MotoGP 2016 [Archive] - Page 2

carbonhed

23rd January 2016, 21:32

Peter he's been down the road twice already "XXXXing"with Rossi and lets not forget Gibernau and Biaggi who tried to intimidate him and look where that got them. Rossi made them all look like amateurs in the wet so he has a modicum of talent whereas Mucus is a product of his father. A giant dollop of scrofula. Not unlike Robert van Gisbergen et fils.

I suspect Marquez will win it at a canter. Even though I'll still be rooting for Lorenzo.... and Maverick.

DamianW

24th January 2016, 07:15

IF MM can adapt to the new tyres then I believe he can scrap for the win.

Ditching his ties with VR46 merchandising and the GP mobile hotel businesses was probably the right call if just to focus on racing and remove any other distractions :dunno

Yamaha look like they have the biggest mountain to climb at the mo. Allegedly behind the other factories in preseason testing along with a continuing spat between their riders - Jarvis has his work cut out but it's entertaining for the fans.

pritch

24th January 2016, 09:30

Scott Redding talks winter training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkouFC66L_E

Crasherfromwayback

24th January 2016, 23:19

Peter he's been down the road twice already "XXXXing"with Rossi and lets not forget Gibernau and Biaggi who tried to intimidate him and look where that got them. Rossi made them all look like amateurs in the wet so he has a modicum of talent whereas Mucus is a product of his father. A giant dollop of scrofula. Not unlike Robert van Gisbergen et fils.

Lol. If you want to compare Gibernau and Biaggi to MM, good luck to ya. Fact is, MM has broken every record there is to break pretty much so far in Moto GP. And he's far from done yet.

Autech

26th January 2016, 08:32

Lol. If you want to compare Gibernau and Biaggi to MM, good luck to ya. Fact is, MM has broken every record there is to break pretty much so far in Moto GP. And he's far from done yet.

Anything is a record if you word it right.
All the top riders have broken some sort of record multiple times over the years. I wonder if he broke the record last year for most crashes in one year on a factory Honda?

I'm not expecting to see a title from him this season, he's showed a lack of ability to adapt his riding style last season which I think might bite him again with all the changes this season. We will see.

puddytat

26th January 2016, 09:34

Im glad I've renewed my GP subscription......Ive fucked my back up & got 2 weeks off.That should be long enough to get thru about 20 seasons of racing eh.

Autech

26th January 2016, 10:17

Im glad I've renewed my GP subscription......Ive fucked my back up & got 2 weeks off.That should be long enough to get thru about 20 seasons of racing eh.

2013 Season was a hoot IMO, great viewing.

Crasherfromwayback

26th January 2016, 11:28

I'm not expecting to see a title from him this season, he's showed a lack of ability to adapt his riding style last season which I think might bite him again with all the changes this season. We will see.

Think you might find the Honda had it's fair share of issues all of them *failed to adapt to* mate.

Autech

26th January 2016, 14:51

Think you might find the Honda had it's fair share of issues all of them *failed to adapt to* mate.

Not Dani, he stuck with the chassis and engine and won a few races when he was back up to strength.
Marc chucked the bike down the road, then the toys out of the cot and reverted to an older chassis that was more forgiving of his loose style (which I love by the way). He then continued to chuck it down the road for good measure. :D

Crasherfromwayback

26th January 2016, 14:55

Not Dani, he stuck with the chassis and engine and won a few races when he was back up to strength.
:D

And I'd actually like to see the lil fella win a title before his day is up. Just not sure he can do it over a whole season. Certainly the fastest man on the track when his ducks line up.

Reckless

26th January 2016, 15:45

And I'd actually like to see the lil fella win a title before his day is up. Just not sure he can do it over a whole season. Certainly the fastest man on the track when his ducks line up.

Same here especially how he handled last seasons drama and kept his cool. Hes fast enough mostly most times just needs a little more killer instinct in him. We might see more of it as the pressure comes on from within himself.

MMM Rossi for 10 or Dani still cant decide for once I might sit on the fence and back whoever is doing best LMAO:rolleyes:

Crasherfromwayback

26th January 2016, 17:16

just needs a little more killer instinct in him. We might see more of it as the pressure comes on from within himself:

He certainly roughed Rossi up at Aragon in a big fashion. People (Rossi fans) seem to forget that when blaming everyone else for Rossi losing...:headbang:

carbonhed

26th January 2016, 17:31

He certainly roughed Rossi up at Aragon in a big fashion. People (Rossi fans) seem to forget that when blaming everyone else for Rossi losing...:headbang:

And he didn't put a single move on Lorenzo for the entire race at Valencia... I sense a dark and unsuspected conspiracy to deny GOD hisself from his rightful victory!

BMWST?

26th January 2016, 19:02

And he didn't put a single move on Lorenzo for the entire race at Valencia... I sense a dark and unsuspected conspiracy to deny GOD hisself from his rightful victory!
Dani was never in a position to put a move on JL.

carbonhed

26th January 2016, 21:23

Dani was never in a position to put a move on JL.

Since when did conspiracy theories need facts anyway?

Autech

26th January 2016, 21:25

And he didn't put a single move on Lorenzo for the entire race at Valencia... I sense a dark and unsuspected conspiracy to deny GOD hisself from his rightful victory!

Bahaha, Dani Pedrosa chumming up to Lorenzo?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pritch

28th January 2016, 09:35

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/motogps-big-change/

Badjelly

28th January 2016, 14:15

Here's an interview with Cal Crutchlow

http://www.crash.net/motogp/interview/226287/1/exclusive-cal-crutchlow-qa.html

He seems very easy-going about the development of his bike. He wasn't always that way in the past.

He reckons the Michelins might suit Dani. It's going to be interesting!

pritch

28th January 2016, 20:52

So both Mat Oxley and Crutchlow fancy Pedrosa's chances. Interesting. It seems unanimous though that at this stage it's hard to be precise.

Crasherfromwayback

29th January 2016, 00:17

. It seems unanimous though that at this stage it's hard to be precise.

Of course. It's racing. Anything could happen right!? Really REALLY looking forward to it cranking up though.

pritch

29th January 2016, 10:10

Of course. It's racing. Anything could happen right!?

Exactly. As I've mentioned previously I've had a team in the MCN Fantasy League for a few years. My team last year contained Marquez, Sykes and Byrne,
respectively the then reigning champs in MotoGP, WSBK and BSB, none of whom repeated their success. Putting someone on my team seems to put their career into reverse, so at this stage I'll refrain from entering a team this year. Hopefully this should pemit guilt free viewing of the races.

Reckless

29th January 2016, 16:00

Exactly. As I've mentioned previously I've had a team in the MCN Fantasy League for a few years. My team last year contained Marquez, Sykes and Byrne,
respectively the then reigning champs in MotoGP, WSBK and BSB, none of whom repeated their success. Putting someone on my team seems to put their career into reverse, so at this stage I'll refrain from entering a team this year. Hopefully this should pemit guilt free viewing of the races.
Na Pritch make sure MM is in your team and Rossi and Dani are not OK :niceone:

russd7

30th January 2016, 13:36

ecko_nzed

30th January 2016, 14:23

Check out @DucatiMotor's Tweet: https://twitter.com/DucatiMotor/status/693038048385175552?s=09

carbonhed

30th January 2016, 17:53

Check out @DucatiMotor's Tweet: https://twitter.com/DucatiMotor/status/693038048385175552?s=09

Now that is REALLY fucking exciting.

puddytat

30th January 2016, 18:37

is the multiscreen video pass worth the extra coin or is the standard video pass all that is needed, finally in an area that has good enough internet to be able to stream video without spending most of the time buffering so aiming to get the video pass this year

Well I havnt got the full monty pass , just the standard & its good. But......when the racing is boring & a procession at the front, then I think multiscreen would be better as often in the races there is some hard racing going on further down the field which you'll never see with the standard pass.
Put it this way, if I thought my connection was up to it (which I don't think it is) I would go multiscreen.

russd7

30th January 2016, 19:28

Well I havnt got the full monty pass , just the standard & its good. But......when the racing is boring & a procession at the front, then I think multiscreen would be better as often in the races there is some hard racing going on further down the field which you'll never see with the standard pass.
Put it this way, if I thought my connection was up to it (which I don't think it is) I would go multiscreen.

cheers, we have vdsl but it is stretched at times so may just go the standard. been missing not having racing available live but refuse to get sky with all the BS and was stoked when sommet came along then gutted when they crashed

HenryDorsetCase

30th January 2016, 23:02

roogazza

31st January 2016, 05:53

So Stoner is a brand ambassador and test rider for Ducati? Was he quicker than MM when testing for Honda and MM threw the toys? Srsly that is the last time I heard his name he was testing for HRC. Fascinating

was a second or two off from what i read,but then got the pip with honda when they denied giving him DPs bike to fill in.
loves the fame,(who could blame him for that?)
Still doubt he'd come back,tho I'm picking he is smart enough to know ducati may be a bit like it was in 07 with the leg up its had.(just my opinion).

Look at the time, I'm off for a morning fang........:yes:

pritch

31st January 2016, 08:00

Things are still fairly umm fluid. Stoner has been testing and is full of joy about the Ducati and those who work there. He was off the pace of the current riders but he was on a GP15, not the new bike, and was on old tyres. There was also a weird contraption attached to the back of the bike, presumably to monitor what the back wheel was doing. Additionally the track was dirty and there were not enough riders circulating to clean it, so the times don't mean much.

The most interesting bit of speculation is that instead of doing all of his testing in private, Stoner will actually join the scheduled Sepang test with all of the GP teams, possibly on Tuesday? That could produce some interesting numbers.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/226339/1/casey-stoner-ill-do-whatever-i-can-for-ducati.html

sil3nt

31st January 2016, 17:27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5yZ_6OS2s

:woohoo:

I'm excited. MotoGP needs him to race IMO.

Badjelly

1st February 2016, 09:14

So Stoner is a brand ambassador and test rider for Ducati?

I find it weird to have the words "Stoner" and "brand ambassador" in close proximity. I thought the publicity bullshit was the thing he hated most about MotoGP in general and Ducati in particular.

carbonhed

1st February 2016, 11:21

I find it weird to have the words "Stoner" and "brand ambassador" in close proximity. I thought the publicity bullshit was the thing he hated most about MotoGP in general and Ducati in particular.

I suppose it's at another level if you're actually racing... and a total distraction.

Don't think I've ever seen him more relaxed or happier.

george formby

1st February 2016, 12:58

For those with a MotoGP vid pass, live coverage of testing starts about 3pm.

An early fix!

sugilite

1st February 2016, 13:01

I suppose it's at another level if you're actually racing... and a total distraction.

Don't think I've ever seen him more relaxed or happier.
That is because he does not have to face the rejuvenated Rossi! Casey got blasted by Rossi at Laguna and the fact that Rossi is an even more superior rider now - would have Stoner crapping himself if he actually had to face off against the goat! :yes:

Autech

1st February 2016, 13:58

That is because he does not have to face the rejuvenated Rossi! Casey got blasted by Rossi at Laguna and the fact that Rossi is an even more superior rider now - would have Stoner crapping himself if he actually had to face off against the goat! :yes:

FANBOI

Lol.

jasonu

1st February 2016, 14:17

sugilite

1st February 2016, 14:36

Ricky Carmichael is the GOAT.

What motogp team did he race for? :innocent:

roogazza

1st February 2016, 15:07

First for the year......... Go Vale !!! :lol:
319218

merv

1st February 2016, 16:32

FANBOI

Lol.

Exactly, and I see from early testing Stoner's 2min 2.1 doesn't look too shabby against what these guys have managed so far - only George has gone quicker.

gav

1st February 2016, 16:35

Ricky Carmichael is the GOAT.
How many World Championships did he win again? ;)

gav

1st February 2016, 16:38

Exactly, and I see from early testing Stoner's 2min 2.1 doesn't look too shabby against what these guys have managed so far - only George has gone quicker.
Maybe the '16 bikes with spec ECU's are slower than than the 15's?

merv

1st February 2016, 16:53

Maybe the '16 bikes with spec ECU's are slower than than the 15's?

He was on the GP15 but fitted with the spec ECU and the Michelin tyres so you'd think very comparable to those running today except perhaps Dovi and Joe if they did go out on the 16 at all and Stoner had the dirty track to face more than the guys today. If he does ride tomorrow it could be very interesting. Of course as a Honda man I would have preferred HRC to have let him race last year but if he does well on the Duc I still don't mind as I think he is a great rider.

merv

1st February 2016, 17:18

Lol, now I see Petrucci on the GP15 has gone to the top of the sheet ahead of George.

merv

1st February 2016, 17:19

What motogp team did he race for? :innocent:

He's with the Kawasaki MotoGP team this year :laugh:

carbonhed

1st February 2016, 20:35

Casey Stoner riding the Ducati tomorrow...:headbang:

pritch

1st February 2016, 21:02

Of course as a Honda man I would have preferred HRC to have let him race last year

They did, but it ended badly.

speights_bud

2nd February 2016, 07:32

Don't think I've ever seen him more relaxed or happier.

Its been 3 years since he retired? He's only 30 now... I'm 27 and thinking that I've come a long way in the last 3 years! Family does that to ya.

sugilite

2nd February 2016, 08:35

Looks like the honda needs work and the Yamaha and new ducati are working pretty good. Would love to see Stoner kick MM's butt!

Autech

2nd February 2016, 09:42

It would help if Honda's "#1 rider" was actually using a new chassis I think:
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/226379/1/marquez-we-must-improve-a-lot.html

No wonder he is behind Pedrosa...

Looks like the engine is still too mental, from what Redding has said the Duc is nice n smooth. If the Honda boffins don't smooth out the bike I think we may see another Yam domination this year.

Only day 1 of testing though, who knows really where each bike is at, Lozenger definitely is putting a good base in to work with though so it will be good to watch the weeks progress. GO HONDA!

Mental Trousers

2nd February 2016, 09:45

Looks like the honda needs work and the Yamaha and new ducati are working pretty good. Would love to see Stoner kick MM's butt!

That was always going to be the case early on. The Honda is hard on the front end whereas the Yamaha is more of an all-rounder and the Ducati has always been built like it was designed for Michelins, ie all about the rear tyre.

Whether the riders can adapt enough is the question. Relying less on the front tyre should squeeze the field up a bit.

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 10:26

New bike, new tyres, new electronics.... and the fastest guy in the world is still crapping all over his teammate... who looks even older and more worried :laugh:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r319/carbonhed/Lorenzo%202016.jpg

Mental Trousers

2nd February 2016, 10:58

New bike, new tyres, new electronics.... and the fastest guy in the world is still crapping all over his teammate... who looks even older and more worried :laugh:

Fanboi :facepalm:

Looks like the Michelin's have excellent edge grip. Jorge isn't the hardest on the brakes and he spends more time on the edge of the tire than anyone else so it's looking positive for him.

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 11:27

Looks like the Michelin's have excellent edge grip. Jorge isn't the hardest on the brakes and he spends time more on the edge of the tire than anyone else so it's looking positive for him.

My thoughts exactly.

Well except for the fanboi bit.

Autech

2nd February 2016, 13:19

My thoughts exactly.

Well except for the fanboi bit.

Fan gurl!

Bahaha.

Yes Lorenzo is the fastest rider in the world, he won the championship last year didn't he?

Badjelly

2nd February 2016, 13:55

Who are the frontmen (frontboys) on the motogp.com coverage of the Sepang test? Will they be replacing Nick Harris and whatsisname as commentators this year?

Dylan Gray's still in the pits.

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 13:58

Who are the frontmen (frontboys) on the motogp.com coverage of the Sepang test? Will they be replacing Nick Harris and whatsisname as commentators this year?

Dylan Gray's still in the pits.

Fuck knows... but when was the last time you cared what someone still struggling with zits thought? Not even an improvement on Harris.

pritch

2nd February 2016, 14:08

Only day 1 of testing though, who knows really where each bike is at,

"Each bike" doesn't quite cover it. JL and VR have got three bikes each at the test. That could almost get confusing.

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 14:26

Stoner rocking out!

sil3nt

2nd February 2016, 15:00

Brap brap
https://gfycat.com/EllipticalSilkyKomododragon

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 15:01

Loris Baz walks away from a mahoosive crash on the start finish straight. Warp factor 9. The safety gear is incredible.

sil3nt

2nd February 2016, 15:19

Loris Baz walks away from a mahoosive crash on the start finish straight. Warp factor 9. The safety gear is incredible.Must have been big
https://gfycat.com/BowedBrightHedgehog

Autech

2nd February 2016, 15:24

Must have been big
https://gfycat.com/BowedBrightHedgehog

Them facials! Lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 15:31

Them facials! Lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

:laugh:

Halfway down the main straight 300kph. Something broke on the bike.

Red flagged at the moment... presumably while they make sure it's not the tyre.

Pumba

2nd February 2016, 17:12

Must have been big
https://gfycat.com/BowedBrightHedgehog

That moment you just were not expecting...

sugilite

2nd February 2016, 17:46

That was always going to be the case early on. The Honda is hard on the front end whereas the Yamaha is more of an all-rounder and the Ducati has always been built like it was designed for Michelins, ie all about the rear tyre.

Whether the riders can adapt enough is the question. Relying less on the front tyre should squeeze the field up a bit.
I'm "guessing" Michelin must have done some improvements on the front tyre as riders do not seem to be complaining at this test. MM and DP are complaining that the motor is still too aggressive. I honestly thought Honda would have had that well sorted by now.

Reckless

2nd February 2016, 19:38

Day 2 times
Times as of 1230 Malaysian Time – 1530 EDST

Danilo Petrucci 2m00.095
Hector Barbera +0.29
Jorge Lorenzo +0.73
Marc Marquez +0.74
Scott Redding +0.95
Andrea Iannone +0.95
Maverick Vinales +1.32
Dani Pedrosa +1.38
Yonny Hernandez +1.54
Casey Stoner +1.60
Andrea Dovizioso +1.62
Valentino Rossi +1.81
Pol Espargaro +1.89
Tito Rabat +2.23
Cal Crutchlow +2.23
Stefan Bradl +2.27
Bradley Smith +2.51
Loris Baz +2.51
Katsuyuki Nakasuga +2.61
Aleix Espargaro _2.65
Alvaro Bautista +2.78

Pumba

2nd February 2016, 20:27

Loris Baz photos from FB

https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/s960x960/12615615_1195362810477443_7912617992876905508_o.jp g

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12645222_1195362820477442_3343273372697155166_n.jp g?oh=00d4ef427fec6d76c0d7523d89b5768e&oe=573107C7&__gda__=1462608806_47f4cdea7daed48fd4835c63f8ba048 3

https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12651322_1195362843810773_1530378915640332965_n.jp g?oh=874aeaee65f6d3d88b9d6b1e9d571d35&oe=576F7CD6

mr bucketracer

2nd February 2016, 20:37

omg thats bad

carbonhed

2nd February 2016, 20:38

Loris Baz photos from FB

Holy crap.

They're building him a new bike from the ground up.

pritch

2nd February 2016, 21:14

HenryDorsetCase

2nd February 2016, 21:18

Loris Baz photos from FB

So the rear tyre just decided to have a wee holiday and put him into the shrubbery? Crikey. He looks OK though which is good.

HenryDorsetCase

2nd February 2016, 21:19

And so to the overhaul of Race Direction. Or how to double your troubles. And how is someone on Dorna's payroll not a Dorna employee?

https://motomatters.com/news/2016/02/02/sepang_clash_fallout_race_direction_to_b.html

Oooooh oooooooh. I could do it. I'm an officer of the Court, and a barrister and solicitor in good standing. Plus I like motorbikes.

Where do I sign up.

merv

2nd February 2016, 22:14

So the rear tyre just decided to have a wee holiday and put him into the shrubbery? Crikey. He looks OK though which is good.

Memories of Barry Sheene at Daytona 40+ years ago.

HenryDorsetCase

3rd February 2016, 07:35

Memories of Barry Sheene at Daytona 40+ years ago.

yeah. that was chunking if I remember that caused instability that led to his getoff. The key difference is that Barry was in hospital for months. Those X Rays of the webwork of steel in his legs are horrific. Baz walked away.... a testament to luck, great safety gear and improvements in track safety. But you're really spinning the roulette wheel in a 180mph getoff. Power to him. If he was a cat he would have used one of his lives.

roogazza

3rd February 2016, 07:37

Always thought he wasn't coming back and here it is from the horses mouth.
https://t.co/6tNwU0N0xK

Maybe he just needed to compare himself to the big boys or ........ ? :shifty:

roogazza

3rd February 2016, 07:43

yeah. that was chunking if I remember that caused instability that led to his getoff. The key difference is that Barry was in hospital for months. Those X Rays of the webwork of steel in his legs are horrific. Baz walked away.... a testament to luck, great safety gear and improvements in track safety. But you're really spinning the roulette wheel in a 180mph getoff. Power to him. If he was a cat he would have used one of his lives.

Years ago I saw Nakano come down at around 300kph on a Kawasaki at Mugello.
Little fella bounced well.

puddytat

3rd February 2016, 09:06

Years ago I saw Nakano come down at around 300kph on a Kawasaki at Mugello.
Little fella bounced well.

I think he still holds the record for the fastest "off"...

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 09:14

Always thought he wasn't coming back and here it is from the horses mouth.
https://t.co/6tNwU0N0xK

Maybe he just needed to compare himself to the big boys or ........ ? :shifty:

"I am not looking to put in a soft tyre and go for a laptime. This is something you do when you want to crush the opposition, I don’t need to do that at this point."

Hmmmm...

Good laptime though. Less than a tenth off Rossi. That's got to be a major carrot if he's riding today.

yod

3rd February 2016, 09:57

"I am not looking to put in a soft tyre and go for a laptime. This is something you do when you want to crush the opposition, I don’t need to do that at this point."

If he's not trolling I'm a dutchman lol

I got 5 bucks and a bag of chips that says he's having a little smirk in a back room somewhere that he's rocked up, been handed the keys to a bike and tyres he's never used and he's 0.082 behind Rossi on day two :lol:

That's gotta be pretty satisfying:cool:

Crasherfromwayback

3rd February 2016, 11:24

"I am not looking to put in a soft tyre and go for a laptime. This is something you do when you want to crush the opposition, I don’t need to do that at this point."

Hmmmm...

Good laptime though. Less than a tenth off Rossi. That's got to be a major carrot if he's riding today.

Reasonably good effort I would've thought.

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 17:02

Reasonably good effort I would've thought.

:laugh: The new improved "understated" Crasher.

Stoner's riding again today and going pretty quick too.

Aaaaand... in ominous news for the rest of the paddock... Lorenzo reeeeally likes the Michelins.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/226403/1/lorenzo-i-feel-stronger-already-than-last-year.html

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 17:12

Stoner five laps in 2m 1.096s sitting in second atm.

That's within seven hundredths of Rossi's best time of the weekend. Come on baby!

pritch

3rd February 2016, 17:20

The pundits usally say something like, "Times in testing are meaningless".

Rossi and Lorenzo have three bikes each to test, plus new electronics and new tyres. The other factories will be trying to push through a full schedule of testing too. All of them with limited time. Already busy busy, but then time was lost through red flags and rain.

Some teams changed to soft tyres and went after a fast lap late in the day when the track was cooler and more conducive to a quick time. Others were probably feeling the pressure of the over-full testing programme and gave it a miss.

Stoner is testing again today apparently, this time with a cleaner track. Be interesting to see if he is tempted, although he was only scheduled to be riding the GP15.

speights_bud

3rd February 2016, 17:50

Dodgy Quality Vid-Jayo of Baz's crash

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/on2mgiv4TxA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 17:52

Crasherfromwayback

3rd February 2016, 18:43

Well Rossi's just gone top... :

Rossi on top? Unusual. :wacko:

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 20:49

Rossi on top? Unusual. :wacko:

Briefly.

Lorenzo immediately put him back in his box and now leads by half a second.

Means nothing. :yes:

Reckless

3rd February 2016, 21:04

MotoGP » Sepang MotoGP test times - Wednesday (4pm) 3 February 2016
Lap times as of 4pm during Wednesday's third and final day of 2016 MotoGP testing, at Sepang.

1. = Jorge Lorenzo ESP Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 2m 0.016s [Lap 16/17]
2. = Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 2m 0.556s +0.540s [13/16]
3. = Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 2m 1.047s +1.031s [20/24]
4. = Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Test Rider (Desmosedici GP15) 2m 1.096s +1.080s [4/11]
5. = Andrea Iannone ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP15/16) 2m 1.223s +1.207s [17/27]
6. = Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 2m 1.353s +1.337s [17/21]
7. = Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP14.2) 2m 1.434s +1.418s [11/16]
8. = Aleix Espargaro ESP Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 2m 1.623s +1.607s [7/19]
9. = Maverick Viñales ESP Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 2m 1.660s +1.644s [9/25]
10. = Yonny Hernandez COL Aspar MotoGP Team (Desmosedici GP14.2) 2m 1.774s +1.758s [20/21]
11. = Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 2.051s +2.035s [23/32]
12. = Scott Redding GBR Octo Pramac Yakhnich (Desmosedici GP15) 2m 2.071s +2.055s [3/21]
13. = Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 2m 2.141s +2.125s [6/18]
14. = Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP15/16) 2m 2.202s +2.186s [10/13]
15. = Loris Baz FRA Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP14.2) 2m 2.541s +2.525s [14/19]
16. = Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 2.568s +2.552s [7/18]
17. = Stefan Bradl GER Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 2m 2.792s +2.776s [8/24]
18. = Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 2.940s +2.924s [10/27]
19. = Tito Rabat ESP Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V)* 2m 3.022s +3.006s [28/30]
20. = Alvaro Bautista ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 2m 3.183s +3.167s [16/24]
21. = Danilo Petrucci ITA Octo Pramac Yakhnich (Desmosedici GP15) 2m 3.868s +3.852s [2/2]

merv

3rd February 2016, 21:07

If he's not trolling I'm a dutchman lol

I got 5 bucks and a bag of chips that says he's having a little smirk in a back room somewhere that he's rocked up, been handed the keys to a bike and tyres he's never used and he's 0.082 behind Rossi on day two :lol:

That's gotta be pretty satisfying:cool:

... and today he is up to 4th and only a gnats whisker behind Marquez :lol:

carbonhed

3rd February 2016, 21:19

Lorenzo goes under 2 minutes.

Crasherfromwayback

3rd February 2016, 22:27

Briefly.

Lorenzo immediately put him back in his box and now leads by half a second.

Means nothing. :yes:

Lol. Wasn't quite what I was getting at...butt never mind.

Drew

4th February 2016, 06:54

I dunno how much the times mean from this testing for the season ahead. They're there to collect data after all, which will then be turned into changes later as well as at the track.

But it certainly does suggest that Jorge is adapting well.

The Stoner comment about fitting up a pair of soft hoops to get a hot lap don't ring true to me. It's as important to do as any other testing, to know how the bike reacts in qualifying conditions I'd have thought. So for him there's no point, but it's valuable to the rest of the pack.

roogazza

4th February 2016, 07:26

Always thought he wasn't coming back and here it is from the horses mouth.
https://t.co/6tNwU0N0xK

Maybe he just needed to compare himself to the big boys or ........ ? :shifty:

So his testing went well ?
I do wonder what is going on in that funny little aussies head tho ??? :wacko:

yod

4th February 2016, 07:29

... and today he is up to 4th and only a gnats whisker behind Marquez :lol:

lol and top of the Ducs too...

manxkiwi

4th February 2016, 09:47

Looks like the bike bounced back out and hit Baz, or Baz hit the bike? Lucky boy. Something clearly let go in a big way.

Oscar

4th February 2016, 10:10

lol and top of the Ducs too...

What does Ducati think it's achieving by having its "development rider" give the factory riders a toweling?
Team building?
Sponsor satisfaction?

malcy25

4th February 2016, 11:23

What does Ducati think it's achieving by having its "development rider" give the factory riders a toweling?
Team building?
Sponsor satisfaction?

Ensures it's properly tested to the hardest possible. Mladin's complaint years ago with his AMA GSXR1000 superbike was the Suzuki Factory tester's were not quick enough and he found issues they didn't....why bother using them was his general comment.

Oscar

4th February 2016, 11:25

Ensures it's properly tested to the hardest possible. Mladin's complaint years ago with his AMA GSXR1000 superbike was the Suzuki Factory tester's were not quick enough and he found issues they didn't....why bother using them was his general comment.

Except - Casey Stoner is a lot of things, but development rider is not one of them.
He is an idiot savant who can ride anything that the factory wheels out.
His ability to win on the Ducati that no one else could win on must have set the team back five years.

Crasherfromwayback

4th February 2016, 11:52

Except - Casey Stoner is a lot of things, but development rider is not one of them.
He is an idiot savant who can ride anything that the factory wheels out.
His ability to win on the Ducati that no one else could win on must have set the team back five years.

Lol. Says you. Interesting that HRC and Ducati don't agree with you eh. We all know what happened at Ducati Oscar. And how much did ya boyfriend help them eh? You must be hating seeing Stoner do so well.

pritch

4th February 2016, 11:53

Ensures it's properly tested to the hardest possible.

Not really. Stoner spent his whole test on the "old" GP15 which is pretty well sorted. The two Andreas were on the new unsorted GP16. Stoner hasn't even been on the 2016 bike so he hasn't tested it at all. He did give an explanation for this but it didn't seem very convincing. Something about he didn't want to cause confusion by giving different feedback to what the factory riders were providing. Sort of makes you wonder why anybody would have a test rider at all?

The Motomatters wrap up is interesting. Bradders did a race distance simulation and made some interesting comments on the behaviour of the tyres as they wear. Honda seem to have carried their problems over from last year. Rossi spent almost all of his time testing parts, not chasing fast laps, but the gap between him and Lorenzo is significant.

Oscar

4th February 2016, 12:20

Lol. Says you. Interesting that HRC and Ducati don't agree with you eh. We all know what happened at Ducati Oscar. And how much did ya boyfriend help them eh? You must be hating seeing Stoner do so well.

I have just seen a quote where Stoner complains after leaving Ducati about the team's refusal to make changes to the bike.
So it may be that it was Ducati's fault, not his.
Or maybe he's just making excuse and whinging (which are his great talents).

He's still an Aussie knob-end, though.

Crasherfromwayback

4th February 2016, 12:56

I have just seen a quote where Stoner complains after leaving Ducati about the team's refusal to make changes to the bike.
So it may be that it was Ducati's fault, not his.
Or maybe he's just making excuse and whinging (which are his great talents).

He's still an Aussie knob-end, though.

Lol. The first time I can agree that Rossi is better than Stoner...at whinging! Cause he was soooooo manly last season. Worst sore loser ever. Best excuses ever. Game. Set.Match.

Oscar

4th February 2016, 13:01

Lol. The first time I can agree that Rossi is better than Stoner...at whinging! Cause he was soooooo manly last season. Worst sore loser ever. Best excuses ever. Game. Set.Match.

OK, I'll play.
If your boyfriend is so feckin' good, how come I don't see his name on any entry lists?
Do they give a world championship for tyre testing and hanging around the pits, then?
Firstly he gave up and went home crying to Mummy, and now he's back but only to fuck with the heads of his poor bloody team mates.

Reckless

4th February 2016, 15:22

Oscar

4th February 2016, 15:58

Go For it Boys :jerry: Passion is what its all about :jerry:

Fuck passion.
He's wrong.

Crasherfromwayback

4th February 2016, 17:36

OK, I'll play.
.

Fuck passion.
He's wrong.

Far too easy. And you reckon I bite easily.

And yep...the factories AND I are both obviously wrong about Stoners test riding abilities Oscar. You're the best and should get a job with HRC!

merv

4th February 2016, 18:48

Far too easy. And you reckon I bite easily.

And yep...the factories AND I are both obviously wrong about Stoners test riding abilities Oscar. You're the best and should get a job with HRC!

Yeah well they need someone, not sure if its Oscar, but once Stoner left and Marquez came along the HRC bike development does seem to have gone in the wrong direction after it being the weapon of choice in 2013 and the first half of 2014.

Crasherfromwayback

4th February 2016, 18:51

Yeah well they need someone, not sure if its Oscar, but once Stoner left and Marquez came along the HRC bike development does seem to have gone in the wrong direction after it being the weapon of choice in 2013 and the first half of 2014.

Yep. It's Stoners fault the Ducati was shit, and it's also his fault the Honda is now too. Oscar will replace the head of HRC (who obviously knows nothing about decent development riders after how many years and riders?), I look forward to the results.

ecko_nzed

4th February 2016, 20:25

Thought this was an interesting take on why Gigi had Stoner out testing with the regular boys.

http://www.sportrider.com/why-is-ducatis-dalligna-letting-stoner-ride-on-tuesday

carbonhed

4th February 2016, 21:28

Thought this was an interesting take on why Gigi had Stoner out testing with the regular boys.

A plan so cunning... you could stick a tail on it and call it a weasel!

Oscar

5th February 2016, 00:13

Yep. It's Stoners fault the Ducati was shit, and it's also his fault the Honda is now too. Oscar will replace the head of HRC (who obviously knows nothing about decent development riders after how many years and riders?), I look forward to the results.

You still haven't shown me his name on an entry.
Is there a prize for the best tyre tester?

Drew

5th February 2016, 07:40

You still haven't shown me his name on an entry.
Is there a prize for the best tyre tester?

I'm not sure I understand your animosity toward Stoner testing for Ducati. They've got a good chance of having a competitive bike this year, and with bloody good reason they want to find a good starting point with which to send they're boys out strong from the get go.

Casey isn't just testing a bike, he'll be giving the racers his interpretation of how to get the most out of the bike and the hoops. Coaching if you will.

Makes sense to me.

Oscar

5th February 2016, 08:36

I'm not sure I understand your animosity toward Stoner testing for Ducati. They've got a good chance of having a competitive bike this year, and with bloody good reason they want to find a good starting point with which to send they're boys out strong from the get go.

Casey isn't just testing a bike, he'll be giving the racers his interpretation of how to get the most out of the bike and the hoops. Coaching if you will.

Makes sense to me.

I have no beef with CS.
It's his fanboi/VR hater here that I was winding up.

pritch

5th February 2016, 08:59

Thought this was an interesting take on why Gigi had Stoner out testing with the regular boys.

http://www.sportrider.com/why-is-ducatis-dalligna-letting-stoner-ride-on-tuesday

Only partly valid as (again) Stoner was not on the same bike as the factory riders. It would seem reasonable that Gigi would like an alien on the Duc, but none of them would seem to be challenged for their current ride - yet.

In case anybody was wondering where jack Miller was, he posted a rather ugly photo of his ankle following surgery. He has had three incisions maybe 12 to 14 cm long, one either side and one in front of the ankle. I didn't count them but there are a lot of stitches.

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 09:06

I have no beef with CS.
It's his fanboi/VR hater here that I was winding up.

Lol. Ya reckon? Blind man could see your hate for the man Oscar. Diff between you and I (well actually, there are many), is that all last season (untill his childish outburst and dirty riding at Sepang) I was full of praise regarding Rossi (something you could never bring yourself to do regarding Stoner). And winding me up? Hardly. My world didn't fall apart at Sepang last year. Bet you can't say that boi of all fanbois. And you reckon Stoner went running off crying to mummy....classic.

trev

5th February 2016, 09:07

Except - Casey Stoner is a lot of things, but development rider is not one of them.
He is an idiot savant who can ride anything that the factory wheels out.
His ability to win on the Ducati that no one else could win on must have set the team back five years.

http://www.amcn.com.au/events/motogp/1602/gigi-dalligna-interview-casey-stoner-back-at-ducati/

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 09:08

In case anybody was wondering where jack Miller was, he posted a rather ugly photo of his ankle following surgery. He has had three incisions maybe 12 to 14 cm long, one either side and one in front of the ankle. I didn't count them but there are a lot of stitches.

I have very similar scars. Serious ankle damage is no fun. He strikes me as a tough wee cookie though. Hardly the start to the season he'd be looking for though.

carbonhed

5th February 2016, 09:14

http://www.amcn.com.au/events/motogp/1602/gigi-dalligna-interview-casey-stoner-back-at-ducati/

So Dall'igna is cool with a Stoner wildcard. Phillip Island here we come???????????????

Badjelly

5th February 2016, 09:33

pritch

5th February 2016, 10:09

Despite a number of editing failures, another interesting read.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/why-honda-never-take-the-easy-ro

sugilite

5th February 2016, 10:09

Except - Casey Stoner is a lot of things, but development rider is not one of them.

Gigi Dall'Igna (Ducati): “It's really easy [working with Casey]. His feedback is really good since the first day. We prepared some test list for the first day but frankly speaking I didn't expect him to do anything; just try to work on the set-up and to give him the right feeling on the bike.

“At the end of the first day we finish completely the test list and this surprised me. I didn't expect this.
Read more at http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/226450/1/rossi-i-think-stoner-wants-to-race.html#xdOJQUj2HihMGGso.99

Seems to me Oscar Gigi disagrees with your point of view - one you are entitled too, but I will go with Gigi's me thinks.

denill

5th February 2016, 13:15

CS could easily have ended up with severe egg on his face by riding at Sepang. He did not, but has caused concern to those who were over joyed when he 'retired'. Including some KB posters.

denill

5th February 2016, 13:20

Ducati has gained huge publicity from the CS Sepang testing. But not sure where it's going to take them? It seems that #27 knows how to set the sucker up - for him. But will any one else be able to get the same result? Rather unlikely. I know what they should do. Pay him some more money to race it.

Oscar

5th February 2016, 14:40

Ducati has gained huge publicity from the CS Sepang testing.

Yeah, they won the 2016 Tyre Test Publicity World Championship.

I doubt they'll have any other trophies this year...

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 14:41

Yeah, they won the 2016 Tyre Test Publicity World Championship.

I doubt they'll have any other trophies this year...

Same amount as your BF then eh?

Oscar

5th February 2016, 14:46

Same amount as your BF then eh?

Dani's gonna win.

denill

5th February 2016, 15:13

Dani's gonna win.

He needs to employ Stoner to sort his Honda out as Lorenzo is holding the cards atm.

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/226448/1/sepang-motogp-test-top-50-laps.html

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 17:12

Dani's gonna win.

My money is on Lorenzo.

pritch

5th February 2016, 17:21

Yeah, they won the 2016 Tyre Test Publicity World Championship.

Nah. Stoner's still competing in the 2015 championship. Still, there's another test in a coupla weeks, be interesting to see what he's riding then.

carbonhed

5th February 2016, 17:46

Nah. Stoner's still competing in the 2015 championship. Still, there's another test in a coupla weeks, be interesting to see what he's riding then.

His pushbike? Don't think he's going at the moment... is he?

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 18:31

His pushbike? Don't think he's going at the moment... is he?

Must be hurting the guys that reckoned he'd get wasted should he dare show his face again eh. "they've all go so much faster...blah blah blah..." Be a few people shitting themselves IF he enters the PI round.

jasonu

5th February 2016, 18:55

My money is on Lorenzo.

I hope you are wrong.

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 19:00

I hope you are wrong.

So do I. But it doesn't happen often... :innocent:

carbonhed

5th February 2016, 20:53

Must be hurting the guys that reckoned he'd get wasted should he dare show his face again eh. "they've all go so much faster...blah blah blah..." Be a few people shitting themselves IF he enters the PI round.

Put Stoner and Rossi on the same bike... and the Aussie would marmalise the teflon spic. Which I grant... was your point all along.

Aaaand... even though Lorenzo is my guy and I'd love to see him do it again... I still think Marquez is the best guy on the grid and will have learned a lot from last year. Which he mismanaged biblically.

Crasherfromwayback

5th February 2016, 21:06

Aaaand... even though Lorenzo is my guy and I'd love to see him do it again... I still think Marquez is the best guy on the grid and will have learned a lot from last year. Which he mismanaged biblically.

I'm obviously a huge MM fan, but I'm not so sure he hasn't been rattled by last season, and this early into his Moto GP gig, this year may be too many changes for him. Still, must've been more changes for him going from moto 2 to moto gp right! Go MM! Gonna be a fantastic season I reckon.

pritch

6th February 2016, 08:44

BMWST?

6th February 2016, 08:54

not sure that will convince lorenzo,rossi and pedrosa that the ducati is viceless....after all its already been proven that oscars view of stoners ability has some merit,and they mey not actually find it quite so nice as the ride they have now.If anyone it might be one of the honda boys that jumps ship fed up with Honds seeming inability to build a rideable bike

Drew

6th February 2016, 09:28

It's difficult to see how they can keep giving this much away for free, meantime it's a bargain.

The ads in there pay for it. Even old paper magazines, subscriptions made up fuck all income.

Same way things like face book and shit is free.

manxkiwi

6th February 2016, 09:47

For those of you who have time to read, the magazine Bikesport News (BSN) have a new app available.

It's very impressive, especially considering the price - it's free. The app is available from the App Store - or wherever you normally get your apps if you use one of those inferior operating systems. :devil2:

It's difficult to see how they can keep giving this much away for free, meantime it's a bargain.

There's a picture on there of Baz's tyre that let go. Massive split in it. Notably though you can see the ribs of the carcass over the whole tyre, looks like there's virtually no rubber left on it!
The app's been around for while now, better than 'Crash' in my opinion. Crash is full of mega ads and videos that play when you don't want them.

carbonhed

6th February 2016, 11:42

ElCoyote

6th February 2016, 19:34

Put Stoner and Rossi on the same bike... and the Aussie would marmalise the teflon spic. Which I grant... was your point all along.

Aaaand... even though Lorenzo is my guy and I'd love to see him do it again... I still think Marquez is the best guy on the grid and will have learned a lot from last year. Which he mismanaged biblically.

Only if Stoners's mommy said he could. Mark Mucus has every right to be worried given his concentration on Rossi last year to the exclusion of the championship. He is however another Simoncelli. A pretender. Class will rise above whatever Daddy tells you to do. ""Crasherfromwayback", being a K1W1 will understand and equate that statement to Robert van Gisbergen et fils. Watch this space Pete.

Crasherfromwayback

6th February 2016, 23:18

Only if Stoners's mommy said he could. Mark Mucus has every right to be worried given his concentration on Rossi last year to the exclusion of the championship. He is however another Simoncelli. A pretender. Class will rise above whatever Daddy tells you to do. ""Crasherfromwayback", being a K1W1 will understand and equate that statement to Robert van Gisbergen et fils. Watch this space Pete.

English please.

Tazz

7th February 2016, 09:10

How can people get so emotional and opinionated over people they never have and never will know?

The only things you know about these people come from other people you also don't know anyway :laugh:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e59guruVL4o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bring on the racing, which is all that matters :)

BMWST?

7th February 2016, 09:50

How can people get so emotional and opinionated over people they never have and never will know?

The only things you know about these people come from other people you also don't know anyway :laugh:

Bring on the racing, which is all that matters :)

agree 100 percent.when the flag drops..... We wouldnt actually have any idea about what these guys are actually like.I bet we could sit down and talk bikes with them and think they are top blokes...all of them(which in my opinion they are)

denill

7th February 2016, 11:19

How can people get so emotional and opinionated over people they never have and never will know?

The only things you know about these people come from other people you also don't know anyway :

Bring on the racing, which is all that matters :)

Well said.......... The 'power' of the Internet. Never met the person, but the Haters have a strong opinion of their character and their personality.

But your comment will fall on deaf ears, as the Haters will be back. <_<

Mental Trousers

7th February 2016, 11:23

Yep. It's Stoners fault the Ducati was shit, and it's also his fault the Honda is now too.

He actually is partly responsible. Had he not won on those bikes the shake up at Ducati would've happened a lot earlier. Cut out the years he was at Ducati and how long was their streak of no wins and almost no podiums? The end of that period was a massive shake up for Ducati and it should've happened much sooner but Stoner was winning so it didn't happen.

Crasherfromwayback

7th February 2016, 11:35

He actually is partly responsible. .

Missed my point there Bro.

Mental Trousers

7th February 2016, 12:15

Missed my point there Bro.

More than likely. I've only been skimming and missed a fair bit I'd say.

pritch

7th February 2016, 12:17

How can people get so emotional and opinionated over people they never have and never will know?

You're overthinking it. Most of us don't even know each other. :whistle:

denill

7th February 2016, 13:50

You're overthinking it. Most of us don't even know each other. :whistle:

That may well have been in his mind Pritch. Either way, it's a valid point when you consider the vehement, personality slagging that we see here from time to time. 😟

Crasherfromwayback

7th February 2016, 13:55

consider the vehement, personality slagging that we see here from time to time. 😟

Only from time to time?

Oscar

8th February 2016, 12:46

How can people get so emotional and opinionated over people they never have and never will know?

Do you mean Crasher or Vale?

I met Vale.
Crasher can get fucked...:bleh:

carbonhed

8th February 2016, 17:38

Do you mean Crasher or Vale?

I met Vale.
Crasher can get fucked...:bleh:

:laugh: Probably right.

I think if you're really into the racing... how can it not be emotional and opinionated? It's epic!

gav

8th February 2016, 18:27

So how about the young Kiwi Jack Miller? Any thoughts on how he will go this year?

Crasherfromwayback

8th February 2016, 21:43

Do you mean Crasher or Vale?

I met Vale.
Crasher can get fucked...:bleh:

I do most every night thanks!

pritch

9th February 2016, 10:23

Overnight Mr Rossi has expressed distaste for winglets. He says the M1 is beautiful without them, but his main concern seems to be a crowded field cramming into turn one causing winglets to be knocked off and possibly to go under the wheels of following bikes.

If he has as much influence as is sometimes supposed, a ban on winglets must be imminent?

Crasherfromwayback

9th February 2016, 10:29

pritch

9th February 2016, 12:35

Then we should ban legs hanging out... :baby:

Why? Do you think they are likely to get knocked off and go under the wheels of other bikes? :whistle:

Drew

9th February 2016, 13:13

Why? Do you think they are likely to get knocked off and go under the wheels of other bikes? :whistle:

I was just about to express my concern at riders legs falling off.

Crasherfromwayback

9th February 2016, 13:34

Why? Do you think they are likely to get knocked off and go under the wheels of other bikes? :whistle:

I was just about to express my concern at riders legs falling off.

Just as likely as smashing winglets off I'd say. Maybe we should ban fairing screens? Those pesky seagulls smash them. May go under some cunts wheel!

sugilite

9th February 2016, 14:54

a ban on winglets must be imminent?
A rule banning winglets? Doubt that will fly. ;)

roogazza

9th February 2016, 18:20

. May go under some cunts wheel!

That'd be the new Chinese entry ?:lol:

jasonu

9th February 2016, 19:15

That'd be the new Chinese entry ?:lol:

Chinese, Korean, all tarred with the same brush...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17GbGmDORwk

pritch

9th February 2016, 20:42

Chinese, Korean, all tarred with the same brush...

I thought for a minute there you were going to tell us how the Jews sunk the Titanic.
Goldberg, Greenberg, iceberg, all tarred with the same brush.

ecko_nzed

10th February 2016, 09:39

Interview with George
http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/lorenzo-it-s-normal-that-yamaha-prefers-rossi-to-win-672307/

Tazz

10th February 2016, 09:42

:laugh: Probably right.

I think if you're really into the racing... how can it not be emotional and opinionated? It's epic!

Kinda like binge drinking, part of it is a culture thing imo.

You can get excited and emotional about racing or riders/drivers without it being about drawing useless conclusions on a bunch of (usually off track) shit that has nothing to do with the actual racing and is just petty as fuck.

But whatever floats yer boat I guess :bleh:

eelracing

10th February 2016, 10:37

I do most every night thanks!

I heard you were fired from an undertaker apprenticeship.

Inviting mourners back to suck on a cold stiff one wasnt quite what they expected.

Crasherfromwayback

10th February 2016, 13:00

I heard you were fired from an undertaker apprenticeship.

Inviting mourners back to suck on a cold stiff one wasnt quite what they expected.

Lol. Expect the unexpected Bro!

Autech

10th February 2016, 13:18

:laugh: Probably right.

I think if you're really into the racing... how can it not be emotional and opinionated? It's epic!

Couldn't agree more. If you aren't backing someone you are just watching lunatics go round n round in circles.

Not looking good for Honda I think. Anyone know if MM jumped on the 2016 chassis over the 3 days?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pritch

11th February 2016, 08:05

GPOne interview with Chaz Davies, primarly about Superbikes but also about MotoGP, and about Casey Stoner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_92RSGhyQ

From Motorsport Magazine:

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/the-easy-rider-in-valentino-rossi/

Afterthoughts: Interesting that Akrapovic are supplying a Ducati team with exhaust systems after the long standing love affair between Ducati and Termignoni.
And in that interview Chaz pronounces Akrapovic more or less correctly which will probably be the first time most Kiwis will have heard it said thus.

The Yamaha GP team switched from Termignoni to Akrapovic a season or so back. Honda switched from MIIV to Termignoni a few years ago and, according to the Sepang test pics, are still with the Italian company.

Damien_Toman

15th February 2016, 19:26

Great Joey quote. It brought a big smile to my face. Yer maun, the Legend, himself!

Asher

16th February 2016, 07:21

pritch

16th February 2016, 07:33

Nikky Hayden posted this on Instagram awhile ago. Suggests Honda (or at least the old open class bikes) ran HRC made exhausts....

Those Honda exhausts look like works of art. Don't know about the open bikes, but at Sepang this year there was still an identifiable Termignoni logo on Marquez' exhausts.

roogazza

16th February 2016, 10:44

Happy Birthday Vale !!!!!
319633

pritch

16th February 2016, 11:45

Happy Birthday Vale !!!!!
319633

And happy birthday to Casey Stoner's daughter who shares the same birthday. I wonder if Casey sent a card? :devil2:

Drew

16th February 2016, 16:32

Those Honda exhausts look like works of art. Don't know about the open bikes, but at Sepang this year there was still an identifiable Termignoni logo on Marquez' exhausts.

Termignoni pay for their sticker on the pipe. Not their product.

sugilite

16th February 2016, 16:41

Happy Birthday Vale !!!!!
319633

46! Jeez he is getting on eh! :innocent:

pritch

16th February 2016, 18:33

Termignoni pay for their sticker on the pipe. Not their product.

Eh? MIVV used to do the HRC pipes and advertised this extensively. When Termignoni started making the pipes there was an announcement to that effect.

Do you have some theory out of left field that Honda just let Termignoni put their stickers on HRC pipes?
And you had been doing so much better of late. You know you aren't supposed to stop taking the meds. :devil2:

Drew

16th February 2016, 19:19

Eh? MIVV used to do the HRC pipes and advertised this extensively. When Termignoni started making the pipes there was an announcement to that effect.

Do you have some theory out of left field that Honda just let Termignoni put their stickers on HRC pipes?
And you had been doing so much better of late. You know you aren't supposed to stop taking the meds. :devil2:

It is fairly common in racing for a sponsors products to be left sitting in the workshop at home.

ellipsis

16th February 2016, 23:37

...has Stoner just signed a deal with Ducati?...

pritch

17th February 2016, 09:04

...has Stoner just signed a deal with Ducati?...

Yes - as test rider but...

pritch

17th February 2016, 09:22

It is fairly common in racing for a sponsors products to be left sitting in the workshop at home.

That's an interesting observation. I can understand that Superbike testing of exhaust systems could take place in Europe and has. While not impossible, it seems less likely that Honda or Yamaha would be sending their latest GP bikes to Slovenia or Italy for testing.

While less risky, sending Slovenian or Italian engineers to Japan would still seem problematical.

pritch

17th February 2016, 14:01

Just listening to Harry Lloyd on the MotoPod podcast talking about the enthusiasm Nick Harris brings to his job blah blah... And a dark little cloud was forming above me - until he said the magic words, "I don't think Nick Harris could pronounce Bastianini's name to save his life."

I thought the lad had talent.

malcy25

17th February 2016, 16:14

That's an interesting observation. I can understand that Superbike testing of exhaust systems could take place in Europe and has. While not impossble, it seems less likely that Honda or Yamaha would be sending their latest GP bikes to Slovenia or Italy for testing.

While less risky, sending Slovenian or Italian engineers to Japan would still seem problematical.

There was an article in AMCN a while back which interviewed the owner of Akrapovic exhausts - it would seem they basically have had all the key MotoGP and WSBK bikes through their extensive test facilities.

pritch

18th February 2016, 08:47

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/to-wing-it-or-not-that-is-the-question/

pritch

18th February 2016, 08:59

And the first day of the MotoGP test at phillip Island was affected by rain. Alex Briggs said the weather was changing faster than they could change the setup on the bike. Seriously.

So it can be assumed that the times are even more meaningless than is usually the case.

http://www.motogp.com/en/testResults/MotoGP+Phillip+Island+Test+2016#ssid_1

ecko_nzed

19th February 2016, 08:20

Autech

19th February 2016, 09:35

Seems Maverick really likes PI. Finished top on day 2,just ahead of Marquez. Now if we could just get Stoner to wild card there it could be an awesome race
http://www.suzuki-racing.com/motogp/VI%C3%91ALES-TOPS-PHILLIP-ISLAND-TEST-TIMESHEETS.67341.cms

He did well there last year, was ahead giving a run Pedrosa for quite some time from memory. Pedrosa usually struggles there due to his light weight causing rear grip issues onto the front straight so it will be interesting to see if he can put himself further up the time sheet on the new rubber. Looks like Honda still has lots more to worry about than getting good lap times though.
Looking good for the Suzuki though! Lets hope it is actually competitive and this isn't just his liking for the track shining through. Shows what a good chassis that Suzuki is, be good to see some trap speeds to see if it's any faster this year.

pritch

20th February 2016, 17:10

David Emmett thinks we could have an interesting start to the season. Here's hoping...
https://motomatters.com/analysis/2016/02/19/2016_phillip_island_motogp_test_friday_r.html

Autech

21st February 2016, 08:18

David Emmett thinks we could have an interesting start to the season. Here's hoping...
https://motomatters.com/analysis/2016/02/19/2016_phillip_island_motogp_test_friday_r.html

I am thinking/hoping that the first half of the season will be full of interesting results.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pritch

2nd March 2016, 08:34

So, as the GP world gathers in Jerez and at Qatar for testing, Mat Oxley looks back at twenty five years of Dorna.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/dornas-mistakes/

pritch

2nd March 2016, 14:57

Interesting:
https://motomatters.com/news/2016/03/01/dorna_sports_handed_multi_million_euro_f.html

jasonu

2nd March 2016, 17:58

Interesting:
https://motomatters.com/news/2016/03/01/dorna_sports_handed_multi_million_euro_f.html

Greedy wops.

pritch

3rd March 2016, 09:21

Rossi crashes
Lorenzo fastest
Vinales second
Crutchlow fastest Honda
Bradders heads MM and Pedro
HRC bike sprouts wings
All new Aprilia appears

https://motomatters.com/results/2016/03/02/2016_qatar_motogp_wednesday_test_times_f.html

Normal service might resume tomorrow. Or not.

Afterthoughts:

The satellite Ducs are all looking good.

Yamaha are testing new, bigger wings.

Wings must be contagious, even Mahindra are wearing them in Moto 3.

Vinales does not have the seamless gearbox yet. (Suzuki have them at Qatar for testing.)

denill

3rd March 2016, 09:42

Rossi crashes
Lorenzo fastest
Vinales second
Crutchlow fastest Honda
Bradders heads MM and Pedro
HRC bike sprouts wings
All new Aprilia appears

https://motomatters.com/results/2016/03/02/2016_qatar_motogp_wednesday_test_times_f.html

Normal service might resume tomorrow. Or not.

Soup: First blood on the sandy track went to Rossi who crashed unhurt in ten corners time. He was uninjured.

Reckless

3rd March 2016, 15:15

Maverick Viñales Suzuki GSX-RR 1:55.880
He is certainly liking that Suzuki :) consistently there last couple tests to.
We may just have another bike in the mix this season :)
Bikes are strange things aye, same bike and Aliex just cant get in the groove??
Honda 10th and 13th jeepers?

roogazza

4th March 2016, 08:16

Just testing but a nice change ,Ducatis doin good !

2016 Qatar MotoGP Thursday Test Times at 10pm: Viñales Still Fastest as Ducatis Dominate
Submitted by David Emmett on Thu, 2016-03-03 19:10
in MotoGP Losail, Qatar

As the second day of testing at Qatar starts to wind down, Maverick Viñales remains fastest, leading Andrea Iannone by just under a tenth of a second. Jorge Lorenzo is in third, a pleasingly symmetric 0.099 seconds behind Viñales, and ahead of another gaggle of Ducatis, with Scott Redding ahead of Hector Barbera and Andrea Dovizioso, making it a clean sweep of Ducati flavors represented in the top five. Dani Pedrosa has jumped up the timesheets to be the first Honda rider in seventh, sitting just ahead of Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.

Times from Qatar on Thursday at 10pm local time:

Pos No Rider Bike Time Diff Prev
1 25 Maverick Viñales Suzuki GSX-RR 1:55.436
2 29 Andrea Iannone Ducati Desmosedici GP 1:55.508 0.072 0.072
3 99 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha M1 1:55.535 0.099 0.027
4 45 Scott Redding Ducati GP15 1:55.677 0.241 0.142
5 8 Hector Barbera Ducati GP14.2 1:55.815 0.379 0.138
6 4 Andrea Dovizioso Ducati Desmosedici GP 1:55.856 0.420 0.041
7 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda RC213V 1:55.857 0.421 0.001
8 46 Valentino Rossi Yamaha M1 1:55.947 0.511 0.090
9 93 Marc Márquez Honda RC213V 1:56.046 0.610 0.099
10 41 Aleix Espargaro Suzuki GSX-RR 1:56.126 0.690 0.080
11 44 Pol Espargaro Yamaha M1 1:56.173 0.737 0.047
12 76 Loris Baz Ducati GP14.2 1:56.427 0.991 0.254
13 68 Yonny Hernandez Ducati GP14.2 1:56.667 1.231 0.240
14 35 Cal Crutchlow Honda RC213V 1:56.733 1.297 0.066
15 53 Tito Rabat Honda RC213V 1:57.263 1.827 0.530
16 38 Bradley Smith Yamaha M1 1:57.267 1.831 0.004
17 50 Eugene Laverty Ducati GP14.2 1:57.670 2.234 0.403
18 19 Alvaro Bautista Aprilia RS-GP 1:57.721 2.285 0.051
19 43 Jack Miller Honda RC213V 1:57.789 2.353 0.068
20 51 Michele Pirro Ducati GP15 1:58.113 2.677 0.324
21 7 Hiroshi Aoyama Honda RC213V 1:58.347 2.911 0.234
22 6 Stefan Bradl Aprilia RS-GP 1:58.418 2.982 0.071

pritch

4th March 2016, 13:06

Bloody marvellous! Do Dorna deliberately hire clowns?

https://motomatters.com/opinion/2016/03/04/editor_s_opinion_more_knee_jerk_rule_cha.html

carbonhed

4th March 2016, 16:06

BMWST?

5th March 2016, 11:57

Honda seem to be in real trouble.Marquez said that the hondas would be ok on fast tracks where accelleration is in the higher gears.At quatar there are some slower corners and the Hondas are no where...I think the championship may well be a battle between lorenzo ,rossi and......Vinales.THe non factory teams will well have lots of podiums this year

Autech

5th March 2016, 12:28

denill

5th March 2016, 12:36

Only testing. But you missed out Andrea 1 and 2

Those most likely to say "It's only testing" are the slower riders in the test.

pritch

5th March 2016, 14:42

The Ducatis looking good, especially Scott Redding who finished second fastest and might not be saying "It's only testing".

Interesting results at Jerez too. Sam Lowes looking very good.

There was a funny little drama played out overnight bit by bit. I was going to explain it but David Emmett covered it so... Any factory paying millions to race should at least read the rules. Ducati got caught and got the attention, but it seems Yamaha slipped up as well.

https://motomatters.com/news/2016/03/04/confusion_over_rules_means_casey_stoner_.html

carbonhed

5th March 2016, 15:03

The Ducatis looking good, especially Scott Redding who finished second fastest and might not be saying "It's only testing".

[/url]

It's good to see Redding enjoying being on the bike again after a couple of really hard years.

Autech

5th March 2016, 15:38

Those most likely to say "It's only testing" are the slower riders in the test.

All I meant is you missed out the Ducati boys from your equation. Ducati have tested well and their bike seems to be functioning well at all test tracks. Ditto the Suzuki.

Not long to go now boys...

Not looking great for Honda though... :(

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

carbonhed

5th March 2016, 16:10

I'd like to see this group battling for second at Phillip Island...

Iannone
Vinales
Marquez
Redding
Rossi

Some history in that bunch :laugh:

ecko_nzed

5th March 2016, 22:55

roogazza

6th March 2016, 07:22

It's good to see Redding enjoying being on the bike again after a couple of really hard years.

Seems to have a lot of supporters in the paddock ?
He's quite big physically and looks radical with his style. yeah, I like him.

pritch

6th March 2016, 08:15

So after their minor rules debacle Ducati have announced this morning that Stoner will test at Qatar on the Monday and Tuesday following the GP.
Weather permitting, that'll provide very similar conditions to what he would have had if he'd tested yesterday and today. The track should be clean and his results and feedback should be directly comparable to that of the factory riders.

Autech

6th March 2016, 09:13

Seems to have a lot of supporters in the paddock ?
He's quite big physically and looks radical with his style. yeah, I like him.

He is still the youngest GP winner ever. The french spanish prophet was not able to take that away last year despite them changing the rules to give him a shot at it.

Go Redding!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mental Trousers

8th March 2016, 11:08

It's good to see Redding enjoying being on the bike again after a couple of really hard years.

Yep 12 months of riding a peaky bitch of a bike designed for midgets took it's toll. If nothing else, at least he's having fun on the Duke.

I'd say Dovi might end up losing his ride to Redding eventually. That's a wee way off yet but it looks like the Ducati suits his riding and size and he's loving it. Nothing faster than a riding that's buzzed about how good the bike feels.

pritch

9th March 2016, 08:30

It was thought that silly season would start early this year but it's off and running already.

The Motopod podcast reported that Lorenzo wants his new contract signed at Qatar.

They also commented that Pol Espagero wants a change, he apparently feels Yamaha have not kept their end of the deal. He is contracted to Yamaha, not to Tech 3 like Smith. It's hard to see him replacing Pedrosa, Rossi, or even his brother, so it would seem he's aiming for a Ducati ride.

He would seem to have burned his bridges with Yamaha, so that would make a Tech 3 seat available.

Autech

9th March 2016, 09:16

Good run down on motomatters about who might go where. I'm predicting no changes for the top 4 unless Maverick throws his hand out and says "Can I have a bike pleeaaassseee?".
His testing speed above Aleix has been fantastic, considering the Aleix has been the guy in the paddock going fastest on crappier bikes for the last 5 years, shows the kind of talent this chap is. Can't see MM happy with him as a #2 though, dummies would be spat :baby:!

Not long now guys, looking like I might have to shell out for a streaming pass this year, haven't yet found any torrents for WSBK Philip Island so worried the the GP will be the same.

Still got my fingers crossed that Dani will work out how to ride the bike better than the young hoon.

Dadpole

9th March 2016, 10:05

haven't yet found any torrents for WSBK Philip Island so worried the the GP will be the same.

Still got my fingers crossed that Dani will work out how to ride the bike better than the young hoon.

I had one downloaded within one hour of each race ending via https://kat.cr.

I am with you on Dani too.

Reckless

9th March 2016, 15:48

I had one downloaded within one hour of each race ending via https://kat.cr.

I am with you on Dani too.

Didnt like the warning but clicked anyway then you have to sign up with file dropper so bugger that :(
The WSBK torrents wheren't available generally for the delay time ( a week I think) if you signed up with WSBK on Pirate bay?

Tazz

9th March 2016, 16:21

Didnt like the warning but clicked anyway then you have to sign up with file dropper so bugger that :(
The WSBK torrents wheren't available generally for the delay time ( a week I think) if you signed up with WSBK on Pirate bay?

No no, click on the magnet links. You don't need to register or download anything other than a bit torrent client (like u-torrent).

Well that's what my friend John told me :whistle:

Autech

9th March 2016, 16:31

Yeah my friend also found this out when he tried the link.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dadpole

9th March 2016, 16:37

No no, click on the magnet links.

Sorry. I just assumed you would click on the magnet link. That will teach me.

U Torrent is probably the best free torrent software. Make sure you get the original programme from www.utorrent.com. Other sources can have other things bundled in the installer package.
It does have an advertising panel but is free of malware crap otherwise. You can get rid of the adverts too - Google it.

pritch

10th March 2016, 07:02

From Simon Crafar's blog:

http://www.motovudu.com/blog/view/more-than-a-mechanic.html

Crasherfromwayback

10th March 2016, 10:19

From Simon Crafar's blog:

http://www.motovudu.com/blog/view/more-than-a-mechanic.html

So very true.

denill

10th March 2016, 11:11

From Simon Crafar's blog:
I
http://www.motovudu.com/blog/view/more-than-a-mechanic.html

Thanks Pritch for posting. And thank Simon for the article. Priceless...........

Reckless

10th March 2016, 16:08

OH my its out there now still mad I see

http://paddockchatter.com/2016/03/09/no-end-in-sight/

Tazz

10th March 2016, 16:22

OH my its out there now still mad I see

http://paddockchatter.com/2016/03/09/no-end-in-sight/

I reckon he's going to get creamed this season.

Reckless

10th March 2016, 18:29

I reckon he's going to get creamed this season.
What might happen with the hondas not going so well is Lozenge could be out front by a margin and the rest of them fighting a damn good scrap if the Ducatis can get up there and maybe the Suzuki, now that would be good.
All cameras on the fight for second will certainly piss Lozenge off to :nya:

Gonna watch WSBK tonight thanks to Deadpole :) Watched a snipet to make sure the download worked and it looked good as :)

Damien_Toman

11th March 2016, 11:34

https://flic.kr/p/F7gL8r

(2014)

Damien_Toman

11th March 2016, 11:44

.... haven't yet found any torrents for WSBK Philip Island ....

Try:
http://motolink.website/index.htm

Dadpole

11th March 2016, 13:14

I have found the Motolink site good for things like the Northwest 200 etc as the main torrent sites tend not have them. A few days delay though.

DISCLAIMER... Not that I would ever download such things or suggest anyone should do such a thing. :whistle:

carbonhed

11th March 2016, 14:15

OH my its out there now still mad I see

http://paddockchatter.com/2016/03/09/no-end-in-sight/

I just don't understand the reasoning behind rehashing last seasons animosities and announcing yourself as very hard to beat... weird.

Dadpole

11th March 2016, 15:43

I suspect that is a recycle of an interview a month or so ago.

carbonhed

11th March 2016, 16:21

I suspect that is a recycle of an interview a month or so ago.

Yeah well... journalistic cunts was definitely a possibility.

Brett

11th March 2016, 20:28

Just signed up for my 2016 Multi-screen Video Pass (Normally only get the normal pass...hope it's worth the extra $$$).

So excited for this season. GO ROSSI!!!!!!!!! Fuck the haters!

http://www.2wheeltuesday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Valentino_Rossi_wheelie.jpg

pritch

12th March 2016, 10:21

GO ROSSI!!!!!!!!! Fuck the haters!

Special for you Kiwi.

Originally posted in Italian overnight, they have kindly translated it for non-Italian speakers.

http://gazzettaworld.gazzetta.it/interview/rossi-renew-calling-quits/

Crasherfromwayback

12th March 2016, 10:36

Just signed up for my 2016 Multi-screen Video Pass (Normally only get the normal pass...hope it's worth the extra $$$).

So excited for this season. GO ROSSI!!!!!!!!! Fuck the haters!

Cool pic...and come on with the racing all ready!! How was Valencia? I thought it was Bogan that was doing that trip...but it was you wannit?

roogazza

12th March 2016, 10:39

Special for you Kiwi.

Originally posted in Italian overnight, they have kindly translated it for non-Italian speakers.

http://gazzettaworld.gazzetta.it/interview/rossi-renew-calling-quits/

Thanks pritch, enjoyed that. (still a big fan..):cool:

Crasherfromwayback

12th March 2016, 10:43

carbonhed

12th March 2016, 11:38

Lol. Whhaaaaa... Did you overestimate his capabilities?

“More than anything I allowed myself to be tricked by Marquez. He really betrayed me. He said he was a fan but those were all lies. I almost believed him and I was ready to have a rivalry with him, giving 100 percent on the track, but those were all lies on his end. At Assen I realised he was only my friend when he beats me.”

Maybe it's the Italian temperament coming through? Everybody's best friends forever until they're really fucking not and then it's blood feuds and a stiletto to the liver in an alley on a dark and rainy night......

Kiwis are relatively placid.

Crasherfromwayback

12th March 2016, 11:44

Maybe it's the Italian temperament coming through? Everybody's best friends forever until they're really fucking not and then it's blood feuds and a stiletto to the liver in an alley on a dark and rainy night......

Kiwis are relatively placid.

Yep. Ole Rossi is always *best friends* with people until they start beating him on a reg basis...but to try and claim MM is/was lying about him being a Rossi fan as a kid is fucking hilarious. Seriously?

carbonhed

12th March 2016, 12:11

Yep. Ole Rossi is always *best friends* with people until they start beating him on a reg basis...but to try and claim MM is/was lying about him being a Rossi fan as a kid is fucking hilarious. Seriously?

Unhinged.

And ten other characters.

Crasherfromwayback

12th March 2016, 12:13

Unhinged.

And ten other characters.

It'll be his downfall. Again. Lorenzo all the way this season. Too good.

Tazz

12th March 2016, 12:26

actungbaby

12th March 2016, 12:30

I had one downloaded within one hour of each race ending via https://kat.cr.

I am with you on Dani too.

hi what did you type in your search i got the torrents but to lazy scrool

though years of listings . thanks for the sight . ezit is great site for tv shows

Reckless

12th March 2016, 13:46

hi what did you type in your search i got the torrents but to lazy scrool

though years of listings . thanks for the sight . ezit is great site for tv shows

I typed WSBK 2016 and got exactly what i wanted :)
Damn good too, top 6 or 7 up each others arse both races.

Dadpole

12th March 2016, 14:31

I just put in WSBK and use the age filter for the latest.

The uploader username a9052618997 is good and gets the files up quickly. On occasion the latest uploads will not show so you can search by username. (So my friends neighbor told me)

PS: Friday Highlights, Interviews & extras are there for round 2

steveyb

13th March 2016, 19:45

I am going for Brad Binder, Romano Fenati, Livio Loi and Jorge Navarro this years top four.
If I had to put a $ on it, Jorge Navarro to win the title, but would love for Fenati to get it.

BMWST?

14th March 2016, 19:32

in other news sky will cover motogp this season too,starting this weekend

actungbaby

15th March 2016, 12:46

I typed WSBK 2016 and got exactly what i wanted :)
Damn good too, top 6 or 7 up each others arse both races.

Thanks yes i read about them both

roogazza

16th March 2016, 10:37

320450

Brilliant,waiting ,waiting !

Autech

16th March 2016, 11:09

Oooohhhh yeah. Anyone else betting on a Ducati victory?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pritch

17th March 2016, 08:31

Recently Pol Espagero made a petulant little speech about how Yamaha hadn't kept their part of the bargain and he was looking for a ride elsewhere next year. It seems that speech has resulted in his being told his services will not be required at Tech3 in 2017. His contract with Yamaha expires and he isn't getting one from Tech3.

Rather more sadly Smith has also been told he will not have a seat at Tech3 next year. OK he never looked like the next alien, but he has done everything that could reasonably be asked of a satellite team rider. Here's hoping he can pick up a factory ride. Assuming Yamaha and Honda are out, that still leaves Ducati, Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM in 2017.