130419fp2.htm

[jasonu]

Typical American thought process: "Bigger is better!" ..............................and then of course, everything is bigger in Texas. :yes:


Maybe they should have built a shitty goat track like Pukekohe instead...
Maybe wait for the riders comments after the raceing is done before bagging it.

[tail_end_charlie]

Maybe they should have built a shitty goat track like Pukekohe instead...
Maybe wait for the riders comments after the raceing is done before bagging it.

..............wasn't bagging it.............

[cmoore]

did honda sponsor this track or something..:)

if the waterlogged Yamaha team can't find a solution to the "grip into corner problem", than my pick is Pedrosa will want to establish his place in the honda team and will take MM out with a wildly dangerous passing manoeuvre....leaving Jorge to ride into first....you heard it here first....

[tail_end_charlie]

did honda sponsor this track or something..:)

if the waterlogged Yamaha team can't find a solution to the "grip into corner problem", than my pick is Pedrosa will want to establish his place in the honda team and will take MM out with a wildly dangerous passing manoeuvre....leaving Jorge to ride into first....you heard it here first....

............I did notice a lot of Repsol banners around some turns.........................:whistle:

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's certainly an awesome looking track from what I've seen of it so far. May have to go there one year.

[DidJit]

Reckon. :yes:

[jasonu]

..............wasn't bagging it.............

Fair enough then. I hope it is a good weekend. On live here, no SkyTV to balls it up.

[pritch]

my pick is Pedrosa will want to establish his place in the honda team and will take MM out with a wildly dangerous passing manoeuvre....leaving Jorge to ride into first....you heard it here first....

The commentators were saying that the organisers almost begged the riders to be careful in turn 1 on the first lap.

Of course saying something like that to these guys might be rather hopeful. If someone does have a rush of mud to the brain it could cause carnage.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The commentators were saying that the organisers almost begged the riders to be careful in turn 1 on the first lap.

.

Almost inciting trouble. No doubt some cunt will think that's his chance to overtake 5 or 6 others because they'll be taking it easy!

[tail_end_charlie]

Almost inciting trouble. No doubt some cunt will think that's his chance to overtake 5 or 6 others because they'll be taking it easy!

Cough, cough.....Bautista.....cough, cough

[Reckless]

did honda sponsor this track or something..:)

Pedrosa will want to establish his place in the honda team and will take MM out with a wildly dangerous passing manoeuvre....leaving Jorge to ride into first....you heard it here first....

He's got to catch him first? In fact they all do?
Mind you if I remember rightly last race he was leading everything in the early seasons until things got serious? Might be the way things are all season? We shall see what happens over qualifying.

[cmoore]

if it goes to plan MM will win with Jorge third..meaning the championship is equal on points....but than there is Rossi...maybe Bradl......(all assuming Pedrosa is second)...that would OK for Yamaha on a track they clearly struggle against the honda...of course if my premonition is correct it could be even better...:)

[cmoore]

if pedrosa wins and Jorge is third with MM second.....than Jorge remains in front...:)

[tail_end_charlie]

How bout that Aleix Espargaro...............0.009s behind ROSSI!!!

Don't care how much you might hate the CRT bikes................that boy sure can punt that "doesn't belong on the same track as the prototypes" bike around the track pretty damn good.

And that is giving the slowest prototype (Ben Spies) a 13.8kmh top speed advantage.

[cmoore]

agree...does beg the question..how did smith get the monster ride??......

[BMWST?]

<tbody>
1
93
Marc MARQUEZ (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Marc+Marquez)
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
341.6
2'03.021



2
26
Dani PEDROSA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Dani+Pedrosa)
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
339.1
2'03.275
0.254 / 0.254


3
99
Jorge LORENZO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Jorge+Lorenzo)
SPA
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
335.0
2'04.100
1.079 / 0.825


4
35
Cal CRUTCHLOW (http://www.motogp.com/)
GBR
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
332.4
2'04.267
1.246 / 0.167


5
6
Stefan BRADL (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Stefan+Bradl)
GER
LCR Honda MotoGP
Honda
336.8
2'04.445
1.424 / 0.178


6
4
Andrea DOVIZIOSO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Andrea+Dovizioso)
ITA
Ducati Team
Ducati
336.5
2'04.873
1.852 / 0.428


7
19
Alvaro BAUTISTA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Alvaro+Bautista)
SPA
GO&FUN Honda Gresini
Honda
335.7
2'04.942
1.921 / 0.069


8
46
Valentino ROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Valentino+Rossi)
ITA
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
335.2
2'05.380
2.359 / 0.438


9
41
Aleix ESPARGARO (http://www.motogp.com/)
SPA
Power Electronics Aspar
ART
320.1
2'05.389
2.368 / 0.009


10
69
Nicky HAYDEN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicky+Hayden)
USA
Ducati Team
Ducati
336.5
2'05.568
2.547 / 0.179


11
38
Bradley SMITH (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Bradley+Smith)
GBR
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
334.1
2'06.740
3.719 / 1.172


12
11
Ben SPIES (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Ben+Spies)
USA
Ignite Pramac Racing
Ducati
333.8
2'07.044
4.023 / 0.304

</tbody>
Dovi in front of #46 and is faster in three out of four sectors and higher top speed(that aint unusual),but look at MM over 1 sec faster than Jlo!

[denill]

Dovi in front of #46 and is faster in three out of four sectors and higher top speed(that aint unusual),but look at MM over 1 sec faster than Jlo!

Dovi's been surprisingly successful with his pace on the Ducati and has consistently overshadowed the other three Duke riders. (And the previous Duke rider in qualifying today.................) <_<

[Crasherfromwayback]

MM had a HUGE biff in practice as well. Looked well nasty...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130420vr46.htm

[denill]

Dovi in front of #46 and is faster in three out of four sectors and higher top speed(that aint unusual),but look at MM over 1 sec faster than Jlo!

The commentators said this morning that MM was age 7 when #46 rode his in his first motoGP? :msn-wink:

[pritch]

I heard an interview with Haden in which he explained that Ducati had zero data for the CotA track. He mentioned that they do have a "simulator" but he was unsure exactly how much that could help.

The US based riders have apparently been around the circuit on road bikes but only to the extent that they knew which direction the track went.

Some of the riders, including #46 are still working on set-up problems. Rossi isn't happy with the bike under brakes and with several first gear corners that could be important. The team will try an adjustment overnight. Problem is that the mornings have been cold but by afternoon it's hot. Something that works in morning practice mey not work so well in the race.

Ianone and Smith went to Laguna Seca during the week to learn the track on road bikes. Ianone got himself black flagged and banned from the track for a day apparently. Someone commented, GP racers and track day riders don't really mix.

Smith was quoted as saying that he thought Laguna Seca was a hard track to learn, then he saw CotA!

Still, they all have to get around that hairpin at turn 1 before they worry about anything else.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. Someone commented, GP racers and track day riders don't really mix.

Smith was quoted as saying that he thought Laguna Seca was a hard track to learn, then he saw CotA!

.

Too true!

And is Smith the biggest waste of space in Moto GP or what?

[cmoore]

if it was all that simple we would bet the house on MM to win......which he probably will......but I won't bet the house on it.

It is a long race...20? laps at 2.02 per lap....anything could happen and probably will....especially into that first turn...seems kinda narrow after the wide track leading up to it...six abreast...biggest nuts wins....

All joking aside..the honda clearly has a huge advantage over the M1.....sad but true.....expect the two if not three hondas to clear out.....so unless there is some drama with tyres or crashes...that is my pick.......marky mark, pandrosa, Jorge.... lets move on to the next one....i'm over this track already...:)

[onearmedbandit]

MM had a HUGE biff in practice as well. Looked well nasty...


Yeah he gave that a good biffing.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah he gave that a good biffing.

Aye. Was one of those nasty looking crashes where he could've quite easily been badly hurt. It can all change in the blink of an eye eh!

[Dave-]

Yeah he gave that a good biffing.

Camera's still fine....footage?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Camera's still fine....footage?

MotoGP.com for full footage of the biff.

[pritch]

Aexpect the two if not three hondas to clear out.....so unless there is some drama with tyres or crashes...that is my pick.......marky mark, pandrosa, Jorge....

Lorenzo himself picks that third may be the best he can hope for.

On another note; Carmelo Ezpeleta was served a subpoena (sp?) with his breakfast this morning. He is required to appear in a Texan court on the 8 May (?).

This was at the behest of solicitors acting for one Kevin Schwantz who will sadly be absent from tomorrows festivities.

[cmoore]

it is sad that Schwantz isn't there...I don't know what the history is but i can guess it won't make sense....

[tail_end_charlie]

it is sad that Schwantz isn't there...I don't know what the history is but i can guess it won't make sense....

A new development (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130419mnwsz.htm)on that particular subject.

Edit:
Motomatters (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2013/04/19/carmelo_ezpeleta_served_with_a_subpoena_.html#comm ents) have a little more in depth look and a few links to interviews with Kevin Schwantz that I've also included here:

Cycle World (http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/19/free-kevin-schwantz-circuit-of-the-americas-controversy/)

Cycle News (http://www.cyclenews.com/61/21390/Racing-Article/Carmelo-Ezpeleta-Served-Papers-In-Austin.aspx)

[tail_end_charlie]

agree...does beg the question..how did smith get the monster ride??......

Maybe he got Herve drunk during that original contract negotiation.............


Too true!

And is Smith the biggest waste of space in Moto GP or what?

A lot of people (Soup, DE, and others I can't remember right now) seem to be saying that Smith is on track with Bradle in his rookie year. He has qualified ahead of Iannone in both races so far this year. Have to see where he actually finishes this race though.....

[cmoore]

it all sounds a bit stupid...he wants money, so at the end of the day it is all about how much...regardless they are dumb not to allow him at the track

[Crasherfromwayback]

A lot of people (Soup, DE, and others I can't remember right now) seem to be saying that Smith is on track with Bradle in his rookie year. He has qualified ahead of Iannone in both races so far this year.

Maybe so. But which bike would you rather be riding?

[tail_end_charlie]

Maybe so. But which bike would you rather be riding?

That, sir, is a very good counter argument.

Personally however, I will give Smith the benefit of the doubt until about mid-season. If he isn't hot on the heels of the other satellite bikes at that point, then I'll start slinging shit. Not much good it'll do though, he's got a contract through 2014.

[cmoore]

a quick read of the post 80's legends in motogp shows that no one has been a champion by "working their way up from 13th" the best have arrived at the top and been there or there abouts all year....Marky Mark being the latest to continue that theory...

[cmoore]

All of which doesn't have anything to do with Smith...but whilst i am sure he is dissapointed with himself...he is not near crutchlow....he is not a future partner for Jorge....so why have him there now?...what has he done??

[tail_end_charlie]

The Qualifying press conference photo's with Scott Redding are freakin' hilarious. The top of Dani's head is about even with Scott's shoulder, and the others arn't much taller.

Seeing just how much bigger Scott is than the others gives you an impression of how hard is must be for him fighting all these midgets on a prototype Supersport bike.

[Crasherfromwayback]

All of which doesn't have anything to do with Smith...but whilst i am sure he is dissapointed with himself...he is not near crutchlow....he is not a future partner for Jorge....so why have him there now?...what has he done??

Just answered all of your own questions!:msn-wink:

[cmoore]

true...sort of typing aloud.......

nice to know there at least two Kiwis involved with MotoGP...one on the right side the other on the dark side...:)

[Mental Trousers]

Too true!

And is Smith the biggest waste of space in Moto GP or what?

A lot of people (Soup, DE, and others I can't remember right now) seem to be saying that Smith is on track with Bradle in his rookie year. He has qualified ahead of Iannone in both races so far this year. Have to see where he actually finishes this race though.....

He's actually impressing quite a few people that know a thing or two (ie they don't post in forums). I'm not a fan but I'm definitely going to wait and see what he does before I write him off.

However, it sounds like there might be two satellite Honda's up for grabs at the end of this season. Bautista has to win at least one and Bradl has to get some podiums and front row starts or they'll both be unemployed.

[Crasherfromwayback]

He's actually impressing quite a few people that know a thing or two (ie they don't post in forums). .

Oh you old bitch! :bleh:

Make your predictions for the race!

[Mental Trousers]

Oh you old bitch! :bleh:

Make your predictions for the race!

Pedro
Lorenzo
Rossi
Crutchlow

Marquez upside down somewhere between turn 12 and turn 18

[slowpoke]

All of which doesn't have anything to do with Smith...but whilst i am sure he is dissapointed with himself...he is not near crutchlow....he is not a future partner for Jorge....so why have him there now?...what has he done??

Mate, you picked the wrong guy to compare him too. What did Crutchlow do to deserve a MotoGP ride? 5th in WSBK was nothing to write home about, especially seeing he was on the same bike that Spies was in a different league on, at tracks he'd never seen. Crutchlow had ridden all of them in WSS. I didn't think that was anywhere near good enough for a MotoGP ride.

Crutchlow was 12th in his first MotoGP year, again very lucky to stay in MotoGP. His first MotoGP race at Losail he qualified in 8th and finished some 34 seconds behind Stoner, in 11th.

It's only last year that he's showed the sort of form that justifies his position, so to criticise Smith at this stage is pretty unfair. I'm not saying he's going to do great things, but he's certainly no worse than Crutchlow in his first year, and he's come from a 140hp Moto2 bike not a 220hp Superbike.

[BMWST?]

Mate, you picked the wrong guy to compare him too. What did Crutchlow do to deserve a MotoGP ride? 5th in WSBK was nothing to write home about, especially seeing he was on the same bike that Spies was in a different league on, at tracks he'd never seen. Crutchlow had ridden all of them in WSS. I didn't think that was anywhere near good enough for a MotoGP ride.

Crutchlow was 12th in his first MotoGP year, again very lucky to stay in MotoGP. His first MotoGP race at Losail he qualified in 8th and finished some 34 seconds behind Stoner, in 11th.

It's only last year that he's showed the sort of form that justifies his position, so to criticise Smith at this stage is pretty unfair. I'm not saying he's going to do great things, but he's certainly no worse than Crutchlow in his first year, and he's come from a 140hp Moto2 bike not a 220hp Superbike.

agreed...i think cruthlow was assisted by a very good bike last year compared to say bautista and bradl.Smith has plenty of time to work towards the front.I think he is very methodical sort of racer,prolly like Bradl and Dovi and Hayden....

[Crasherfromwayback]

, so to criticise Smith at this stage is pretty unfair. I'm not saying he's going to do great things, but he's certainly no worse than Crutchlow in his first year, and he's come from a 140hp Moto2 bike not a 220hp Superbike.

You're just sticking up for him because he's a Fanta Pants!

[Mental Trousers]

You're just sticking up for him because he's a Fanta Pants!

Bald fanta pants. An onion has more hair than he does.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bald fanta pants. An onion has more hair than he does.

Regardless...not sure why so many are sticking up for him. Can't possibly see how he's actually earnt the ride. He's won what exactly so far?

[tail_end_charlie]

........................

However, it sounds like there might be two satellite Honda's up for grabs at the end of this season. Bautista has to win at least one and Bradl has to get some podiums and front row starts or they'll both be unemployed.

Except that they both have contracts through to the end of the 2014 season.

[slowpoke]

Regardless...not sure why so many are sticking up for him. Can't possibly see how he's actually earnt the ride. He's won what exactly so far?

Woohoo, new team moniker: FPR (Fanta Pants Racing), sponsored bt CCA (Coca-Cola Amatil)

Not so much sticking up for him, just reserving judgement.

[McWild]

MotoGP COTA 2013: Who does Marquez punt off their bike first?


If I was Pedro I'd stay well out of MM's way just to try and keep it an injury free season (for once). Marquez knows this is his absolute best chance for a win, and to break a record to boot. And we've seen plenty of evidence in Moto2 about him when he gets the fire burning... He sure as hell isn't just riding for points today.

[SWERVE]

Looks like Brian Staring is becoming a mobile hazard....... involved in the Karel Abraham crash and a near miss with M Marquez in warm up.!

[Crasherfromwayback]

He's actually impressing quite a few people that know a thing or two (ie they don't post in forums). I'm not a fan but I'm definitely going to wait and see what he does before I write him off.

.

You might wanna ask the people that know a thing or two and don't post what they think about 12th place, some 50 seconds off the winner how they feel.

[Mental Trousers]

You might wanna ask the people that know a thing or two and don't post what they think about 12th place, some 50 seconds off the winner how they feel.

Mate, he's actually doing better than many of the previous rookies like Crutchlow etc at that stage.

[DidJit]

You're fighting a losing battle, MT — Crasher just doesn’t like him. ;)

[Mental Trousers]

You're fighting a losing battle, MT — Crasher just doesn’t like him. ;)

Yeah, I know mate. But poking grumpy bastards with a sharp stick seems to be a habit of mine.

[roogazza]

No chat about Motogp race ? was it a bit ho hum ?
I haven't seen it, Thanks SKY !!!!!!!!!!!

Yamaha limited the damage by the looks and Rossi now 11 points off after two races.
Crutchless seems to have done ok ?

More calls and E mails to Sky then ! F...em.

[DidJit]

Not at all — we witnessed the arrival of another Alien to the top step. Things just got Next Level.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You're fighting a losing battle, MT — Crasher just doesn’t like him. ;)

Don't dislike him at all mate. He seems like a very nice young chap in actual fact. Just think he's well out of his depth and doesn't deserve to be there.

Yeah, I know mate. But poking grumpy bastards with a sharp stick seems to be a habit of mine.

Same here mate!:bleh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Not at all — we witnessed the arrival of another Alien to the top step. Things just got Next Level.

Landed with a thump! Rossi finished with a Ducati not so far behind him...

[DidJit]

Yeah, said it before, will probably say it again: Dovi was a good pick for Ducati — fast, smart and methodical.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah, said it before, will probably say it again: Dovi was a good pick for Ducati — fast, smart and methodical.

What are the chances he'll beat Rossi this year in a race?

[Mental Trousers]

What are the chances he'll beat Rossi this year in a race?

That's going to be fucken hilarious when it happens (not if it happens if you ask me).

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's going to be fucken hilarious when it happens (not if it happens if you ask me).

Imagine if it was at Mugello...

[Mental Trousers]

Yeah, said it before, will probably say it again: Dovi was a good pick for Ducati — fast, smart and methodical.

He's also got an interesting way of setting up bikes. He likes them slightly heavy at the backend, which is the Ducati all over.

He's looking like the rider that should've been on that bike after Stoner left.

[DidJit]

Yes, but he needed that year of adapting to and figuring out the Yamaha to make him so valuable now to Ducati. Dovi has learned how to analyse and adapt to the bike — he might not have been quite so well rounded if he’d come straight from Repsol Honda.

[misterO]

Well, the sun is about to set on the first ever MotoGP in Austin, Texas. Couldn't have asked for a better day: not too hot/cold, slightly overcast, light winds. I grabbed a Stella from the man shouting "Overpriced beer- get your ice cold overpriced beer here". I took my seat at turn 15, put on my cowboy hat and kicked back to watch the show. From the start of the race to the finish: Honda in first and second. They never even seemed to be breaking a sweat, just flowing from turn to turn in tandem, as if it was a just a friendly Sunday ride. JL held onto 3rd and just stayed there. Rossi, unable to pull a rabbit from his lid, clung tenaciously to his spot (or could it have been one of his mindgames?). Schwantz was nowhere to be seen, but a lot of folks were proudly wearing shirts with his number on it. Today wasn't much of a race, really: no close calls, no last minute late braking heroics. It seemed like everyone had settled into their position on the first lap and then just stayed that way for twenty more. Still, it was good to hear the roar of the crowd and the scream of finely tuned engines on full song. Quite a buzz. Well done MM- hats off!

[Kendog]

Well I have to say I am super impressed with the way MM rode that race (and the entire weekend)
There was not a hint of 'must pass at all costs'.
Once in the lead he rode calmly, under what must have been a fair amount of pressure to win.
His riding style still makes me gasp.

New favorite rider.

[Kendog]

It seemed like everyone had settled into their position on the first lap and then just stayed that way for twenty more.
What about MM and his calculated move around half way, did that get any crowd reaction?

[misterO]

I couldn't see that move from where I was sitting and, I'm ashamed to admit, I didn't even notice they'd switched positions until near the very end. Sometimes you get better coverage from the couch in front of the TV than you ever could from a seat at the track.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well I have to say I am super impressed with the way MM rode that race (and the entire weekend)
There was not a hint of 'must pass at all costs'.
Once in the lead he rode calmly, under what must have been a fair amount of pressure to win.
His riding style still makes me gasp.

New favorite rider.

Yeah pretty impressive alright. Casey who? :-)

[DidJit]

... Casey who?

For shame! :gob:

[Crasherfromwayback]

For shame! :gob:

Only real shame is not getting to see the two of them racing each other. But I reckon we'll have some ding dongs this year regardless. We'll get to more tracks that are more even for both bikes. Imagine if MM was to win the title first year out eh?

[DidJit]

Here’s hoping those wildcard rumours turn out to be true then, eh? ;)

Yep, a new era has definitely dawned.

[McWild]

Eating my words now.

Young, fast, and has his nutsack under control?

Other riders be afraid.... Moreso.

[pritch]

There were some here that didn't think Crutchlow was worth his ride. He had been a world champion, in what is arguably one of the toughest classes,* but apparently some of us have exceptionally high standards.

As for Smith, his 125 stats include winning the last three races and finishing second overall in the Spanish Championship before he moved to GPs.

A "regular frontrunner" in the 125 class: 4 fastest laps, 9 poles, 20 podiums and three wins. People are going to notice figures like that.

He had a very quiet year last year but the consensus seemed to be that the bike wasn't up to it.

This year his job is probably to learn the new tracks, learn the brakes, learn the electronics, and hopefully not crash too often. The GP bikes are a very different proposition to the Moto2 bikes and there is a lot to learn. Rea's comments on riding the Repsol bike after a Superbike were interesting.

Marquez isn't having much trouble adjusting but then he's not normal, he is special. The CotA favours the Honda to a greater degree than any of the other tracks so it might be a mistake to extrapolate this morning's results to the rest of the season. Still, that probably won't be the only win MM gets this year.

Hopefully Jerez will be less like a procession. Bring it on.

*
Unlike MotoGP where barring incidents there are just four guys capable of winning, in both WSS and Moto2 there are many riders capable of competing at the front.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Mate, he's actually doing better than many of the previous rookies like Crutchlow etc at that stage.

Smith's gone DNF-12th so far.

Crutchlow went 11th-8th-8th-DNF-7th, ahead of other prototypes too I might add.

[denill]

No chat about Motogp race ? was it a bit ho hum ?
I haven't seen it, Thanks SKY !!!!!!!!!!!

I was very pleased Gazza that I forked out the Euro and the other costs to set up my PC to the Panasonic Vierra to see the wokmanlike manner that MM went about planting himself firmly on the MotoGP spectrum. When you get to see it I'm sure you'll be impressed too:rolleyes:

[denill]

Give Smith a break....................

It's a work in progress and the time frame for that work is for the entire 2013 season.

When it's finished, judge him. <_<

[Crasherfromwayback]

Give Smith a break....................

It's a work in progress and the time frame for that work is for the entire 2013 season.

When it's finished, judge him. <_<

You got red hair too?

[denill]

You got red hair too?

Actually, very little of any colour...................

[Crasherfromwayback]

Actually, very little of any colour...................

Know the feeling mate. I've got a lot more face to wash nowadays too...

[Mental Trousers]

Smith's gone DNF-12th so far.

Crutchlow went 11th-8th-8th-DNF-7th, ahead of other prototypes too I might add.

You had to go and look it up didn't you haha

[Crasherfromwayback]

You had to go and look it up didn't you haha

Only so I didn't have egg on face. Was pretty sure he'd done better! I'll bet you a carton of Steinies (as in 2doz), Smith can't make it into the top five all season. You can add 'em to the ones OAB will be sending me...:shifty:

[Crasherfromwayback]

How long before MM wins his first race? How 'bout the next round? I may put a few bucks on him at the TAB...

How was that for a guess. Thanks TAB! :-):headbang:

[Robert Taylor]

Know the feeling mate. I've got a lot more face to wash nowadays too...

Its because we have so many brains that it competes with hair and the brains win. Its a bugger though going to get a haircut and they first charge you a search fee!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Its because we have so many brains that it competes with hair and the brains win. Its a bugger though going to get a haircut and they first charge you a search fee!

Love to go along with that Robert...but in my case...nah! Lorenzo is looking the biz agian this year I reckon wouldn't you agree?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Its because we have so many brains that it competes with hair and the brains win. Its a bugger though going to get a haircut and they first charge you a search fee!

Love to go along with that Robert...but in my case...nah! Lorenzo is looking the biz again this year I reckon wouldn't you agree?

[Mental Trousers]

Only so I didn't have egg on face. Was pretty sure he'd done better! I'll bet you a carton of Steinies (as in 2doz), Smith can't make it into the top five all season. You can add 'em to the ones OAB will be sending me...:shifty:

A top 5 in any race this season?? You're on.

Top 4 for the year will be Marquez, Lorenzo, Pedrossa and Rossi with Crutchlow in fifth. Only way that's not going to happen is if one of them gets smashed up in an accident. There's no odds there.

[cmoore]

i wasn't necessarily comparing smith to crutchlow, just saying smith is not anywhere near him.on the same bike....his record isn't great in any class, so i wondered why he got the monster ride...just doesn't seem deserving...does his dad own the company sponsoring the team........?

[cmoore]

looking at the race from a biased viewpoint..:)..good to see Lorenzo catching so fast towards the end...be good info for Yamaha next year at that track...great ride by MM, Pedrosa tried but got smashed..must start doing his head in....interesting that there was lots of overtaking in moto 2 and 3...so maybe the track will be better for MotoGP next year....bit dull this year.......

[Crasherfromwayback]

A top 5 in any race this season?? You're on.

Top 4 for the year will be Marquez, Lorenzo, Pedrossa and Rossi with Crutchlow in fifth. Only way that's not going to happen is if one of them gets smashed up in an accident. There's no odds there.

Bet on then! Make 'em cold too.

[cmoore]

crickey that is hardly a bet...you have more chance of the Greens denouncing communism than smith getting above 6th...

[Mental Trousers]

Bet on then! Make 'em cold too.

Shouldn't take too long. We'll have to sort out a MotoGP sometime where I fly down on a GrabASeat cheapy flight and drink the beer you supply while using up your broadband to watch it.

[Kendog]

Imagine if MM was to win the title first year out eh?
What is he paying?

[cmoore]

now if someone could just tell what the hell these numbers mean....

Jorge Lorenzo 32/19

Marc Marquez 9/4

Dani Pedrosa 7/2

Valentino Rossi 19/2

[Crasherfromwayback]

What is he paying?

The TAB don't have odds up for the season as yet. If you contact them I'm sure they'll let you take out a bet on it.

[pritch]

....his record isn't great in any class,

You're bloody tough, glad you aren't my boss.

So how many podiums/wins/poles would impress you? :whistle:

[BMWST?]

jeez you guys are fuckn harsh...Smith will be up there in the next couple of races,not with the leaders of course but with hayden bautista and dovi.i reckon he will finish the season with results as good as crutchlows first season

[BMWST?]

A top 5 in any race this season?? You're on.

Top 4 for the year will be Marquez, Lorenzo, Pedrossa and Rossi with Crutchlow in fifth. Only way that's not going to happen is if one of them gets smashed up in an accident. There's no odds there.


hmm is that worth a bet....rossi was having a good battle with bautista,dovi nearly joined in at one point.I think bradl might beat him at the "honda" tracks,and despite all the whining and gnashing of teeth about the tech 3 bikes crutclow may well beat hima again too.There didnt seem to be too much passing on the straights(aprt from the hondas)At one point cruthlow was back with rossi and bautista after running of the track but he just rode away from them.He has got good corner speed but his bike isnt slow
lookit the top 5 speeds,look who has the slowest Yamaha!










<tbody>
#
rider
bike
1
2
3
4
5
av
top


4
dovi
Duc
340.6
339.7
338.6
338.4
337.5
339.0
340.6


93
marc
Hon
340.4
338.7
337.9
337.9
337.3
338.7
339.7


26
ped
Hon
339.7
339.3
339.0
338.3
337.3
338.7
339.7


29
Ian
Duc
338.9
337.7
336.2
335.9
335.6
336.9
338.9



69
Hay
Duc
338.2
336.2
335.9
335.4
335.1
336.0
338.2


19
Bau
Hon
337.9
336.9
335.8
335.4
335.1
336.0
337.9


6
Bra
Hon
336.9
335.1
33.51
335.0
334.4
335.3
336.9


46
Ros
Yam
336.9
335.7
335.2
333.8
333.2
335.0
336.9


35
Cru
Yam
336.5
336.3
336.2
335.0
335.0
335.8
336.5


38
Smi
Yam
336.5
335.7
335.6
334.3
333.8
335.2
336.5


99
lor
Yam
336.4
334.5
333.8
333.8
334.5
334.4
336.4

</tbody>

[tail_end_charlie]

hmm is that worth a bet....rossi was having a good battle with bautista,dovi nearly joined in at one point.I think bradl might beat him at the "honda" tracks,and despite all the whining and gnashing of teeth about the tech 3 bikes crutclow may well beat hima again too.There didnt seem to be too much passing on the straights(aprt from the hondas)At one point cruthlow was back with rossi and bautista after running of the track but he just rode away from them.He has got good corner speed but his bike isnt slow
lookit the top 5 speeds,look who has the slowest Yamaha!

Ha ha ha, man that lor guy really sucks! Look at how slow he is, he ain't gonna win shit this year. :msn-wink:

I don't think that I will take up that bet of Crashers though. I can't honestly see Smith getting a top 5 finish this year. I do think that he will eventually get up closer to the pack of satellite bikes, but he ain't gonna be the first one home unless something serious happens to one of the front runners.

[pritch]

Was surprised at how gracious everyone was, Pedro praised MM, Rossi described Crutchlow's ride as "fantastic". Freddie Spencer congratulated MM on being the new "youngest".

MM says he had bike problems near the end, Pedro was struggling with a setup problem all race.

During the race one of Rossi's front discs lost a piece of carbon causing vibration.

During practice Hayden had a problem that was attributed to tyres but it was found that the wheel was cracked. That could've been ugly.

After the deluge in the Tech 3 pit a set of tyre warmers were only working on one side. Fortunately the Bridgestone tyre techs discovered that before anyone went out.

The bikes have seemed amazingly reliable in recent times but there were a few adventures of the mechanical kind in Texas.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I don't think that I will take up that bet of Crashers though.

That's a pity. Was hoping to set myself up in beer for next season!

[Hinny]

I don't think that I will take up that bet of Crashers though.

A homeless guy I met in Las Vegas said his Dad was a gambler; and the only thing he ever taught him was: "Never take another man's bet"
Odds on, he knows something you don't.
He says "I bet you...."something or other,
you say "fair enough, you are right" etc.
You ain't gonna lose like that.
Advice for the wise.

[tail_end_charlie]

Couple of links that are interesting:

Ant West's QMMF Moto 2 (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/motogp/cota/qmmf/) in some close up photos. Interesting that they are using an all CF swingarm, don't know of anyone else doing that right now. My understanding was that it has been tried by some MotoGP teams in the past, but they felt it was easier to get the correct amount of flex out of a conventional Aluminum swingarm.

Nicky Hayden's Ducati GP13 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/ducati-desmosedici-gp13-up-close/) in some close up photos as well. And after saying the above about swingarms, it appears that the GP13 is running a CF swingarm. Also looks like maybe they have gone back to trying the CF fork tube outers, although I wasn't able to see clearly if it was CF or just painted black.

Last but not least, disappointing to hear that Ben Spies will sit out the Jerez round (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/ben-spies-jerez-injury/) due to continuing trouble with his shoulder injury. Seems that he's pinching a nerve now trying to compensate for his weak right shoulder. It will be interesting to see how Pirro gets on with his bike at the Jerez round though...

[Badjelly]

A homeless guy I met in Las Vegas said his Dad was a gambler; and the only thing he ever taught him was: "Never take another man's bet"
Odds on, he knows something you don't.
He says "I bet you...."something or other,
you say "fair enough, you are right" etc.
You ain't gonna lose like that.
Advice for the wise.

It sure sounds like his Dad taught him well!

[roogazza]

Had another (one of many ) replies from Sky sport last night.
It appears unlikely they will now be getting Motogp.

Sky have admitted under valueing their bid and hope that some other channel picks up the rights so motogp fans can view their sport sometime this year.

Well thats just F....n dandy !

ps I can cut sky sport, but then miss WSBK.
I can later at the end of the season though. :mad:

[Bert]

Had another (one of many ) replies from Sky sport last night.
It appears unlikely they will now be getting Motogp.

Sky have admitted under valueing their bid and hope that some other channel picks up the rights so motogp fans can view their sport sometime this year.

Well thats just F....n dandy !

ps I can cut sky sport, but then miss WSBK.
I can later at the end of the season though. :mad:

Surely it's getting to a stage where sky will have to front for false advertising.... (I've just been looking through mysky recordings as im dam sure there will be some motogp adds from earlier in the year)...

[cmoore]

Can't wait for this weekend, lovn the qualifying sessions, Jorge is Jorge, pedrosa is under pressure, MM is a freak, Rossi is capable of anything, crutchlow can fight for a podium, dovi, Bautista, Hayden are all in with a chance of a podium....bring it on!!

[tail_end_charlie]

Can't wait for this weekend, lovn the qualifying sessions, Jorge is Jorge, pedrosa is under pressure, MM is a freak, Rossi is capable of anything, crutchlow & Bradle can fight for a podium, dovi, Bautista, Hayden are all in with a chance of finishing....bring it on!!

Fixed that for ya!

[DidJit]

5th weekend in a row of 2-wheeled motorsport... :2thumbsup

[DidJit]

Up close and personal with the Yamaha M1 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-yamaha-yzr-m1-up-close-photos/#more-42440).

[Badjelly]

Handbag alert!

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190549/1/puig_reacts_to_schwantzs_pedrosa_comments.html

[tail_end_charlie]

Up close and personal with the Yamaha M1 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-yamaha-yzr-m1-up-close-photos/#more-42440).

Same again with the Attack Racing CRT Entry (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/motogp/cota/attack/).

[tail_end_charlie]

Interesting article from Kevin Schwantz about the Austin GP and the state of motorcylce racing (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/13042834x34.htm) in the USA.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Handbag alert!

l]

Yeah funny as fuck. Kevin had his hadbag out for Stoner ever since Stoner dared to slag of Indy. But let's face it...the place is a shithole.

[Dave-]

Same again with the Attack Racing CRT Entry (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/motogp/cota/attack/).

Hoooooly Moooooly!!

See the data collection! sex!

[Mental Trousers]

Hoooooly Moooooly!!

See the data collection! sex!

They load it on the back of a pickup .........

Impressive though. Custom everything. Someone has a big CNC machine in their shed.

[tail_end_charlie]

Hoooooly Moooooly!!

See the data collection! sex!

Ha ha ha, yeah. Talk about data overload. Also the first time that I've seen anyone put a potentiometer on the steering dampner.

[DidJit]

Noyes’ Notebook (http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-noyes-notebook-crunching-numbers-pt-1/P1).

[Maido]

Handbag alert!

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190549/1/puig_reacts_to_schwantzs_pedrosa_comments.html

Interesting to see Superbike Planets take on this spat: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130430puigvs34flamew.htm
I personally lost alot of respect for that website after reading that. It is probably the most biased piece of reporting I have seen from them. The completely took puigs comments out of context and put their own angle on it. They state
However, with his next statement, it's clear that Puig has little desire to debate on facts and citations.. Umm clearly they didnt read the letter properly as Puig used nothing but facts to back up his retort. After reading Puigs comments myself I actually came away thinking what a clear calculated man he was, very elequant and well spoken.
Superbike planet always get their panties in a bunch when someone slags off 'merkins' this is a bridge to far however. Also they keep bringing up the old dani bumped nikki chestnut ffs let it go!

[Drew]

Interesting to see Superbike Planets take on this spat: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130430puigvs34flamew.htm
I personally lost alot of respect for that website after reading that. It is probably the most biased piece of reporting I have seen from them. The completely took puigs comments out of context and put their own angle on it. They state . Umm clearly they didnt read the letter properly as Puig used nothing but facts to back up his retort. After reading Puigs comments myself I actually came away thinking what a clear calculated man he was, very elequant and well spoken.
Superbike planet always get their panties in a bunch when someone slags off 'merkins' this is a bridge to far however. Also they keep bringing up the old dani bumped nikki chestnut ffs let it go!

It's one sided, but all articles are. Other than that, I don't see any problem with it. The guy was being a cunt to Kevin, SB planet reported as such.

[tail_end_charlie]

Interesting to see Superbike Planets take on this spat: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Apr/130430puigvs34flamew.htm
I personally lost alot of respect for that website after reading that. It is probably the most biased piece of reporting I have seen from them. The completely took puigs comments out of context and put their own angle on it. They state . Umm clearly they didnt read the letter properly as Puig used nothing but facts to back up his retort. After reading Puigs comments myself I actually came away thinking what a clear calculated man he was, very elequant and well spoken.
Superbike planet always get their panties in a bunch when someone slags off 'merkins' this is a bridge to far however. Also they keep bringing up the old dani bumped nikki chestnut ffs let it go!

Gotta disagree with you there buddy. Did you read all of Puig's letter (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/kevin+schwantz+versus+alberto+puig). He does start of with facts and figures on comparing the careers of Dani to Kevin. And if going soley by those numbers, he brings up some good points. But that's only the first half of Puig's letter, the second half of the letter is more or less a personal attack on Kevin. First he says that the only reason that Kevin won a World Championship was because Rainey crashed out and was paralized. Well, yeah, but whats the first rule of racing? "To finish first, first you must finish." He then goes on to say that because of that Kevin should not brag about being a World Champion.......................but yet I'm failing to see in any of Kevin's statements where he was bragging about being a WC.

Puig then goes on to trash talk Kevin's school in Texas (which isn't in Texas) and how it has never produced a WC racer, and so therefore is a complete failure. What a load of shit. All you have to do is look at the home page (http://www.schwantzschool.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38&Itemid=186) of the website to see that the Schwantz School is not a 'race school', their purpose is to make 'more confident, and safer riders.'

Now, do I think Kevin was a little harsh saying that Dani was "a rider who has been with Honda for eight years and not won anything", yes I do. But Puig makes it look like he's a out of control parent at a T-ball game the way he comes running to defend Dani and starts personally shit-talking Kevin. If I were Dani, I would be sitting in the background telling Puig to shut the hell up, your embarrassing me.

[DidJit]

Storm. Teacup.

[imdying]

Meh, Schwantz. Like Hayden, he was lucky to win a championship. Never really rated him at all. It's not that he lacked talent, he was just a Pedrosa or Sete, not a Rossi or a Doohan.

[Drew]

Meh, Schwantz. Like Hayden, he was lucky to win a championship. Never really rated him at all. It's not that he lacked talent, he was just a Pedrosa or Sete, not a Rossi or a Doohan.

That's funny, because even Rainey said that Kevin's only shortcoming on a bike, was that he didn't know when to stop pushing the limit. He could have a twenty second lead 3/4 of the way through a race, and start adjusting his lines to go faster. He was respected as one of the most talented riders on the track by everyone, he just never seemed to give a fuck about the bigger picture.

Edit; might have been Doohan or Roberts that said that actually.

[pritch]

Well Mr Schwantz has a chance to improve his statistics, he's coming out of retirement to race the Suzuka 8 Hour with Haga and Kagayama.:shit:

[roogazza]

Well Mr Schwantz has a chance to improve his statistics, he's coming out of retirement to race the Suzuka 8 Hour with Haga and Kagayama.:shit:

I don't think I'd pay to see that, but I loved watching the guy in GPs. Spectacular !

[imdying]

Is Haga doing better in Japan than he did in the UK?

[DidJit]

‏@SofaRacer

Tío Pepe is a 'fino' Sherry, because it's refined. This apéritif by @motomatters whets the appetite nicely for Jerez. http://goo.gl/fb/dMfGG

Nothing new in there really... I just liked SofaRacer’s intro.

[DidJit]

Moto2™ porn (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2013/motogp/cota/qmmf/)...

[cmoore]

Jorge leads the way in FP1, enough said.

[roogazza]

Jorge leads the way in FP1, enough said.
This ones for Vale cmoore, think, wish, hope ? lol
Be good for the championship.
Yamaha should be happier here.

[cmoore]

yep although i wish Crutchlow could match them over the race it looks like both Yamahas will be "fighting for the podium"(Spanish for wining) with hopefully Crutchlow behind them...messing up the Honda points....if only Smith could keep up.....

[misterO]

Nice slo-mo video from COTA, well worth a watch. It's hard to spot the subtle finesse in a bike blasting past at redline but this clip shows just that:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5fM3kBPZzjk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D5fM3kBPZzjk

[Dave-]

Nice slo-mo video from COTA, well worth a watch. It's hard to spot the subtle finesse in a bike blasting past at redline but this clip shows just that:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5fM3kBPZzjk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D5fM3kBPZzjk

Check out the stability on the rumble strip at 1:04 and 1:14 bike is barely moving that's some set suspension right there aye.

Though of course to the rider the bike will feel upset (relatively speaking of course)

here's the above vid embedded, judging by misterD's mobile video link I wonder if he's posting from a phone :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=NZ&hl=en-GB&client=mv-google&v=5fM3kBPZzjk

[merv]

Just in case he doesn't do so well this year I see Rossi has got himself a Cafe to retire to in Alexandra where he'll be able to serve a burger, chips and a milkshake to Jantar. That's the current kind of food there at the moment, maybe once he becomes the chef he'll add pasta, pizza and bolognese to the menu.

[BMWST?]

marquez is scary....i am damn sure in free practise 1 and 2 he is just playing around..he is doing deliberate "stoppies" int the corner at the end of the straight!

watch this https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=271404886329511&set=vb.257033834433283&type=2&theater at about 11 min

[cmoore]

crutchlow did a nice sykes...he can probably do it again in Q2.....pedrosa looking ok, shaping for an epic battle. go Yamaha!!

[Crasherfromwayback]

crutchlow !!

I'd actually like to see him win his first Moto GP race.

[Mental Trousers]

I'd actually like to see him win his first Moto GP race.

I'd rather see Dovi rub his nose in it. If anyone is winning on a Ducati it's him.

[roogazza]

2 things, shower of rain when I was gearing up for a ride, bugger it !
and, TV3 making a bid to show motogp !!!!! hope its fact ? Picked up that little gem off faceache last night.

[roogazza]

I'd actually like to see him win his first Moto GP race.
Be good to see him take that extra step P. But he so far seems to be a better qualifyer.
I haven't looked to see if does consistant good laps or just a couple when it matters ?

Bugger it, I'm off for a ride. (showers and all).

[cmoore]

they have made the qualifying exciting with the new format..and the 15min seems damn short.....but that all means nothing heading into the first corner of the race....so the crashes during Q2 make me wonder if it is worth the risk?