MotoGP 2014

[Oscar]

Why not:
- Spec Tires
- Spec ECU with no traction control or nanny aids.
- No quick shifters
- No ABS

Other than that.... no rules. Turbo, 2-stroke, whatever. I'd expect teams would get to un-manageable HP pretty easily..... so the development of power should be relatively cheap. Then it would be a matter of getting a decent frame, swingarm, etc... which is also expensive, but you take away the huge $$$ of engine development costs and electronics. Might not work.... but it would be nice to see something other than the Honda/Yamaha show which has happened since Suzuki won the 500gp crown (aside from the Stoner "the only guy that could ride a Ducati" blip).

Probably end up with a bunch of dead riders.

[Dave-]

Why not:
- Spec Tires
- Spec ECU with no traction control or nanny aids.
- No quick shifters
- No ABS

Other than that.... no rules. Turbo, 2-stroke, whatever. I'd expect teams would get to un-manageable HP pretty easily..... so the development of power should be relatively cheap. Then it would be a matter of getting a decent frame, swingarm, etc... which is also expensive, but you take away the huge $$$ of engine development costs and electronics. Might not work.... but it would be nice to see something other than the Honda/Yamaha show which has happened since Suzuki won the 500gp crown (aside from the Stoner "the only guy that could ride a Ducati" blip).

Because reducing technology in a prototype class is going backwards.

If you want to relive the 80's then have a frontal lobotomy and watch recordings....or just watch BSB.

[DidJit]

Those Espargaró brothers (http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Losail+Test+2014), eh...

[roogazza]

Those Espargaró brothers (http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Losail+Test+2014), eh...

Hey bud , how do those times compare to the 'A' team ?

[DidJit]

Pretty good. These are last year’s race laps (http://resources.motogp.com/files/results/2013/QAT/MotoGP/RAC/Analysis.pdf?v1_2b10170a) and last year’s top qualifying times (http://resources.motogp.com/files/results/2013/QAT/MotoGP/Q2/Analysis.pdf?v1_a5eb6f26). Jorge holds the lap record of 1:53.927 (2008).

[roogazza]

Geez, there'll be hell to pay if some of those 'Open' bikes finish in front of the' Factory' efforts ? :crazy:

[Shaun Harris]

Those Espargaró brothers (http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Losail+Test+2014), eh...






hopefully the fractured collarbone does not hold him back in 2 weeks time

[pritch]

MCN are doing their fantasy road race team again; but different this time, no WSB or BSB. A team is comprised two riders each from MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
You have 10m pounds to spend and that is no way near enough to pick everybody you would like to have. You have to pick an A team and then just go with what you can afford. Then again I can't get my teams to rise above mid field so don't take too much notice of my advice on the matter.

A year or three back we had our own league, but in the absence of that there is the MotoPod podcast league. The PIN number is available on their website. Private leagues bring the numbers down from the thousands of the MCN league itself.

Having a team adds to the interest of the races as you are watching to see how "your" riders perform, and "talent spotting" for the periods when transfers are available.

Enter here: http://mcn.fantasyleague.com/Index.aspx

[Reckless]

Interesting read!!
Motomatters, Dave Emmett explains the 3 classes and the creation and reasoning behind it all. Here! (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2014/03/10/the_factory_2_farce_how_poor_communicati.html?fb_a ction_ids=692671424126130&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B590022484415997%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D)

[bogan]

Interesting read!!
Motomatters, Dave Emmett explains the 3 classes and the creation and reasoning behind it all. Here! (http://motomatters.com/opinion/2014/03/10/the_factory_2_farce_how_poor_communicati.html?fb_a ction_ids=692671424126130&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B590022484415997%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D)

So, as someone who hasn't really been paying attention across the break, it sounds kinda like the aliens get the factory spaceships, and everyone else gets <s>the probe</s> to limp along on lower spec rides. Is there any realistic chances of factory2/crt bikes being at the pointy end?

[Mental Trousers]

So, as someone who hasn't really been paying attention across the break, it sounds kinda like the aliens get the factory spaceships, and everyone else gets <s>the probe</s> to limp along on lower spec rides. Is there any realistic chances of factory2/crt bikes being at the pointy end?

Yes. Yamaha didn't use the same interpretation as Honda and instead of building something for the Open teams they gave Aleix last years M1 with the spec software. He's farken fast on it and right in amongst the satellite bikes right from the start.

[merv]

Yes. Yamaha didn't use the same interpretation as Honda and instead of building something for the Open teams they gave Pol last years M1 with the spec software. He's farken fast on it and right in amongst the satellite bikes right from the start.

You talkin' 'bout Aleix MT.

[Mental Trousers]

You talkin' 'bout Aleix MT.

Oh, correct.

[pritch]

Yeah it's all getting too confusing. 2 X Marquez, 2 X Espagero, 2 X Vinales.

How about another new rule - one limiting the number of Spanish riders? Oh that's right, Dorna, Repsol, etc etc. :whistle:

[Reckless]

What we love about Moto GP (and racing)

I cant find this on Utube so not sure if you can view it if you don't have Facebook.
But its a great way to spend 4:30 of your life.
If you can view it expand it to full screen - Enjoy

<div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=138993932937986" data-width="466"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=138993932937986">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/motobeastofficial">Motobeast</a>.</div></div>

[GD66]

Nice one, thanks for sharing.

Hopefully some of those annoying "Waa waa MotoGP is BORING" disciples will get to see the clip at some stage.

To them I always say, " GP ain't boring...look closer"...:finger:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nice one, thanks for sharing.

Hopefully some of those annoying "Waa waa MotoGP is BORING" disciples will get to see the clip at some stage.

To them I always say, " GP ain't boring...look closer"...:finger:

Generally the only homos that say that are the ones that have never in their lives been to a GP mate.

[Drew]

Generally the only homos that say that are the ones that have never in their lives been to a GP mate.I watch GP religiously, I love it. When I went, the weekend was great and the main event was boring as all fuck.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I watch GP religiously, I love it. When I went, the weekend was great and the main event was boring as all fuck.

Yeah but you think three wheels is exciting mate...

[Drew]

Yeah but you think three wheels is exciting mate...You think it's so exciting, that you couldn't handle it!

[husaberg]

Yeah but you think three wheels is exciting mate...


You think it's so exciting, that you couldn't handle it!

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2006/07/hakahandbag060706_600x336.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Valentino-Rossi-Ladies-Shoulder-Bag-in-good-clean-condition-/00/s/MTMxN1gxNjAw/z/Q24AAOxyY9VRIpYA/$T2eC16hHJHEE9ny2tlu(BRIpY!HJKg~~60_35.JPGhttp://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mMK8D3kv1PQ-qjxVzQWjNrQ.jpg

[Shaun Harris]

Generally the only homos that say that are the ones that have never in their lives been to a GP mate.






funny how you refered to HOMO's and Drew piped up

[Drew]

funny how you refered to HOMO's and Drew piped up

After the night I spent with your mum the other night, switching teams was the easiest option available to repress the horrors.

[steveyb]

When are we gonna claim Jack Miller as the true Kiwi that he is???? :2thumbsup

You know the Aussies would be in like rats up a drainpipe.....

[ecko_nzed]

funny how you refered to HOMO's and Drew piped up

He's a closet Honda rider for sure

[Shaun Harris]

After the night I spent with your mum the other night, switching teams was the easiest option available to repress the horrors.








Mum did mention some thing to me about some thing being to small for her to feel proppally

[Shaun Harris]

When are we gonna claim Jack Miller as the true Kiwi that he is???? :2thumbsup

You know the Aussies would be in like rats up a drainpipe.....





is he? He has a bloody good shot at the title this year I reckon. Rossi;s boys are not doing to bad in testing either

[Oscar]

When are we gonna claim Jack Miller as the true Kiwi that he is???? :2thumbsup

You know the Aussies would be in like rats up a drainpipe.....

Er - his own website talks about "Aussie Jack".
Born in Darwin.

[Shaun Harris]

I see Sam Lowes had to pull out of testing yesterday due to a wrist issue, I hope this is not going to be an ongoing for him and his team, his times are already showing he is capable of fighting for the championship.

Josh Herin current USA Sperbike champion is really struggling lap time wise though I think

[steveyb]

Er - his own website talks about "Aussie Jack".
Born in Darwin.

Well, they used to say that he was born in Hawkes Bay. Both his parents are Kiwis, they used to say that they went to Oz when he was very young.
Maybe they are re-writing his history to fit into a nice marketable box, or the previous info was incorrect??

I was only extracting the Micheal, but you just know the Aussies would be right into it if the boot was on the other foot.

[pritch]

Er - his own website talks about "Aussie Jack".
Born in Darwin.

I did see a quote that said he and Sissis say that one of them is a Kiwi and the other a Greek. Of course they may have been drinking at the time?

[Oscar]

Well, they used to say that he was born in Hawkes Bay. Both his parents are Kiwis, they used to say that they went to Oz when he was very young.
Maybe they are re-writing his history to fit into a nice marketable box, or the previous info was incorrect??

I was only extracting the Micheal, but you just know the Aussies would be right into it if the boot was on the other foot.

Oh yeah.
Mind you they've been at it for years, I seem to remember some Aussie boof-head claiming Croz...

[DidJit]

Townsville (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Miller_%28motorcycle_racer%29), apparently...

[paturoa]

<tbody>
11:30 am
MotoGP Season Replay
The fastest men on 2 wheels compete in the riveting 2013 MotoGP championship. A chance to enjoy the whole season from start to finish, round by round!


</tbody>

[BMWST?]

<tbody>
11:30 am
MotoGP Season Replay
The fastest men on 2 wheels compete in the riveting 2013 MotoGP championship. A chance to enjoy the whole season from start to finish, round by round!


</tbody>

Where/what is this the link doesnt work on my phone

[paturoa]

Where/what is this the link doesnt work on my phone

Sommet sports on Freeview.

Don't bother it isn't what they advertised, it was moto2 qualifying practice from some round. I'll be sending them a shitty email. FFS.

[pritch]

Well, the good news is that there's less than a week to go before we have some action and some answers to our questions.
In the next day or so they should all be heading for Qatar.

[motobob]

For those interested, Sommet Sports will announce on 20th March the date they will broadcast on Sky and Freeview Satellite. Looks like Sky knows how get shows on to it's platform without paying for them.
Be nice if Qatar gets on to Sky.

[roogazza]

For those interested, Sommet Sports will announce on 20th March the date they will broadcast on Sky and Freeview Satellite. Looks like Sky knows how get shows on to it's platform without paying for them.
Be nice if Qatar gets on to Sky.
motobob, you're not teasing us are ya ?? :drool:
Fingers crossed from me.

[motobob]

motobob, you're not teasing us are ya ?? :drool:
Fingers crossed from me.


SS said this on their Facebook page

"Sommet Sports
March 8
We will announce the date that we launch on Freeview Satellite and Sky on 20th March. We very excited about this and understand that there are many of you that are waiting for this to happen."

I don't have Freeview so I am hoping this happens soon.

[roogazza]

Something to keep the racing thread going till Qatar. :sweatdrop

294992294993294994294995

[puddytat]

Fuck man....hasn't someone got awesome pics of the bikes ,or the babes, or last years prangs ?

Only other shit goin' on round here is the continuous circle jerk of politics & stupidity....

Sorry to get your hopes up :wink:

[pritch]

Fuck man....hasn't someone got awesome pics of the bikes

There should be a few pics around now. Yamaha had their big unveiling overnight, Ducati did it a week or two back. Haven't seen the new Repsol bikes but wouldn't expect them to look much different.

Anyhoo not long to wait, according to the MotoGP site, in about six hours from now Moto 3 practice gets under way with MotoGP about 5.55AM tomorrow. Think of this as the calm before the storm?

[roogazza]

Fuck man...
Only other shit goin' on round here is the continuous circle jerk of politics & stupidity....

I'm sure it'll crank up by the weekend ? The main threads for me are the 2014 Threads Motogp and WSB.
Although we do get a burst of speed with the 'Why is racing fucked in NZ' and 'what rules will we change this week'?
Shaun where are you ? :lol:

Dirty track and softer tyres, But:
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Mar/140320motogpfreeprac.htm

Have a read:If you are a fan,
I am,he was always my hero. I haven't met Valentino (yet). But it was a joy to meet Hailwood.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/mikehailwood.htm

[BigAl]

Set your pvr:drool:

[roogazza]

Set your pvr:drool:

I made another pest of myself with Sky last night.
The final word "It's definately not going to happen ".
I was enquiring about the Sommet thing going digital as well.

So anyway "Plan B" was put into motion, Motogps copied to disc for me by a mate.

[Shaun Harris]

I'm sure it'll crank up by the weekend ? The main threads for me are the 2014 Threads Motogp and WSB.
Although we do get a burst of speed with the 'Why is racing fucked in NZ' and 'what rules will we change this week'?
Shaun where are you ? :lol:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Mar/140320motogpfreeprac.htm

or this if you are a fan, I am,he was always my hero. I haven't met Valentino (yet) But it was a joy to meet Hailwood.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/mikehailwood.htm






Just re booting man, I am mentally drained now haha

[BoristheBiter]

I made another pest of myself with Sky last night.
The final word "It's definately not going to happen ".
I was enquiring about the Sommet thing going digital as well.

So anyway "Plan B" was put into motion, Motogps copied to disc for me by a mate.

get this, cheaper than sky.

http://www.dishtv.co.nz/vmchk/Freeview%7CHD-aerialBox/98-aerialBox-mini-T1000-Freeview%7CHD-single-tuner-USB-PVR/flypage_web2_lite.tpl.htm

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Mar/140320motogpfreeprac.htm

Told one of the young guys here at work to put a sneaky tenner on this geezer as he was paying $35.00. He ain't now!

[pritch]

Funny how they could spend millions to illuminate the whole damn track, but can't clean it somehow prior to race weekend? Although that'd still leave it green...

On the video clip I saw this morning Jorge was riding around shaking his head. Here's hoping pracice cleans things up a bit but it could be interesting, shame if it turns frcical though.

[carbonhed]

The factory guys aren't happy that the second tier guys have got the drop on them are they :laugh:

[Dave-]

Funny how they could spend millions to illuminate the whole damn track, but can't clean it somehow prior to race weekend? Although that'd still leave it green...

On the video clip I saw this morning Jorge was riding around shaking his head. Here's hoping pracice cleans things up a bit but it could be interesting, shame if it turns frcical though.

Soon: IT'S ALL BRIDGESTONES FAULT, THEY SHOULD HAVE TESTED THERE AND KNOWN MONTHS IN ADVANCE THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND TAKEN TYRES WITH BROOMS ATTACHED EVERY 45 DEGREES TO SWEEP THE TRACK INFRONT OF THE RIDER!

[BMWST?]

get this, cheaper than sky.

http://www.dishtv.co.nz/vmchk/Freeview%7CHD-aerialBox/98-aerialBox-mini-T1000-Freeview%7CHD-single-tuner-USB-PVR/flypage_web2_lite.tpl.htm

Still need a uhf signal,which is not so easy for a lot of nz

[BoristheBiter]

Still need a uhf signal,which is not so easy for a lot of nz

Ok try one of these.

http://www.dishtv.co.nz/vmchk/Satellite-Receivers-satBox.htm

[tbs]

So Aleix is kicking ass in early practice and the factory boys are wheel spinning their way around the track.... For now.
In an interview on Motogp.com Colin Edwards was saying the extra soft tire was only good for three laps, so only useful as a qualifier. I'm sure I heard Dylan Grey explain that the open classification bikes could use the extra soft tire, but couldn't use the hard option.... The rationale being that the so-called less powerful bikes couldn't usefully use the harder Bridgestone since they didn't have the requisite power to make it work. If I heard and understood correctly, then the open class Yamahas and Ducatis could be in a bit of strife if they need a harder tire for an abrasive track.... Or frankly, just to make it to the end if a race without massive tire degradation. Effectively they only have one usable choice of race tire, and it might drop off at half distance. Did anyone else hear this or did I get my wires crossed?

[pritch]

So Aleix is kicking ass in early practice and the factory boys are wheel spinning their way around the track.... For now.
In an interview on Motogp.com Colin Edwards was saying the extra soft tire was only good for three laps, so only useful as a qualifier. I'm sure I heard Dylan Grey explain that the open classification bikes could use the extra soft tire, but couldn't use the hard option.... The rationale being that the so-called less powerful bikes couldn't usefully use the harder Bridgestone since they didn't have the requisite power to make it work. If I heard and understood correctly, then the open class Yamahas and Ducatis could be in a bit of strife if they need a harder tire for an abrasive track.... Or frankly, just to make it to the end if a race without massive tire degradation. Effectively they only have one usable choice of race tire, and it might drop off at half distance. Did anyone else hear this or did I get my wires crossed?

I can't find the interview you mention but your detail seems about right. It is true that the factory bikes have a harder option than the open bikes, that's normal, but Lorenzo was saying that something else has been done to the hard tyre as well. He has described the new tyre as "dangerous". The other factory riders don't like it much either but are not quite so outspoken and have not used the "D" word.

The other factor given for the comparitively uncompetitive factory bikes is that while they were testing at Phillip Island, everybody else was at Qatar. This means that the open bikes all had recent setup data to use, the factory bikes had none to start with.

There waa a photo on Twitter this morning of Nakamoto San and Senior Ezpeleta in conversation, the caption was to the effect, "What do you think they're discussing?".
Tyres would've been a good guess.

[carbonhed]

So who's your pick through all this confusion? I'll go for Pedrosa.

[tbs]

So who's your pick through all this confusion? I'll go for Pedrosa.

Yep. I reckon Bautista has cause to feel quietly confident too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

So Aleix is kicking ass in early practice and the factory boys are wheel spinning their way around the track.... For now.
In an interview on Motogp.com Colin Edwards was saying the extra soft tire was only good for three laps, so only useful as a qualifier.?

Prob is Bro...think you'll find he's now still the fastest on the same tyre as the factory boys. Main prob seems to be the Yamaha on only 20l of fuel is that lean it's a slow dog compared to last years bike with 24l.

[roogazza]

Prob is Bro...think you'll find he's now still the fastest on the same tyre as the factory boys. Main prob seems to be the Yamaha on only 20l of fuel is that lean it's a slow dog compared to last years bike with 24l.

Yeah bud, nobbling the works bikes like that and having what is basically 3 classes isn't real smart. Factory3 anyone.
We'd better wait till Qual is over before predicting winners.
I'm not in favour of an economy run,give them engines and 24 litres !! :angry2:

[tbs]

Prob is Bro...think you'll find he's now still the fastest on the same tyre as the factory boys. Main prob seems to be the Yamaha on only 20l of fuel is that lean it's a slow dog compared to last years bike with 24l.

Except the factory Yamahas are still 11kph faster than Aleix's bike on the straights. I agree though that the leaner engine probably makes it harder to crack the throttle accurately and keep it stable at full lean.

It does promise to be a very interesting race. Reckon Marc's leg will give him grief late in the race?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Except the factory Yamahas are still 11kph faster than Aleix's bike on the straights. I agree though that the leaner engine probably makes it harder to crack the throttle accurately and keep it stable at full lean.

It does promise to be a very interesting race. Reckon Marc's leg will give him grief late in the race?

Yeah I guess like Soup say...Whores gay is obviously hanging it all out trying to get good drive out of the corners. Gonna be fucking interesting for sure. But I'm still kicking myself for not putting coin on him when he was paying $35.00! Duh Peter.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Mar/140321rydernotes.htm

[pritch]

Good news/bad news department:

Crutchlow crashed in FP3, that was his first crash on the Duc and this was considered evidence of an improvement in the bike. He was unhurt apparently.

The bad news? It was a front end tuck.

[BMWST?]

Good news/bad news department:

Crutchlow crashed in FP3, that was his first crash on the Duc and this was considered evidence of an improvement in the bike. He was unhurt apparently.

The bad news? It was a front end tuck.

With tc its prolly the most likely crash scenario?

[pritch]

From Matthew Birt:

As always, very interesting comments from Valentino Rossi in Qatar tonight. "Lorenzo said tyres dangerous and Open bikes have too much of an advantage – agree?
“It looks like the modify to the rules to create more problems for the factory Yamaha and Honda has worked (laughs). But we are in trouble. We suffer a lot with the new tyre of Bridgestone and for us the grip on the edge is not enough and the bike becomes difficult to ride. And on 20 litres, sincerely the bike is very slow. On the straight nothing happens and it is a bad feeling. I am worried about this for the race because we are very at the limit. The number one favourite for the victory will be Espargaro because he is the only one able to go fast, also with the hard tyre, which is our soft and I think everybody will race with the same tyre. After Espargaro, Dovizioso and Iannone are very fast with the extra soft but after when they put in our tyre we have eight or nine riders that have exactly the same pace. The Ducati is also very good with our tyre but also Marquez, Pedrosa, Lorenzo, me and Bradl can all fight for the podium. What I am not happy about today is Lorenzo is better than me with the new tyre because on the rhythm I am a bit faster than him.”

With fuel consumption, can you clearly feel bike loses performance?
“In this track it is a bad feeling from the bike. It is very slow and very difficult to ride with the engine braking and acceleration. But especially with the long gear the bike doesn’t push. It is a long, long time that I tried a bike so slow. Now with 20 litres the engine goes with air.”

What will fans think when they see 10th, Marquez 5th and Lorenzo 7th
“It is a little bit like in F1 where the top guys are struggling very much. But we need to wait for Sunday. If the race will be funny maybe it is the right way, but who pays the most are the four riders that arrive in front last year. Yamaha and Honda pay very much with the new rules.”

Fans could get some great battles in early laps
“On paper yes because looking at the sheets there is more confusion because everybody has the same rhythm. The Ducati is very strong even with the hard tyre and the bike improves a lot with 24 litres. And Espargaro is very impressive. He rides very well, he is in a great shape, very confident and maybe the 24 litres is not just a big help in the straight but also in the corner with engine braking and opening the throttle. The bike is easier to ride but he deserves it because he is f***ing fast.”

[pritch]

With tc its prolly the most likely crash scenario?

They still have massive high sides, eg Smith in FP3.

CS27 could probably tell us more?

[BMWST?]

They still have massive high sides, eg Smith in FP3.

CS27 could probably tell us more?
You watching practise on motogp?

[pritch]

You watching practise on motogp?

Not FP3, read about that on Twitter. I want to watch qualifying if I can wake up in time.

Meanwhile Bradders from FP3: 10/10 for artistic interpretation

Oh, and the bike was a complete wreck and the mechanics had a busy night.

Overnight their time it rained and the track is now very dirty. Apparently that happens when it rains.

[Crasherfromwayback]

With tc its prolly the most likely crash scenario?

You not noticed how many high sides we've seen in the last few years mate?

[pritch]

Qualifying was definitely action packed. Everybody's favourite A Espagaro didn't handle the pressure and crashed both of his bikes. Unhurt but furious.

Front row: Marquez Bautista Smith

second row: Divizioso Lorenzo Pedrosa

[puddytat]

Not FP3, read about that on Twitter. I want to watch qualifying if I can wake up in time.

Meanwhile Bradders from FP3: 10/10 for artistic interpretation

Oh, and the bike was a complete wreck and the mechanics had a busy night.

Overnight their time it rained and the track is now very dirty. Apparently that happens when it rains.

Well he did bloody well to qualify on the front row !!

[denill]

I splashed out on the MotoGP.com feed and I reckon I have had my moneys worth already. :msn-wink:

Surely the racing could not be as spell binding?

[BMWST?]

You not noticed how many high sides we've seen in the last few years mate?

I guess that has to be I didn't recall :)

[merv]

Interesting and so far Dovi really is showing Cal up.

[Crasherfromwayback]

MM snatches pole. Bautista and Smith join him on the front row. Gonna be great. Opppsss..beaten to it. Bring it.

[pritch]

Interesting and so far Dovi really is showing Cal up.

"Showing up" is a bit tough. In one session Crutchlow was faster, in another he was close behind. Dovi was actually second in one of the practice sessions which is outstanding, then again he has had a year on the Duc already and Crutchlow is just getting to grips with the thing.

Smith was second in Q2 just .002 behind Bautista - until Marquez pulled out a blinder on the last lap.

I must take the time to watch FP3 & 4 later.

Saw a longish interview with Sam Lowes from a link on Twitter. He was saying that it has opened doors arriving in the GP paddock as a champion, but he has been reminded that it was "only" Super Sport. I like his style, so put him in my MCN team. I didn't know he was a on a Speedup bike like Ant West or I may not have done that, and to start with he was not looking too rapid at all.

He pointed out that there are a lot of differences between the two paddocks - and the two bikes. He has to learn to ride a completely different style, the Moto2 bikes require the rider to get off the bike a lot more in corners. He said his muscles are protesting by the end of the day.

He must be learning though, he has qualified on the second row, fifth fastest, best qualifying by a rookie since Mark Marquez in 2011. On it!

[Bender]

Yep that qualifying was hell interesting. Rossi looked like a beaten old man at the end of it. Maybe get jeremy back :bleh:?

MM is showing his class and it's going to be a long hard season for the factory Yamaha team. As Motomatters put it - the factory teams voting for the cut from 21 to 20 litres was like turkeys voting for thanksgiving.

You have to wonder if the rules changes have given the Open class bikes too much advantage.

And all those questions arising from qualifying. It's going to be a very interesting race and maybe even an interesting season.

[carbonhed]

The first few laps are going to be carnage. A good start will be a godsend. Smith to lead into T1 :laugh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

The first few laps are going to be carnage. A good start will be a godsend. Smith to lead into T1 :laugh:

Nah. Pedro to holeshot it from row two. Lorenzo will skittle him in turn two.

[merv]

"Showing up" is a bit tough. In one session Crutchlow was faster, in another he was close behind. Dovi was actually second in one of the practice sessions which is outstanding, then again he has had a year on the Duc already and Crutchlow is just getting to grips with the thing.



Lol, you are a generous man.

Sure FP1 it was Dovi position 14 - Cal 13, but then FP2 Dovi 2 - Cal 13, FP3 Dovi 4 - Cal 12, FP8 Dovi 8 - Cal 11. Cal didn't make it direct to QP2 but got there by being 2nd in QP1, then Dovi was position 4 in that and Cal 8th. Quite a gap from where I'm sitting.

[BMWST?]

Sommet show the races live EARLY tomorrow am and looks like full replays tomorrow night(late) of all three classes

[Dave-]

Bautista to crash into Marquez.

Bautista to blame Marquez.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Not too many people talking about Rossi being tenth on the grid...especially the Bautista haters.

[Shaun Harris]

Not too many people talking about Rossi being tenth on the grid...especially the Bautista haters.







about to watch the old boy ride his arse off

[Crasherfromwayback]

about to watch the old boy ride his arse off

Be good to see him get amongst it.

[Shaun Harris]

Be good to see him get amongst it.




a few laps into it now and I say Rossi ti WIN haha

[Shaun Harris]

Yamaha and Honda very even in speed

[Shaun Harris]

a few laps into it now and I say Rossi ti WIN haha






Fukin close and awsome riding from an old boy

Best decision he ever made was to change his crew chief to re set his mind set, the front of his bike looked bloody awsome going into the turns

[Crasherfromwayback]

Fukin close and awsome riding from an old boy

Best decision he ever made was to change his crew chief to re set his mind set, the front of his bike looked bloody awsome going into the turns

Was an awesome race. Pity Lorenzo binned it else it could've been a great three way scrap. I had a sneaky bet on Crazy Joe...thought he might've done the bizz after being quickest in warmup. Luckily I had coin on MM too. Don't forget that Rossi was 2nd there last year too. Obviously likes the place...but hopefully a sign of things to come for the rest of the season.

[Shaun Harris]

Was an awesome race. Pity Lorenzo binned it else it could've been a great three way scrap. I had a sneaky bet on Crazy Joe...thought he might've done the bizz after being quickest in warmup. Luckily I had coin on MM too. Don't forget that Rossi was 2nd there last year too. Obviously likes the place...but hopefully a sign of things to come for the rest of the season.



after watching how plush his front end is working and reading his comments over the testing period about the work done on the front end, I imagine we will see a bit more of him again this year, and yea bummer re Lorenzo. Loved the way he was snatching the bike up so quick to get more traxxion on the rear.

[Crasherfromwayback]

after watching how plush his front end is working and reading his comments over the testing period about the work done on the front end, I imagine we will see a bit more of him again this year, and yea bummer re Lorenzo. Loved the way he was snatching the bike up so quick to get more traxxion on the rear.

Yeah looking a bit like he's trying to ride the thing like MM and Stoner. Pick it up and pull the pin.

[Shaun Harris]

Yeah looking a bit like he's trying to ride the thing like MM and Stoner. Pick it up and pull the pin.



yep- and a couple of the pass moves he put on MM shows he is very happy and trusts his front end again, loved the paint swapping between them also

[Shaun Harris]

Sam Lowes 7th in Moto2 class, bloody good start to such a competitive class. I got to wonder if Josh heron thinks he would have been better off staying in the USA SB class though

[pritch]

THAT was a race. Brilliant! There was a recent post on here that said Rossi looked like a beaten old man, can't seem to find it now?
Alex Briggs was optimistic on Twitter last night about qualifying tenth, but I didn't expect them to find *that* much difference.

Talk about the curse of the commentator; just as he was saying that the safest place to be was out in front Bradl went down.

Ah well gotta go, more races to watch.

[Shaun Harris]

THAT was a race. Brilliant! There was a recent post on here that said Rossi looked like a beaten old man, can't seem to find it now?
Alex Briggs was optimistic on Twitter last night about qualifying tenth, but I didn't expect them to find *that* much difference.

Talk about the curse of the commentator; just as he was saying that the safest place to be was out in front Bradl went down.

Ah well gotta go, more races to watch.




beaten old man comment was posted on here yesterday after qual session

[Shaun Harris]

Nakagami disqualified for incorrect air filter, some one in his team needs fukin shooting

[pritch]

Nakagami disqualified for incorrect air filter, some one in his team needs fukin shooting

Dunno about a shooting but there might be a firing?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nakagami disqualified for incorrect air filter, some one in his team needs fukin shooting


Dunno about a shooting but there might be a firing?

At that level that's fucking ridiculous.

[Shaun Harris]

At that level that's fucking ridiculous.





seems to be a problem with teams using Honda equipment that cannot understand what the rules say, but even Honda have trouble understanding what they say them selfes " We are quitting Motogp" haha O go on MM< just one more lap before you get disqualified

[pritch]

Interesting comments from Crutchlow. The transponder and a sensor on his bike malfunctioned, he says life is difficult if you're in sixth gear but the bike thinks you are in second. The engine stopped completely before the finish but he coasted over the line. He says it wasn't a fuel issue, so just for once it may actually have been an electrical fault.

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting comments from Crutchlow. The transponder and a sensor on his bike malfunctioned, he says life is difficult if you're in sixth gear but the bike thinks you are in second. The engine stopped completely before the finish but he coasted over the line. He says it wasn't a fuel issue, so just for once it may actually have been an electrical fault.




electrical fault on an Italian Bike, NO WAY MATE

[Bender]

THAT was a race. Brilliant! There was a recent post on here that said Rossi looked like a beaten old man, can't seem to find it now?

Um that would be me ... perhaps a little premature, given his fantastic riding and he looked to be back at his best.

Stunning race, looking forward to many more. Disappointed we lost Lorenzo - that would have made the race real interesting if the second factory Yamaha had remained in the mix.

[Shaun Harris]

Um that would be me ... perhaps a little premature, given his fantastic riding and he looked to be back at his best.

Stunning race, looking forward to many more. Disappointed we lost Lorenzo - that would have made the race real interesting if the second factory Yamaha had remained in the mix.





I understood what you were thinking when I read it yesterday after Qual, but the look on his face was from concentration NOT physical tiredness man, and his body language in park fermue indicating all he needed was a little more to catch MM was a very good sign to me about his confidence again, he is back! Having said that though, if MM was on Medium tyre also he may have fucked off, as Rossi's bike was hooking better out of turns if you watch how much MM bike was moving around

[sil3nt]

MotoGP actually producing a decent race :eek:

Lets hope this continues throughout the season.

[Crasherfromwayback]

MotoGP actually producing a decent race :eek:

.

So you didn't watch any last season I assume?

[pritch]

I just checked how my MCN team went; all riders scored points. That'd be a first. Despite the fact that two of them won, I'm still not in the top 1000 though. My results in the MotoPod league look better I'm seventh out of about 170. Probably poised for a graceful slide down the rankings?

It won't be relevant to me but they usually have a good prize for the winner. Last year was a new bike, this year first prize is flights, accomodation and grandstand tickets for two to the 2015 Qatar GP.

[Shaun Harris]

CC Ducati problem

Crutchlow's electronics glitch was Magneti Marelli issue and not Ducati. 2nd time this year he had a transponder failure. 1 in testing


and the piece of shit Honda open bike of redding had to limit there fuel flow over the race
Interesting from Redding. RCV1000R has 22 litres, but he was warned by Honda to save fuel. Was borderline and started saving from lap 4



Perhaps Honda missunderstood the rules for open bikes when they built the tank

[denill]

What you've been waiting for? <a href=http://sommetsports.co.nz/sommet-sports-tv-extends-to-freeview-satellite-and-sky/> From April 14 Sommet Sport commences a new satellite service on Freeview and launches on SKY Channel 069:</A>

[roogazza]

What you've been waiting for? <a href=http://sommetsports.co.nz/sommet-sports-tv-extends-to-freeview-satellite-and-sky/> From April 14 Sommet Sport commences a new satellite service on Freeview and launches on SKY Channel 069:</A>
Cheers Bill just got a txt 10 minutes ago, good news.
VALEEEEEEEEE ! (sorry had to!) :cool: A few fell down tho huh.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Cheers Bill just got a txt 10 minutes ago, good news.
VALEEEEEEEEE ! (sorry had to!) :cool: A few fell down tho huh.

Think he would've dispatched of the fall-eeees without too much trouble barring maybe Lorenzo.

[MVnut]

Think he would've dispatched of the fall-eeees without too much trouble barring maybe Lorenzo.

My pick for Qatar was Vale, Jorge and Marc with not more than 3 seconds covering them, wasn't too far out

[denill]

VALEEEEEEEEE ! (sorry had to!) :cool: A few fell down tho huh.

Have to admit Gaz, I didn't think he had it in him. ;)

But didn't it make for a MIGHTY race! That race has to be up there with the best. Sure, a lot fell down but those who finished did not. Which just goes to show, they were close to the edge............

[Oscar]

VALEEEEEEEEE ! (sorry had to!) :cool: A few fell down tho huh.

I wonder if CS watched the race...?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I wonder if CS watched the race...?

Prob too busy with his model car!

[pritch]

Prob too busy with his model car!

I seem to recall that he was watching the SuperX.

There was a report that Yamaha were to start negotiating signings after only two races, probably because Honda have been showing interest in signing Lorenzo. Rossi might be feeling a whole lot better about that tonight than he was last night.

[Trudes]

Great race! :clap:
Shame Nick Harris is back and we have another season of listening to his drivel, if I hear him say "where will it end?" one more time I'll scream. :brick:

[roogazza]

I wonder if CS watched the race...?
Who ? You just baiting the hook Oscar, lol.

ps Yeah Trudes, Harris is beside himself when Smith and Crutchlow are in the mention.

[Oscar]

Who ? You just baiting the hook Oscar, lol.




Too obvious?

Subtlety never was my strong point...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Too obvious?

Subtlety never was my strong point...

Lol. Nah...you've lost your touch!

[carbonhed]

ps Yeah Trudes, Harris is beside himself when Smith and Crutchlow are in the mention.

Well it's probably because he's English. Supporting the home riders.

Never catch an Aussie commentator doing that though. Notorious for fair play, balance and objectivity those bastards... yeah, nah.

Thought Smith took a massive leap today. Alright he binned it towards the end but he went down trying to get back into podium contention rather than settling for 5th. Same for Bautista. Redding beat Hayden on the same bike in his first GP which is just amazing to me. Time to weed out some of those old codgers IMHO. Edwards screams out for the arse card I'm afraid even though he's a cool guy.... Iannone crashed remounted and just about caught him.

Don't suppose the second tier bikes will stay in contention for long but I enjoyed that.

[Wingnut]

Bring back toby moody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

[Smokin]

Bring back toby moody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

It's just not the same without him. :no:

[merv]

No worries crasher, I see your boyfriend still holds the race lap record, from 2008 no less on the 800cc Ducati.

Dorna with all its dicking around of the rules certainly is keeping the speed under control.

[carbonhed]

It's just not the same without him. :no:

Moody, Ryder and Mammola were a great team athough the new guy that replaced Randy M was very strong on the tech. Denning?

[roogazza]

Well it's probably because he's English. Supporting the home riders.

Never catch an Aussie commentator doing that though. Notorious for fair play, balance and objectivity those bastards... yeah, nah.
Thought Smith took a massive leap today. Alright he binned it towards the end but he went down trying to get back into podium contention rather than settling for 5th. Same for Bautista. Redding beat Hayden on the same bike in his first GP which is just amazing to me

Yes, Smith did very well,pity he fell. Who would want those assassins behind you tho ?
Australians have one eye as well for sure.
The cream came to the top as we suspected, but I still don't like the 20 lt restrictions . Closes the lap times up I suppose ?

[Shaun Harris]

something else I noticed about Rossi style, he carries his head in different angles to what he was last year also on the bike


Just goes to show you are never to old to learn new tricks

[pritch]

Bring back toby moody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

OK, some of us are apparently aware that there have been big changes in the English language MotoGP commentaries. Eurosport and the BBC have lost the rights to cover GPs and the coverage has been taken over by BTSport which is apparently a pay per view system. No more Toby Moody, no more Azi Farni etc etc and that is sad. Especially for those who actually lost their jobs.

The only change that effects the internet coverage that I see is that Gavin Emmet has jumped ship and been replaced. If some of you are missing Toby moody am I to assume that Sommet run the BT coverage?

Anyhoo this is a long read but I thought it was both fair and interesting:

http://trunkman.co.uk/blog/a-new-era-of-motogp-in-the-uk/

[Mental Trousers]

The Eurosport crew were the best. The BBC crew were better than the Sky lot. But the BT Sport mob suck.


Melanie Sykes is ok on the eye but majorly pisses me off (she also seems to have a wide on for Bradley Smith)
Keith Huewen has major experience but he's no Toby Moody
Julian Ryder is 1/3 of the best commentary team ever but now he's taken to pronouncing names the same as Keith Huewen does, which is wrong!!
James Toseland needs to work on actually getting something out as he stumbles his way through things at times



I could go on but it'd piss me off.

The good thing about BT Sport is they show every lap of all 3 classes - practices, qualifying and race for Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP

[GD66]

Shame Nick Harris is back and we have another season of listening to his drivel, if I hear him say "where will it end?" one more time I'll scream. :brick:



:clap: And that's being polite...:facepalm:


God he's woeful. How can Toby Moody get flicked, Emmett moved sideways, Randy disappears, and the best pit reporter of all Dennis Noyes long gone, when that honking cliché manages to hang on by his fingernails.

And as has been pointed out elsewhere, he does sound like Zippy from Rainbow....:brick:

[Shaun Harris]

:clap: And that's being polite...:facepalm:


God he's woeful. How can Toby Moody get flicked, Emmett moved sideways, Randy disappears, and the best pit reporter of all Dennis Noyes long gone, when that honking cliché manages to hang on by his fingernails.

And as has been pointed out elsewhere, he does sound like Zippy from Rainbow....:brick:






all us Harris folk talk shit

[pritch]

I don't think anybody answered, does Sommet run the BT commentary?

I'd like to check out the BTSport team. Most of them have had racing careers so they should know that of which they speak. Even so, they are learning, one apparently poked a mic at Crutchlow at an inopportune moment and received a sharp response. The offender has said on Twitter that he learned his lesson and he won't do that again.

IIRC Harris suggested that the pit lane man interview Lorenzo about his crash more or less immediately after it happened. The suggestion was politely refused - until later. Having a microphone surgically removed has the potential to be painful.

The only commentator that does piss me off, and I'm not sure if it's frequently or continually, is Jonathon Green on Superbikes. If it wasn't for Steve Martin the commentary often wouldn't make sense.

[Shaun Harris]

[QUOTE=pritch;1130698375]I don't think anybody answered, does Sommet run the BT commentary?

I'd like to check out the BTSport team. Most of them have had racing careers so they should know that of which they speak. Even so, they are learning, one apparently poked a mic at Crutchlow at an inopportune moment and received a sharp response. The offender has said on Twitter that he learned his lesson and he won't do that again.




That was x WSB Champion Neil Hodson, him and CC are personall friends haha

[raziel1983]

Cheers Bill just got a txt 10 minutes ago, good news.
VALEEEEEEEEE ! (sorry had to!) :cool: A few fell down tho huh.

Not to rain on the parade but he came 2nd at qatar last year too. :shutup:

[pritch]

My apologies to those of you who still have to attend daily toil. Living the glorious life of a retiree I was just doing the dishes while listening to the MotoPod podcast and they were discussing Colin Edwards' problems with his FTR. As recently as this morning he said on Twitter that he could just not get the thing to turn.

Their thoughts are that Spies couldn't turn that bike either, the bike having been designed to suit Lorenzo. (They didn't mention Rossi, but he couldn't turn the bloody thing last year either, for what was generally considered to be the same reason.)

So the podcast dudes came to the conclusion that EsA must ride with a somewhat similar style to Jorge. Which is a simple enough explanation, but it does seem to answer a question that had been bothering some of us. Well, me anyway, dunno about you... :whistle:

[pritch]

Not to rain on the parade but he came 2nd at qatar last year too. :shutup:

Yep, and one swallow does not a summer make and all that.

Next up is CoTA where last year the Hondas had a big advantage in edge grip. Jorge has already been complaining about edge grip and he hasn't even got to Texas yet.

Last year Rossi said he will know his future plans after six races. By then we should all have a more reliable indication of how the title race is looking too.

[Shaun Harris]

Not to rain on the parade but he came 2nd at qatar last year too. :shutup:





But what what the time gap though?

[pritch]

Just watched the race again. For a guy who was supposed to be gay, Rossi's got a little honey of a girl friend. This is the first time I recall seeing him have a lady at the parc ferme fence. Preparation for life after racing?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Just watched the race again. For a guy who was supposed to be gay, Rossi's got a little honey of a girl friend. This is the first time I recall seeing him have a lady at the parc ferme fence. Preparation for life after racing?

It's a tranny ya goober. A sexy one but...:weird:

[BMWST?]

Sommet have a moto gp replay tonight 8 30 pm

[Oscar]

Just watched the race again. For a guy who was supposed to be gay, Rossi's got a little honey of a girl friend. This is the first time I recall seeing him have a lady at the parc ferme fence. Preparation for life after racing?

It's Crasher in drag...

[Trudes]

They certainly made a big deal about Rossi's gf being there too...... maybe they were surprised?

[merv]

Trudes I didn't think your boyfriend did too bad either considering. I'm sure Honda will up the power on his bike before the year is out.

[Trudes]

Trudes I didn't think your boyfriend did too bad either considering. I'm sure Honda will up the power on his bike before the year is out.

I bloody hope so!!!!
I really enjoyed the race still.... even though my other two boyfriends crashed :laugh:

[carbonhed]

Losail slo mo's.


http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2014/Qatar+2014+MotoGP+RACE+Edit+High+Speed

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's Crasher in drag...

Lol. If I was that hot I'd play with myself even more often than I do now mate!

[pritch]

It's Crasher in drag...

Truly a scary thought.

[Mental Trousers]

It's Crasher in drag...

Lol. If I was that hot I'd play with myself even more often than I do now mate!

If you were that hot I'd play with you

[BMWST?]

Good quality video too I thought

[Crasherfromwayback]

Truly a scary thought.


Lol. Don't tell me you haven't been thinking about it...



If you were that hot I'd play with you

Slut!

[Reckless]

Good quality video too I thought

Yeh the quality was good but the site feed is rubbish.
All other feeds I can get to go full screen, on Demand and even WSBK.
Bloody MotoGP site wont on the TV. Ended up plugging the laptop in and viewing it via the HDMI.


Damn good race from start to finish aye!!
Really Weird to see the Satellite bikes leading??
Great Scrap at the end.

[BMWST?]

Bradl and Bautista need to learn that a finish is better than not.
Imeant that the Sommet video quality was quite good,perhaps not full hd quality but better than std

[Dave-]

The only commentator that does piss me off, and I'm not sure if it's frequently or continually, is Jonathon Green on Superbikes. If it wasn't for Steve Martin the commentary often wouldn't make sense.

Our group see the crap commentators as a form of entertainment. Can't wait to see what comes out next.

BBC favourites were "stereo hondas" or them circle jerking over any English rider. 'Ohhh Cal is riding so well, Cal is amazing' 3 laps later when Cal is in the gravel 'Ohhh Cal nooo! It must be the bike, he was saying how much trouble he was having with the bike. Definitely the bikes fault'

[steveyb]

Nick Harris is losing it. He was getting the riders positions wrong all night long. Where is Gavin?

Read this interview with Broc Parkes: It's awesome and I'm really enjoying being out and riding against these guys on track. It's amazing to see how these guys are pushing the limits and the riding styles. It's amazing how much it has changed and pushed on over the last few years so I'm trying to follow them and learn.


Reminded me of the conversation over riding styles and Colin Edwards. Then I had a think. As far as I can recall, the only time Colin was mentioned during the MotoGP race was when they showed him during the start grid walk and naming the starting grid.

Does that mean anything? Mind you, they hardly showed anyone else in the race other than the front runners too.

[raziel1983]

I cringed when the new commentator commented on the amazing footage from a camera in the cockpit of one of the riders, something along the lines of "wow you can see the fuel swishing around in the container" It was of course brake fluid..

[pritch]

Where is Gavin?



It was in the article accessible from the link I posted. Gavin Emmett went to BTsport, whether he was headhunted, or he chased higher pay, I have no idea.

In Britain ITV are to run a highlights package following each GP. Toby Moody will host that.

As for Nick Harris getting names and numbers wrong, i guess anybody would be ring rusty after four months off.

Bear in mind we generally get a better look at the race than the commentators do. Most of us will have a 40" or bigger screen. They are usually looking at laptop or similar sized screen, so I'm inclined to cut them some slack.

Except Johnathon Bloody Green!:whistle:

[roogazza]

Our group see the crap commentators as a form of entertainment. Can't wait to see what comes out next.
BBC favourites were "stereo hondas" or them circle jerking over any English rider. 'Ohhh Cal is riding so well, Cal is amazing' 3 laps later when Cal is in the gravel 'Ohhh Cal nooo! It must be the bike, he was saying how much trouble he was having with the bike. Definitely the bikes fault'
Green for you my boy,I found that F funny !
As well as, oh no bradley !!!But hey, even a draw is a win for a pom !
Must say, I am ever so grateful to my mate, for coming thru. Two discs where on my doorstep when I came home Monday morning.
Beggars can't be choosers huh.:cool:

[roogazza]

Something that comes to all of us.
Bastard huh !!

http://www.motomatters.com/blog/2014/03/26/guest_blog_mat_oxley.html

[jasonu]

Our group see the crap commentators as a form of entertainment. Can't wait to see what comes out next.




None are worse than that thick stupid cunt Tony Palmer.

I used to like the Darryl Eastlake/Barry Sheen duo calling the GP's in the 90's.

[GD66]

None are worse than that thick stupid cunt Tony Palmer.



:clap::facepalm::yes::2thumbsup:killingme:rofl::tu gger::yeah:


Ah, memories...:Punk:

[roogazza]

None are worse than that thick stupid cunt Tony Palmer.

I used to like the Darryl Eastlake/Barry Sheen duo calling the GP's in the 90's.
Yeah mate Sheene (with an E) and the excitable Eastlake.
Even before them, GPs used to get to us in Australia on SBS TV.
That must have been,god, mid eighties ? Wil Hagon went back 10 years before that.

[merv]

Perhaps because I concentrate on watching the screen and almost ignore the commentary I found the Sommet on Freeview version fine, and never noticed how dorky the commentators were.

[schrodingers cat]

None are worse than that thick stupid cunt Tony Palmer.



I think Phil Dark is pretty poor and can't stand the shortarsed know-it-all Jamie Whateverthefuck his name is

[pritch]

can't stand the shortarsed know-it-all Jamie Whateverthefuck his name is

Not Jamie Whitham? He's my hero. Well, one of them... He could ride and he could make me laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTsL7tAzbDI

[Berries]

Not Jamie Whitham? He's my hero. Well, one of them... He could ride and he could make me laugh.
There is a chill in the air, I might just have to get my Jamie Whitham neck warmer out of the cupboard for another season.

[Brian d marge]

Not Jamie Whitham? He's my hero. Well, one of them... He could ride and he could make me laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTsL7tAzbDI

dont care if its staged its still funny

Stephen

[Shaun Harris]

dont care if its staged its still funny

Stephen







Jamie Wit is one of the funniest nicest guys I have ever met in the racing scene, spent a lot of time with him in the UK doing testing work with Suzuki's

[denill]

Commentators? I really do not care - MotoGP coverage is never assured for us and to just get it live, I will put up with anything.

If the only commentary is in Chinese, that's OK too. Actually that's a point. ;)

[Oscar]

Commentators? I really do not care - MotoGP coverage is never assured for us and to just get it live, I will put up with anything.

If the only commentary is in Chinese, that's OK too. Actually that's a point. ;)

I reckon listening to it in Chinese would be a hoot!

Listening to it in Spainish or Italian is pretty funny - they're so full on...

[ecko_nzed]

Thought you'd all watch with the volume turned down so you could do your own expert commentary ;)

[Shaun Harris]

thought you'd all watch with the volume turned down so you could do your own expert commentary ;)






i do not talk loud enough though

[Brett]

SOme interesting comments in this interview with Stoner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKRWGc1PpLE

[Crasherfromwayback]

SOme interesting comments in this interview with Stoner.

]

He looks pretty relaxed now eh. Good on him.

[Brett]

He looks pretty relaxed now eh. Good on him.

Yeah, can't help but think that he looks a lot happier. Miss watching him race though. Would still love to meet the guy.

[roogazza]

Costly Qatar for Lorenzo ?
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Mar/140328993.htm

[Drew]

Something that comes to all of us.
Bastard huh !!

http://www.motomatters.com/blog/2014/03/26/guest_blog_mat_oxley.htmlThe linked article, makes comment on Rossi not qualifying well. He never has though.

Even when he was dominating the class. I mean when the other aliens either weren't there or hadn't caught up yet, he often wasn't sitting on pole spot for the start. The guy could be up to a second quicker every lap during the race though.

I've mused over it a few times, and the only conclusion I've come to was helped by watching practice. He seems to spend time working on sections of the track, rather than stringing one stinking hot lap together.

Last year when I watched the entire final qualifying at some track, Rossi spent longer on track than anyone else. They would come fit up another set of tyres every third lap, he wouldn't.

I'm no expert of course, but I wondered if he doesn't opt to use a harder tyre to more closely emulate race set up.

[Shaun Harris]

[QUOTE=Drew;1130700479]The linked article, makes comment on Rossi not qualifying well. He never has though.

Even when he was dominating the class. I mean when the other aliens either weren't there or hadn't caught up yet, he often wasn't sitting on pole spot for the start. The guy could be up to a second quicker every lap during the race though.

I've mused over it a few times, and the only conclusion I've come to was helped by watching practice. He seems to spend time working on sections of the track, rather than stringing one stinking hot lap together.






That is the way I have always seen him riding and planning Drew. Focus on the worst area first to make it better. A Stroud was always the same also with Quali sessions

[roogazza]

The linked article, makes comment on Rossi not qualifying well. He never has though.

Even when he was dominating the class. I mean when the other aliens either weren't there or hadn't caught up yet, he often wasn't sitting on pole spot for the start. The guy could be up to a second quicker every lap during the race though.

I've mused over it a few times, and the only conclusion I've come to was helped by watching practice. He seems to spend time working on sections of the track, rather than stringing one stinking hot lap together.

Last year when I watched the entire final qualifying at some track, Rossi spent longer on track than anyone else. They would come fit up another set of tyres every third lap, he wouldn't.

I'm no expert of course, but I wondered if he doesn't opt to use a harder tyre to more closely emulate race set up.

Yeah, he always seems to work towards race setup more.(guess they all do ultimately). His new Engineer apparently works in a 'different way' as he calls it. Being more of a data man than JB (whatever that means ?)
Hey, he's again proving to be a bloke who is willing to try things and take gambles with settings and people. His love of being there is obvious. You'd think at 35yrs old the clock is ticking, but he's still giving 100%.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah, can't help but think that he looks a lot happier. Miss watching him race though. Would still love to meet the guy.

Yeah I think he'd actually be quite an interesting chap to chat with. Rather meet his wife though.

[paturoa]

If you missed it on freeview sommett

[pritch]

OK so this is not strictly speaking MotoGP, but I've been reading a book loaned to me by Shaun and the "get stuck in and get on with it" attitude of the people therein reminded me of this. Had a bit of trouble finding it again until I used a Brit based search engine.

The sport psychologists sometimes recommend you visualise the style of a successful athlete you would wish to emulate. Bearing in mind that I have never seen a moving picture of Shepherd, but have seen many b&w stills, his is the style I would most like to copy. A modern racer would look silly circulating with a similar style to Shepherd's, but then I'd look silly riding around copying Rossi.

For those too young to remember, in the 1960s relations between the west and the eastern bloc were fraught. Shepherd really was risking his life leaving the border, the East German border guards were shooting people regularly.

The MZ factory had no hard currency and couldn't pay him one year so they gave him his Grand Prix bikes in lieu of cash. When he arrived at HM Customs he was forbidden to take the bikes in to Britain because the country of origin was the GDR.

I wonder how many of tody's GP stars could pull off an effort like this, the mechanical skills, the doggedness, the stamina, the resourcefulness and the sheer guts?

http://motorcyclelifeandtouring.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

[Mental Trousers]

Coverage around the world is a big, complicated business

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+increases+worldwide+TV+coverage+for+highly+ anticipated+2014+season

The dedicated MotoGP channels sound mean. But I reckon I'd still take the MotoGP Video Pass instead of padding the profit margin of a company like the Sky's of the world.

[Shaun Harris]

OK so this is not strictly speaking MotoGP, but I've been reading a book loaned to me by Shaun and the "get stuck in and get on with it" attitude of the people therein reminded me of this. Had a bit of trouble finding it again until I used a Brit based search engine.

The sport psychologists sometimes recommend you visualise the style of a successful athlete you would wish to emulate. Bearing in mind that I have never seen a moving picture of Shepherd, but have seen many b&w stills, his is the style I would most like to copy. A modern racer would look silly circulating with a similar style to Shepherd's, but then I'd look silly riding around copying Rossi.

For those too young to remember, in the 1960s relations between the west and the eastern bloc were fraught. Shepherd really was risking his life leaving the border, the East German border guards were shooting people regularly.

The MZ factory had no hard currency and couldn't pay him one year so they gave him his Grand Prix bikes in lieu of cash. When he arrived at HM Customs he was forbidden to take the bikes in to Britain because the country of origin was the GDR.

I wonder how many of tody's GP stars could pull off an effort like this, the mechanical skills, the doggedness, the stamina, the resourcefulness and the sheer guts?

http://motorcyclelifeandtouring.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/









I take it that is the Rod Coleman Book Pritch? Pukka old school kiwi

[Reckless]

Tuesday , 1 April 2014
In a shock decision, 9 times world champion Italian rider Valentino Rossi has announced his retirement from MotoGP effective immediately. He will no longer contest the 2014 MotoGP championship and it is rumored that Pol Espargaro will now take his place alongside Jorge Lorenzo in the Yamaha Factory team.

Rossi's snap decision follows a heated weekend meeting with Yamaha team principal Lin Jarvis where an ultimatum was issued and new team arrangements were announced. The meeting was also attended by Yamaha president Hiroyuki Yanagi, CEO and President of Bridgestone Europe Franco Annunziato, and Rossi's long time partner Alessio Salucci.

Rossi described the new arrangements as "unacceptable", which are said to include the construction of a wall in the team garage, as requested by team mate Jorge Lorenzo, and the invocation of a performance clause in his contract.

Lin Jarvis threatened to invoke the performance clause because Rossi had not met his commitment of a win at the opening round in Qatar. Although he fought his way valiantly from 10th position on the 4th row of the grid to battle for 1st position with current title holder Marc Marquez, he eventually succumbed to Marquez's skill and placed second. Lin Jarvis then invoked the performance clause when Rossi complained and accused Franco Annunziato of bias.

As development adviser for Bridgestone, Rossi considered he should have been given preferential treatment with special overnight tyres, as he had with Michelin. When it was revealed that ALL factory riders were given the same choice of tyres for Qatar's race a heated argument ensued that could be heard downstairs in the corporate carpark.

Rossi stormed out of the meeting late on Sunday afternoon and refused to answer questions from reporters who had gathered outside Yamaha Motor Racing's European headquarters in Gerno di Lesmo (MI) Italy. After travelling to his ranch in Tavullia on Monday where he was met by a press contingent, Rossi and Mr Salucci brushed past them refusing to answer any questions and locked themselves inside.

>hey emerged early this morning with Valentino calling a press conference to make his announcement. When asked what the future held for Valentino Rossi now he smiled, adjusted his cap and said he intended to marry his childhood sweetheart in a civil ceremony in Las Vegas and together they would open a world-wide chain of pizza and pasta restaurants called simply "VR46". He also hinted he had been developing a special sweet using a combination of sour grapes and humble pie.

In other news, Jackie Reeves is said to be devastated.

[Drew]

Well, was that report just recent? It might still be April 1st over there.

[Shaun Harris]

Well, was that report just recent? It might still be April 1st over there.







You got it Drew, Rossi is going no where

[Crasherfromwayback]

You got it Drew, Rossi is going no where

Exactly. The old coot looks to be enjoying life on a racing motorcycle again.

[Shaun Harris]

Exactly. The old coot looks to be enjoying life on a racing motorcycle again.






He sure does and bloody great to see for all us to watch

[Reckless]

ha Worth a go even a day late for April fools :bleh:

http://motegp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+Quits/

Was a convincing site until I read down to the wall going back up LOL
Then I twigged to the e in the Motegp.

Maybe should have just posted the link but I thought the address was to obvious??
Simple screen capture of the Real site over write the text. Id guess?
Ah well hopefully got a few lol

[Mental Trousers]

That was too obvious. They should've done something like announcing Yamaha has decided to go Open Class in MotoGP. Now that would've been much more believable.

[Reckless]

That was too obvious. They should've done something like announcing Yamaha has decided to go Open Class in MotoGP. Now that would've been much more believable.


Perhaps I should have done it like this (http://motegp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+Quits/)

That way the link would have been hidden LOL

Workin on the Iphone is not quite the same as doing that stuff on the computer tho??:innocent:

LOL onward and upward see if Rossi can Maintain his form aye!
Cant really see it tho as much as I'm a Rossi fan.
I reckon MM was a bit off because of his leg and I reckon he was prob on the wrong tyres.
You might well see that 1/2 second difference per lap come back from last year??
The kid so looks like a cross between Stoner in riding style and Marco Simoncelli in no compromise.
One move last race was a hard move not many would go for??
He's got 8 more titles to go but he seems to be the best bet that ever been so far.

Time will tell :scooter:

[Mental Trousers]

I still wouldn't believe it, not on the same day I'd do something like announce to KB that the site will now be run by the GCSB for a laugh :eek:

Still, others would.

[pritch]

I take it that is the Rod Coleman Book Pritch? Pukka old school kiwi

Indeed.

I've been a bit quiet for the last few days. I upgraded my Internet connection, so that means I had no Internet at all for three days. That seems to be par for the course. When I changed the phone, it was dead for two days. Hopefully things will settle down now...

[pritch]

Win on Sunday sell on Monday?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH9UECtDL_I

[pritch]

This from Queensland. It must have been a slow news day.

Can't link to it here, but the public comments were very pro Doohan and anti shite journalism. Note that the caption to the "Cathouse" pic refers to it in the present tense but in the text there is mention that the establishment closed in 2012...

Not all the journalistic cretins live in NZ. Although we do seem to have more than our fair share.

http://m.couriermail.com.au/business/court-battle-sheds-light-on-sport-stars-mick-doohans-extensive-business-interests/story-fnihsps3-1226875046694

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Apr/14040327.htm

[Shaun Harris]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Apr/14040327.htm







would be brilliant to see this happen. Maybe it was just a time out he needed

[GD66]

Not so sure. I reckon if he came back he would absolutely get his arse handed to him on a plate by Marquez. His V8 exercise, after initial massive fanfare, died away dramatically when he was barely top-ten material in the support series. I reckon in 50 years of watching bike racing, for balls and bike control Stoner is the best I'd seen (I don't give a fuck about what happens off the bike with the helmets off) but I reckon MM would blow him into the weeds nowadays. Time to drift away and do something else...maybe even (shudder) get a job ?

[Shaun Harris]

Not so sure. I reckon if he came back he would absolutely get his arse handed to him on a plate by Marquez. His V8 exercise, after initial massive fanfare, died away dramatically when he was barely top-ten material in the support series. I reckon in 50 years of watching bike racing, for balls and bike control Stoner is the best I'd seen (I don't give a fuck about what happens off the bike with the helmets off) but I reckon MM would blow him into the weeds nowadays. Time to drift away and do something else...maybe even (shudder) get a job ?











MM beat CS probally, but doubt he blow him to the weeds, CS could race for top 5 tomorrow I reckon

[Crasherfromwayback]

Not so sure. I reckon if he came back he would absolutely get his arse handed to him on a plate by Marquez. His V8 exercise, after initial massive fanfare, died away dramatically when he was barely top-ten material in the support series. I reckon in 50 years of watching bike racing, for balls and bike control Stoner is the best I'd seen (I don't give a fuck about what happens off the bike with the helmets off) but I reckon MM would blow him into the weeds nowadays. Time to drift away and do something else...maybe even (shudder) get a job ?

Just because he didn't get to grips with the car, doesn't mean he wouldn't or couldn't soon get back to grips with the bike. Maybe we'll see, maybe we won't. But surely if he did and was able to run at the front again it'd spice things up nicely! Especially with Rossi back there.

[pritch]

Well Stoner is in Texas 'cause he posted on Twitter that he was at the SuoerX.

GD66, Interesting thought that Stoner should get a job. Hard to see what he could do, he never has been able to get on with people. He likes model cars, fishing, and living on his farm.
S'pose he could grow something on the farm?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Well Stoner is in Texas 'cause he posted on Twitter that he was at the SuoerX.

GD66, Interesting thought that Stoner should get a job.

Something tells me a job isn't something Stoner will ever have to have if he doesn't want to.

[Shaun Harris]

Something tells me a job isn't something Stoner will ever have to have if he doesn't want to.








Multi multi millionaire with an actuall job, best one on here yet

[roogazza]

Just happened on this, on another site.It just said, after a battle and long illness .
295905
Here ya go.
https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMassimo _Tamburini&ei=oUVCU_OfFYGciQfWiICQCQ&usg=AFQjCNE4bTJJchgI3SoBQWUr8iPE_EEdtA

[Shaun Harris]

Just happened on this, on another site.It just said, after a battle and long illness .
295905
Here ya go.
https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMassimo _Tamburini&ei=oUVCU_OfFYGciQfWiICQCQ&usg=AFQjCNE4bTJJchgI3SoBQWUr8iPE_EEdtA








RIP to the artist

[Mental Trousers]

Just happened on this, on another site.It just said, after a battle and long illness .
295905
Here ya go.
https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMassimo _Tamburini&ei=oUVCU_OfFYGciQfWiICQCQ&usg=AFQjCNE4bTJJchgI3SoBQWUr8iPE_EEdtA

The "ta" in Bimota. The man was an artist.

[husaberg]

Well i buggered that up........ the Supermono was telblanche

[GD66]

He wasn't crook all that long, bloody lung cancer, same as Taglioni.

Some of the sexiest two-wheeled weaponry slid gracefully off his drawing-board, plenty of Italian stuff makes you drool but his was the best.

Hats off.:clap:

[Asher]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ6hIfHxGr4

[GD66]

A ripping yarn about one tough hombre.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yep. Don't come much harder than that fucker.

[husaberg]

Yep. Don't come much harder than that fucker.

A lot of people used to slag him off cause he won with Honda but i read the other day when he trialed with Yamaha first he actually broke the lap record at the iwatta (or whatever Yamaha test circuit was called) on his first test. i should be noted that rainey and Lawson would i guess likely to have done a few laps there I guess...............:msn-wink:

[Crasherfromwayback]

A lot of people used to slag him off cause he won with Honda but i read the other day when he trialed with Yamaha first he actually broke the lap record at the iwatta (or whatever Yamaha test circuit was called) on his first test. i should be noted that rainey and Lawson would i guess likely to have done a few laps there I guess...............:msn-wink:

Like any of those fucking freaks. The cunt would've won on any brand. Always makes me laff when peeps wank on about who rides what. MM would've won the title last year if he was on a Yamaha. Poss not the Ducati but...:Punk:

[Shaun Harris]

A lot of people used to slag him off cause he won with Honda but i read the other day when he trialed with Yamaha first he actually broke the lap record at the iwatta (or whatever Yamaha test circuit was called) on his first test. i should be noted that rainey and Lawson would i guess likely to have done a few laps there I guess...............:msn-wink:











Mick had the doors at Yamaha wide open to him in the beggining. He raced for the top Yamaha dealer in Tokyo called " SuperAngel" Morinaga San managed by Kenji Seki, the same team A Stroud and Simon Crafer raced for over there and here one year. Mick could have signed for any of the factory teams.



Scott Micks brother also raced for SuperAngel, it was bloody hard to tell the diff between him and mick on a bike with there Doohan Riding style, identicall body style

[roogazza]

Yep. Don't come much harder than that fucker.

Wasn't that bloody great,the Belief and Will of the man !
(thanks for posting Asher).

[pritch]

Interesting, not least for the amounts involved...
http://motomatters.com/analysis/2014/04/07/the_courtship_ritual_begins_prelude_to_m.html

[Shaun Harris]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ6hIfHxGr4









The 2 things I take from this that made him who he is

1) The mind set, races are 90% won in your own head

2) if you really want to race, get off your arse and go and make it happen.

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting, not least for the amounts involved...
http://motomatters.com/analysis/2014/04/07/the_courtship_ritual_begins_prelude_to_m.html








Honda should just buy Rossi's arse now. MM Rossi and maybe CS WOW

[ckai]

A few cringe moments in that vid. Especially the one about the hole in his ankle :sick:

I've heard stories that he was a bit of a legend but didn't know it was to that extent. There's not many racers that have earned what they have from both talent and big, big, BIG fucken gonads! I don't think many people deserve the 'legend' title but that dude...10x over.

[husaberg]

One thing the vid didn't cover was just how hard he trained on his fitness, he was a allegedly total fanatic on fitness training.

[Oscar]

I see Sommet Sports are broadcasting on Sky already.

[Shaun Harris]

I see Sommet Sports are broadcasting on Sky already.







sommet rock

[denill]

I see Sommet Sports are broadcasting on Sky already.
Yep.... :banana:


We are delighted that we are now able to reach all Kiwis in New Zealand and able to offer you free to air sports. The platforms we are now on are Freeview HD, Freeview satellite, Sky, Igloo, and Vodafone T Box.

We would like to thank everyone for your wonderful support and we would like to welcome all our new viewers and we hope you enjoy watching Sommet Sports!

[denill]

Fuckn SKY said they couldn't afford MotoGP???? Yet these guys bring it free. Arseholes..........

[merv]

Fuckn SKY said they couldn't afford MotoGP???? Yet these guys bring it free. Arseholes..........

Yeah how is that possible, who is paying for it? Certainly not me watching it on Freeview.

[rapid van cleef]

Which channel is it on ?

[denill]

Which channel is it on ?

69.

Now that's an easy number to remember. No, no,no. It's cos it's Nicky's number.............

[denill]

They show qualifying. :woohoo:

And they show FIM MX too. :woohoo:

[roogazza]

69.

Now that's an easy number to remember. No, no,no. It's cos it's Nicky's number.............
I always think of a mate when thinking #69 Bill, you may know him ? Pete Stark. First shot is Gracefield with #34 Pete Fleming.
2nd. Ruapunaaaa with Crosby and Pete. (Pete had an American dad) Always had yankee Gene Romero style numbers.
These shots must be from about 1974 ?
295973295974

[Mental Trousers]

Fuckn SKY said they couldn't afford MotoGP???? Yet these guys bring it free. Arseholes..........

Yeah how is that possible, who is paying for it? Certainly not me watching it on Freeview.

Pure guess work here but given how MotoGP have gone with those that provide more extensive coverage in most markets the price for Sky here was a lot more hours on air. But if that happened when would they fit in the Rugby, V8's and golf replays??

PS Sky suck

[Oscar]

I always think of a mate when thinking #69 Bill, you may know him ? Pete Stark. First shot is Gracefield with #34 Pete Fleming.
2nd. Ruapunaaaa with Crosby and Pete. (Pete had an American dad) Always had yankee Gene Romero style numbers.
These shots must be from about 1974 ?
295973295974

I know Starky!
He's got a very succesful business in Hamilton - Stadium Catering.
A bloody nice bloke.

[pritch]

Pure guess work here but given how MotoGP have gone with those that provide more extensive coverage in most markets the price for Sky here was a lot more hours on air. But if that happened when would they fit in the Rugby, V8's and golf replays??

PS Sky suck

I don't know how Sommet are doing it, but I understand Dorna upped their prices considerably and Sky were just not prepared to pay that much. The guys that run the MotoPod podcast were complaining that Dorna had increased their costs to a major degree, and they don't even do video.

Speaking of which, their episodes 400 and 400b have some potentially interesting interviews: Spencer, Toselend, Hodson, Sam Lowes...
http://www.motopodcast.com

[Dave-]

I don't know how Sommet are doing it, but I understand Dorna upped their prices considerably and Sky were just not prepared to pay that much. The guys that run the MotoPod podcast were complaining that Dorna had increased their costs to a major degree, and they don't even do video.

Speaking of which, their episodes 400 and 400b have some potentially interesting interviews: Spencer, Toselend, Hodson, Sam Lowes...
http://www.motopodcast.com

There'll be a pricing structure/negotiating to it as well, sommet may have paid less because they're free to air = more watchers = more exposure for motogp and associated sponsors.

But sommet might also have their own investment strategy.

I don't care either way, I acquire it via other means.

[Badjelly]

There'll be a pricing structure/negotiating to it as well, sommet may have paid less because they're free to air = more watchers = more exposure for motogp and associated sponsors.

It's all to do with the fact that Dorna is offering the same product direct to users via the Internet. Sommet is willing to accept this, Sky isn't. For World Superbikes, now also offered by Dorna, the Internet service is restricted in Australia and NZ, and this is something that the broadcasters would have insisted on. (No, it wasn't Dorna feeling generous to its fans down-under and offering a lower price for the first year.) For MotoGP this may not have been an option ('cause I for one have already paid my 99 euros) or they may not have been able to agree on a price.

Dorna accepting a lower price for free-to-channels? I doubt it. Overseas they've been moving to pay channels.

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out over the next few years. It's great to see Sky losing its monopoly, but however it goes I reckon Dorna will be raking in more.

[denill]

It's great to see Sky losing its monopoly, but however it goes I reckon Dorna will be raking in more.

Yes and yes.

[Oscar]

It's all to do with the fact that Dorna is offering the same product direct to users via the Internet. Sommet is willing to accept this, Sky isn't. For World Superbikes, now also offered by Dorna, the Internet service is restricted in Australia and NZ, and this is something that the broadcasters would have insisted on. (No, it wasn't Dorna feeling generous to its fans down-under and offering a lower price for the first year.) For MotoGP this may not have been an option ('cause I for one have already paid my 99 euros) or they may not have been able to agree on a price.

Dorna accepting a lower price for free-to-channels? I doubt it. Overseas they've been moving to pay channels.

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out over the next few years. It's great to see Sky losing its monopoly, but however it goes I reckon Dorna will be raking in more.

My source said that Dorna discounted the shit out of it after Sky whinged so much, but Sky wanted Dorna to block the internet feed.
Sommet probably got the same discounted price.

[jasonu]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Apr/14040327.htm

He attended the Houston SX.

[Crasherfromwayback]

He attended the Houston SX.

Yep. As would I if I was there at the right time.

[jasonu]

Yep. As would I if I was there at the right time.

Yes mate they mentioned he was there several times. I was hoping to see an interview with him but they talked to some fagg golfer instead.

[DidJit]

Neil Spalding previews (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/04/10/motogp-racing-update-grand-prix-of-the-americas-preview/) the GPotA...

[jasonu]

Neil Spalding previews (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/04/10/motogp-racing-update-grand-prix-of-the-americas-preview/?src=SOC&dom=fb) the GPotA...

Your link appears to contain a virus

[DidJit]

Your link appears to contain a virus

This one?
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/04/10/motogp-racing-update-grand-prix-of-the-americas-preview/

[Asher]

Edwards has announced he will retire at the end of 2014. It's a bit of a shame as I'm a fan of his but it's been a long time coming

[BMWST?]

Edwards hasnt performed as well as I thought he would

[pritch]

Edwards has said that he wants to spend more time with his family, but he also said that his inability to get his bike performing played a large part in the timing of the announcement. His family were in attendance at the press conference it being on his back door step as it were.

I'm still confused as to what is going on with the FTR Forward Racing team. Last outing when EsA crashed both of his bikes in qualifying, the comment was made that despite his crew having time to repair both bikes, he only had one for race day. The thought was that there may be a strictly limited number of the M1 frames available to the FTR team.

It would be interesting to know the whole story whenever it comes out.

[Shaun Harris]

Edwards has said that he wants to spend more time with his family, but he also said that his inability to get his bike performing played a large part in the timing of the announcement. His family were in attendance at the press conference it being on his back door step as it were.

I'm still confused as to what is going on with the FTR Forward Racing team. Last outing when EsA crashed both of his bikes in qualifying, the comment was made that despite his crew having time to repair both bikes, he only had one for race day. The thought was that there may be a strictly limited number of the M1 frames available to the FTR team.

It would be interesting to know the whole story whenever it comes out.





It did come out mate, they borrowed a lot of gear of Collins spare bike which EsA thanked him for

[denill]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/202036/1/cutout-scare-for-cal-crutchlow.html>The 2014 competitor who doesn't hold back and says what he's thinking:</a>

[Shaun Harris]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/202036/1/cutout-scare-for-cal-crutchlow.html>The 2014 competitor who doesn't hold back and says what he's thinking:</a>





Hahaha very old school british style, Hope he is enjoying his income

[Wingnut]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/202036/1/cutout-scare-for-cal-crutchlow.html>The 2014 competitor who doesn't hold back and says what he's thinking:</a>

I used to enjoy the reality that Crutchlow brought to Moto GP, but now he is just treading a fine line between that and being labelled another whining pom... He has cut his own lunch in relation to the Ducati, what was he expecting?

[roogazza]

<a href=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/202036/1/cutout-scare-for-cal-crutchlow.html>The 2014 competitor who doesn't hold back and says what he's thinking:</a>


Hahaha very old school british style, Hope he is enjoying his income
I prefer people with less mouth,but hey,yes he has what he wanted cash and a works contract.Shame he's not a little more like his team mate,for my liking.

ps Bill, Ch 69 Sunday morn Swan series SBK Australia.0930-1130am Speedweek.
Thanks Sommet sports.

[Shaun Harris]

Redding faster than Heyden again, Nicki is done/spent the end at that level