MotoGP 2016

[Mental Trousers]

Well after the bullshit circus MotoGP 2015 turned into I'm 100% behind Pedrossa, Dovizioso and Iannone for 2016.

Good to see they're going to the Red Bull Ring too. Bring on next years racing.

[pritch]

That's fair, the 2016 season starts tonight our time. Shame my video sub has expired.

[onearmedbandit]

Can't wait for the new season. One thing we can appreciate about living in the Southern Hemisphere is while MotoGP is away it's our summer. All the Northern types will be going through winter and have little to moan about on the internetz.

Riders I'll be following next year will be Vinales, Rossi, Pedrosa and Ianonne.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm guessing the shit will hit the fan from round 1. Kinda like to see Pedro win one before he retires.

[nudemetalz]

Also, here's hoping the Suzuki gets the seamless gearbox and a few more noodles out of the IL4.... 'cause it's a great package already :)

[Autech]

Yup my predictions for 2016 will hopefully come true! Dani Champion before he maybe loses his seat to Miller.

Riders I am backing wont really change:
Dani Pedrosa
Jack Miller - Is he on a "Factory" Satellite next year? If so he will have a podium by years end
Aleix Espagaro

Other rider to watch will be Dovi and I think with great rear grip he will destroy his foes. Tito Rabat will do well too I think given the chance to put in lots of laps, definite top 10 finishes for him. And of course Maverick, he's shown glimpses of brilliance through out the year, very talented pair those two Suzuki boys.

All this depends on how the bikes work on the new rubber, Ducati should love it. I will watch the test results with great interest.

[Erelyes]

I'll stay on the Pedro, Iannone bandwagon.

Those Suzis should start making people honest too. Vinales for a podium?

[Crasherfromwayback]

. Vinales for a podium?

If the bike improves for sure.

[Jezxa]

Iannone and Vinales are on my watchlist.

If the Suzuki can find a bit more power it should be very competitive.

MM will most likely be 2016 champion though

[Autech]

I would say Aleix will get a podium before young Mav...


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[caspernz]

World Superbikes is looking appealing :innocent::brick:

[Dave-]

This might be a better place to ask, when's the best time to buy the videopass for the 2016 season?

[Autech]

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/225054/1/redding-right-at-home-on-ducati-gp15.html

Add Redding to ya list of riders to watch. A comfortable Redding is a fast Redding


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[Mental Trousers]

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/225054/1/redding-right-at-home-on-ducati-gp15.html

Add Redding to ya list of riders to watch. A comfortable Redding is a fast Redding

Always liked Redding but he's just too big for the Honda's and his riding style doesn't suit them. It's a shame he didn't get a Ducati to start with.

[Autech]

Always liked Redding but he's just too big for the Honda's and his riding style doesn't suit them. It's a shame he didn't get a Ducati to start with.

He had the offer and I think he has stated he regrets turning it down.

Shame he grew so big, to think he is the youngest ever rider to win a GP shows the talent he had when he was a young midget.

[Badjelly]

This might be a better place to ask, when's the best time to buy the videopass for the 2016 season?

Right now, I think. You get the off-season for free along with the 2016 season (though I must admit that in the 2014-2015 off-season I never actually watched anything).

[Badjelly]

Add Redding to ya list of riders to watch. A comfortable Redding is a fast Redding.

Nah, Bradley for the championship!

[Autech]

Nah, Bradley for the championship!

You need a soul to win the championship. We all know gingers have no soul... He can shave his hair off all we want, we know who you are Bradley "Soul sucker" Smith.

[Badjelly]

You need a soul to win the championship. We all know gingers have no soul... He can shave his hair off all we want, we know who you are Bradley "Soul sucker" Smith.

Fair call. :laugh:

[Mental Trousers]

Nah, Bradley for the championship!

Careful, Crasher will be along if you don't watch out.

[Grumph]

You need a soul to win the championship. We all know gingers have no soul... He can shave his hair off all we want, we know who you are Bradley "Soul sucker" Smith.

Are you going to the Southern Classic at levels ? I really must introduce you to Ellipsis....or King Ginga as he'd like to be called.

[puddytat]

This might be a better place to ask, when's the best time to buy the videopass for the 2016 season?

25% off at the moment......but the exchange rate at the moment is very sucky....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Careful, Crasher will be along if you don't watch out.

I saw that! I wish the young fella all the best. Be willing to bet he won't get a podium again in 2016 though. Good on him for his one this year mind you.

[Luckylegs]

Be willing to be bet...

Dont you come on here throwing that word around you bastard

[pritch]

This might be a better place to ask, when's the best time to buy the videopass for the 2016 season?

The sub expires a day or two after the final round, so if you paid up now you'd get a full year. How much stuff they offer over "winter" I can't say, but there are the old races going back to about 2000 to watch which might help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

[Autech]

Dont you come on here throwing that word around you bastard

Put a box on it!


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[Crasherfromwayback]

Dont you come on here throwing that word around you bastard


Put a box on it!



Drank the last of LL's Mon morning watching Valencia!

[Autech]

Are you going to the Southern Classic at levels ? I really must introduce you to Ellipsis....or King Ginga as he'd like to be called.

Might go for a day but wont be racing. Would love to race the weekend but cant quite afford it.



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[Drew]

There's much to consider for the upcoming season. Will the Suzuki's get a stronger motor? Will one of their riders prove to be an alien?

Will Michelin stiffen up their front tyre carcas? Will it help?

Will Dani come out of the blocks hard and fast? Will Honda back him enough or concentrate on Marquez again?

Questions questions...

I doubt I'll lose too much sleep over it. Got racing of my own to do.

[Shaun Harris]

There's much to consider for the upcoming season. Will the Suzuki's get a stronger motor? Will one of their riders prove to be an alien?


Yes to the motor

Yes to the trick gearbox also

Yes to the Alien, Maverick has always been one, I reckon

It seems the Suzuki and there riders like the New Michi tires

[pritch]

And from left field...

It was reported overnight that Casey Stoner has signed with Ducati as test rider.

[Shaun Harris]

And from left field...

It was reported overnight that Casey Stoner has signed with Ducati as test rider.


His contract with Honda does not finish untill the end of December pritch, so that is just another rumour

[trev]

His contract with Honda does not finish untill the end of December pritch, so that is just another rumour

It is apparently being officially announced in January. He'll be doing some wildcard rides as well like Pirro did this year. The story is he wasn't impressed HRC totally ignored all the advice he gave them about the 2015 motor being too aggressive.

[roogazza]

Do we really think he'll come back at 30 yrs old after breaking bits in Japan ?
Maybe if he's wanting more income, or still searching for the respect journos are saying he wanted?

Nah can't see it. (but it won't die ?) :confused:

[Shaun Harris]

Do we really think he'll come back at 30 yrs old after breaking bits in Japan ?
Maybe if he's wanting more income, or still searching for the respect journos are saying he wanted?

Nah can't see it. (but it won't die ?) :confused:


He "WILL NOT" CS would not come back unless he believed he could win still, and I seriously doubt he believes in himself that much any more after this amount of time at that level.

[pritch]

His contract with Honda does not finish untill the end of December pritch, so that is just another rumour

Well the rumour was repeated and both comments I saw were from normally reliable sources. The end of December isn't far off - soon be Christmas.

There was also some speculation, it wouldn't even rate as a rumour. The Aprilia seamless gearbox is 1N23456 whereas Honda and Yamaha are N123456.
From this piece of information it was extrapolated that Aprilia could be first to put a seamless gearbox in a road bike.

There were also comments from Pedrosa and others that the control electrionics are nowhere near as slick as what was in use this season. Barring major improvement, rider input will be a bigger factor next season.

[Shaun Harris]

, rider input will be a bigger factor next season.



Rock on Rossi

[Badjelly]

Do we really think he'll come back at 30 yrs old after breaking bits in Japan ?

These has-been racers aren't known for their realism about such things.

[Mental Trousers]

There was also some speculation, it wouldn't even rate as a rumour. The Aprilia seamless gearbox is 1N23456 whereas Honda and Yamaha are N123456.
From this piece of information it was extrapolated that Aprilia could be first to put a seamless gearbox in a road bike.

But not in America, the lawyers would be lining up for the first hint of the gearbox being remotely associated with a crash.


There were also comments from Pedrosa and others that the control electrionics are nowhere near as slick as what was in use this season. Barring major improvement, rider input will be a bigger factor next season.

No surprise there. More rider input is a good thing.

[pritch]

No surprise there. More rider input is a good thing.

Most of us would agree with that. It can be easy to read things that are not actually there, but one quote was that the less effective electronics would mean, "less metronomic laps". That quote doesn't mention anyone in particular, but the rider most frequently described at turning out metronomic laps hasn't been mentioned in reports from testing that I've seen so far. Then again, neither has his team mate.

Is there a limit on the amount of "wild cards" that a test rider can enter? There are strict limits on the amount of testing contracted racers can do, so equally there must be a limit on the amount of racing a tester can do. Otherwise there'd be nothing to stop a "test rider" entering 18 GPs while doing unlimited testing.

[Autech]

Most of us would agree with that. It can be easy to read things that are not actually there, but one quote was that the less effective electronics would mean, "less metronomic laps". That quote doesn't mention anyone in particular, but the rider most frequently described at turning out metronomic laps hasn't been mentioned in reports from testing that I've seen so far. Then again, neither has his team mate.

Is there a limit on the amount of "wild cards" that a test rider can enter? There are strict limits on the amount of testing contracted racers can do, so equally there must be a limit on the amount of racing a tester can do. Otherwise there'd be nothing to stop a "test rider" entering 18 GPs while doing unlimited testing.

Tito might give him a run for his money on the metronomic laps. 74 laps completed in testing on a new bike with a rooted hand. This guy has soul (clearly not ginger).

Casey Retired too early, I was never a great fan of him but the dude could ride a bike bloody well. Lets hope he returns on form in his wildcards.

[ecko_nzed]

I saw that! I wish the young fella all the best. Be willing to bet he won't get a podium again in 2016 though. Good on him for his one this year mind you.

I'll take that action. Same as last time 2doz?

Reckon he's in with a chance given the uncertainty with electronics and tires.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'll take that action. Same as last time 2doz?

Reckon he's in with a chance given the uncertainty with electronics and tires.

Done deal.:headbang:

[Autech]

Anyone fancy a wager on Marquez taking DNFing at least 3 times from losing the front?


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[Mental Trousers]

A single, common set of electronics will cut the factories advantage so satellite teams should have a much better chance of getting on the podium so Smith is a good bet.

[denill]

And from left field...

It was reported overnight that Casey Stoner has signed with Ducati as test rider.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Nov/151111mnbcs.htm

[sugilite]

I would definitely like to see what Stoner could do these days :yes:

[carbonhed]

I would definitely like to see what Stoner could do these days :yes:

Absolutely.

[BMWST?]

CS will not return to Ducati.I think he feels they treated him badly during the lactose thing and there was never much development of the bike.

[puddytat]

Old whatshis face on his blog was saying that the EU was going to stipulate that from 2017 race machinery would have to meet Euro 3 emission standards.....what is the world coming to:oi-grr:

[sil3nt]

CS will not return to Ducati.I think he feels they treated him badly during the lactose thing and there was never much development of the bike.I believe the team has changed quite considerably since then.

[pritch]

CS will not return to Ducati.I think he feels they treated him badly during the lactose thing and there was never much development of the bike.

In his book he compares the culture at Ducati unfavourably with that of Honda. He is not alone in criticising the culture at Ducati though.

When he went to Ducati Gigi Dalligna(sp?) said his first priority was to work on communication. I thought that was odd considering the bike was such a dog. Since then though the nature of the problem has become more apparent. The key people at Borgo Panigale were engineers, the key people in the race team are mechanics. The engineers considered that they did not have to take any notice of the team guys because they were "only" mechanics.

One of the mechanics told an engineer that there was a problem with fasteners on the Ducati GP bikes. For example Honda and Yamaha use 10, 12, and 14mm bolts. A mechanic can tell at a glance which is which. Ducati used 9,10,11,12,13, 14mm bolts etc. The mechanic has to look longer to differentiate between them, and will still occasionally get it wrong. That all takes time and, after all, there is a race going on. Nothing was done. Engineers don't need to do what mechanics tell them?

Apparently on his arrival Gigi told the factory people that it was the guys on the team who were driving the effort and if anybody was uncomfortable about that they should leave before they were asked to.

Someone, I can't remember who, commented that the Ducati engineers were offended by criticism of their bike, as if it was an insult. The engineers at Honda in comparison are grateful, the criticism has given direction to their work.

Overnight the head of Ducati announced that they had indeed approached Stoner. They wished to ascertain if he was available next year and if he would be interested in working with them.

[merv]

Old whatshis face on his blog was saying that the EU was going to stipulate that from 2017 race machinery would have to meet Euro 3 emission standards.....what is the world coming to:oi-grr:

Well Ducati have the Audi Volkswagen connection now so no problem they can get the fancy software from them - all their cars make Euro 5 under test no trouble so no worries about old Euro 3 :cool:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'd prefer to see Stoner back racing a Honda against MM and DP...but never mind.

[Mental Trousers]

When he went to Ducati Gigi Dalligna(sp?) said his first priority was to work on communication. I thought that was odd considering the bike was such a dog.

Not odd at all. Leadership is a key component of a team effort. If the leadership is wrong, the team is wrong and the doesn't work. The leadership of the Ducati MotoGP effort were arrogant, took feedback as criticism and refused any advice because they knew better. Given that sort of atmosphere it was no wonder they were producing a bike nobody could ride. In the end even the one guy who could ride it gave up and went somewhere else.

[Tazz]

With the circus music still playing loud and clear it's looking more likely that there might be a number change in the Yamaha garage next season, or do you guys think 'no way in hell'? Tricky situation.

[Mental Trousers]

Pretty sure there's going to be a wall down the middle of the garage now.

[jellywrestler]

did i see them testing next years bikes after the valencia race; on bridgestones, thought they were going to michelins, why wouldn't they start out from the get go with the right tyres?

[Crasherfromwayback]

did i see them testing next years bikes after the valencia race; on bridgestones, thought they were going to michelins, why wouldn't they start out from the get go with the right tyres?

Nah, pretty sure they were all on the French rubber.

[jellywrestler]

Nah, pretty sure they were all on the French rubber.

do michelin make a battlax? only saw one bike and it wasn't michelin.

[Crasherfromwayback]

do michelin make a battlax? only saw one bike and it wasn't michelin.

http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2015/motogp/valencia-test-nov/1/

http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2015/motogp/valencia-test-nov/2/

[Jezxa]

do michelin make a battlax? only saw one bike and it wasn't michelin.

They were testing the new bike and the new tyres individually to not mix up the results

[jellywrestler]

http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2015/motogp/valencia-test-nov/1/

http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2015/motogp/valencia-test-nov/2/

as mentioned, only saw one clip and it had bridgestones, hence my interest and question Pete.

[pritch]

Pretty sure there's going to be a wall down the middle of the garage now.

Last time there was a wall in the garage was because one rider was using Bridgestone and one Michelin. Nobody will be using Bridgestones next year.

[Crasherfromwayback]

as mentioned, only saw one clip and it had bridgestones, hence my interest and question Pete.

Yeah I've not seen any clips mate. But I've seen a fair few bikes in gravel traps! Bring on 2016 I say!

[Mental Trousers]

Last time there was a wall in the garage was because one rider was using Bridgestone and one Michelin. Nobody will be using Bridgestones next year.

6 years ago they had a wall in the sheds between Rossi's and Lorenzo's garages and it had nothing to do with the tyres. That was all about the riders.

[pritch]

6 years ago they had a wall in the sheds between Rossi's and Lorenzo's garages and it had nothing to do with the tyres. That was all about the riders.

That's your story, but that is at variance from the official version which was that it was the different tyres.

[Mental Trousers]

That's your story, but that is at variance from the official version which was that it was the different tyres.

Convenient that they were on different tyres then the team didn't have to say it's cos their riders don't like each other. They really didn't like each other at that time but they sorted it out the next year and they'd been improving as time went on. Until the last few weeks.

[Dave-]

Pretty sure there's going to be a wall down the middle of the garage now.

I hope so.

[sugilite]

I do not reckon there will be a wall down the middle of the Yamaha pit, will not a visable one :lol:
Lorenzo will have to get used to the booing at future podium events though, and from the way he did a fast stage exit left from both the last two he is not fond of being booed.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I do not reckon there will be a wall down the middle of the Yamaha pit, will not a visable one :lol:
Lorenzo will have to get used to the booing at future podium events though, and from the way he did a fast stage exit left from both the last two he is not fond of being booed.

He and MM will need extra security in Italy I'd say!

[Drew]

Despite being a Rossi fan, I think that's fucken rough. Booing is just shithouse.

[Autech]

Despite being a Rossi fan, I think that's fucken rough. Booing is just shithouse.

Yup none of those cunts could ride like that. Give applause.

He should take a page out of Jim Richards book next time.


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[Mental Trousers]

Despite being a Rossi fan, I think that's fucken rough. Booing is just shithouse.

Aye .

[roogazza]

Yup none of those cunts could ride like that. Give applause.

He should take a page out of Jim Richards book next time.


Yeah, what did Jim say,''ya just a pack of fucken arseholes" ? (at Bathhurst one year).

[Drew]

Yeah, what did Jim say,''ya just a pack of fucken arseholes" ? (at Bathhurst one year).

"You're nothing but a bunch of arseholes" was the line I think. Quick search didn't show it up.

[roogazza]

"You're nothing but a bunch of arseholes" was the line I think. Quick search didn't show it up.

Probably , pardon my ''French" !!!!! lol

[Erelyes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYHeyg7WwX8

"I'm just really stunned for words, I can't believe the reception. I thought Australian race fans had a lot more to go than this, this is bloody disgraceful. I'll keep racing but I tell you what, this is going to remain with me for a long time, you're a pack of arseholes."

[pritch]

Despite being a Rossi fan, I think that's fucken rough. Booing is just shithouse.

Well, it would be shithouse if Lorenzo hadn't actually provoked it. During the podium ceremony at Sepang when Rossi's name was mentioned Lorenzo made a series of thumb down gestures. That's what kicked off the booing.

I don't know what he did at Jerez but it was a bloody good trick getting booed in his own country.

[caspernz]

Yeah I can recall watching Bathurst when Jim Richards won under weird circumstances. His speech on the podium was on the money I reckon.

The whole MotoGP farce in 2015 season seems a bit off, as in hard to tell what the go really is. Viewer numbers are up, so maybe it's got a bit of manufactured drama about it? World Superbikes appeal more to myself, so why should I care really...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yup none of those cunts could ride like that. Give applause.

He should take a page out of Jim Richards book next time.


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Yeah, what did Jim say,''ya just a pack of fucken arseholes" ? (at Bathhurst one year).

Think Stoner may told a few that one year too. Donnington perhaps?

[pritch]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp/culling-corner-speeds/

[Autech]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp/culling-corner-speeds/

Slow em down they say... Sounds like a Tui ad to me!

[Shaun Harris]

Slow em down they say... Sounds like a Tui ad to me!



LOL, kinda yea. But the safety issue;s at some of the trucks is getting rather risky now with there corner speed. And it is a lot cheaper to make bikes go slower, than it is to modify race tracks

[Mental Trousers]

Same issue they've been having for many years with those 4 wheeled billboards, the F1 cars. They need to slow the cars down because get so fast they're not driveable and seriously dangerous so they bring in rules that ban something, make them slower while hopefully not taking away from the spectacle, the prestige and the lap times.

[Badjelly]

Remember the last time they made a serious effort to reduce speeds in MotoGP, by reducing capacity from 1000 to 800? Result: less powerful, peakier engines and consequntly higher corner speeds, with the added bonus of more high-side crashes, until the electronics improved and the riders adapted (think Air Lorenzo). Now the preferred solution is apparently to reduce the wheel rim width and therefore contact patch size. What could possibly go wrong with that?

Actually I'm not sure what could go wrong with reducing the rim width, but what I do know is that MotoGP engineers and riders are ingenious people and technical changes often have perverse consequences.

[5150]

And so it continuous :rolleyes:

http://gpxtra.com/2015/11/19/hjc-terminate-elmet-contract/

[ecko_nzed]

And so it continuous :rolleyes:

http://gpxtra.com/2015/11/19/hjc-terminate-elmet-contract/

Apparently, it's not true. If you look at the bottom of the page there is a tweat from HJC, refuting the claim made by an Italian media site.

[ecko_nzed]

Doh!

http://www.suzuki-racing.com/motogp/ESPARGARO-OUT-OF-SEPANG-TEST-AFTER-TRAINING-ACCIDENT.66035.cms

[Autech]

Doh!

http://www.suzuki-racing.com/motogp/ESPARGARO-OUT-OF-SEPANG-TEST-AFTER-TRAINING-ACCIDENT.66035.cms

That is a shane. These boys train hard. Must be terrible getting to ride dirt bikes n call it training lol


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[pritch]

Coupla bits:

Jack Miller has been expressing himself in his usual forthright fashion. He is quoted as saying words to the effect, "Nicky, Eugene, and I, have been telling people all year that the new electronics are fucking shit. Now they believe it."

Bradders has become only the fourth rider ever to score points in all eighteen rounds of the championship. Not bad for a Ginja eh Pete? :whistle:

[BMWST?]

Well, it would be shithouse if Lorenzo hadn't actually provoked it. During the podium ceremony at Sepang when Rossi's name was mentioned Lorenzo made a series of thumb down gestures. That's what kicked off the booing.

I don't know what he did at Jerez but it was a bloody good trick getting booed in his own country.

to boo lorenzo is the height of bad sportmanship.To beleive that lorenzo deserves it is also bad sportmanship Lorenzo didnt need any help to beat Rossi (if indeed he actually got any) .The whole episode is as much a rossi propaganda campaign as much as fact.Although a fantastic racer and tactician he has become a legend in his own mind too.He simply couldnt handle the pressure of being beaten by no less than three of his peers, a situation he has never faced before so he had to invent a scenario he can live with(In my opinion)

[Autech]

Coupla bits:

Jack Miller has been expressing himself in his usual forthright fashion. He is quoted as saying words to the effect, "Nicky, Eugene, and I, have been telling people all year that the new electronics are fucking shit. Now they believe it."

Bradders has become only the fourth rider ever to score points in all eighteen rounds of the championship. Not bad for a Ginja eh Pete? :whistle:

Respect the lad for telling them as it is. Oh well they will all be on it next year and the factories will help improve it


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[Shaun Harris]

Respect the lad for telling them as it is. Oh well they will all be on it next year and the factories will help improve it


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NOPE, it is a completely different system than used before.

[pritch]

NOPE, it is a completely different system than used before.

I think the production Hondas were on the "control" Magnetti Morelli (?) this year. Now everybody is on it.

[pritch]

to boo lorenzo is the height of bad sportmanship.To beleive that lorenzo deserves it is also bad sportmanship

Bollocks!

The video of the Sepang podium ceremony clearly showed Lorenzo giving a repeated thumbs down at the mention of Rossi's name and at that point the booing started. Bad sportsmanship or not, the booing was clearly a direct result of his own actions.

Roll on 2016.

[Dave-]

NOPE, it is a completely different system than used before.

The factory engineers have to submit their own code in the form of simulink/matlab models, this is the basis of how they can improve upon it.

[jasonu]

to boo lorenzo is the height of bad sportmanship.To beleive that lorenzo deserves it is also bad sportmanship Lorenzo didnt need any help to beat Rossi

It was Lorenzos off track antics that attracted the booing.

[Erelyes]

Apparently, it's not true. If you look at the bottom of the page there is a tweat from HJC, refuting the claim made by an Italian media site.

Link to tweet from HJC - https://twitter.com/HJCAHelmets/status/667732788171431936

[carbonhed]

Bollocks!

The video of the Sepang podium ceremony clearly showed Lorenzo giving a repeated thumbs down at the mention of Rossi's name and at that point the booing started. Bad sportsmanship or not, the booing was clearly a direct result of his own actions.

Roll on 2016.

You keep peddling this shit. Lorenzo was booed in parc ferme.

You lost. Get over it you pathetic twat.

[Drew]

You keep peddling this shit. Lorenzo was booed in parc ferme.

You lost. Get over it you pathetic twat.

I wasn't aware he raced.

[pritch]

You keep peddling this shit. Lorenzo was booed in parc ferme.

You lost. Get over it you pathetic twat.

You're doing it again.

I didn't see him booed in parc firme. I wasn't watching. I saw him booed during the podium ceremony. My explanation of that is accurate according to the video.

Yesterday I had lunch with someone who had a paddock pass at Phillip Island, she said Lorenzo walked through and nobody took any notice. Her impression was nobody much seems to give a fuck about Lorenzo.

I didn't have too much invested in the outcome, sure I'd have preferred Rossi to pull yet another rabbit out of his hat, but that wasn't to be.

Don't be fooled by my avatar that was just a photo I took one day. I'm broad minded, I even took photos of Stoner. There might even be one of Lorenzo somewhere - if I was interested enough to look.

[Shaun Harris]

You keep peddling this shit. Lorenzo was booed in parc ferme.

You lost. Get over it you pathetic twat.



Get back to ya drugs

[denill]

The personal insults that are being thrown around on KB really pisses me off. For fucks sake, behave like adults (I presume the combatants are adults?), debate the issues and leave personalities out of it. FWIW, I will say that I regard Pritch as one of the (very) few here who I find informative and I am surprised that he has come in for this level of attention.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bradders has become only the fourth rider ever to score points in all eighteen rounds of the championship. Not bad for a Ginja eh Pete? :whistle:

That's what you get for not going fast enough to crash mate. I can't help but notice even a few guys that DNF'd quite a few beat him over all? :msn-wink:

[ecko_nzed]

That's what you get for not going fast enough to crash mate. I can't help but notice even a few guys that DNF'd quite a few beat him over all? :msn-wink:

To finish first, first you must finish. Or somefink like dat. I know you're just worried about shelling out for my beers again 😉

[Crasherfromwayback]

To finish first, first you must finish. Or somefink like dat. I know you're just worried about shelling out for my beers again 😉

Lol. Nah just winding certain people up mate. Think you'll be buying my beer this time. Was a perfect storm for old Fantapants to get on the box this year. Be very lucky to have it happen again.:msn-wink:

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/lorenzo-undecided-on-using-1-plate-in-2016/

My view is they should HAVE to. OK, they're all gunning for you anyway if you are the sitting World Champ, but there must be an advantage for Gorgeous George in rolling up to the grid wearing it. Not that it helped Stoner particularly in 2012.

Meh.

[Drew]

To finish first, first you must finish. Or somefink like dat. I know you're just worried about shelling out for my beers again 😉

"It's easier to teach a fast rider not to crash, than a slow rider to be fast".
Can't remember who said it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

"It's easier to teach a fast rider not to crash, than a slow rider to be fast".
Can't remember who said it.

I'm slow and used to crash a lot. Do I win?

[pritch]

My view is they should HAVE to. OK, they're all gunning for you anyway if you are the sitting World Champ, but there must be an advantage for Gorgeous George in rolling up to the grid wearing it. Not that it helped Stoner particularly in 2012.



Rossi didn't take the number 1 plate and neither did Marquez. If a rider takes the number one plate all his T shirts, hats, mugs and other assorted tat become somewhat obsolete for the next year. Keeping the number 46 or 93 or whatever means that the merchanise remains current.

Rossi's merchandising company VR46 handles Marquez's stuff. Well, it did until a few weeks ago... :whistle:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Rossi's merchandising company VR46 handles Marquez's stuff. Well, it did until a few weeks ago... :whistle:

MM doesn't need Rossi's comp, or anyone's for that matter.

[jasonu]

MM doesn't need Rossi's comp, or anyone's for that matter.

But if they are both making money from the partnership I'll bet it is left as is. They are all in the business of making money and I doubt a bit of hate will get in the way of that.

[Shaun Harris]

I think the production Hondas were on the "control" Magnetti Morelli (?) this year. Now everybody is on it.


Here is a good description of what is going on with the electronics for 2016

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/09/08/everything_you_wanted_to_know_about_moto.html

[Erelyes]

Rossi didn't take the number 1 plate and neither did Marquez. If a rider takes the number one plate all his T shirts, hats, mugs and other assorted tat become somewhat obsolete for the next year.

Exactly. The legion of fanboys thereupon purchase a 'new' set of hats, tshirts, flags, mugs, dildos, etc with the new number, just so they have a complete collection.

Ofc Lorenzo doesn't have the same floatilla of supporters as VR, so it might not be worthwhile for him.

[Autech]

Exactly. The legion of fanboys thereupon purchase a 'new' set of hats, tshirts, flags, mugs, dildos, etc with the new number, just so they have a complete collection.

Ofc Lorenzo doesn't have the same floatilla of supporters as VR, so it might not be worthwhile for him.

His trademark is the red x too I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[speights_bud]

There you go... 317468

[sil3nt]

Bring on the wild card rides!

[Shaun Harris]

Bring on the wild card rides!



He will get his ass wipped now dude. Been out of it to long at that level I think, but bloody good luck to Casey if he does any wild cards, will be good to see him on a bike again

[sil3nt]

He will get his ass wipped now dude. Been out of it to long at that level I think, but bloody good luck to Casey if he does any wild cards, will be good to see him on a bike againA change in tyres and electronics will help any comeback.

Hope he gets some decent seat time.

[Crasherfromwayback]

He will get his ass wipped now dude. Been out of it to long at that level I think, but bloody good luck to Casey if he does any wild cards, will be good to see him on a bike again

Like how he was getting blown away at the Suzuka 8 hours? Oh that's right...

I doubt very much Stoner would even contemplate racing unless he knew he could cut it. Stop watches don't lie, and he'll be keeping an eye on his I bet. :msn-wink:

[Shaun Harris]

Like how he was getting blown away at the Suzuka 8 hours? Oh that's right...

I doubt very much Stoner would even contemplate racing unless he knew he could cut it. Stop watches don't lie, and he'll be keeping an eye on his I bet. :msn-wink:


He will top 5 when he does a wild card

[jasonu]

He will get his ass wipped now dude.


He will top 5 when he does a wild card dude.

So which is it?

[Erelyes]

So which is it?

Rest of the field will fall over, he'll finish last (fifth), and be lapped a couple times?

[Shaun Harris]

So which is it?




Can you not read dude

[sil3nt]

Good read about Stoner, HRC and Marquez
https://motomatters.com/news/2015/11/23/official_casey_stoner_leaves_honda_becom.html


Marquez felt threatened by Stoner's presence as a test rider, and criticized the input Stoner had given on the project. Marquez claimed he had to test everything Stoner had already tested, to check Stoner's feedback.

[jasonu]

Can you not read dude

I read fine....dude

[pritch]

Like how he was getting blown away at the Suzuka 8 hours? Oh that's right...



Like when he crashed? OK, OK, I know his throttle stuck.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Like when he crashed? OK, OK, I know his throttle stuck.

You can teach a fast guy to stop crashing... :innocent:

[Erelyes]

Can you not read dude

He can read fine, it's your writing that's the problem. Unless you meant to contradict yourself.

[BMWST?]

woops.My bad.I think i have said that CS wouldnt go back to Ducati.It seems i was very wrong.

[Shaun Harris]

He can read fine, it's your writing that's the problem. Unless you meant to contradict yourself.



Top 3 are the only real results that count in my mind, as that is on the podium and a fantastic result. So to me an ass kicking is 4th or lower

[Runty]

A change in tyres and electronics will help any comeback.

Hope he gets some decent seat time.
As a test rider he may actually have the advantage of more time in the saddle - while full time riders are more limited in the number of test days they can do.
Combined with the changes this year he could be a real threat if he wild cards a few rounds.
His ego won't have diminished any, and none of the front runners will want to be upstaged by him - so he could really put the wild back in wild-card


Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

[pritch]

- so he could really put the wild back in wild-card


Love it.:yes:

[Shaun Harris]

As a test rider he may actually have the advantage of more time in the saddle - while full time riders are more limited in the number of test days they can do.
Combined with the changes this year he could be a real threat if he wild cards a few rounds.
His ego won't have diminished any, and none of the front runners will want to be upstaged by him - so he could really put the wild back in wild-card


Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk


He sure could man. The test rider, gets to do a shit load of miles compared to the main riders

[Crasherfromwayback]

Top 3 are the only real results that count in my mind, as that is on the podium and a fantastic result. So to me an ass kicking is 4th or lower

Hang on...weren't you saying old Ginga pants went real good all season and the knockers (me) were talking shit? By this logic, he got his ass kicked nearly every single race.

[Shaun Harris]

Hang on...weren't you saying old Ginga pants went real good all season and the knockers (me) were talking shit? By this logic, he got his ass kicked nearly every single race.


LOL, He sure did based on my logic but, I never said he was a winner, just a hard charger who is growing. No arguments to be had from me these days ya troll haha I am way to happy finally

[pritch]

He sure could man. The test rider, gets to do a shit load of miles compared to the main riders

Casey has been more a "celebrity test rider". I had the impression from the Honda reports that he sort of dropped in a couple of times for testing.
Someone else was doing the big miles.

The previous Ducati test rider was promoted to management and if Michele Pirro who was the most recent test rider has gone to Aprilia as reported, Ducati will have a vacancy for a proper test rider. Stoner could solve a serious problem for Dall'Igna.

[Shaun Harris]

Casey has been more a "celebrity test rider". I had the impression from the Honda reports that he sort of dropped in a couple of times for testing.
Someone else was doing the big miles.

The previous Ducati test rider was promoted to management and if Michele Pirro who was the most recent test rider has gone to Aprilia as reported, Ducati will have a vacancy for a proper test rider. Stoner could solve a serious problem for Dall'Igna.


Honda wasted that opportunity. But after reading the report re MM being un happy with his feed back, I guess they needed to prioritize who they were going to listen too

[malcy25]

Casey has been more a "celebrity test rider". I had the impression from the Honda reports that he sort of dropped in a couple of times for testing.
Someone else was doing the big miles.

The previous Ducati test rider was promoted to management and if Michele Pirro who was the most recent test rider has gone to Aprilia as reported, Ducati will have a vacancy for a proper test rider. Stoner could solve a serious problem for Dall'Igna.

Serious question will be, that while, he may go very quick on it in testing, will he develop a bike that only he can succeed on and the other riders can't live with?

[Shaun Harris]

Serious question will be, that while, he may go very quick on it in testing, will he develop a bike that only he can succeed on and the other riders can't live with?


GIGI is the developer, CS is just the feed back machine to him. So Gigi will listen to all, and decide what to change based on the logic of all the feed back

[pritch]

Serious question will be, that while, he may go very quick on it in testing, will he develop a bike that only he can succeed on and the other riders can't live with?

Actually that is a serious question 'cause only he alone could ride that other dog of a thing.

Pete, I was thinking that you shouldn't make too many remarks about the (other) ginga not being championship material. Rossi said he wanted to stick around for another four years or so, but he was leading the championship then. Since then his prospects have diminished somewhat and if he doesn't gel with the new tyres or electronics he may elect to retire. Or he may find that retirement has been elected for him.

On current performance Bradders would likely inherit the seat. From that point anything becomes possible.

[Crasherfromwayback]

On current performance Bradders would likely inherit the seat. From that point anything becomes possible.

And good luck to him if he does.

[malcy25]

Rossi said he wanted to stick around for another four years or so, but he was leading the championship then. Since then his prospects have diminished somewhat and if he doesn't gel with the new tyres or electronics he may elect to retire. Or he may find that retirement has been elected for him.



I'd actually put more money on Rossi as he's one of the few guys who's ridden these things with limited electronic support. he's got the depth of experience in dealing with them when they were more brutal and cooking tyres etc.

[trustme]

Serious question will be, that while, he may go very quick on it in testing, will he develop a bike that only he can succeed on and the other riders can't live with?

As I understood it Honda really rated him as a test / development rider , sounds like politics & MM got in the way.
Ducati would not listen to him, they pretty much shot themselves in the foot.
The new setup at Ducati is way more savvy.

Will Stoner be competitive ? I would not bet against him , he will have the ability , but will he have the hunger .

[Autech]

As I understood it Honda really rated him as a test / development rider , sounds like politics & MM got in the way.
Ducati would not listen to him, they pretty much shot themselves in the foot.
The new setup at Ducati is way more savvy.

Will Stoner be competitive ? I would not bet against him , he will have the ability , but will he have the hunger .

Put him on track with MM, DP JL and VR and watch his hunger.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[trustme]

Put him on track with MM, DP JL and VR and watch his hunger.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When push comes to shove, when everything is on the line, will he ask himself , ' do I need to be here ? , do I want to be here ? '

We are about to find out. Ability wise I have very little doubt.

The amazing thing about Rossi is that after 20 years he still wants to be there , he still has the hunger.

[Shaun Harris]

I'd actually put more money on Rossi as he's one of the few guys who's ridden these things with limited electronic support. he's got the depth of experience in dealing with them when they were more brutal and cooking tyres etc.



100% agree man

[trustme]

Bring on the new season, none of us have any real idea how it will pan out. There are as many opinions as there are arseholes, we all have one.:lol:

[Badjelly]

There are as many opinions as there are arseholes, we all have one.:lol:

We each have one. A crucial distinction.

[pritch]

Apropos of Casey's wild card ambitions. His latest message on Twitter is announcing that he is taking lessons from a golf pro.

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/11/26/jerez_motogp_test_day_4_round_up_honda_s.html

A little more reading.Duc and Honda tests.

[Crasherfromwayback]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/11/26/jerez_motogp_test_day_4_round_up_honda_s.html

.

Interesting times (not as in lap times mind). Is it time to start racing yet?<_<

[Grumph]

Apropos of Casey's wild card ambitions. His latest message on Twitter is announcing that he is taking lessons from a golf pro.

I hope it's Tiger Woods....Stoner is too perfect to be true, a little bad behaviour would make him much more appealing as a personality.

[roogazza]

Interesting times (not as in lap times mind). Is it time to start racing yet?<_<
Redding is talking alot , hope it pans out for him ?????

[pritch]

It was a bit confusing but I think that GP and SBK bikes were in the same place at the same time. Strangest thing was that Nicky Haden was right at the sharp end of the SBK timesheets on the old Fireblade that has been considered uncompetitive for several seasons.

Lotsa people crashing: Eugene Laverty broke his arm, MM crashed and got up and staggered around but was loaded into an ambulance.

I haven't read all the comments from overnight as I had to go to a meeting and I'm way behind with my programme for the day.

[sugilite]

Interesting to see that the superbike times were very close to the motogp times at Jerez. Haden got real close using the super sticky qualifying tyre. All the same, thought the motogp bikes would of been further ahead!
Marc cannot get enough of Jorges bum cheeks Marquez 1'39.17
Nicky riding the old war horse pretty darned fast Haden - 1'40.193
Same track, same day.

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting to see that the superbike times were very close to the motogp times. Haden got real close using the super sticky qualifying tyre. All the same, thought the motogp bikes would of been further ahead!
Marc cannot get enough of Jorges bum cheeks Marquez 1'39.17
Nicky riding the old war horse pretty darned fast Haden - 1'40.193
Same track, same day.



MotoGP boys are way away still, due to tires and new electronics. NH time looks good, but check out the Kawi boys times also the Crescent Yamaha guys. NH time only looks good for now until the real season starts I reckon

[Crasherfromwayback]

Interesting to see the voting swing...

http://superbikeplanet.com/souperPoll

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting to see the voting swing...

http://superbikeplanet.com/souperPoll



world wide are hoping he makes a racing return

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/12/06/casey_stoner_private_tests_only_for_the_.html

Not much reading at the mo, but this is pretty much what I expected over the fuss .

[pritch]

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/12/06/casey_stoner_private_tests_only_for_the_.html

Not much reading at the mo,

Sad but true. Emmett can be brilliant but the only thing I learned from that is that Stoner has a house in Switzerland, and I don't think I needed to know that.

[pritch]

Overnight there was an interview with Vinales which had been recorded at the Brit bike show. He said the new seamless gearbox was a big step forward. The fact that Suzuki has a seamless gearbox had previously escaped my notice. Suzuki will have a new engine and chassis as well as a seamless gearbox for 2016.

Vinales says Suzuki want consistent top six finishes next year.

[Shaun Harris]

Overnight there was an interview with Vinales which had been recorded at the Brit bike show. He said the new seamless gearbox was a big step forward. The fact that Suzuki has a seamless gearbox had previously escaped my notice. Suzuki will have a new engine and chassis as well as a seamless gearbox for 2016.

Vinales says Suzuki want consistent top six finishes next year.

yea, they never had the box all season long, and did bloody well even though- What time ish will I see ya today Ron?

[pritch]

THe Superprestigio is currently being streamed live on YouTube. (as at 8.00AM Sun)




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmKAui30axU

[pritch]

There was some good racing with Baker winning the Grand Final by about half a length from Marquez with Mees some way back in third.

A man to watch is Ohmuri(?) the Japanese rider. He comes from a drifting background. Apparently he was very fast in practice but the pundits felt he wouldn't do so well in the races. He won a final so they may have to revisit that assessment. There was some confusion at the start of the grand final with him nowhere to be seen. At the last moment another competitor was pulled out and Ohmuri took his place.

A good start is imperative because there aren't many passing lanes around the small track.

Each year there seems to be more coverage, hopefully that'll hold true for next year.

[Erelyes]

2016 rule changes. http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/225756/1/restart-tyre-engine-tweaks-in-motogp-rules.html

The important stuff imho (that is, as spectators)

Re-Starting Interrupted Races
In order to minimise the time taken to restart an interrupted race a new procedure has been approved for all classes. This will involve a shorter time spent in the pit lane before the new sighting lap and a significantly shorter countdown on the grid prior to the warm up lap. (Engines will not be stopped and only one mechanic per rider will be permitted onto the grid).

In the Moto3 and Moto2 classes when there is more than one race interruption the length of the restarted race will always be 2/3 of the previous race, with a minimum of five laps. So, for example, if the first restarted race was 2/3 of the original race distance then the distance of the second restarted race would be 2/3 of that distance — always with a minimum of five laps. In situations where a restarted race has been interrupted after less than five laps then the distance for the next race will be determined by Race Direction with a minimum of five laps.

Track Familiarisation
For all classes the regulations have been amended to ensure that when a rider uses a machine of the same capacity as the relevant MotoGP class, this can only be a standard production road-homologated machine.

Penalties for Using Engines over Allocation
In the Moto3 and MotoGP classes, where more than one extra engine is taken at a single event then penalties for the second and any subsequent extra engines will be carried forward to the next event(s).

MotoGP Class Tyres
In line with the appointment of Michelin as the Official Tyre Supplier, the allocations of slick tyres have been modified. Riders will now be permitted to use a maximum of 22 tyres (10 front and 12 rear).

For wet tyres the allocation is a maximum of 7 front and 7 rear.

Riders will now also have the option of an intermediate tyre with a maximum allocation of 3 front and 3 rear.

Engine Allocations — MotoGP Class
It has already been agreed that manufacturers can homologate three different engine specifications which may be used by different riders during the season. It has now been agreed that manufacturers who lose “concessions” may homologate additional engine specifications for the first season after losing those concessions. However, the maximum number of different specifications is related to the number of Satellite teams being supplied. The formula to be used to calculate this number is:
One Factory team + 2 Satellite teams = 3 different specifications
One Factory team + 3 Satellite teams = 4 different specifications
One Factory team + 4 Satellite teams = 5 different specifications

MotoGP Class — Effective Immediately
Previous regulations made frequent reference to “Open” and “Factory” classes and machine types. All such references will now be removed.

[pritch]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/why-did-motogp-get-nasty/

[speights_bud]

Riders will now also have the option of an intermediate tyre with a maximum allocation of 3 front and 3 rear.

That sounds fun.... Not really enough allocated to get a good set up? But good enough in the right conditions?

[Shaun Harris]

Pay ya taxes bitch

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Dec/151231a.htm

[Crasherfromwayback]

Pay ya taxes bitch

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Dec/151231a.htm

Drop in the bucket compared to Rossi's tax fine a few years ago...

[Shaun Harris]

Drop in the bucket compared to Rossi's tax fine a few years ago...


Hell yea mate

[denill]

Drop in the bucket compared to Rossi's tax fine a few years ago...

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/rossi-shells-out-35m-to-settle-tax-bill/3735.html

[Shaun Harris]

Testing for all these turkeys again this month, very cool. I am hanging to see how the Suzuki goes with trick gearbox and = ECU system

[puddytat]

Ive been thinking of renewing my MotoGP subscription for a while now....but have been waiting for the currency exchange rate to improve. Which according to various talking heads isn't going to happen & they're saying it'll drop more.....
Bugger.

I have noticed though, that if your in the market for bike stuff though that actually most of the stuff Ive been looking at is cheaper here than in Oz.

[pritch]

At the time Rossi was living in the UK as a result of management advice he was not the only one. There was another at the same time it may have been Milandri? Rossi wasn't fined it was more in the nature of a settlement the taxman having decided that despite spending large amounts of time in the UK, Italy was still functionally his home.

Several racers live on the IoM, they weren't all born there either. It has a friendly tax regime.

Bradders, Marquez and others live in Andorra, and it's not just for the skiing.

The Rolling Stones lived in France for years way back when. The English papers are currently unhappy about the number of Brit born billionaires who live and work in the UK but claim residency of some tropical tax haven to avoid paying UK taxes.

C'est la vie?


Oh and if you're missing racing the Dakar is about to kick off. I can't find any streaming but there should be pics each day.

[puddytat]

Try this au...

http://www.3pmstream.com/motor-sports-live-streaming-video.html

[pritch]

Least surprising announcement of the year to date? Lorenzo has signed a three year contract with Shark helmets.

Then there are the latest thoughts from Mr Emmett.https://motomatters.com/opinion/2016/01/04/kicking_off_2016_six_ridiculously_premat.html

I thought his comments re trail braking were interesting having read Keith Code writing that the current riders no longer trail the brakes. They are either on the gas or on the brakes. 'Cept if they trail brake the Michelins they might be on their nose?

[pritch]

Try this au...

http://www.3pmstream.com/motor-sports-live-streaming-video.html

Thanks again for that, but when I went to check that live they wanted a bankcard number. I see though that SKY has a highlights package each night at 8.00 and since the start was postponed a day we haven't missed much. It's on a different channel each night but there is at least a gas fuelled fix available.

[Shaun Harris]

Least surprising announcement of the year to date? Lorenzo has signed a three year contract with Shark helmets.

Then there are the latest thoughts from Mr Emmett.https://motomatters.com/opinion/2016/01/04/kicking_off_2016_six_ridiculously_premat.html

I thought his comments re trail braking were interesting having read Keith Code writing that the current riders no longer trail the brakes. They are either on the gas or on the brakes. 'Cept if they trail brake the Michelins they might be on their nose?

"Lorenzo QUOTE" I am very proud to be tackling the forthcoming seasons with such a prestigious brand as Shark, which has a long history in MotoGP," Lorenzo said. "For me, this represents a most exciting challenge and I am quite sure that, together, we will form a great team. I really hope that I can reward all this confidence they have placed in me with some major successes.”


He also hopes he can remember to fit his breath guard if it rains, that is the challenge he refers too:brick:

[sugilite]

Press Release from Shark: We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Lorenzo. We chose him as we know our product will get extra exposure at the podium ceremonies - Lorenzo will be wearing our custom made "low enddoh" helmet featuring special noise cancelling properties to drown out the booing from the crowd. :devil2:

[pritch]

- Lorenzo will be wearing our custom made "low enddoh" helmet featuring special noise cancelling properties to drown out the booing from the crowd. :devil2:

Maybe he has figured out that he should hold on to his helmet and his bottle of vino during the podium ceremony and not make silly hand gestures that upset the crowd. Then again apparently he couldn't figure out that he needed a nose guard in the rain.

Funny how we attribute intelligence to some people. It's safe to assume JL hasn't achieved what he has while lacking smarts. As Sterling Moss said way back, "Those who are doing the winning are those who are doing the thinking."

Then there's Ben Carson a retired brain surgeon, the very epitome of high intelligence. He's also a US Presidential candidate who comes across as an idiot.
The pyramids were built by a white guy named Joe for the purpose of grain storage according to Ben. If he's right there's going to be a lot of very learned people get a big surprise. On the other hand considering Carson, Trump, Cruz et al, maybe it's a requirement for Presidential candidates to be idiots.

Meanwhile back on topic...

[pritch]

Since there's no racing to discuss, the rider's comments on social media tend to relate to their recreational activities. Some are skiing in their tax havens, others have headed for warmer climes, Casey and Adriana are visiting Ben Spies in Texas, and Valentino Rossi is sitting at home watching YouTube clips. Like us peasants.

Specifically this clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJSVtsckyI

He is moved to post on Twitter "John McGuinness-full first lap senior TT 2015-2 big balls."

Apparently McPint follows #46 on Twitter and replies, "I think I lost three tenth out of Ginger Hall."

Interstingly you can hear Rossi's accent in his writing, "infortunatly I don't know where is ginger all, but I think you can be a bit more stabile with half milly more rear preload"

From McGuinnes, "it's a good place to break down, it's a pub, the fans will always buy you a pint!"

Now there's a perk the GP riders don't get. (Oh, and both were using various emojis to indicate humour but they don't reproduce here.)

And that clip is great.

[Shaun Harris]

Since there's no racing to discuss, the rider's comments on social media tend to relate to their recreational activities. Some are skiing in their tax havens, others have headed for warmer climes, Casey and Adriana are visiting Ben Spies in Texas, and Valentino Rossi is sitting at home watching YouTube clips. Like us peasants.

Specifically this clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJSVtsckyI

He is moved to post on Twitter "John McGuinness-full first lap senior TT 2015-2 big balls."

Apparently McPint follows #46 on Twitter and replies, "I think I lost three tenth out of Ginger Hall."

Interstingly you can hear Rossi's accent in his writing, "infortunatly I don't know where is ginger all, but I think you can be a bit more stabile with half milly more rear preload"

From McGuinnes, "it's a good place to break down, it's a pub, the fans will always buy you a pint!"

Now there's a perk the GP riders don't get. (Oh, and both were using various emojis to indicate humour but they don't reproduce here.)

And that clip is great.


After break downs and crashes at the TT, I have left the scene drunk a few times from the fans

[Crasherfromwayback]

Should never have the tail wagging the dog.

Oscar...be a bloody crying shame if Mike lost his job because of it.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160106webbfired.htm

[Autech]

Should never have the tail wagging the dog.

Oscar...be a bloody crying shame if Mike lost his job because of it.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160106webbfired.htm

Militant fans those VR46 crew, one should not piss of those customers.

Going to be interesting in 2017 if he retires. Who knows though, he's not exactly slow is he?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Militant fans those VR46 crew, one should not piss of those customers.

Going to be interesting in 2017 if he retires. Who knows though, he's not exactly slow is he?

No, he's as fast (if not faster) as he's always been. Still (as I always have) think he's a dickwad, and last year made me think so even more.

[sugilite]

Should never have the tail wagging the dog.

Oscar...be a bloody crying shame if Mike lost his job because of it.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160106webbfired.htm

Yeah, it would be. Dorna will have to come up with some good shit to counteract the Rossi factor when he eventually does retire.

I'm getting tired of Dean Adams relentless I hate Stoner rhetoric.
I would laugh if he came out at Philip Island and roosted in the established top 4 faces.

[pritch]

I have followed GP racing off and on since 1959. It was after some years away that I started to hear stories about this young guy who was just playing with the field until the last three laps when he would disappear over the horizon. That was mildly interesting but didn't reignite the flame. Then Rossi left Honda for Yamaha. That did it. And to that extent I'm one of the 30%.

If you decide you don't like Rossi that's fine. We make our judgements on very little real information, but we can still change our minds. I didn't like Hayden, but he went up in my estimation after the shafting he got at Honda and the way he maintained his dignity throughout. He was the reigning champion but was ignored in favour of their next champion Pedrosa. We're still waiting for that one.

Under the infuence of Puig, Pedrosa was an unlovely little character but he has been coming out of his shell since Puig moved on. Pedrosa emerged from all the controversy at the end of last season with more credit than anyone else. So he too has gone up in my estimation.

I'm not quite so silly that I believe Rossi's public persona is the real man, but there is a lot to like. Like us he is a fan of the sport. Many of the others know nothing much of the history beyond their part in it. The most recent example being that while Bradders was skiing in Andorra, Johnnie Rea was visiting Phillip Island, and others were sunning themselves God knows where, Rossi was sitting at home watching motorbike racing. I like that.

The movie "Senna" showed how the national loyalties of officials can determine the outcome of a race or a championship. David Emmett considers Mike Webb is as straight as a die. Being a Kiwi, Webb has no dog in the fight. If Rossi was to move behind the scenes to remove Webb we could very likely end up with a Spanish Race Director. Out of the frying pan? There is every indication that Rossi is smarter than that. We'll see...

[sugilite]

Very Well put Pritch :niceone:

[Mental Trousers]

Mike Webb is one of the best race directors GP racing has ever had, a large part of which is due to being a Kiwi. If he goes there's a good chance things will start looking FIFA or various Olympic Games committees over the years. That would be bad.


If you decide you don't like Rossi that's fine. We make our judgements on very little real information, but we can still change our minds. I didn't like Hayden, but he went up in my estimation after the shafting he got at Honda and the way he maintained his dignity throughout. He was the reigning champion but was ignored in favour of their next champion Pedrosa. We're still waiting for that one.

Under the infuence of Puig, Pedrosa was an unlovely little character but he has been coming out of his shell since Puig moved on. Pedrosa emerged from all the controversy at the end of last season with more credit than anyone else. So he too has gone up in my estimation.

That's me as well.

Nicky Hayden is still one of my favourites because of the way he always conducted himself. Even when Honda were ignoring him, even when Ducati had their collective heads up their arses, you never once saw Nicky bitch or moan. He was always a total professional and the best possible job in the circumstances.

I'm a Pedrossa fan these days. Since Puig moved on Pedrossa has been a different person and these last couple of seasons have shown that he's a good bugger. He doesn't give a shit about all the crap that's going on he just gets out there, goes hard and doesn't give up until the end of the race.

[jasonu]

, a large part of which is due to being a Kiwi..

Please explain.

[Autech]

I'm a Pedrossa fan these days. Since Puig moved on Pedrossa has been a different person and these last couple of seasons have shown that he's a good bugger. He doesn't give a shit about all the crap that's going on he just gets out there, goes hard and doesn't give up until the end of the race.

I think he came across really good in the Hitting the apex doco too when talking about his luck, went along the lines of: "Yes I have had some shitty luck and my numbers could be better, but I get to race motorbikes every weekend which is fucking awesome, and when you are at home you remember the sensation or riding, not the shitty numbers or bad luck"

Still got my finger crossed for a Pedrosa title at long last, after supporting him for so long... Bring on Qatar!

[pritch]

I note that Casey Stoner was quoted this morning as having pointed that on the two occasions Rossi has been taken to the last round of the Championship he has lost.

That statistic might give Stoner a certain pleasure, but he had fuck all to do with either occasion. Perhaps he has decided to plant seeds of doubt in Rossi's head?

[Reckless]

I note that Casey Stoner was quoted this morning as having pointed that on the two occasions Rossi has been taken to the last round of the Championship he has lost.

That statistic might give Stoner a certain pleasure, but he had fuck all to do with either occasion. Perhaps he has decided to plant seeds of doubt in Rossi's head?

The only way Stoner will place seeds of doubt is to get on a bike and beat Rossi :rolleyes:

[Mental Trousers]

Please explain.

He's from a neutral country. He's not Spanish, Italian or even European.

[Crasherfromwayback]

t.

Out of the frying pan? There is every indication that Rossi is smarter than that. We'll see...

Judging by his actions and tantrums at seasons end...I'm not so sure!

:baby:

[Shaun Harris]

Judging by his actions and tantrums at seasons end...I'm not so sure!

:baby:



VR to win the 2016 champs dude, Box of Heinies eh?

[Crasherfromwayback]

VR to win the 2016 champs dude, Box of Heinies eh?

Done. Make mine Steinies thanks.

[Autech]

Fuck here we go again.

Everyone take note of the bets being placed so the beer might be paid out in full by seasons end.

[Drew]

VR to win the 2016 champs dude, Box of Heinies eh?

Shall I give him the box I owe you now?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Shall I give him the box I owe you now?

Might as well pay now. :msn-wink:

[Shaun Harris]

Done. Make mine Steinies thanks.


SWT, you can help drink my Heinys then after you send them too me haha

[Shaun Harris]

Shall I give him the box I owe you now?




nah dude, I only bet beers on 100% wins!

[sugilite]

Soups Dean Adams latest "by staff" article on the man he loves to hate - Stoner.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160111spiestoner.htm

[J.A.W.]

Soups Dean Adams latest "by staff" article on the man he loves to hate - Stoner.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160111spiestoner.htm


To be sure, Honda are the 'elephant beer' of Moto GP, they dont forget, & rarely forgive, perceived.. ah, slights..

[Crasherfromwayback]

Soups Dean Adams latest "by staff" article on the man he loves to hate - Stoner.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2016/Jan/160111spiestoner.htm

Think his hate for Stoner started around the time Stoner said the Indy track was shit. He'd be right. Seems ok when fellow Yanks slag it off though.

[Brett]

I would fuckin LOVE to see Stoner back in the fray. I would also love to see Pedro win a Championship title and he is one of the riders that I respect the most. I love watching MM race, but have seen enough of him this last season to fill up the cup and same for JL. However, count me in that 30%....a huge part of getting my love for motorcycle racing pumping as a kid is due in massive part to Rossi. He certainly knows how to create a loyal fan base. Tell ya what...if he were to up and fuck off to another premier motorcycle racing series, that sport will enjoy a massive swell in support and numbers!

[pritch]

I would fuckin LOVE to see Stoner back in the fray.

Well then, here's a definite maybe.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2016/january/no-decision-made-on-stoner-ducati-wildcards/

[pritch]

And this is interesting too. It fine tunes the last mod which made the points carry over and not expire at the end of the season.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2016/january/motogp-change-penalty-point-system-after-rossi-punishment/

[Shaun Harris]

And this is interesting too. It fine tunes the last mod which made the points carry over and not expire at the end of the season.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2016/january/motogp-change-penalty-point-system-after-rossi-punishment/


The power of the name, lol

[actungbaby]

Well after the bullshit circus MotoGP 2015 turned into I'm 100% behind Pedrossa, Dovizioso and Iannone for 2016.

Good to see they're going to the Red Bull Ring too. Bring on next years racing.

me too dani all the way he should have a advanatge with the new french tires too

[Autech]

DANI IS MY BOY!!! #26 Champion 2016.

You heard it here first.

Anyone want to chuck a box of Roses chocolates on it??? :yes:

[jasonu]

DANI IS MY BOY!!! #26 Champion 2016.

You heard it here first.

Anyone want to chuck a box of Roses chocolates on it??? :yes:

Why would anyone even want a box of Roses chocolates???

[Crasherfromwayback]

me too dani all the way he should have a advanatge with the new french tires too

What makes you say/think that?

[Reckless]

DANI IS MY BOY!!! #26 Champion 2016.

You heard it here first.

Anyone want to chuck a box of Roses chocolates on it??? :yes:

I think a lot of people might be rooting for Dani after the way the other 3 handled themselves last season.
I did when Rossi was on the duc and had no chance.
Might do again as Rossi took a bit of a slide in my ratings.
Ah well like to see Dani win one and like to see Rossi win 10.
BUT WHO????

[pritch]

Overnight:

Jack Miller has broken both bones in his lower right leg in a MotoX training accident. He has had surgery to plate and screw the bones in Barcelona and will remain in hospital under observation for 48 hours. With the Sepang test two weeks away, not ideal.

Guy Martin is to sit out the TT this year. Instead he has entered a mountain bike race from Banff in Canada to Antelop Wells in New Mexico. That's nearly 4,500 kilometres. The push bike race starts the day after the Senior TT so competing in both was not an option. Martin may return to road races later in the season although I'd expect he'd need a bloody good lie down after that effort.

[roogazza]

Overnight:

Jack Miller has broken both bones in his lower right leg in a MotoX training accident. He has had surgery to plate and screw the bones in Barcelona and will remain in hospital under observation for 48 hours. With the Sepang test two weeks away,

Ah pritch, another candidate for Ibuprofen in old age huh ? :lol::bleh::rolleyes:

[Shaun Harris]

Im still a VR Backer for 2016

[Autech]

Why would anyone even want a box of Roses chocolates???

Why wouldn't they? Mmmmm chocolate. That and they are easier to ship that a box of beer lol.


What makes you say/think that?

The theory will be that with Dani's ability to stand the bike up and boot it out of the corners, plus his low weight which has caused him rear grip issues for all his MOTOGP career on the Bridgestones, especially early on in the race as he isn't fat enough to warm up the rear, might mean the Michie is suited to him.

So basically we have a rider who likes to get the bike out of the corner fast, but needs good rear grip to do so (look at PI for a example of him struggling out of corners, the Suzuki was living with him on the straights) and we may have a winning combination. I sure as hell hope so.

But lets face it, they all will ride the bike as best as they can to get the most out of the tyres and electrics, so no rider should be advantaged in particular, I think it will be down to which bike can harness the new rear grip best. Watch out for the Ducati. Dovi has a very point n squirt style too so he may be a dark horse. There is no telling.

One thing I hope to see is a return to Dani's lightening starts with the new electrics.


I think a lot of people might be rooting for Dani after the way the other 3 handled themselves last season.
I did when Rossi was on the duc and had no chance.
Might do again as Rossi took a bit of a slide in my ratings.
Ah well like to see Dani win one and like to see Rossi win 10.
BUT WHO????

DANI DANI DANI DANI!:banana:

[pritch]

Ah pritch, another candidate for Ibuprofen in old age huh ? :lol::bleh::rolleyes:

Yeah, I found a packet of those in a Spidi jacket pocket the other day when looking for something else.

'Nother thing from overnight: Yamaha have launched their racing teams at a big PR function.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/rossi-and-lorenzo-into-2016/

In an interview with the Italian press Rossi is quoted as saying he hasn't forgiven Marquez. So it's all still simmering away. Then again bad feeling between riders has led to some great racing in the past eg Schwantz and Rainey.

[pritch]

So overnight Wednesday our time at the Pramac team launch, the head of Pramac asked the Ducati chief if Pramac could borrow Stoner for a GP - or two. For reply probably not much more than a polite smile. But if the right sort of people keep bringing it up...

[Luckylegs]

Why wouldn't they? Mmmmm chocolate. That and they are easier to ship that a box of beer lol.


Eh! Ship the beer? Are you crazy! Order online and have em delivered. Leaves a small hole in the pocket but reminds you not to make stoopid bets to often.


...Now, do ya reckon melandri will get a race ride on the mv and put it on the podium??? :killingme



:-)

[Autech]

Eh! Ship the beer? Are you crazy! Order online and have em delivered. Leaves a small hole in the pocket but reminds you not to make stoopid bets to often.


...Now, do ya reckon melandri will get a race ride on the mv and put it on the podium??? :killingme



:-)

Order beer online? What is this world coming too? Next thing you will be able to order a wife online...

Yeah yeah, I was wrong about Melandri, I had very high hopes of a wet race podium for him (going off his wet Kawaka podium a few years back), turns out he was too shit to even get a finish above last. They've done well to get Bradl though, he's the man!

[Reckless]

Order beer online? What is this world coming too? Next thing you will be able to order a wife online...

Yeah yeah, I was wrong about Melandri, I had very high hopes of a wet race podium for him (going off his wet Kawaka podium a few years back), turns out he was too shit to even get a finish above last. They've done well to get Bradl though, he's the man!

YA wrong about the wife to mate you wanna go down the Howick club on a Friday dance night and see all the old boys with their imports :headbang:

[Swoop]

Why would anyone even want a box of Roses chocolates???
So you didn't have to suffer from drinking Sweinlager "beer".

Crasher has my support of winner this season, but certainly NOT the beer!:devil2:

[Crasherfromwayback]

So you didn't have to suffer from drinking Sweinlager "beer".

Crasher has my support of winner this season, but certainly NOT the beer!:devil2:

Lol. Give me the beer! MM all the way! Stoner to win PI on the Ducati.

[Drew]

Lol. Give me the beer! MM all the way! Stoner to win PI on the Ducati.

I'll put a box against that!

[Autech]

MN will crash lots


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[J.A.W.]

I'll put a box against that!


Bold indeed, I've won liver-picklin' quantities of 'em from Rossi fans, plus the means to buy it - from the TAB, on K.C...

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'll put a box against that!

Which part of it Hombre?

[Drew]

Which part of it Hombre?

Stoner winning PI.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner winning PI.

Not prepared to take that bet on just yet. Too many variables. May come back to ya though!

[pritch]

So the relationship has soured to the extent that business ties are to be cut, even though it may cost Marquez money.

https://motomatters.com/news/2016/01/21/marc_marquez_severs_ties_to_valentino_ro.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

So the relationship has soured to the extent that business ties are to be cut, even though it may cost Marquez money.

https://motomatters.com/news/2016/01/21/marc_marquez_severs_ties_to_valentino_ro.html

I don't think he's short of a Bob!

[ElCoyote]

I don't think he's short of a Bob!

Just a brain and a personality Pete

[Tazz]

So the relationship has soured to the extent that business ties are to be cut, even though it may cost Marquez money.

https://motomatters.com/news/2016/01/21/marc_marquez_severs_ties_to_valentino_ro.html

Didn't VR's company pull the MM stuff after the 'incident' for a while anyway? You'd think that would break their contract, or at least entitle MM to some coin to balance it out.

[pritch]

Didn't VR's company pull the MM stuff after the 'incident' for a while anyway?

I don't recall reading anything like that. As you surmise that would have an effect, but if that had happened it should have made a splash in the news.

[Tazz]

I don't recall reading anything like that. As you surmise that would have an effect, but if that had happened it should have made a splash in the news.

Yeah I can't find anything either. I must have just gotten mixed up with the comments (unsourced) about not producing any more MM merch late last year. Sorry!

[Pumba]

Didn't VR's company pull the MM stuff after the 'incident' for a while anyway? You'd think that would break their contract, or at least entitle MM to some coin to balance it out.

If you read the article


The news, broken by Speedweek and confirmed to MotoMatters.com by sources with knowledge of the situation, is a reversal of reports from Valencia last year. Then, Spanish websites were reporting that Valentino Rossi had decided to terminate the contract, at the end of the second year of its three year term. Those reports were denied, but now it appears that it is Marquez who has decided he does not want Rossi's VR46 business selling his merchandise. Marquez' management and VR46 are currently in negotiations to terminate the contract, with the VR46 company wanting financial compensation for Marquez' decision to terminate the contract prematurely

My interpretation is that no one really knows who has done what, and when, only that the are thrashing out who owes who what, and that VR46 will not be selling MM merchandise.

[Tazz]

If you read the article



My interpretation is that no one really knows who has done what, and when, only that the are thrashing out who owes who what, and that VR46 will not be selling MM merchandise.

I did read that thanks. Scroll up one post.... memory failed me, thought there was more to it.


Anyway, makes sense. Although we have no idea of the details in the contract in MM's shoes I would probably do the same.

Be good once the racing is back and this shit goes away as 'news'

[Crasherfromwayback]

Just a brain and a personality Pete

Oh I don't think he's too silly mate.

[pritch]

I
My interpretation is that no one really knows who has done what, and when, only that the are thrashing out who owes who what, and that VR46 will not be selling MM merchandise.

That's a fair summation. We can safely assume though that we are not starting the new season with a clean sheet as far as three of the top four riders are concerned.

At the Yamaha launch press conference Lorenzo "seethed" for fourteen minutes before a question was addressed to him, the reigning champion. I don't particularly like his personal manner but can sympathise with him in that situation. There he is the champion of the world and every body wants to know what Rossi thinks, and nobody gives a flying fuck what JL thinks. Anybody would be pissed off.

Bring on the new season. :drool:

[DamianW]

That's a fair summation. We can safely assume though that we are not starting the new season with a clean sheet as far as three of the top four riders are concerned.

At the Yamaha launch press conference Lorenzo "seethed" for fourteen minutes before a question was addressed to him, the reigning champion. I don't particularly like his personal manner but can sympathise with him in that situation. There he is the champion of the world and every body wants to know what Rossi thinks, and nobody gives a flying fuck what JL thinks. Anybody would be pissed off.

Bring on the new season. :drool:

I would have thought that it was Yamaha's media relations / press officer's job to manage that :dunno

Maybe Yamaha quietly let the media put JL in that situation since wasn't it he who talked-up the possibility of walking away from the team at the end of last season?

[pritch]

I would have thought that it was Yamaha's media relations / press officer's job to manage that :dunno

Maybe Yamaha quietly let the media put JL in that situation since wasn't it he who talked-up the possibility of walking away from the team at the end of last season?

Nah. according to Oxley and others the Italian media were hot on the topic and Yamaha could only do so much. For Yamaha to intervene excessively might have caused their press conference to look like the old fashioned NZRFU press conferences where all you got from Sullivan was a gruff, "No comment".

These days that wouldn't work, especially after Yamaha had sprung for all that Champagne...

Again:
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/rossi-and-lorenzo-into-2016/

[Crasherfromwayback]

At the Yamaha launch press conference Lorenzo "seethed" for fourteen minutes before a question was addressed to him, the reigning champion. :

Hardly surprising and incredibly disrespectful. What have we got now...9 titles vs 5 is it? Who dares to think Lorenzo might not go one better? I'm willing to bet Rossi won't win another. I said as much three seasons ago.

[The Chow]

Hardly surprising and incredibly disrespectful. What have we got now...9 titles vs 5 is it? Who dares to think Lorenzo might not go one better? I'm willing to bet Rossi won't win another. I said as much three seasons ago.

Ok Pete , you are on. A dozen steinies . Go Rossi :laugh:

On another subject anyone see similarities between the Rossi vs Lorenzo affair and (bare in mind you may have to be old) and Phil Read vs Bill Ivy over the 125cc/250cc title battle in the 1960s. (Read only ever road a Yamaha again as a privateer after that) . So this is nothing new for Yamaha sure it was a long time ago , but the Japanese companies have long memories , but I know it is more commercial now , but just an observation. :mellow:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ok Pete , you are on. A dozen steinies . Go Rossi :laugh:

On another subject anyone see similarities between the Rossi vs Lorenzo affair and (bare in mind you may have to be old) and Phil Read vs Bill Ivy over the 125cc/250cc title battle in the 1960s. (Read only ever road a Yamaha again as a privateer after that) . So this is nothing new for Yamaha sure it was a long time ago , but the Japanese companies have long memories , but I know it is more commercial now , but just an observation. :mellow:

Lol. Beauty! But yeah...pretty sure Lawson and Gardner didn't enjoy being team mates much either! Gonna be a great season I reckon. Might have to get to PI if Stoner rides as a wild card.

[pritch]

Something to read to fill in some of the time before testing. And no, I have no connection with Ohlins other than that I've been using their products for years.

http://ohlinsnews.com/

[ElCoyote]

Oh I don't think he's too silly mate.

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.