MotoGP 2015

[puddytat]

I reckon MM will DNF this weekend.....he'll be feeling a bit cockier.

[pritch]

I reckon MM will DNF this weekend.....he'll be feeling a bit cockier.

In the four stroke era Honda have nine wins at the Sachsenring to Yamaha's three so he may have reason to feel a bit cockier.

[eelracing]

I reckon MM will DNF this weekend.....he'll be feeling a bit cockier.

I like the way you think puddy,coz he'll be taking a Yamaha with him no doubt.
Sachenringcycle being the pissant type of go-cart track that it is will be a good indicater of the Hondas front end.
Dannyboy likes the place so maybe he can help steal a few points off of Yamaha.

[pritch]

I like the way you think puddy,coz he'll be taking a Yamaha with him no doubt..

You may be right but I hope not.

I was listening to a podcast discussing how unfortunate it was that the unguided missile Miller took out Barbera. WTF? In 250s Barbera was taking out all and sundry, the commentators then were even joking about how nobody passes Barbera around the outside. Eventually the podcast guys remembered the history. Karma.

[Erelyes]

MM closed up in the space of four corners...if I was Yamaha I'd be worried.Not so much championship wise but.

Nah that's just MM.

Remember race before that he said 'I'm either gonna be at the front, or bin it' or words to such effect. He binned it.

This time he went just as nuts but didn't bin it. You could say he got lucky, but that he gets to push his luck a lot further than the others.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I like the way you think puddy,coz he'll be taking a Yamaha with him no doubt.
Sachenringcycle being the pissant type of go-cart track that it is will be a good indicater of the Hondas front end.
Dannyboy likes the place so maybe he can help steal a few points off of Yamaha.

Suzuki for the pole and win this weekend. Finally a track where power is of not much help.

[Reckless]

Suzuki for the pole and win this weekend. Finally a track where power is of not much help.

I'll just be happy if MM doesn't knock VR off and screw his season LMAO

PS Be nice for Suzuki to get a good result tho :)

[Reckless]

Marco Melandri will not line up on the grid for the German GP.
Aprilia Racing and Marco Melandri have reached an agreement by mutual consent to terminate the contractual obligations between Marco Melandri and Aprilia Racing.

Consequently, Marco Melandri will no longer be lined up on the grid with Aprilia Racing starting from the German Grand Prix on 12 July.

Aprilia Racing wishes Marco Melandri all the best in his future endeavours.

[Shaun Harris]

Suzuki for the pole and win this weekend. Finally a track where power is of not much help.




Id back ya on the pole, but will not stake a claim on the winner. To much shit going on with VR, MM,Jl, I can actually see a crash involving RIDERS coming very soon with the way MM is riding again just like in the Moto2 class

[Kiwi Graham]

It is a real concern the way MM is starting to ride like he did in Moto2.
The 'let the brakes off block pass' attempt could have ended VR's season, but I'm guessing VR was expecting it and already had his motocross strategy worked out for when it happened.
The win it or bin it approach is all well and good even applaudable until it effects others. Another move like that might have the seasoned MotoGP guys taking him aside for a chat.

[sil3nt]

https://twitter.com/motomatters/status/618754198784622592

Melandri goneburgers.

[sil3nt]

Marco Melandri will not line up on the grid for the German GP.
Aprilia Racing and Marco Melandri have reached an agreement by mutual consent to terminate the contractual obligations between Marco Melandri and Aprilia Racing.

Consequently, Marco Melandri will no longer be lined up on the grid with Aprilia Racing starting from the German Grand Prix on 12 July.

Aprilia Racing wishes Marco Melandri all the best in his future endeavours.Ah didnt see your post. Good that he is gone. Clearly wasn't enjoying his time there.

[steveyb]

Following twits suggest that Mike Laverty will ride in his stead.

[puddytat]

It is a real concern the way MM is starting to ride like he did in Moto2.
The 'let the brakes off block pass' attempt could have ended VR's season, but I'm guessing VR was expecting it and already had his motocross strategy worked out for when it happened.
The win it or bin it approach is all well and good even applaudable until it effects others. Another move like that might have the seasoned MotoGP guys taking him aside for a chat.

If he takes out anyone out (or more than 1), & causes a injury that effects another riders season, then I feel that the public will turn off him big time. :nono:
I thought he was the shizz from when he started in Moto3... but the novelty is starting to wear off. But that has a lot to do with the GOAT doing awesome this year . :woohoo:
Go!!! the King!!

Suzuki for a podium.

[sil3nt]

Don't click this
http://i.imgur.com/BpPtbbP.jpg

:shutup:

[steveyb]

Nice.

10 char

[pritch]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/07/09/2015_sachsenring_motogp_preview_how_grea.html

[Jezxa]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/07/09/2015_sachsenring_motogp_preview_how_grea.html

That was a good read.

[eelracing]

Suzuki for the pole and win this weekend. Finally a track where power is of not much help.

Its still the best looking bike on the grid.
Now in 30th anniversary Gixxer livery...id post a pic but I cant be arsed.

Will Suzuki just fucken hurry up and build a road going version.

[Oscar]

Also interesting: http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/08/ask-kevin-is-valentino-rossi-fast-because-of-switching-crew-chief/

[Shaun Harris]

Its still the best looking bike on the grid.
Now in 30th anniversary Gixxer livery...id post a pic but I cant be arsed.

Will Suzuki just fucken hurry up and build a road going version.



April the 2016 GSXR 1000 gets here

[Mental Trousers]

I'm sure the one eyed Suzuki fans will love this

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/07/09/team-suzuki-ecstar-to-race-in-iconic-suzuki-colours/179466

[sil3nt]

Looks terrible.

[roogazza]

Also interesting: http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/08/ask-kevin-is-valentino-rossi-fast-because-of-switching-crew-chief/

cheers Oscar,hadn't seen that one,good stuff. :yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Its still the best looking bike on the grid.
.

Sure is. Once again, one of the best sounding too. Now for some podiums...

[Drew]

April the 2016 GSXR 1000 gets here

Don't think it's a huge update. Not sure if the reason I think that is public knowledge though.

[pritch]

Sure is. Once again, one of the best sounding too. Now for some podiums...

That's one of those things, that if it happens, could have a big effect on the championship. What with that and possibly competitive Hondas too? Interesting.

And it is only FP1 but...

1 93 Marc MARQUEZ SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 293.0 1'21.766
2 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Yamaha 291.4 1'22.102 0.336 / 0.336
3 45 Scott REDDING GBR EG 0,0 Marc VDS Honda 287.2 1'22.167 0.401 / 0.065
4 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 289.9 1'22.243 0.477 / 0.076
5 68 Yonny HERNANDEZ COL Octo Pramac Racing Ducati 290.7 1'22.396 0.630 / 0.153
6 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Ducati Team Ducati 295.9 1'22.428 0.662 / 0.032
7 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Yamaha 289.6 1'22.445 0.679 / 0.017
8 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Team SUZUKI ECSTAR Suzuki 286.3 1'22.462 0.696 / 0.017
9 35 Cal CRUTCHLOW GBR CWM LCR Honda Honda 287.1 1'22.567 0.801 / 0.105
10 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA Ducati Team Ducati 295.4 1'22.670 0.904 / 0.103

[Crasherfromwayback]

Don't think it's a huge update. .

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2015/april/new-gsx-r1000-for-2016/

[BMWST?]

late in fp3 my somewhat tounge in cheek post on adv rider has some kudos.....honda are 1 and 2 and bradley smif is third,lorenzo 5 VR 6

finalised more "normal than 15 minutes to go
POS#RIDER NAMEGAP1 93M. MARQUEZ 1:21.083
2 99 J. LORENZO +0.138
3 46 V. ROSSI +0.191
4 4 A. DOVIZIOSO +0.479
5 38 B. SMITH +0.485
6 26 D. PEDROSA +0.539
7 41 A. ESPARGARO +0.606
8 35 C. CRUTCHLOW +0.683
9 29 A. IANNONE +0.741
10 44 P. ESPARGARO +0.805
11 25 M. VIÑALES +0.839
12 45 S. REDDING +0.879
13 68 Y. HERNANDEZ +0.918
14 8 H. BARBERA +0.947
15 9 D. PETRUCCI +1.073
16 19 A. BAUTISTA +1.251
17 43 J. MILLER +1.310
18 69 N. HAYDEN +1.489
1963 M. DI MEGLIO +1.565
20 15 A. DE ANGELIS +1.892
21 76 L. BAZ +1.930
22 50 E. LAVERTY +1.944
23 7 H. AOYAMA +2.262
24 70 M. LAVERTY +2.383
25 71 C. CORTI +3.575

[pritch]

Mike Webb must be getting frustrated. Seventeen riders have been penalised for dawdling on the racing line waiting for a tow. The guilty Moto3 riders all got a two pronged penalty: back three places on the grid, and lose ten minutes of the warm up. They were given a talking to at the last race and chose to ignore it so... The Moto2 and GP offenders each received a single penalty point except Barbera who got two points, presumably because he's been a pain in the arse in this respect for years.

After this race though they'll likely go on holiday and forget all about it.

Late night tonight. :niceone:

[george formby]

Late night tonight. :niceone:

K'in A. Just about to get the spag bol on and put some brews outside. My boy Danny is lookin good in Moto3 and VR uttered that immortal line. "We need to find something more."
The missus even has a gag ready if it gets to hot.

[Drew]

Poor ol' Rabbat got shafted for his awesome efforts there. I'd have gone and kicked the living shit out of that mo'fucker.

[puddytat]

The winner in big boys class I thought gave everyone a master class in riding & was riding the best that we've seen him in his career.....:killingme
I loves the commentator mute. Not having the drivel I actually pay more attention to who's on what bike & what their number is.
Pass of the day was I thought Lorenzo's "round the outside" one.
Havnt seen the other 2 yet as Vodascam was being particularly shitter than its normal shitness.:mad:

[roogazza]

The winner in big boys class I thought gave everyone a master class in riding & was riding the best that we've seen him in his career.....:killingme
I loves the commentator mute. Not having the drivel I actually pay more attention to who's on what bike & what their number is.
Pass of the day was I thought Lorenzo's "round the outside" one.
Havnt seen the other 2 yet as Vodascam was being particularly shitter than its normal shitness.:mad:

yeah mute is your friend !
along with 'master class' was the 'classic pass'. What is starting to erk me is with 6 laps done the pair of clowns are plotting the points for the championship !!
Too much yapping altogether. Are they paid by the word ?

Enjoyed my Sky coverage, apart from that.

[pritch]

Too much yapping altogether. Are they paid by the word ?


In common with a lot of other television commentators it seems to have escaped their notice that we can actually see what's happening for ourselves, so we don't actually need a continuous stream of verbals.

I thought the race was interesting rather than exciting, but as has been said Lorenzo's pass was stirring stuff. Pedro will have cheered himself up. Sachsenring does seem to favour the Honda though, now it's 10 wins to honda over the last thirteen races.

Roll on Indy.

[quickbuck]

Sachsenring does seem to favour the Honda though, now it's 10 wins to honda over the last thirteen races.

Roll on Indy.
Well, in the Premier Class anyway (and obviously Moto2 ;) ).

In Moto3, it was the first win for Honda there for 16 years.... When Marco Melandri was a nipper...

I felt for Tito when the bike whent into a headshake... that brought tears to my eyes as I know how painful that is with your tie-rods broken.
When he was in the dirt on the last corner, well that was just a total kick in the nuts... I don't condone violence track side, but Drew has a point.... Maybe Tito was in too much pain to actually consider such a thing.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The winner in big boys class I thought gave everyone a master class in riding :

I love how they were saying "well MM can't win the title now". Hey, it's highly unfucking likely. But it ain't over till the fat lady sings. Lorenzo could skittle Rossi yet and both break bones etc.

[Dadpole]

I downloaded the BT commentary. Made a nice change - and "36 years old" was not heard. :yes:

[BMWST?]

harris has dropped to a new low,the "36 yr old nine time world champion",normally he uses only one per sentemce.
And how is it Pedro is beating VR fair and square and somehow its "good stuff" from the doctor... I depair i really do.

[BMWST?]

Wehn he was in the dirt on the last corner, wekk that was just a total kick in the nute... I don't condone violence track side, but Drew has a point.... Maybe Toto was in too much pain to actually consider such a thing.

For a guy that was hurt and with so much experience,he had already had one go at Morbidelli and he resisted with all his might,maybe he shoulda just accepeted 4th...

[puddytat]

harris has dropped to a new low,the "36 yr old nine time world champion",normally he uses only one per sentemce.
And how is it Pedro is beating VR fair and square and somehow its "good stuff" from the doctor... I depair i really do.

Don't worry 'cause in a few years time there'll be some A.I computer doing the commentary...& Im sure there'll be a sexy wench voiced option , or a Kiwi accent, or Welsch etc. Some gay geezer even?
Would make a good comedy skit.

[pritch]

I love how they were saying "well MM can't win the title now". Hey, it's highly unfucking likely. But it ain't over till the fat lady sings.

Agreed. We are at the half way point of the season and the second half could be very different.

I note that Dorna is offering a 20% discount at the half way point this year. That's not very generous, it used to be 50%.

[McWild]

This weekend's race was the first time I've turned off the commentary and just watched the race with ambient noise, what an improvement. Different experience, but well worth a try for anyone with the option. I believe I made the decision 2 laps in when I realised they'd taken a note out of Trackside's book and were making a deliberate effort to not have any silence throughout the first half of the race.

I know rugby isn't the most popular sport on this forum, but for me I've found (for the last few years anyway) the NZ commentary on international matches to be top notch. The art of silence.


Also lol at Harris' "Bastananini" this weekend in Moto3, maybe he's trying to improve it after all?

[pritch]

There is a young Australian, name of Harry Lloyd, who has for a few years now been one of the Motopod podcast crew while studying at university in the UK. Although young he is a confirmed motorcycle GP anorak and has a good grasp of motorcycle racing history - at least the period covered by the Dorna video clips.

In recent weeks Harry finished university and moved to Barcelona to take up a position with Dorna. Not sure exactly what the position is, but it involves the visual presentation of the Dorna website I think. New doors open though and he has started doing commentary on the CEV series as well. The Spanish championship doesn't just host the junior GP Moto3 series, there are other classes up to Superbike.

The thought of an Australian pronouncing all those European names is interesting but I must try and give him a listen to see how he handles it. Living in Spain he may even learn some Spanish? If Nick Harris was comfortable thinking he didn't need to worry too much about competition, he may need to reevaluate that soon?

[GD66]

Well, we can hope. I did notice some degree of moderation from his vast hoard of clichés this week after he has had a caning on the Motomatters site forum which is run by GP scribe David Emmett : maybe word has got back ?

I REALLY hope you're onto it there, Pritch ! :soon:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Send my carton to me c/ Boyle Kawasaki, 26 Adelaide Road, Mt Cook, Wellington 6021

Ta.

Ps: Melandri sucks balls.

Pete

[Drew]

For a guy that was hurt and with so much experience,he had already had one go at Morbidelli and he resisted with all his might,maybe he shoulda just accepeted 4th...

He had third. The move was made and had stuck. Morbidelli was just making a dick lunge.

[vifferman]

Watching the Moto3 tonight, and couldn't stand the constant "Bastiaianini", "Anthonelli", "So so", blah fuckin blah, so tuned in here to moan, and Yay! Found the comment about muting the commentary! Wooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!! Peace and farking quiet!!:lol:

[BMWST?]

He had third. The move was made and had stuck. Morbidelli was just making a dick lunge.

a young guy who was trying to get his first podium,what would you have done,let rabat go....sure

[puddytat]

I just watched that Moto2 race....twas a real goody.
Which got me thinking about a level playing field. The shorter track that it is tightened the racing up which then got me thinking that the easiest way to cut down on development costs & allow smaller manufacturers a chance to be more competitive would be to shorten the tracks & or adding more chicanes.
Maybe.

[Drew]

a young guy who was trying to get his first podium,what would you have done,let rabat go....sure

Dunno, those guys are in a completely different league to me. What I would have done is of no consequence.

[steveyb]

Dunno, those guys are in a completely different league to me. What I would have done is of no consequence.

Ha!! Cop out.
You know we will give you a hard time cos you want to say that you would have settled for 4th!
LOL

[Shaun Harris]

Now the rumour is Sam Lowes to Aprillia for 2016. He would rock on it

[denill]

Now the rumour is Sam Lowes to Aprillia for 2016. He would rock on it

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/221105/1/sam-lowes-linked-to-motogp-with-aprilia.html

[McWild]

Now the rumour is Sam Lowes to Aprillia for 2016. He would rock on it

Right now, with seats in the GP class like hen's teeth, you'd be mad not to take any deal you could get just to break into it and start getting friendly with the teams, even if the bike's a dog.

Vinales & Miller must be stoked they got their deals when they did, and took up the challenge. Sure the open Hondas and Suzukis leave a bit to be desired, but at least they have seats in the top class. Much easier to move around it than break into it. They might not be scrapping it at the front in Moto2 or Moto3, but Rabat? A Marquez? Rins? Salom? Zarco? Where can they go?


MotoGP has such a huge backlog of talent coming through the lower classes, and the premier class doesn't have the seats - doesn't surprise me, it's a team sport and better the devil you know (looking at you Hayden, Smith, P Espargaro).

Maybe we'll see more and more riders going for the double in Moto3 and Moto2, like Rabat? Both Pedrosa and Lorenzo did it, look where they are now.

[GD66]

Right now, with seats in the GP class like hen's teeth, you'd be mad not to take any deal you could get just to break into it and start getting friendly with the teams, even if the bike's a dog.




Well, unless the bike is an absolute and utter piggy. It certainly didn't help Bryan Staring waltzing round at the back three seconds off the pace, he is now riding for Pedercini in the world Superstock series.

[BMWST?]

Dunno, those guys are in a completely different league to me. What I would have done is of no consequence.
Yet you have an opinion on what morbidelli did

[FROSTY]

I love how they were saying "well MM can't win the title now". Hey, it's highly unfucking likely. But it ain't over till the fat lady sings. Lorenzo could skittle Rossi yet and both break bones etc.
I cant work out in my head how they can come to that conclusion.
Seasons only halfway through and theres only 65 points
between VR and MM

[Drew]

Ha!! Cop out.
You know we will give you a hard time cos you want to say that you would have settled for 4th!
LOLEver seen me not keep pushing? Never taken anyone out though, or even come close. If I'm risking a crash, I'm on the wide line every time.


Yet you have an opinion on what morbidelli didName one poster in this fucken thread, with experience or talent to do so.

We're all commenting our perceptions, of what we are watching. Simply because not fucken one of us could pedal a bike fast enough to even qualify for the race.

[BMWST?]

Indeed,and gosh somtimes we can have different views of the same event.Does that make one view right and one view wrong.4 th is better than. 0 and maybe a complication of an existing situation,he took a risk and it didnt pay off.

[Crasherfromwayback]

If I'm risking a crash, I'm on the wide line every time.

.

That's very gentlemanly of you.

[Drew]

That's very gentlemanly of you.

Na, I was just real regular at chucking it away. No one else needed to be lying on they arse beside me.

[pritch]

With regard to McWild's comments about seats and the lack thereof, I think it was David Emmett wrote that with the teams having to adapt to new tyres and new electronics next year, staying with their existing riders eliminates one variable.

[McWild]

Name one poster in this f***en thread, with experience or talent to do so.

We're all commenting our perceptions, of what we are watching. Simply because not f*cken one of us could pedal a bike fast enough to even qualify for the race.

Speak for yourself, I'll have you know I was kind of a big deal when I did a wildcard in the '10 buckets season at Ruapuna.

[pritch]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/how-tyres-could-decide-the-2015-motogp-title/

[Shaun Harris]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/how-tyres-could-decide-the-2015-motogp-title/


I Do not think it will have a negative effect on Rossi though, as he has re taught himself to ride again, and will continue to re teach himself if he needs to change more, he is on a mission for sure this year, and you can see that in his actions and comments also

[pritch]

And for those with the time to read:
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/spending-morning-eugene-laverty/

The pics we see of their motorhomes make it seem they certainly aren't roughing it.

[merv]

I like on those forums (Motomatters etc) how people keep saying take away the electronics, change this, change that to "level" the playing field as if all of a sudden all the bike brands and types and their riders will be equally competitive and we'll have 'real' races on our hands. I'm clearly in the opinion camp that the cream rises to the top and I can't imagine anyone but the current top guys will still be leading the races.

When you know how well Marquez does on his dirt tracker taking it to US champions and similarly the stuff Rossi gets up to, who believes without the electronics all of a sudden someone like Laverty on the Aprilia will be up front dicing with Marquez, Rossi and Lorenzo or some such silly shit?

Also, I've said before they have short memories. Many races back in the 500cc days had races won by huge margins with many in the field being lapped - racing on average is much closer today than say 20 years ago.

[Drew]

Speak for yourself, I'll have you know I was kind of a big deal when I did a wildcard in the '10 buckets season at Ruapuna.

That changes things completely! At last, someone I can ask how these guys get to 45° lean angles with the back wheel off the ground?

[pritch]

I like on those forums (Motomatters etc) how people keep saying take away the electronics,

From what I've read it's the likes of Rossi and Stoner who have wanted to ditch the electronics because the electrickery allows less talented riders to compete.
While I can understand their point of view, the electronics should therefore be providing closer racing for us to watch.

[ellipsis]

...these guys are at the top are running well past the electronics and geometry ...they are more tyre dependant, but still have the neural nuances to even overcome that, at times...that's why they will be revered as 'those in the league of the Gods of Speed'...

[steveyb]

Suggests that it is a great championship for a team to be involved in.


Team JiR Team Principal Gianluca Montiron discusses the reasons he chose to enter the Moto2™ World Championship and the season so far.

Since the 2010 debut of the Moto2™ category, Team JiR has represented a team with many unique attributes. For the first few seasons they ran a MotoBI with a Japanese TSR chassis, with which they tastes success and acquired victories and podiums. This year represents a new challenge for the team, having switched to a Kalex chassis for the Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher.

So why go Moto2™?

“For the TV exposure: it's no secret that Moto2 represents an amazing class thanks to similar engine performance, prototype chassis and the ability for the riders to make the real difference. This class represents a middle-class that will mold the riders before they approach the top MotoGP class. For the overall investment and the associated return, this is an excellent choice considering overall motorsport value.”


Which are in your opinion are Moto2™’s key points?

“It's an accessible category that could represent a prestigious platform from both the marketing point of view and the technical one. There isn't a better exercise for R&D engineers with building their own chassis and then slotting in an established engine. You can develop your own technology in combination with worldwide brand exposure, without sustaining an impossibly high investment. Remember, you are involved in the category second only to MotoGP!”



Do you believe the same engine represents good value?


“I'm convinced that we are in a comfortable situation thanks to this regulation. It's more accessible for the emergent manufacturers to build just a chassis instead of a complete bike and powertrain for multiple reasons – not least cost and simplicity. If all the Japanese manufacturers were involved the scenario would be different, with different engine permutations. And yet even the most competitive package would be dominant, as we see now with the Kalex chassis."



What are the expectations for the second part of the season?
“Our rider has made improvements this year and scored points and he has been able to reduce the gap from the leaders. I'm confident he will do another step in the second part of the championship. At the moment the riders who stay all day on the bike and test often show a difference while the new rule for 2016 will permit a maximum of 10 days test and this is another good point to create a fair condition for all the participants.”

[eelracing]

Suggests that it is a great championship for a team to be involved in.



Which are in your opinion are Moto2™’s key points?

“It's an accessible category that could represent a prestigious platform from both the marketing point of view and the technical one. There isn't a better exercise for R&D engineers with building their own chassis and then slotting in an established engine. You can develop your own technology in combination with worldwide brand exposure, without sustaining an impossibly high investment. Remember, you are involved in the category second only to MotoGP!



Nah,still waiting on the interesting bit...

[steveyb]

Nah,still waiting on the interesting bit...

Hard to please some people eh? ;-)

[merv]

Nah,still waiting on the interesting bit...

What, and you ride a Suzuki? - the most successful brand in MotoGP racing - yeah right!

[James Deuce]

Nah,still waiting on the interesting bit...

I'm with you on that. Despite being "exciting" for all intents and purposes, I actually find it boring to watch despite the fantastic antics of the riders to extract any sort of performance out of the horrible things. It just. looks. slow.

And while giving Merv credit for being completely correct, the fact that it's just a bunch of midget Honda-badged NASCAR engines makes it even less enticing.

I love Moto3 though. Maybe we could just ditch Moto2?

[merv]

I love Moto3 though. Maybe we could just ditch Moto2?

Agreed Jim, I have no interest in Moto2 because I have no attachment to a Kalex. If it was Honda versus Yamaha versus Suzuki/KTM or whoever then that relates to what we know.

[McWild]

The idea of prototype 500cc twins has been thrown around here and there on forums, I think it's a great idea myself, fits with the old 125/250/500 2Ts -> 250/500/1000 4Ts. When Moto2 first came into being I was all for the idea of control engines, but really the class just seems to be missing that spark that the other two classes have.

Yeah there's issues with keeping an eye spending etc, like the old 250s which got way out of hand with Aprilia, but sure they could regulate that from the beginning. And what manufacturer doesn't want to showcase mid-size four strokes in the current bike market?

[James Deuce]

The idea of prototype 500cc twins has been thrown around here and there on forums, I think it's a great idea myself, fits with the old 125/250/500 2Ts -> 250/500/1000 4Ts. When Moto2 first came into being I was all for the idea of control engines, but really the class just seems to be missing that spark that the other two classes have.

Yeah there's issues with keeping an eye spending etc, like the old 250s which got way out of hand with Aprilia, but sure they could regulate that from the beginning. And what manufacturer doesn't want to showcase mid-size four strokes in the current bike market?
It fits with the current marketing of 500s being Learner/Eco-commuters and provides those people with an identifiable class to root for. There are a bunch of turbo and supercharged 500cc engines about to hit the market in that category too, mostly due to engine efficiency gains, so that could be a very interesting route to take. Moto3 meanwhile continues to identify with emerging markets and Junior Formulae the world over.

[Badjelly]

Yeah there's issues with keeping an eye spending etc, like the old 250s which got way out of hand with Aprilia, but sure they could regulate that from the beginning.

I understand that it costs a lot more to run a competitive Moto3 bike than a competitive Moto2 bike. They did try to regulate costs in Moto3, but KTM got around that by selling cheap engines (as required) and really expensive tuning kits, then Honda followed suit. For every rule to limit costs there's a work-around...

[steveyb]

I understand that it costs a lot more to run a competitive Moto3 bike than a competitive Moto2 bike. They did try to regulate costs in Moto3, but KTM got around that by selling cheap engines (as required) and really expensive tuning kits, then Honda followed suit. For every rule to limit costs there's a work-around...

Yes. From all accounts that is the reality at the moment.
I still wonder how anyone thought that Moto3 would be any different to the 125GP class with regard to costs.
I think that while many in NZ think Moto2 might be boring, the fact is that in Europe the riders in Moto2 are just as revered as the other classes, if not more.
But Montirons comment about the restriction in testing is very interesting. He makes a poorly veiled comment about Rabat spending every waking minute on a bike (he has one stationed permanently at Almeria or somewhere, I forget where) and rides it all the time, and sort of suggests that is unfair, that the restriction in testing will bring the riders together. Can't see that myself, but will reduce costs even further.

[GD66]

I'm with you on that. Despite being "exciting" for all intents and purposes, I actually find it boring to watch despite the fantastic antics of the riders to extract any sort of performance out of the horrible things. It just. looks. slow.


I had a quick peek at qual times for this year at Assen for the two categories, Moto2 vs WSS.
The Moto2 pole time was 1:36.3, the WSS time was 1:38.0, which would have qualified him in 18th spot on the 31-bike Moto2 grid. So the extra expense and complexity of the Moto2 amounts to 1.7 secs in laptimes.
Yes, only a flash reading but still a small insight into the questionable identity of Moto2.

[Oscar]

I had a quick peek at qual times for this year at Assen for the two categories, Moto2 vs WSS.
The Moto2 pole time was 1:36.3, the WSS time was 1:38.0, which would have qualified him in 18th spot on the 31-bike Moto2 grid. So the extra expense and complexity of the Moto2 amounts to 1.7 secs in laptimes.
Yes, only a flash reading but still a small insight into the questionable identity of Moto2.

And the difference between the Moto2 time and the SBK pole time at Assen is 1.5 seconds, which would have put you tenth on the superbike grid.
What does that say about SBK, then?

[steveyb]

From several anecdoatal accounts the WSS bikes are actually more complex and expensive than the Moto2 bikes.
The only real world difference in the construction of the two is the chassis. Moto2 are GP chassis, WSS are roadbike chassis.
Moto2 engines are a lower state of tune, hence less expensive.
Moto2 is also on the worlds biggest bike racing stage. So, actually Moto2 probably represents a much bigger bang for the $.

[James Deuce]

I had a quick peek at qual times for this year at Assen for the two categories, Moto2 vs WSS.
The Moto2 pole time was 1:36.3, the WSS time was 1:38.0, which would have qualified him in 18th spot on the 31-bike Moto2 grid. So the extra expense and complexity of the Moto2 amounts to 1.7 secs in laptimes.
Yes, only a flash reading but still a small insight into the questionable identity of Moto2.


And the difference between the Moto2 time and the SBK pole time at Assen is 1.5 seconds, which would have put you tenth on the superbike grid.
What does that say about SBK, then?

You both make good points but it is so very hard for me to give a damn about Moto2.

Also steveyb I'm not sure about it being big in "Europe". It's a massive deal in Spain with The Netherlands and France being a bit excited too, but I'm not convinced it has the universal appeal that the 250GP bikes had. Which were mental and looked fast rather than being over-ridden.

[Oscar]

You both make good points but it is so very hard for me to give a damn about Moto2.

Also steveyb I'm not sure about it being big in "Europe". It's a massive deal in Spain with The Netherlands and France being a bit excited too, but I'm not convinced it has the universal appeal that the 250GP bikes had. Which were mental and looked fast rather than being over-ridden.

The last time I saw a 250 GP race the field was all Aprilia except for two Hondas (which were getting thrashed).
Also when was the last time you saw a 250GP bike being backed into a corner?
Moto2 racing provides a tremendous spectacle.

[James Deuce]

The last time I saw a 250 GP race the field was all Aprilia except for two Hondas (which were getting thrashed).
Also when was the last time you saw a 250GP bike being backed into a corner?
Moto2 racing provides a tremendous spectacle.
It just looks like they're trying too hard.

I loved the rapid fluidity of 250GP. Moto2 just looks like fat motards with fairings.

Aprilia is also a recognisable name. Zapwhipcocktini with a sealed Honda engine is not really that inspiring in terms of following a brand.

[pritch]

Toward the end the 250 competition was rigged - for want of a better word. The field might have almost all been on Aprilia but they were not all equal, one or two chosen riders tended to have better machinery.

[Oscar]

Toward the end the 250 competition was rigged - for want of a better word. The field might have almost all been on Aprilia but they were not all equal, one or two chosen riders tended to have better machinery.

Are you being rude about Max...?






But he's such a nice guy:killingme

[jasonu]

It just looks like they're trying too hard.

I loved the rapid fluidity of 250GP. Moto2 just looks like fat motards with fairings.

Aprilia is also a recognisable name. Zapwhipcocktini with a sealed Honda engine is not really that inspiring in terms of following a brand.

Moto2 looks like a proddy bike race. 250GP looked like a race bike race.

[roogazza]

Toward the end the 250 competition was rigged - for want of a better word. The field might have almost all been on Aprilia but they were not all equal, one or two chosen riders tended to have better machinery.

Aoyama fought so hard on a Honda in 250 (the last one,was it,that was run) ???
Though he hasn't clicked since,if my memory is correct?

[pritch]

Are you being rude about Max...?



No Max was gone from 250s years before their demise. If Aprilia were stacking the deck back then though, being an Italian wouldn't have hurt his cause.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The last time I saw a 250 GP race the field was all Aprilia except for two Hondas (which were getting thrashed).
Also when was the last time you saw a 250GP bike being backed into a corner?
Moto2 racing provides a tremendous spectacle.

Your memory is failing you. The very last ever 250 GP title was won by a Honda rider. And your mate is making you his puppet. Sorry, but I still prefer seeing 250cc gp bikes ridden to within a millimetre of their life than some CBR600 powered diesel getting sideways. 250 GP racing was often THE highlight of the weekend for me. Doubt I'll ever say the same about the 600 proddie class. Sorry...Moto 2.

[george formby]

TBH, when moto 3 is on I don't think about how comfortable my seat is. But yeah, 250 2t's. Nuff said.

[Oscar]

Your memory is failing you. The very last ever 250 GP title was won by a Honda rider. And your mate is making you his puppet. Sorry, but I still prefer seeing 250cc gp bikes ridden to within a millimetre of their life than some CBR600 powered diesel getting sideways. 250 GP racing was often THE highlight of the weekend for me. Doubt I'll ever say the same about the 600 proddie class. Sorry...Moto 2.

Mike’s puppet?
Hardly. He thinks I’m an opinionated git.
When the Moto2 thing was on the table, he told what the options were and I told him that the Honda option looked boring. I much preferred the injected two smoke or Aprilia RVX engine proposals. However, given the criteria for the class – team & sponsor interest, cost, feeder class, cost, close racing and cost, the option where HRC fronted up and GAVE the engines to the teams was the logical one. And I’m happy to admit I’m wrong – the grid is full, the racing is close and it’s a great spectacle.

What you guys are after is effectively MotoGP lite – factory prototypes in the support class. Put that in context – when the formula’s were changed, Dorna was faced with reducing factory support in MotoGP, so the idea of an expensive feeder class was ludicrous.

[steveyb]

I think that much of the dissatisfaction among viewers with Moto2 and the nostalgia for 250GP (y'all need to know that I have owned four 250GP bikes, was #3 NZ and currently race one, well when I get the time, money and motivation I do) is from followers who actually have seen 250GP.
I am talking more about the current newer generations of followers who have no knowledge of it. Regardless of the merits of either, Moto2 is the aspiration now for these young riders/racers/followers, and that is just the fact.
Frankly, any one of the current Moto2 riders (well the top 12 or so anyway) would wring the neck off a 250GP bike (and remember that many of them have, being ex-250 racers, Luthi, Simon, Wilarot, Corsi etc etc).
I personally favoured Harold Bartols suggestion (if I remember rightly, which is probably not) of a 250cc twin for the entry class and 500cc twin for the second class). But actually that might not have been as spectacular or offered riders the right preparation for MotoGP.
As for backing in, riders in Moto3 are doing now too, along with the leg dangle and also the new leg throw.

[McWild]

Full grids, cheaper, etc, yes. It feels less like prototype racing though, which is what GP was always meant to be.

Moto3 is a spectacle you don't find anywhere else. Single cylinder 250s going 220kph, under recognisable brand names.

MotoGP, need I say it, you don't get that sound or that power or the looks anywhere else.

Moto2 feels out of place, stock engines in almost uniform chassis, racing under teams that draw little emotion. I think it's a great idea for a class. I think it's not a great idea for a class that sits between the above two classes in the GP heirarchy. For what it's worth, I do think the bikes are cool, and the riders talented.


As for lap times between SBK/WSS/Moto2, that probably says as much about the tyres as it does the bikes. Would love to see a weekend of combined Moto2/WSS testing with control tyres, until that happens we'll never really know how the latest stock sportsbike chassis stack up against the almighty Kalex.

[roogazza]

Each and every GP I attend,I spend a lot of time the first two days,in the pits.
All of them MGP,M2,M3,are like a lolly shop for this old boy ! :drool:

[george formby]

Full grids, cheaper, etc, yes. It feels less like prototype racing though, which is what GP was always meant to be.

Moto3 is a spectacle you don't find anywhere else. Single cylinder 250s going 220kph, under recognisable brand names.

MotoGP, need I say it, you don't get that sound or that power or the looks anywhere else.

Moto2 feels out of place, stock engines in almost uniform chassis, racing under teams that draw little emotion. I think it's a great idea for a class. I think it's not a great idea for a class that sits between the above two classes in the GP heirarchy. For what it's worth, I do think the bikes are cool, and the riders talented.


As for lap times between SBK/WSS/Moto2, that probably says as much about the tyres as it does the bikes. Would love to see a weekend of combined Moto2/WSS testing with control tyres, until that happens we'll never really know how the latest stock sportsbike chassis stack up against the almighty Kalex.

That's how I feel. It's great racing but not keeping pace with the other classes. Twins or triples. Whichever will bring the most manufacturers to the grid.

[husaberg]

Full grids, cheaper, etc, yes. It feels less like prototype racing though, which is what GP was always meant to be.

Moto3 is a spectacle you don't find anywhere else. Single cylinder 250s going 220kph, under recognisable brand names.

MotoGP, need I say it, you don't get that sound or that power or the looks anywhere else.

Moto2 feels out of place, stock engines in almost uniform chassis, racing under teams that draw little emotion. I think it's a great idea for a class. I think it's not a great idea for a class that sits between the above two classes in the GP heirarchy. For what it's worth, I do think the bikes are cool, and the riders talented.


As for lap times between SBK/WSS/Moto2, that probably says as much about the tyres as it does the bikes. Would love to see a weekend of combined Moto2/WSS testing with control tyres, until that happens we'll never really know how the latest stock sportsbike chassis stack up against the almighty Kalex.

Moto 2 if it were 750 twins that would be better on sound alone.
It would also allow a bit of a differential in chassis and engine configuration.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Mike’s puppet?
Hardly. He thinks I’m an opinionated git.
.

You are! And so am I! But we're allowed to be. Because we said so.

[BMWST?]

Moto 2 if it were 750 twins that would be better on sound alone.
It would also allow a bit of a differential in chassis and engine configuration.
but who would virtually give them away?Honda did cos they think everyone thinks they are shit hot for doing so...

[husaberg]

but who would virtually give them away?Honda did cos they think everyone thinks they are shit hot for doing so...

Wasn't the idea of aprilas thown in for a start.
I just think a twins class would be a different sound.
It would make it more interesting for me,I fast forward the moto 2's. I actually turn off the sound on the Moto'3. Then pretend they are slow 2 stroke 125's

[pritch]

Moto 2 if it were 750 twins that would be better on sound alone.
It would also allow a bit of a differential in chassis and engine configuration.

The 750s might sound OK but everybody would have gone home before the race finished, or at least they'd need to fit lights to the MotoGP bikes because they'd be racing in the dark the 750s would be that bloody slow. Anyway I would have thought there was a bit of a shortage of suitable twin cylinder 750 engines available. Availability was probably the main reason they went for the 600s - all of the big four Jap manufacturers have one.

The Honda engines aren't considered powerful enough by the teams but Honda don't want them blowing up so they won't increase the power.

Chassis design is pretty much unrestricted now but the teams are ultra conservative. Basically they all want the same frame that last years champion had.

Moto2 is what it is and there is some good racing so I can live with it.

[husaberg]

The 750s might sound OK but everybody would have gone home before the race finished, or at least they'd need to fit lights to the MotoGP bikes because they'd be racing in the dark the 750s would be that bloody slow. Anyway I would have thought there was a bit of a shortage of suitable twin cylinder 750 engines available. Availability was probably the main reason they went for the 600s - all of the big four Jap manufacturers have one.

The Honda engines aren't considered powerful enough by the teams but Honda don't want them blowing up so they won't increase the power.

Chassis design is pretty much unrestricted now but the teams are ultra conservative. Basically they all want the same frame that last years champion had.

Moto2 is what it is and there is some good racing so I can live with it.

Yes But I fail to see how a 750 twin would be slower than a 250 single.
I say bugger to a fixed engine formula Moto GP is meant to be the pinnacle std Style engines is Superbikes.
Don't get me though wrong I like superbikes.
I also understand the need for the STD style Moto 3.
The moto 2 chassis is pretty restricted as it has to fit around the one engine.

[mr bucketracer]

Wasn't the idea of aprilas thown in for a start.
I just think a twins class would be a different sound.
It would make it more interesting for me,I fast forward the moto 2's. I actually turn off the sound on the Moto'3. Then pretend they are slow 2 stroke 125'si may have to post a picture of you with that coment (-; , any amount of cylinders is what i want for moto 3

[pritch]

Moto 2 if it were 750 twins that would be better on sound alone.



But I fail to see how a 750 twin would be slower than a 250 single.

I thought we were talking about Moto2?

[roogazza]

You guys would have loved the V4 250 yams and 250 /6 Hondas !

But thats history and never coming back.

I'd also like Production Racing to return to NZ too, but Ahh !

[husaberg]

I thought we were talking about Moto2?

But you said people would leave and go home before the race was finished I just pointed out the fact that they would still be faster the moto3


i may have to post a picture of you with that coment (-; , any amount of cylinders is what i want for moto 3
bloody paparazzi. You must never do that Scott, I am much happier that these plebs low class mortals live out their lives thinking I know nothing about GP's.


You guys would have loved the V4 250 yams and 250 /6 Hondas !
But thats history and never coming back.
I'd also like Production Racing to return to NZ too, but Ahh !
yip
I miss the 500 V4 as well.

[samgab]

Hey, if anyone else was like me and holding off getting a season multiscreen pass to the online motogp.com because of the cost, FYI, because it's now halfway through the season, they've dropped the price of season passes to 50%. I'm now seriously considering buying the multiscreen videopass for the rest of the season, especially with the way this season is shaping up!
http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=828d05dc5f4c88573aeb98365&id=2a363bd577&e=[UNIQID]
https://secure.motogp.com/en/subscribe?utm_source=motogp.com&utm_medium=link&utm_content=menu_right&utm_campaign=DefaultCampaign

[Rcktfsh]

Very cool onboard footage of Mike Hailwood on the MV at Spa in 1964.


https://grrc.goodwood.com/goodwood-revival/video-ride-along-with-mike-the-bike-hailwood-at-spa#R5wXbeC3bxO6COGZ.97

[merv]

Very cool onboard footage of Mike Hailwood on the MV at Spa in 1964.


https://grrc.goodwood.com/goodwood-revival/video-ride-along-with-mike-the-bike-hailwood-at-spa#R5wXbeC3bxO6COGZ.97

Lol, he only won by over 4 minutes and people grizzle now adays when the racing isn't close when someone races ahead by up to 5 seconds.

[husaberg]

Lol, he only won by over 4 minutes and people grizzle now adays when the racing isn't close when someone races ahead by up to 5 seconds.

Odd because Mike was pretty renowned for putting on a show, and a good party afterwards.

[mr bucketracer]

You guys would have loved the V4 250 yams and 250 /6 Hondas !

But thats history and never coming back.

I'd also like Production Racing to return to NZ too, but Ahh !no no no , i'm making it come back to bucket (-; one day

[Warr]

...... they've dropped the price of season passes to 50%. I'm now seriously considering buying the multiscreen videopass for the rest of the season, especially with the way this season is shaping up!
...
Just making my purchase of the VideoPass (Not Multiscreen) option $NZ85
I see there is a little hook there I will need to remember later (Full access until November 09, 2015 (automatic renewal))
Whats with the Automaic renewal :(

[ellipsis]

Moto2 feels out of place, stock engines in almost uniform chassis, racing under teams that draw little emotion.





...^^^^^^^^^^^^...

[Drew]

Moto2 is the exact opposite of grand prix racing.

All three classes are too ham strung I think, but moto2 is a joke.

[Mental Trousers]

Whats with the Automaic renewal :(

Check often and make sure the auto renew is unticked. Otherwise you could be up for lots of dollars you didn't want to spend.

[pritch]

The 8 hour is important to the factories so these three should be in with the in crowd at Yamaha tonight.

[Mental Trousers]

Apparently Stefan Bradl has left Forward Racing :blink:

[BMWST?]

from moto gp .com re forward racing to miss indy

Both the Moto2™ and MotoGP™ teams to miss the Indianapolis round as Forward Racing refocuses.
In the aftermath of the arrest and the charges against Giovanni Cuzari, director and owner of Forward Racing, the team has focused on limiting the possible consequences of this situation, in order to continue its sport activity and to end the current season, following also the desire of Giovanni.
Unfortunately, the reaction of the sponsors, the main source of income of an independent team, was immediate and resolute. Inevitably some of them canceled the existing contracts and interrupted payments, creating further financial troubles that could jeopardize completely the surviving of the team.
Recent days have therefore focused on rebuilding sponsor relationships, Forward Racing able to reach a consensus to regain some vital economic aid to cover the costs of the upcoming races. New processes of collection and payment were activated, the economic admin was rebuilt and new operational modalities were agreed with the Public Prosecutor of Lugano (Procura di Lugano).
The primary aim to start again and to protect the interests of our riders, engineers, contractors and supplies led to an agreement with IRTA, the International Racing Teams Association, not to deploy race at the start of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix on August 9th, in order to gather all the resources and to better organize the upcoming rounds.
This painful decision was necessary in order to try to ensure participation in the World Championship until the end of the season. The work of the team will continue with the aim to get back on track at Brno for the bwin Grand Prix České republiky scheduled for August 16th.
Marco Curioni – Managing director: “It was a very difficult week for the Forward Racing. Only in the last hours we have glimpsed the real possibility of overcome this situation. I hope to have Giovanni - who until proven to the contrary he is correct to assume innocent - soon with us and available to find a solution. In this dark moment, several "partners" and "friends" have understandably distanced himself from the team and then for this reason I want to thank those who are helping us: Dorna and IRTA gave us full support from the beginning, all members of the team that they gave their unconditional support and those sponsors and the new companies - that despite the objective concerns - gave us confidence and are interpreting the meaning of sponsorship in the original reason: financial aid to allow the athlete to realize his talent".

[Mental Trousers]

A bit more


Forward Racing boss Giovanni Cuzari has been arrested on suspicion of bribery, fraud and money laundering through sponsorship activities in Switzerland.

The accusations throw the future of Forward Racing into serious jeopardy. The team is one of the largest in the MotoGP paddock, running Stefan Bradl and Loris Baz in MotoGP on Yamaha YZR-M1 machines, and Simone Corsi and Lorenzo Baldasari in Moto2 on Kalex-framed machines.

Cuzari is accused of bribing a local tax inspector, Libero Galli, to ensure favors were handed out to Cuzari’s company, Media Action Group. Galli has been charged with abuse of authority, passive corruption and improper application of fiscal regulations.

As it stands, both Cuzari and Galli’s assets and bank accounts have been frozen while they remain under arrest. Cuzari is due to face a local magistrate’s court to determine if he will remain under arrest or released as the investigation into links between himself and Galli continues.

As Cuzari’s and therefore Forward Racing’s access to funds have been frozen, it remains to be seen whether they will be competing at the next round of the MotoGP World Championship at Indianapolis on August 7-9.

[pritch]

On Twitter Bradl has been linked with Aprilia. Not likely to ride immediately but to start at the next test.

Update. Things are apparently moving quite quickly, an announcement is expected soon and Bradl could yet be on an Aprilia at Indy.

[pritch]

That seems to be settled then...

[Autech]

So predictions for this weekend...

I'm thinking that the Honda's will be battling for first depending on Dani's fitness/mindset of course. The Ducati's should do well with their power VS the Yams so perhaps we might see them dicing with the Yamaha lads. Crazy Joe for 3rd maybe?

Just did a check on the odds as they stand (I don't bet so this may be wrong) but Dani Pedrosa is paying $10 for the race win. Might be worth a wager for some of the betting types on here, he holds all the current lap records there and has won there twice in Motogp I think. That and I'm his number 1 fan of course.

Been away in Canada for a month n only just watched the German GP. Marquez is looking very good, wonder how the points would stack up if he won all the upcoming races with Pedrosa Lorenzo and Rossi taking points out of each other? I should email Nick Harris and ask him to work it out.

Edit: Ignore the lap records part, was looking at dudd google info, tis Marquez with the records.

[James Deuce]

Sachsenring and Indy are regarded as "Honda" tracks. I'd put money on Pedrosa to come 2nd. 1st happens, but seldom when expected.

[McWild]

I think Lorenzo's going to crush the second half of the season a la 2013, and piss off a whole lot of 7th Day Rossi-ventists. As if he thought he wasn't already unpopular enough.

Wouldn't surprise me at all to see him run away with this one, Indy's never been a place for last lap battles (to my memory anyway).

Edit: And Marquez will probably crash.

[James Deuce]

Edit: And Marquez will probably crash.

Highly unlikely and highly unlikely that he won't win.

[McWild]

Highly unlikely and highly unlikely that he won't win.

I'll bet you 5 internet reputation points he stacks it.

[pritch]

Since Marquez changed back to the 2014 frame he can at least feel what the front end is doing and has so far managed not to bin it.

If MM does win at Indy it could make the second half of the season even more interesting, although Lorenzo and Rossi would both have to DNF on a number of occasions for Marquez to get close in the championship. If the Honda riders or a Ducati finish in front of the Yamahas it reduces the points available to Lorenzo and Rossi making it more difficult for JL to catch up or 46 to increase his lead.

There could still be lots to play for when they get to Phillip Island.

Let's know what Nick Harris decides in case I've been listening to the ambient sound?

[george formby]

Some long time motogp scribes are so confuzzled they reckon it might go to the last race. Rossi said that at Goodwood, too. I hope so, that would mean the rest of the season will be as spicy as the first half.
MM looks competitive again, Pedro is fit, Lorenzo seems to need an early advantage, Rossi has his conjurors hat on and Ducati, even Suzuki, are knocking at the door.
I'm so so on this race, miss Laguna Seca, but once the circus gets back to Europe I'm hoping for more fireworks.
Dunno about the win for Pedro but I would like to know what he is paying for a podium.

[pritch]

Crutchlow and Smith on the second row of the grid? I seem to recall posts saying that they didn't deserve their rides.

And this is page 93; is that an omen? :sherlock:

[Shaun Harris]

40% chance of Rain. I have Rossi if wet

[Crasherfromwayback]

Crutchlow and Smith on the second row of the grid? I seem to recall posts saying that they didn't deserve their rides.

:

I seem to recall seeing them on the 2nd row before.

[Shaun Harris]

I seem to recall seeing them on the 2nd row before.


I think Smith will sign for Suzuki

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think Smith will sign for Suzuki

I think Suzuki should look elsewhere...

[pritch]

Hey Pete, you have been missed. Haven't Boyle's even got a website?

There was a news item that says Pol Espagero has signed with Tech3. If that's actually correct, that's new because he was signed to Yamaha.

Smith has said he is disappointed that his contract talks are at an early stage and that he is apparently still regarded as number two rider in the team. When journos asked subsequently he commented that he has probably said enough and will not be commenting further.

Silly season may be brief this year because it doesn't seem there will be much movement at the top. Honda have reportedly given Miller a warning and told him there needs to be an attitude change. There was an interview with him this past week, part two is supposed to be this week. If I see it I'll post it here.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey Pete, you have been missed. Haven't Boyle's even got a website?

.

Yeah been pretty busy there mate! And no, they don't have a website. I see me old boyfriend got pretty banged up at Suzuka. Looked to be going well before that though. Doubt that'll make him want to come back to the scene though. Bring on the 2nd part of the season I say!

[george formby]

Bring on the 2nd part of the season I say!

Yup. And a bit of rain at Indie might make it a lot more interesting. Pedro looked awfully tense posing with the Nascar on a damp track. Maybe it was just the car hitting the rev limiter to give him a hurry up.

[roogazza]

I read and it was mentioned in the Qualifying that I taped. CC has been talking with Pramac re a '16' Ducati ride??
It was said, he was covering his arse just in case his Honda ride is taken away ????
(but he doesn't regret leaving Ducati ? No way !!) :laugh::msn-wink:

ps Pray for rain it might help Vale this round ??? Go Rossi !

[mulletman]

That was probably the most exciting meet ive watched so far :headbang:

[denill]

I think Suzuki should look elsewhere...

Being a bit harsh? 5th overall. ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Being a bit harsh? 5th overall. ;)

If you aim for mediocrity, that's what you'll always get.

[speights_bud]

Interesting how I've heard a few little comments from various riders about defective tires. Either they are starting to use it as an excuse, or perhaps with the end of the Bridgestone era they just don't give a shit anymore.

[denill]

If you aim for mediocrity, that's what you'll always get.

IMHO 1st non factory is not mediocre. He is not high on my list, but credit where credit is due :yes:

[roogazza]

Being a bit harsh? 5th overall. ;)

6th for him ??? Behind Iannone.

[Crasherfromwayback]

IMHO 1st non factory is not mediocre. He is not high on my list, but credit where credit is due :yes:

Well the thing is prob good enough to be put on pole and poss win on...so hey, if 6th is where you'd want to be as a team owner...great.

[Ntoxcated]

Did anybody else notice Eugene Laverty's grid picture before the warm up lap had been switched with Casey Stoner's?

314614

[denill]

6th for him ??? Behind Iannone.

Should've said, 5th in series and as that's 1st non factory, not toooooo shabby.

[carbonhed]

Well the thing is prob good enough to be put on pole and poss win on...so hey, if 6th is where you'd want to be as a team owner...great.

Riiiight... remind me again when that happened last? Did Crutchlow put it on pole? Spies? Nobody has won on it have they?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Riiiight... remind me again when that happened last? Did Crutchlow put it on pole? Spies? Nobody has won on it have they?

Well how good is your memory? And what's the diff between this bike, and a sat Honda that used to have to use over the counter tyres vs the trick tyres the *factory* teams had? Has the Tech 3 bike been on the front row in qual before? Pole even? Been on the podium? Read up and give your memory a jolt mate.

Best sat bike on the grid bar fucking none I'd say. Has been for years.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/108350

Marco Melandi, Casey Stoner and Toni Elias did pretty well on the Honda sat bike in the days of tyre disparity. The Yamaha sat bike's stats are far better.

Riiiight...

[mr bucketracer]

Did anybody else notice Eugene Laverty's grid picture before the warm up lap had been switched with Casey Stoner's?

314614yip , whats with that?

[carbonhed]

Well how good is your memory? And what's the diff between this bike, and a sat Honda that used to have to use over the counter tyres vs the trick tyres the *factory* teams had? Has the Tech 3 bike been on the front row in qual before? Pole even? Been on the podium? Read up and give your memory a jolt mate.

Best sat bike on the grid bar fucking none I'd say. Has been for years.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/108350

Marco Melandi, Casey Stoner and Toni Elias did pretty well on the Honda sat bike in the days of tyre disparity. The Yamaha sat bike's stats are far better.

Riiiight...

My memory is shit. The end.

So Marquez had a broken finger and toe and Lorenzo had a broken collarbone and Crutchlow put it on pole. Crutchlow is pretty quick over one lap for sure.

I guess tyre disparity is just another possible random element that's been eliminated.

I would say a Marquez, Lorenzo or Stoner could put a Tech 3 on pole and challenge for the win. Marquez and Stoner could probably put just about anything there.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I would say a Marquez, Lorenzo or Stoner could put a Tech 3 on pole and challenge for the win. Marquez and Stoner could probably put just about anything there.

So my point being...would you not be looking for the next guy that could do this as a team owner? I would. People (you included obviously) take my comments re Crutchlow and Smith as me knocking their ability. Fuck me...they're riding Moto GP bikes! Of course they're fucking good. But is it not the point...to hire riders that'll win you the title?

That's what Stoner's Honda Sat team banked on (and Ducati after that) and ...Melandri's. Going back further if this is a battle of memories. How About Christian Sarron? Randy Mamola? NZ's own Simon Crafar? Garry McCoy? Shall I stop now?

I know you guys think I'm overly hard on these cunts...but seriously? This is Moto GP. If you can't cut it...move along. Let the next weapon have a go. Oh...and Spies...

010[edit]
Spies started the season with fifth place at Losail, his best ever on a MotoGP bike, before retiring in the next two races with a mechanical problem at Jerez and a crash at Le Mans.[12] Spies took his first MotoGP podium at Silverstone in Great Britain, taking a third-place finish. Spies took second place from pole at home at Indianapolis. He finished the 2010 MotoGP season in sixth place, securing Rookie of the Year honours.

[pritch]

IMHO 1st non factory is not mediocre. He is not high on my list, but credit where credit is due :yes:

Yeah, hard to expect more given his equipment, there has been nothing mediocre about his efforts this year. Still Tech 3 have signed Esp before Smith, odd really.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah, hard to expect more given his equipment, there has been nothing mediocre about his efforts this year. .

Seriously? Come on mate...

[eelracing]

Seriously? Come on mate...

When it comes to satelite teams dorna support money holds sway over rider movement tenfold.
Nationality is important for the show,they need brits to combat the fan base of Superbikes.
Can also explain Millers 3 year Gp deal with Honda in some respects...in time the gamble may pay off.

Any team owner worth his salt can see 'Vinales Bitch' tattood all over Marquez in the future.

[Mental Trousers]

I think Smith will sign for Suzuki

I think Suzuki should look elsewhere...


When it comes to satelite teams dorna support money holds sway over rider movement tenfold.
Nationality is important for the show,they need brits to combat the fan base of Superbikes.

Exactly. Dorna are well aware that attendances are up when there's a rider from the nation that's hosting a race. They need to keep a couple of Brits involved to keep the British public involved and keep the money flowing.

The biggest problem they have at the moment is the total lack of any Americans coming through. The previous promoter for AMA should be shot for pretty much destroying that series. But it's great to see MotoAmerica getting in there and returning the series to a world class competition.

[Autech]

Any team owner worth his salt can see 'Vinales Bitch' tattood all over Marquez in the future.

Haha, so true! That and Aleix Espagaro if the Suzuki gets up there, those boys know how to race!

Fucking enjoyed that Motogp race! Top notch duel between MM and JL and DP and VR, think I forgot to breathe for most of it in anticipation. If Rossi doesn't start qualifying better he is not going to win the champ, especially if Dani has the pace to beat him in every other race. So good to see the top 4 boys at it again.

And I take back all I have said bad about Moto2 recently, best Moto2 race I have watched in a long time, fantastic stuff.

[Erelyes]

Did anybody else notice Eugene Laverty's grid picture before the warm up lap had been switched with Casey Stoner's?

Yep. I skipped all pre-race fluff and jumped straight into watching it. Was laying an egg for a sec there when I spotted it, til I realised A) he wouldn't be that far down the grid, and B) the name/flag didn't match.

[pritch]

Seriously? Come on mate...

Seriously. Smith is fifth in the championship behind only Rossi, Lorenzo, Marquez and Iannone. That means there are six factory bikes behind him, OK four of those are Suzuki and Aprilia, but the other two are Dovizioso and Pedrosa. He is the highest placed satellite bike. At season's end the Championship result will just list the names in order, it won't mention arm pump or whatever.

Yamaha apparently considered Smith's team mate Espagero a potential Marquez beater based on their history in Moto2, but Smith is consistently beating Espagero.

I don't think Mamola, Crafar, McCoy etc are relevant - different era. The Stoner comparison is more appropriate and he was hardly a stellar performer on his satellite Honda as I recall, finishing eighth in 2006. So Smith is doing better than Stoner against arguably stronger opposition. For Smith to get on the podium some of the factory riders will have to have had misadventures and/or excursions which is likely what happened most times other satellite riders have placed that high.

There is an impression that some people let Smiths baby face and funny accent colour their opinion of his ablilities. I don't know if he's a potential world champion but Smith is doing everything that could reasonably be expected of him at this stage. Here's hoping Yamaha realise that, even if some of us may not.

Peace.:drinkup:

[roogazza]

Exactly. Dorna are well aware that attendances are up when there's a rider from the nation that's hosting a race. They need to keep a couple of Brits involved to keep the British public involved and keep the money flowing.

The biggest problem they have at the moment is the total lack of any Americans coming through. The previous promoter for AMA should be shot for pretty much destroying that series. But it's great to see MotoAmerica getting in there and returning the series to a world class competition.
I've never been a fan of Indy as a Motogp venue.
60,000 attendance is not what Dorna want to see and I'm not surprised this is maybe the last ????/ is it ?
My brotherinlaw goes to see the Nascar (he's a Hillybilly). He said they get 200,000 in the stands for that.

[Mental Trousers]

I've never been a fan of Indy as a Motogp venue.

It's not the greatest that's for sure, but it's way better than it was. Indianapolis is a motor racing city and they're an unusually well informed audience so it's a great place to take the MotoGP show, even if the track isn't the greatest.


60,000 attendance is not what Dorna want to see and I'm not surprised this is maybe the last ????/ is it ?
My brotherinlaw goes to see the Nascar (he's a Hillybilly). He said they get 200,000 in the stands for that.

That's what they're up against in America, the lowest common denominator. There's only Nicky Hayden left in the series and he's well past it now (don't get me wrong I love the guy and he's one of my favourite racers ever but he's nowhere near the front anymore).

Americans aren't interested in something they aren't the best at, it's that simple.

[James Deuce]

I'll bet you 5 internet reputation points he stacks it.

May I have my points please? ;)

[McWild]

May I have my points please? ;)

I'll just get started on my words...

http://cdn3-i.hitc-s.com/129/empty_plate_with_fork_and_knife_jonathan_ruchti_32 185.jpg

[pritch]

Both are available here: http://www.bikeme.tv/

[george formby]

I've never been a fan of Indy as a Motogp venue.
60,000 attendance is not what Dorna want to see and I'm not surprised this is maybe the last ????/ is it ?
My brotherinlaw goes to see the Nascar (he's a Hillybilly). He said they get 200,000 in the stands for that.

Pretty sure I heard mentioned in the commentary that the stands on the banking do not have a view of the bike circuit.
Still, looked pretty empty compared to a Euro round.

[steveyb]

I can't see Suzuki being very happy with the TV producers this past weekend.
I didn't watch all of the sessions, only most (LOL) but I only recall seeing Mav a couple of times and Aleix almost none at all.

[Mental Trousers]

Pretty sure I heard mentioned in the commentary that the stands on the banking do not have a view of the bike circuit.
Still, looked pretty empty compared to a Euro round.

The place is enormous. There's seating for 250,000+ and it can go out to 400,000 if needed. I'm not surprised it looked empty with 67,000.

[James Deuce]

I'm not surprised it looked empty with 67,000.
Which is 66,700 more than you'll see at any bike meeting in NZ except Paeroa and Whanganui. Pretty darn good attendance for the second US race if you ask me.

[Mental Trousers]

I can't see Suzuki being very happy with the TV producers this past weekend.
I didn't watch all of the sessions, only most (LOL) but I only recall seeing Mav a couple of times and Aleix almost none at all.

We caught a brief glimpse of Vinales during qualifying and I pointed out the paint job to the wife, then I don't remember seeing it on screen again. I guess the tv producers like the gay blue instead of the retro commemorative paintjob.

[GD66]

The Stoner comparison is more appropriate and he was hardly a stellar performer on his satellite Honda as I recall, finishing eighth in 2006. So Smith is doing better than Stoner against arguably stronger opposition.





Don't wish to derail a civilised discussion, but Stoner in his first MotoGP season had a close second place which could have been a win, and three fourth place finishes on a satellite bike with B grade-spec tyres, and his frequent crashes were largely a result of him refusing to accept that he couldn't be on the pace despite the limitations of his equipment. Hardly stellar doesn't cover it, really :whistle:

[James Deuce]

Yes, but, we are arguing about a guy who has largely spanked his team mate all year but hasn't been re-signed. It's a bit mystifying, but stranger things have happened.

I, personally, struggle with the level of support Pedrosa gets from Honda.

[GD66]

After his results to mid-season and the 8 Hour win, you would have thought Smith had done enough. The ensuing radio silence from the factory, and the news of Pol's signing, are normally not good signs. But Poncharal is no drama queen, and he has backed Smith before when others have bagged him, so we shall see. I found it surprising to see Smith running in fourth in Texas, and he has put in a good season so far. Worth another go.

[merv]

Don't wish to derail a civilised discussion, but Stoner in his first MotoGP season had a close second place which could have been a win, and three fourth place finishes on a satellite bike with B grade-spec tyres, and his frequent crashes were largely a result of him refusing to accept that he couldn't be on the pace despite the limitations of his equipment. Hardly stellar doesn't cover it, really :whistle:

... and one year later Stoner became the 2007 champion. How many years has Smith been trying now? That's right he is in his third year of MotoGP already.

[merv]

I, personally, struggle with the level of support Pedrosa gets from Honda.

Maybe his old man is a significant shareholder in Repsol.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Don't wish to derail a civilised discussion, but Stoner in his first MotoGP season had a close second place which could have been a win, and three fourth place finishes on a satellite bike with B grade-spec tyres, and his frequent crashes were largely a result of him refusing to accept that he couldn't be on the pace despite the limitations of his equipment. Hardly stellar doesn't cover it, really :whistle:

On pole first race possibly? (can't be fucked looking). Second (just piped on the last corner?) in his second race? Yep...pretty av...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Seriously.

Peace.:drinkup:

Lol. I'm beginning to think you have a ginga fetish mate!!!!!

[ellipsis]

...there is a country mile between the top four and wherever fifth picks up, usually at one third through the race...one was written off and one just came back from physical limbo...from fifth back is fucking good racing...can money and a top constructor put a rider up with the top four?... Dovi, the mental eyetie, one of the brits...when the top four are not the top four, it wont really matter...the others at the moment, can't get near them...

[pritch]

... and one year later Stoner became the 2007 champion.

On a factory bike, not a satellite bike. Invalid comparison.

There are only a few factory seats, even less that are competitive. The only good one that is currently even remotely likely to become available is Pedrosa's. While Marquez is winning Honda probably don't feel in much of a hurry to change. So the satellite riders get yet another year in the cheap seats but it's hardly their fault.

[Crasherfromwayback]

On a factory bike, not a satellite bike. Invalid comparison.

There are only a few factory seats, even less that are competitive. The only good one that is currently even remotely likely to become available is Pedrosa's. While Marquez is winning Honda probably don't feel in much of a hurry to change. So the satellite riders get yet another year in the cheap seats but it's hardly their fault.

What about Melandri and Elias? Anyway, I think Honda seem perfectly happy to have Dani riding around taking points of the Yamaha boys to help MM win the title.

Tell us more 'bout ya ginga fetish you old perv!!?? :wacko:

[merv]

Ginga, I thought he had no hair :crazy:

[Autech]

I, personally, struggle with the level of support Pedrosa gets from Honda.

I don't, the man has NEARLY won the Motogp Champ multiple times and 4 times in other classes (I think), only bad luck and injuries have stopped him really. He also beat Stoner a fair few times in the feeder classes so it's not like he hasn't earned his ride.

That said I think with MM on the other Honda his best chance was the first year when MM was fresh to Motogp, which turned into one hell of a duel between George, Dani and Marc. But just because his team mate is the golden boy does that mean they should shift him aside for an untested rider who may or may not be able to replicate his solid podium performances.

Good example was spies I guess, they threw him on a factory bike aaaannnddd....



There are only a few factory seats, even less that are competitive. The only good one that is currently even remotely likely to become available is Pedrosa's. While Marquez is winning Honda probably don't feel in much of a hurry to change. So the satellite riders get yet another year in the cheap seats but it's hardly their fault.

And when Marquez isn't winning or is off pace Dani has the ability to stay on the bike and run for the win keeping Repsol Honda all over the camera... Makes sense to me. Lets face it who would Honda put on the bike from the Honda steed? Miller, Crutchlow, Redding?
I highly doubt any of them could match Pedrosa even when he's not on form.

[pritch]

Lets face it who would Honda put on the bike from the Honda steed? Miller, Crutchlow, Redding?
I highly doubt any of them could match Pedrosa even when he's not on form.

Which is probably why we won't see a change - yet.

Bradders won't be heart broken 'cause some of us don't like him but I'm sure his job has its compensations.

[trev]

I don't, the man has NEARLY won the Motogp Champ multiple times .

Fuck me - the guy has been on arguably the best bike for 9 years now & he hasn't really looked liking winning the w.c. Nobody has consistently been in a better position than him over the last 9 years to win the championship. He looks like a likable guy but he has never looked like a champion.

[James Deuce]

Fuck me - the guy has been on arguably the best bike for 9 years now & he hasn't really looked liking winning the w.c. Nobody has consistently been in a better position than him over the last 9 years to win the championship. He looks like a likable guy but he has never looked like a champion.

Thank you, saved me the effort. He's like Randy Mamola without the sense of humour.

[Autech]

Fuck me - the guy has been on arguably the best bike for 9 years now & he hasn't really looked liking winning the w.c. Nobody has consistently been in a better position than him over the last 9 years to win the championship. He looks like a likable guy but he has never looked like a champion.

Hasn't really looked like winning? Wonder what championships you have been watching? Seems there is a short memory in motogp, I think Rossi summed it up once before (or someone) you are only as good as your last race. It hasn't always been the best bike either. But as I've stated before, I'm his #1 fan so blinded perhaps? Great to see him getting off the line finally in the last two races. In saying that I think his best chances at winning the championship may have been and gone :mellow:

Had a thought on Rossi and his qualifying whilst in a shower this morning (yes I'm that guy). I remember on a doco I watched that Rossi's heart rate during a race was well lower than someone else they monitored, I think he peaked at 120bpm from memory.
Now never being in a top racers shoes I will go out on a limb here and say that a qualifying lap takes some serious adrenaline to pull off. Getting out there and going the max for a full lap would really get the heart pumping, adrenaline surging etc. So I wonder if his cool calm racing style isn't suited to getting out there and hammering out a fast lap right off the bat when the tyres are new and hot?

[James Deuce]

Hasn't really looked like winning? Wonder what championships you have been watching? Seems there is a short memory in motogp, I think Rossi summed it up once before (or someone) you are only as good as your last race. It hasn't always been the best bike either. But as I've stated before, I'm his #1 fan so blinded perhaps? Great to see him getting off the line finally in the last two races. In saying that I think his best chances at winning the championship may have been and gone :mellow:


No, he's never looked like winning the premier class championship. He wins races but doesn't stitch seasons together.

Everything we say has to be taken with the following statement in mind:

Anybody riding a factory bike in the premier class is orders of magnitude more capable on a bike on a race track than I'll ever be.

Anybody riding in MotoGP and qualifying, no matter what bike, even if they bought the ride, would still make club racers on equivalent machinery look like they were standing still.

None of that changes the fact that Pedrosa hasn't been a championship contender since he left the junior formulae. He had the excuse of being a midget. Then Marquez turned up and put paid to that argument a little.

[roogazza]

Quote :And when Marquez isn't winning or is off pace Dani has the ability to stay on the bike and run for the win keeping Repsol Honda all over the camera... Makes sense to me. Lets face it who would Honda put on the bike from the Honda steed? Miller, Crutchlow, Redding?
I highly doubt any of them could match Pedrosa even when he's not on form.Quote.


Pedro is there cos the experts know his level. Miller,? Well maybe one day.
Lets face it, even in local NZ racing you get to know who the 'hotshoes' are.
The GP teams know who's there and who's coming up.
They'll be looking at Moto2, Rins,Zarco etc.

[pritch]

No, he's never looked like winning the premier class championship. He wins races but doesn't stitch seasons together.


Pedro has only normally been able to win a couple of races a year. Even when Honda designed the bike around him. The notable exception to that was the latter stages of the 2012 season when all Lorenzo had to do to win the title was follow Pedro around; so that was what he did.

Whilst under the tutelage of Puig, Pedrosa appeared to be a surly little twat. Out from under Puig he has seemed relaxed and at times funny. In that Jack Miller inteview I posted a link to yesterday Miller specifically, and repeatedly, mentions Pedrosa as being a really good bloke.

[Erelyes]

Hasn't really looked like winning? Wonder what championships you have been watching?

Let's look at the stats for his Motogp seasons.
2006 - fifth
2007 - second on 242 points (1 ahead of Rossi, 125 behind Stoner). Didn't miss a race.
2008 - third. Even if he had won the single race missed he'd have still been third.
2009 - third. Didn't miss a race.
2010 - second on 245 points (12 ahead of Rossi, 138 behind Lozenge). Missed three races. Even if he'd won all them he'd have been second.
2011 - fourth
2012 - second on 332 points (78 ahead of Stoner, 18 behind Lozenge). Close, although Dani didn't miss a race - Stoner missed three due to ankle surgery.
2013 - third. Both him and Lozenge missed one race (Germany), where MM won. Arguably his closest chance. That said - if he'd not been injured, Lozenge still missed Germany, Pedro beat MM, AND MM finished third (who would finish second?) he'd have tied the championship on points. A lot of ifs.
2014 - fourth

Let's face it, the excuses don't really wash
'blame it on the bike' - OK, maybe if the bike is terrible, even the best rider won't win. But often the best rider is the one who can work with the bike, surpassing its 'disadvantages' and turning them into strengths. Often a 'bad bike' is just one that the rider hasn't figured out. Can one really argue that the Honda was bad enough from '06 to '14 that Dani couldn't make it work?
'injuries' - as shown above, several times he's been injured, he would have lost it even if he got to go straight to Go and collect $200 on those races. Injuries are part of the game and anyone in the game for as long as he has been will expect them. Plenty of other champs have dealt with injuries.

The overall theme seems to be that there was always someone else there who was able to work the magic and come up with the goods. And even if Dani had had the fortune to win one (or two) of the above championships he'd have won them by a slim margin, the kind that can be argued about all day. Not the crushing, 100+ margin victories that Stoner, Rossi, Lorenzo, have enjoyed.

[Doppleganger]

Quote :And when Marquez isn't winning or is off pace Dani has the ability to stay on the bike and run for the win keeping Repsol Honda all over the camera... Makes sense to me. Lets face it who would Honda put on the bike from the Honda steed? Miller, Crutchlow, Redding?



Johnny Rea ;)

[James Deuce]

Johnny Rea ;)

Yeah, nah.

[pritch]

Johnny Rea ;)

Was listening to an interview with him and he says he is too old. Even so, never say never.

The interview may be accessed here: http://www.motopodcast.com/

[Shaun Harris]

Was listening to an interview with him and he says he is too old. Even so, never say never.


He is being realistic. He is To old for HRC and Motogp factory team unfortunately for him and us

[Autech]

Johnny Rea ;)

I would have to agree as a Rea fan, that mofo rides bikes well!

[pritch]

Apparently Danny Kent is in talks with Pramac about riding for them next year. His other obvious option would be Leopard Racing in Moto2.
The MotoGP ride must have a lot of appeal though.

[James Deuce]

Apparently Danny Kent is in talks with Pramac about riding for them next year. His other obvious option would be Leopard Racing in Moto2.
The MotoGP ride must have a lot of appeal though.
The more guys who step directly from Moto3 to MotoGP, the more pointless Moto2 looks though. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dorna slap a rules amendment demanding a season in Moto2 before stepping up to MotoGP, in the near future.

[Mental Trousers]

Guys going from Moto3 straight to MotoGP would probably encourage a shake up of Moto2. The Moto2 riders, teams, sponsors and Dorna think it's wonderful. At the moment it's really only a large section of the fans who aren't loving it.

It's a bit of a dead end class as it doesn't prepare the riders for MotoGP at all. Moving from Moto3 they have to adapt to a totally different type of riding, one which doesn't translate to MotoGP at all.

Moving the class to a 500cc twin could mean smaller, lighter bikes that are closer to the type of bikes in both Moto3 and MotoGP.

[pritch]

The more guys who step directly from Moto3 to MotoGP, the more pointless Moto2 looks though. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dorna slap a rules amendment demanding a season in Moto2 before stepping up to MotoGP, in the near future.

Danny Kent has already done time in Moto2, he went back to Moto3. A good move it would seem.
I saw a comment this morning that said promising riders can just get swallowed up in Moto2 because it is not as even as everybody thinks. There was no explanation.

[pritch]

I was reading Mat Oxley's latest article in Motorsport magazine, at the following link for those who haven't read it: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/when-no-one-knew-who-honda-was/

In the article he mentions Scot Bob McIntyre, a mechanic by trade. Back in the day Bob Mac was considered the greatest rider never to win a world title. When riding for Gilera he recorded the first ever 100mph lap of the Isle of Man in 1957. Most of his career though was spent on outclassed British machinery.

The general opinion at the time was that the AJS 7R engine had a slight edge over the 350 Manx Norton but that the 500 Manx was slightly better than the Matchless G50 engine. In those days it was common for riders to be jumping from one bike to another to compete in multiple races, so to minimise the differences between bikes McIntyre designed and built two bikes identical in all respects except the engines: a 350 AJS and a 500 Norton.

The frame details being concealed by the fairing, the main visual difference between his bikes and anybody else's was the oversized oil tanks he had fitted in an effort to enhance reliability.

In his article Oxley mentions that McIntyre died following a crash on a Honda. That's not how I remembered it, so I checked Wikipedia which states he died following a crash on a Norton. Neither my scrap book from the time, nor Bob Mac's book mention the make of bike. My memory isn't what it was – if it ever was – but I recall that he was riding a Royal Enfield 700 Constellation in a production race when the Enfield threw a rod.

I sent Oxley a message mentioning the confusion and he replied, “Yeah, sorry got it wrong”.
OK, so that rules out the Honda but still leaves two contenders and for now that's where it rests, although I may do some looking with a view to correcting the Wikipedia entry if it's wrong.

While thinking about this I was looking at McIntyre's book, particularly the final chapter where he considered the future. At the time of writing, 1962, he was concerned for the 500cc class. The 50cc class had just been introduced bringing the number of classes to six including sidecars. Mcintyre was concerned that while the British were selling 500s there was no development being done in the class and he worried that the 500s would be discontinued. He was hopeful though that if the 500s could hang on a few years policies may change and engine sizes increase again.

He mentions his “pipe dream” of starting a company to manufacture competitive racing machines for sale to the public. Four cylinder 250s and 350s, and an eight cylinder 500. He felt that with the Italians having already done the development work he could get these to the market for 600 pounds.

Sadly he died that same year so we never got to see if he could have turned his dream into reality.

[roogazza]

MotoGP, Crutchlow: Honda raises downward ...

Sunday, 09 August 2015 16:00 by Matteo Aglio - MotoGP
Cal Crutchlow - GPOne.comCal Crutchlow is playing at the moment the most important role of pawn on the chessboard of the market for MotoGP next year. With all the doors of the official teams barred (also at Tech3 already full) the way ahead for him are not many though. The UK currently has a contract with LCR for 2016, but the team has an option in his favor to renegotiate the agreement if it can not field two bikes next season .

And 'what seems to happen because the team does not yet know if CWM Cecchinello will be on its hulls until the end of the year (a decision will be made in the coming weeks, otherwise Brno will be the last GP in the colors of the British financial) and surely the streets of share in the future.

This is why the clause against Cal will be invoked and the UK is preparing the ground for negotiation. In recent months, he had offered unsuccessfully to Tech 3, then went to knock on the door of Ducati. A Ducati with Pramac have opened a window - an Englishwoman interested - but offend also a very low figure for the engagement.

A return of Crutchlow in red, after chasing the dream Honda for all of last season, is possible but Ducati not want to make false papers to get him back. For its part, also Lucio Cecchinello wants to keep Cal, but renegotiating the contract itself, of course downward.

" If next year I had to field only a motorcycle, I would do it at the top and entrusting it to a pilot experience. Crutchlow is definitely an option, because we have built a good relationship with him this year , "says the manager.

Negotiations have already begun and the will is not to get them too long. For its part Ducati is at the window, because no hurry to close, let alone going to raise a possible offer of Honda. The probability and then hang on the side of Japan at the time and the move to Cal seems more geared towards a rise than anything else.

The words of Cecchinello also cool the track that leads to Zarco, French is on everyone's lips but the interest in him seems to be pretty cool.

Miller remains that if LCR could not put on track the second bike, will be entrusted to the team Aspar . The Spanish team will have to decide the other pilot. Both Nicky Hayden Eugene Laverty did not shine this season on the Honda Open. Interest in the US is reduced to a minimum, the British could have a second chance, but its prices are certainly high.

We conclude the roundup with Scott Redding, who has disappointed on the RC213V rider Factory. For him it is likely still a renewal , the last chance to show his t

Translated , but you can get whats going on.

[James Deuce]

Danny Kent has already done time in Moto2, he went back to Moto3. A good move it would seem.


Indeed. I was aware of that too, but it makes two points.

The competitiveness of Moto2 sharpens your ability hunt for a championship rather than just a race.

The MotoGP teams are looking at Moto3 rather more closely than Moto2.

[Shaun Harris]

The MotoGP teams are looking at Moto3 rather more closely than Moto2.

What makes you say the above James?"

[BMWST?]

Let's look at the stats for his Motogp seasons.
2006 - fifth
2007 - second on 242 points (1 ahead of Rossi, 125 behind Stoner). Didn't miss a race.
2008 - third. Even if he had won the single race missed he'd have still been third.
2009 - third. Didn't miss a race.
2010 - second on 245 points (12 ahead of Rossi, 138 behind Lozenge). Missed three races. Even if he'd won all them he'd have been second.
2011 - fourth
2012 - second on 332 points (78 ahead of Stoner, 18 behind Lozenge). Close, although Dani didn't miss a race - Stoner missed three due to ankle surgery.
2013 - third. Both him and Lozenge missed one race (Germany), where MM won. Arguably his closest chance. That said - if he'd not been injured, Lozenge still missed Germany, Pedro beat MM, AND MM finished third (who would finish second?) he'd have tied the championship on points. A lot of ifs.
2014 - fourth
.

If this is suppose to be a reason NOT to sign Dani,you are doing it wrong.I agree that dani probably isnt going to win a championship,but heck as a number two rider he is perfect.Just say you have signed Marquez,or Lorenzo or Rossi.Who do you sign as your number two.Dani.You dont want a teammate who will beat you every other race if you want to win a championship,you want a guy who will amost always come third or fourth.Every now and then he beats the pants of everyone,including your number 1 rider,but for most of the year he is stealing points of your main mans rival

[Crasherfromwayback]

From the peanut that said Melandri would finish inside the top ten at least once?

Getting REAL thirsty!!!

[Autech]

He was arguing with me that Dani never came close to a title win, which imo was wrong, he was just injured too much, taken out at the wrong time or too slow at other times.
But as a "#2 rider" he's got it down pat.


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[BMWST?]

From the peanut that said Melandri would finish inside the top ten at least once?

Getting REAL thirsty!!!
I think i was a part of that,name yer poison.You at Boyles at the weekend?

[Shaun Harris]

He was arguing with me that Dani never came close to a title win, which imo was wrong, he was just injured too much, taken out at the wrong time or too slow at other times.
But as a "#2 rider" he's got it down pat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



So you have now clarified he was Correct! Dani never did, as he was injured as you have said, so he NEVER did come close

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think i was a part of that,name yer poison.You at Boyles at the weekend?

Lol. Nah. Think you and I didn't bet on that. But someone did...and they owe me beer! Don't make me all the way back through old posts to find you! Think it's old not so lucky lucky legs!

[Shaun Harris]

Lol. Nah. Think you and I didn't bet on that. But someone did...and they owe me beer! Don't make me all the way back through old posts to find you!



Hope it was not that was silly enough to make that bet

[Autech]

So you have now clarified he was Correct! Dani never did, as he was injured as you have said, so he NEVER did come close

Haha, fuck orf I've been drinking.

I also thought Melandri would do good too, guess I like my midgets...


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[Shaun Harris]

Haha, fuck orf I've been drinking.

I also thought Melandri would do good too, guess I like my midgets...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Diamonds and Poison come in small parcells dude

[denill]

If this is suppose to be a reason NOT to sign Dani,you are doing it wrong.I agree that dani probably isnt going to win a championship,but heck as a number two rider he is perfect.Just say you have signed Marquez,or Lorenzo or Rossi.Who do you sign as your number two.Dani.You dont want a teammate who will beat you every other race if you want to win a championship,you want a guy who will amost always come third or fourth.Every now and then he beats the pants of everyone,including your number 1 rider,but for most of the year he is stealing points of your main mans rival

And that is the argument for Dani as the ideal number 2.

No team manager wants to see his riders carving each other up. That is, taking points off each other. The ideal is, for the number 1 to win and the number two acting as the tail gunner and getting 2nd.

On that basis, Honda have a good team balance and Yamaha haven't.

[ellipsis]

On that basis, Honda have a good team balance and Yamaha haven't.

...constructors points say something different...

[denill]

...constructors points say something different...

You missed the point. 😏

[GD66]

I In the article he mentions Scot Bob McIntyre, a mechanic by trade. In his article Oxley mentions that McIntyre died following a crash on a Honda. That's not how I remembered it, so I checked Wikipedia which states he died following a crash on a Norton. Neither my scrap book from the time, nor Bob Mac's book mention the make of bike. My memory isn't what it was – if it ever was – but I recall that he was riding a Royal Enfield 700 Constellation in a production race when the Enfield threw a rod.

I sent Oxley a message mentioning the confusion and he replied, “Yeah, sorry got it wrong”.
OK, so that rules out the Honda but still leaves two contenders and for now that's where it rests, although I may do some looking with a view to correcting the Wikipedia entry if it's wrong.








An Enfield ! Haven't heard that one before. He did crash one but that was in a Thruxton endurance race. Normally believed to be aboard the Honda, but was on the 500 Manx at Oulton Park in the wet. This was the same day Derek Minter won the 250, 350 and 500 races and the associated British championships. Mac had crashed his Honda at Oulton in the dry earlier in the season, when again Minter had won the 250 race on the Honda.
http://blackcountrybiker.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/bob-mcintyre.html

[denill]

An Enfield ! Haven't heard that one before. He did crash one but that was in a Thruxton endurance race. Normally believed to be aboard the Honda, but was on the 500 Manx at Oulton Park in the wet. This was the same day Derek Minter won the 250, 350 and 500 races and the associated British championships. Mac had crashed his Honda at Oulton in the dry earlier in the season, when again Minter had won the 250 race on the Honda.
http://blackcountrybiker.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/bob-mcintyre.html

A good read, thanks.

I recall, rightly or wrongly, that Bob Mac was the first to lap the IoM at 100mph. The article is not very clear on that?

[Shaun Harris]

Ohlins forks are worth how much and why? Poor old Dani P - Dani Pedrosa has been left with 'quite intense pain' in his left foot after a big accident in Free Practice 2 for the Czech Republic MotoGP.

The Spaniard was launched from his Repsol Honda due to fluid leaking from the front fork, causing the big highside at Turn 13 on only his second lap of the afternoon.


Someone is in big doo doos- Fuk, K-Teck will be in and taking over Motogp also soon

[Luckylegs]

Lol. Nah. Think you and I didn't bet on that. But someone did...and they owe me beer! Don't make me all the way back through old posts to find you! Think it's old not so lucky lucky legs!

Hold yer horses - geez

Regards
Peanut

[Autech]

Ohlins forks are worth how much and why? Poor old Dani P - Dani Pedrosa has been left with 'quite intense pain' in his left foot after a big accident in Free Practice 2 for the Czech Republic MotoGP.

The Spaniard was launched from his Repsol Honda due to fluid leaking from the front fork, causing the big highside at Turn 13 on only his second lap of the afternoon.


Someone is in big doo doos- Fuk, K-Teck will be in and taking over Motogp also soon

Fucks sake! Such shitty luck!


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[pritch]

An Enfield ! Haven't heard that one before. He did crash one but that was in a Thruxton endurance race. ]

It is the Thruxton crash that I recall and I must have confused that with his fatal one.

As I mentioned neither the book nor "The Motorcycle" article I have, mention any details of the accident. The book was first published in 1962, the second edition of 1963 mentions his death on the inside of the cover.

[Shaun Harris]

Fucks sake! Such shitty luck!


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Yep, an it also took VR down, uninjured also luckily. Ohlins will be very very embarrased

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hold yer horses - geez

Regards
Peanut

Lol. Not like he has any chance now! Worst bet of the year award. :drool:

[GD66]

It is the Thruxton crash that I recall and I must have confused that with his fatal one. As I mentioned neither the book nor "The Motorcycle" article I have, mention any details of the accident.



Gets a mention in that article, he crashed in pissing rain at the right hander at Clay Hill which even today and on modern BSB machinery looks a marginal corner. Re the 100 mph lap at the Island, it was originally attributed to Duke in 1955, then the timekeepers announced his lap was only 99.97 mph. Mac did the first ton lap in winning the eight-lap 1957 Senior on the Gilera. Minter did the first 100 mph lap on a single in the 1960 Senior, followed by Hailwood. And Mac was attributed the first 100 mph lap by a 250, then had the timekeepers announce that it was just under, 99.58 from memory.
We'll get told off for derailing...:whistle:

[Autech]

Yep, an it also took VR down, uninjured also luckily. Ohlins will be very very embarrased

I wonder if Dani pissed off some witch doctor at some stage in his life. You gotta admit he's had some terrible shit happen costing him races and possible championships over the years which weren't entirely his fault. Tyre warmers failing, TC sensors being cut, riders taking him out, fork leaking...


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[schrodingers cat]

Yep, an it also took VR down, uninjured also luckily. Ohlins will be very very embarrased

Trolling with the brand reference don't you think?
Most likely cause 'finger trouble'

When you hear hooves think horses not zebras

[GD66]

I wonder if Dani pissed off some witch doctor at some stage in his life. You gotta admit he's had some terrible shit happen costing him races and possible championships over the years which weren't entirely his fault. Tyre warmers failing, TC sensors being cut, riders taking him out, fork leaking...



True, and frequently overlooked by those summarising his career at a glance. Especially when compared to the number of times Rossi has crashed and walked away, even rejoined races without so much as a broken lever or footrest. Dani seems to break or tweak something on body or bike every time he gets off, yet his record is still pretty good. And there have been plenty of times during his career when the setup is right and the planets align, and he just checks out at the front and buggers off into the distance with nobody able to go with him. He was at times stunning on a 125 and 250.
As far as him being surly or grumpy, that demeanour seems to have dissipated somewhat in recent years. He doesn't ever badmouth anybody, and I couldn't have less interest in what he does when the helmet's off. Always a chance of a win when things go his way. Factor in the conduit to the Repsol $$, and I'd say he has a ride until he packs it in.

[Luckylegs]

Lol. Not like he has any chance now! Worst bet of the year award. :drool:

Turns out!

[Autech]

True, and frequently overlooked by those summarising his career at a glance. Especially when compared to the number of times Rossi has crashed and walked away, even rejoined races without so much as a broken lever or footrest. Dani seems to break or tweak something on body or bike every time he gets off, yet his record is still pretty good. And there have been plenty of times during his career when the setup is right and the planets align, and he just checks out at the front and buggers off into the distance with nobody able to go with him. He was at times stunning on a 125 and 250.
As far as him being surly or grumpy, that demeanour seems to have dissipated somewhat in recent years. He doesn't ever badmouth anybody, and I couldn't have less interest in what he does when the helmet's off. Always a chance of a win when things go his way. Factor in the conduit to the Repsol $$, and I'd say he has a ride until he packs it in.

Hear hear. Finally someone backing me in this thread lol.

Was a fair chance this weekend considering his performance in Brno last year where he blew them into the weeds and stopped the golden boys winning streak. Lets hope the foot isn't too bad.


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[Crasherfromwayback]

Turns out!

Fucking great season but. Still love to see MM get to within striking distance to make the last couple of rounds all on.

[Erelyes]

If this is suppose to be a reason NOT to sign Dani,you are doing it wrong.I agree that dani probably isnt going to win a championship,but heck as a number two rider he is perfect.Just say you have signed Marquez,or Lorenzo or Rossi.Who do you sign as your number two.Dani.You dont want a teammate who will beat you every other race if you want to win a championship,you want a guy who will amost always come third or fourth.Every now and then he beats the pants of everyone,including your number 1 rider,but for most of the year he is stealing points of your main mans rival

Yeah not I am NOT arguing that Dani should be out of the Repsol team, nothing of the sort.

I am just arguing that he has had the opportunity to take a title over all the years mentioned yet didn't make himself enough luck. And I don't think you can just put it down to injuries, the wrong kit, or team favoritism.

[Shaun Harris]

I wonder if Dani pissed off some witch doctor at some stage in his life. You gotta admit he's had some terrible shit happen costing him races and possible championships over the years which weren't entirely his fault. Tyre warmers failing, TC sensors being cut, riders taking him out, fork leaking...


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Yep, he is one of the bad luck kings for sure

[Shaun Harris]

Trolling with the brand reference don't you think?
Most likely cause 'finger trouble'

When you hear hooves think horses not zebras




Fact is Fact dude.

[schrodingers cat]

Please elaborate.
I'm sure the world would love to know factual details of the mode of failure.

I'm particularly interested to know why only one rider was affected by this particular manufacturer clock up (allegedly)

[Shaun Harris]

Please elaborate.
I'm sure the world would love to know factual details of the mode of failure.

I'm particularly interested to know why only one rider was affected by this particular manufacturer clock up (allegedly)



There are PHOTO"S floating around the internet NOW, of Dani's bike, with the RHS fork seals blown out of the fork causing his and Rossi;s crash. It is also on www.crash.net man. The seals area as clear as mud to see not where they are supposed to be. Like I said, someone is in for a very dam serious reaming.

[Drew]

Fact is Fact dude.
Do tell, please elaborate with the facts.

Please elaborate.
I'm sure the world would love to know factual details of the mode of failure.

I'm particularly interested to know why only one rider was affected by this particular manufacturer clock up (allegedly)
I see I'm not the only one who wondered where these facts were.

There are PHOTO"S floating around the internet NOW, of Dani's bike, with the RHS fork seals blown out of the fork causing his and Rossi;s crash. It is also on www.crash.net man. The seals area as clear as mud to see not where they are supposed to be. Like I said, someone is in for a very dam serious reaming.
And you'd put that down to manufacturers, over one particular technician/mechanic?

Bit of a leap, but OK.

[bogan]

Yeah not I am NOT arguing that Dani should be out of the Repsol team, nothing of the sort.

I am just arguing that he has had the opportunity to take a title over all the years mentioned yet didn't make himself enough luck. And I don't think you can just put it down to injuries, the wrong kit, or team favoritism.

A commentator's comment stuck with me for Dani, 'always a bridesmaid'. He just seems to lack that something that other rider's have, I would say character, but then stoner managed a few championships without that...

[Shaun Harris]

A commentator's comment stuck with me for Dani, 'always a bridesmaid'. He just seems to lack that something that other rider's have, I would say character, but then stoner managed a few championships without that...


Huge culture difference between them and say us man. Dani looks like a boring bugger, but the last 2 years under new management he has changed a lot I think

[speights_bud]

https://motogpmatters.smugmug.com/MotoGP/2015/MotoGP-2015-Round-11-Brno/i-GsHLdkQ/0/L/_SJ30296-L.jpg

[Shaun Harris]

https://motogpmatters.smugmug.com/MotoGP/2015/MotoGP-2015-Round-11-Brno/i-GsHLdkQ/0/L/_SJ30296-L.jpg


Bummer for all involved eh. we all know the product is good. Ohlins will get seriously kicked, then the technician that did the job will be long gone from Ohlins, well I hope so any way.

[Drew]

Anyone else wonder why they have such an elaborate brake hose fitting on the calipers?

[Ocean1]

Anyone else wonder why they have such an elaborate brake hose fitting on the calipers?

Cable adjuster. :yes:

[bogan]

Anyone else wonder why they have such an elaborate brake hose fitting on the calipers?

Well, I do now...


Cable adjuster. :yes:

Nah, must be a check valve for the fluids. :whistle:

[Ocean1]

Well, I do now...



Nah, must be a check valve for the fluids. :whistle:

Don't be fucking stupid, how can you get a cable through a check valve?

[pritch]

I think we can be confident that the Ohlins guys in the Swedish equivalent of bullshit castle will not be celebrating. There have been a couple of product recalls lately and those will be keeping them busy.

Still, I'm sure this won't make an appreciable dent in their sales, there have been many thousands of kilometres travelled by GP bikes without problems.

There is no way I need them but I'd love a set of Ohlins forks. Better buy a Lotto ticket?

[bogan]

Don't be fucking stupid, how can you get a cable through a check valve?

From the right direction, duh.

[Shaun Harris]

Anyone else wonder why they have such an elaborate brake hose fitting on the calipers?



jeez, just how stupid are you. Carbon discs V Metal discs req different pads, so swap out the callipers in 1 minute flat. OOPS Sorry, I am not supposed to talk to you

[speights_bud]

Anyone else wonder why they have such an elaborate brake hose fitting on the calipers?
Might be a dry snap or similar connector amongst the rest of it? for swapping calipers quickly & minimise bleeding time?

Immediately after the race I remember seeing a ducati mechanic stowing a half dozen calipers away at Phillip Island.

[Shaun Harris]

1. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 2m 7.649s
2. Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 2m 7.971s
3. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 2m 8.076s
4. Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) 2m 8.101s
5. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 2m 8.290s
6. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 2m 8.416s
7. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 2m 8.423s
8. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 2m 8.559s
9. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 2m 8.568s
10. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 2m 8.612s
11. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 2m 8.627s
12. John McPhee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 2m 8.710s
13. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 2m 8.791s
14. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 2m 8.803s
15. Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) 2m 8.838s
16. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 2m 8.895s
17. Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 2m 8.907s
18. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 2m 9.039s
19. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 2m 9.179s


Remy Gardener is up and down still a lot in times but, he is not doing too bad really with the compitition he playing with. Will we see another Gardener world champ again one day maybe