MotoGP 2018 [Archive] - Page 5

Autech

14th May 2018, 14:52

Yeah. I can see why KTM might want Smith because of his knowledge, and his experience with their bike. I can also see why Poncharal would be surprised at the change in his role as he sees it. An asnwer should be forthcoming soonish. Especially if Poncharal signs somebody else?

The way I see it is he's in a tug of war between two parties with strong interests:

KTM want him to take Smith to continue the development
The Malaysians want Syarin to continue (so does Herve too I think)
KTM from one thing I read aren't too keen on Syarin and I must say I share their concern, he's not exactly set the world on fire in the lower classes in the dry but is doing well on the GP bike, just not Folger/Zarco well just yet.
Motogp is a business though and having a Malaysian on the grid will bring pressure from Dorna too.

sugilite

15th May 2018, 04:45

What I'm wondering about the KTM bike, is not the reason why Ducati went from a tubular frame to a alloy one (after discarding the carbon fiber one) because they could not make two tubular frames alike that behaved identically to each other? It must make development crazy hard at this level if that is really the case? Is it that modern motors are just too powerful for steel tube frames now?

pritch

15th May 2018, 09:48

Is it that modern motors are just too powerful for steel tube frames now?

At the time Ducati dropped the trellis frame the problem was said to be the number of welds. With so many welds the frames couldn't be identical. I'm assuming they would be stress relieving the frames otherwise things would be seriously random.

With two bikes for each rider KTM will have eight non-identical bikes providing data. Interesting job for someone. :whistle:

Still, KTM do have a reputation for winning.

Drew

15th May 2018, 11:20

At the time Ducati dropped the trellis frame the problem was said to be the number of welds. With so many welds the frames couldn't be identical. I'm assuming they would be stress relieving the frames otherwise things would be seriously random.

With two bikes for each rider KTM will have eight non-identical bikes providing data. Interesting job for someone. :whistle:

Still, KTM do have a reputation for winning.

Kawasaki have as much chance of winning a title as KTM in the big class.

pritch

15th May 2018, 18:00

Kawasaki have as much chance of winning a title as KTM in the big class.

That's not very logical Drew. KTM are in the class, Kawasaki are not. On that basis alone KTM must have a better chance. They might be pkeased to read that, they need all the encouragement they can get.

Drew

15th May 2018, 18:48

That's not very logical Drew. KTM are in the class, Kawasaki are not. On that basis alone KTM must have a better chance. They might be pkeased to read that, they need all the encouragement they can get.

Mmmkay, sarcasm not your first language then?

Mental Trousers

16th May 2018, 09:35

pritch

16th May 2018, 09:49

Mat Oxley's latest on Dorna's next move?

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/motogp-s-next-electronics-ban

Autech

16th May 2018, 10:23

Mat Oxley's latest on Dorna's next move?

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/motogp-s-next-electronics-ban

Till the engineers find the next loop hole that is and they spend millions exploiting it :niceone:

merv

16th May 2018, 12:31

Mat Oxley's latest on Dorna's next move?

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/motogp-s-next-electronics-ban

The comments against that link are interesting. It always seems ill directed to me that somehow people think that there really is a need to try and level the playing field by continually dumbing down the bikes, like somehow (and read) if you slow down Marc's Honda, then the racing will be great. So what does that mean? That someone like Bwadley Smiff would have had more chance of putting the KTM on the podium.

I reckon that cream always rises to the top and while Marc is the champion at the moment I am sure if all riders were put on absolutely identical bikes he would still win. His ability on dirt track like the Superprestigio showed just what talent he has.

Also MotoGP has a teams championship and a manufacturers championship along with the individual rider championship so I applaud Honda for totally changing their bike to achieve the results they are now getting because they are competing for those championships as well. Why should people bag them for trying so hard and try and penalise them? Sour grapes maybe because their favourite brand can't hack it or what?

There was one comment in the link that basically said this appears like a desperate last ditch effort by Dorna to try and make their god Rossi competitive again in the face of Yamaha doing so badly. I'm guessing it just won't work. Take away more electronics from the field and I am sure a reasonably young Marc with his abilities to control the bike will beat a near 40 year old Rossi.

If they want more competitive racing I reckon they should be looking for and nurturing the next young talent and stop mucking around with technical changes.

Dadpole

16th May 2018, 12:51

Every rule change by Dorna is designed to save Rossi according to some. Those same people claim the max age of 50 for MotoGP was to stop Ago coming back to kick Rossi's arse. :innocent:

sugilite

17th May 2018, 05:30

Yikes, this looks like a painful one, no broken bones thank goodness, but a beat up none the less for #93 in testing at Mugello.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAZk8Na2sO4

Dadpole

17th May 2018, 09:07

Autech

17th May 2018, 09:33

I fear that one day he will bounce the wrong way and do some serious damage. The optic damage from a few years ago could easily have been permanent and finished him.
I am coming to believe that he has, in his attic, a portrait of a half-blind, crippled old/young Spaniard.

Haha, what movie was that again? Great film.

Much excite for this weekend, should be a good race I reckon the Yamaha duo are going to come out swinging.

Can't help but think that Maverick could learn something from Pol about talking to the press and positive thinking

"Le Mans is a lot of stop-and-go and the Aprilia is not the best for this," Espargaro said of this weekend's race. "But I don’t care about the layout or the country we’re in, I will give one million percent in the next race to put the bike on the podium."

And with just a tenth place in Texas from the four rounds, the Spaniard is prepared to throw caution to the wind.

"If there is a very small positive thing in all of this, it is that with three zeroes, it’s difficult to fight to put the bike in a good position in the championship. I don’t care. I will go 100% every weekend to try and fight for the podium until Valencia."

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/896054/1/aprilia-debut-carbon-fibre-swingarm-next-races

I hope he beats CC so CC can say it was the carbon fibre swing arm that Espagaro had that gave him the advantage :facepalm:

Dadpole

17th May 2018, 10:07

The Espargaro brothers are big on being confident without getting the swollen head syndrome (usually). If one of them gets a decent bike I expect to see him on the podium a few times.
May not be a KTM for a few years though. :devil2:

roogazza

17th May 2018, 11:51

I fear that one day he will bounce the wrong way and do some serious damage. The optic damage from a few years ago could easily have been permanent and finished him.
It won't be a surprise for many Dadpole, as good as he is, a step too far over a line anywhere anytime is on the cards. :shifty:
But that goes for for the whole grid. :(

Go Yamaha and Go Rossi ! (and no rain please France ?). :banana:

pritch

17th May 2018, 12:16

Till the engineers find the next loop hole that is and they spend millions exploiting it :niceone:

I can't remember who posted it last night, either David Emmett or Mat Oxley? Apparently when Mike Webb was Technical Director, at the start of the season the factory engineers would apologise to him in advance for how they were going to treat the rules.

Autech

17th May 2018, 13:44

I can't remember who posted it last night, either David Emmett or Mat Oxley? Apparently when Mike Webb was Technical Director, at the start of the season the factory engineers would apologise to him in advance for how they were going to treat the rules.

As engineers they will just see it as a challenge to overcome, with restrictions in place I think it actually makes them come up with even better ideas than they would if they had a blank rule book.

ellipsis

17th May 2018, 18:29

As engineers they will just see it as a challenge to overcome, with restrictions in place I think it actually makes them come up with even better ideas than they would if they had a blank rule book.

...I'd rather give a blonde a blank cheque than have to deal with engineers and the turmoil involved...

husaberg

18th May 2018, 18:14

I fear that one day he will bounce the wrong way and do some serious damage. The optic damage from a few years ago could easily have been permanent and finished him.
.
I was reading something that Richard Scott wrote the other day He said it was ongoing issues with a hard head knock was that was what bugggered him up after a impressive start with Kenny Roberts. I always thought previously he was given a raw deal by Roberts, but no he was very glowing of the support Kenny's team had given him.
I am pretty Sure that was what finished Daryl Beattie's career as well. His early results were on par with Doohans.

sugilite

19th May 2018, 06:28

Yeah, Beattie was really going places. Did similar end Maggees career too? He was amazing to watch when he was on it.

Anyways, the crash in testing has not seemed to effect MM at all, 1st in free Practice 1 and a close 2nd in free practice 2. The rubber man continues unabated!
Yamahas are doing good too - though watch this space as track temps rise???

http://andys-kawasaki-zxr-zx7r-tribute-site.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/free-practice-2.jpg

carbonhed

19th May 2018, 10:03

The weather forecast is good... for the whole weekend... Sunday fine 23C. Colour me absolutely stunned :laugh:

roogazza

19th May 2018, 10:39

Yeah, Beattie was really going places. Did similar end Maggees career too? He was amazing to watch when he was on it.

Yes Sugi , I seem to recall Magoo bashing his head ? ( And Beattie losing a row of toes in the chain).,

Autech

19th May 2018, 10:55

Yes Sugi , I seem to recall Magoo bashing his head ? ( And Beattie losing a row of toes in the chain).,No shark fin I take it?

Looking like most riders are on form. Jack Miller doing better than Petrux again on the GP17. If JL leaves they arw going to have a bit of a conundrum on their hands picking tween the two.

Be an all Yamaha and MM fight for the front 3 then a shit fight between the rest for 4th onwards going off the race pace calculations. DP hip is hurting keeping him away from the front I think

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BMWST?

19th May 2018, 14:53

reasonable temperatures and good grip are keeping the factory Yamahas in the hunt.poor electronics(relative) and a newer engine(with underdeveloped(relative) electronics are the factory's achilles heel at the moment.Its why JZ is ahead of the factory at the moment.He has last years engine with known electronics

carbonhed

19th May 2018, 14:54

Suzuki not too flash. Pol was getting a tow for his lap... still impressive... the KTM massive will be getting all a fluster.

husaberg

19th May 2018, 19:22

Yes Sugi , I seem to recall Magoo bashing his head ? ( And Beattie losing a row of toes in the chain).,

Kevin was never the same after he had the incident where he started doing a burnout after a race and it resulted in a crash that ended the career of Bubba Shobert at the USGP
He just got back his confidence and then suffered a head injury the next year.
Beatlie had only just come back after losing the toes when the head injury occurred, He had trouble with vision and concentration and was never the same.
Its a Shame as Kevin Rated him he said the same things to suziki that kevin had after his first test ride about the bike.

mulletman

20th May 2018, 03:03

Its been a crashfest weekend so far :shit: lots of pain all round...

Good qualifying from Petrucci from first in Q1 to 3rd in Q2 behind Marquez and poleman Zarco.

Autech

20th May 2018, 11:50

Fucking horrible highside for crashhigh. Hate watching that shit.

Pertrux is upping his game to try n snaffle JLs seat.

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Dadpole

20th May 2018, 11:58

The Crutchlow one looked 'orrible from the trackside camera. It really showed the speed and distance he was thrown.

If only he had the carbon fibre swingarm.

jasonu

20th May 2018, 14:25

, I seem to recall Magoo bashing his head .,

Laguna Seca

mulletman

20th May 2018, 19:00

The Crutchlow one looked 'orrible from the trackside camera. It really showed the speed and distance he was thrown.

If only he had the carbon fibre swingarm.

He's been decleared fit :doctor:

pritch

20th May 2018, 19:10

Considering the electronic aids there were a lot of crashes - and a lot of near misses.

Next year there are apparently going to be twenty GPs. Some questioned that number but it was pointed out that F1 drivers do twenty with no problem. The F1 drivers though would be in a lot better physical shape than the GP riders, many of whom will be carrying injuries late in the season.

Dadpole

20th May 2018, 20:36

What exactly is Crutchlow made of? Tungsten perhaps?

sugilite

21st May 2018, 08:23

What exactly is Crutchlow made of? Tungsten perhaps?
Crikey, I would think he is now at least partially made up from Asphalt from a whole bunch of race tracks from around the World with the rate he jumps of the bike! Tough bugga though no doubt.

Well, another Lorenzo soft front tyre bolt and fade. Every time he asks his team to put a soft front on, they must be thinking "here we go again". I see Lorenzo is now blaming the shape of the tank for causing him braking woes and thus his backwards drift through the race. :facepalm:
I'm losing faith that Maverick is ever going to get confidant again.
Shame about Zarco, hopefully he will go good on the KTM.
MM just too good this year, he has now grown into a unstoppable force - the complete racer, what a machine.

Autech

21st May 2018, 10:26

Well, another Lorenzo soft front tyre bolt and fade. Every time he asks his team to put a soft front on, they must be thinking "here we go again". I see Lorenzo is now blaming the shape of the tank for causing him braking woes and thus his backwards drift through the race. :facepalm:
I'm losing faith that Maverick is ever going to get confidant again.
Shame about Zarco, hopefully he will go good on the KTM.
MM just too good this year, he has now grown into a unstoppable force - the complete racer, what a machine.

I would say there is some merit in what JL is saying as Petrux and JM both ran the S/S fine, and if anyone could make it work it SHOULD be him. Just wish the cunt hadn't held Dani up so much so he could have made a run for JM and Rossi. Good ride by my homie with some decent injuries though, ditto Crashhigh.

MV, not sure he can ride around a problem it seems, if the bike isn't perfect he's nowhere... Read a comment from someone who was at the track saying the change Rossi made was to the gearing allowing him to short shift in places the others weren't to give him some exit drive rather than relying on the electronics to smooth out his wheel spin. GOAT showing his experience over the young gun. Not a perfect solution but did the job. Wonder if Yamaha are regretting signing MV for a few years already when there's so many fast riders queing up in moto2 for a seat?

Looking a bit like 2014 at the moment with MM able to pick and choose his moment, get in front then hold a gap. I don't think he was cruising but his method of crashing all weekend then not in the race seems to still be helping him get away with some shit that others aren't.

So much to talk about in all the classes for different reasons, epic racing all round.

EJK

21st May 2018, 11:07

Moto3 provided the best entertainment/ drama and plot twist that put Sixth Sense to shame. Well worth the watch.

Autech

21st May 2018, 11:22

Moto3 provided the best entertainment/ drama and plot twist that put Sixth Sense to shame. Well worth the watch.

I squeeled like a little bitch when Kornfeil did that siek jump off Bastarninininianianis bike. Never ever seen anything like that in my life and to actually land it, keep it off the fence and keep going in gravel? :eek5:

roogazza

21st May 2018, 11:42

Go Yamaha and Go Rossi ! (and no rain please France ?). :banana:

I'm happy enough with the 3 on the podium.
A few get offs from the front,sad for #5 but not so much for #04 who looked like god had done a dirty on him, on his knees in the gravel pit.
Doocatis looked good for a while, real happy for Petrucci. Miller up there.

EJK

21st May 2018, 12:29

I'm happy enough with the 3 on the podium.
A few get offs from the front,sad for #5 but not so much for #04 who looked like god had done a dirty on him, on his knees in the gravel pit.
Doocatis looked good for a while, real happy for Petrucci. Miller up there.

Petrucci for factory Ducati!

Autech

21st May 2018, 13:30

Petrucci for factory Ducati!

Nah, Jack Miller to Ducati, more chance of giving them a title I think as Petrux has had the full factory treatment quite a while and isn't always the most consistent in results. Miller looks so comfortable on that bike it's like it was made for him.

GO JACK!

EJK

21st May 2018, 14:06

Nah, Jack Miller to Ducati, more chance of giving them a title I think as Petrux has had the full factory treatment quite a while and isn't always the most consistent in results. Miller looks so comfortable on that bike it's like it was made for him.

GO JACK!

Precisely for that reason. He has good connection with factory Ducati and have been receiving top support past couple years. Basically junior in training before jumping into the position (waiting for Lorenzo's contract to end). Although a bit unpredictable, Petrucci has finished podium 5 times past two super competitive seasons too (including current).

carbonhed

21st May 2018, 21:23

Well that was both depressing and boring. Boring because all MM's real challengers fell off, screwing up the race, and depressing because all MM's challengers fell off screwing up the championship. There is only one Alien now and everybody else is lining up to get their arse kicked. He's a motorcycling God on a bike he loves. He can now afford to be conservative on the bad weekends and accumulate points and ruthless on the good weekends and obliterate the opposition. Fuck!

george formby

21st May 2018, 21:45

I squeeled like a little bitch when Kornfeil did that siek jump off Bastarninininianianis bike. Never ever seen anything like that in my life and to actually land it, keep it off the fence and keep going in gravel? :eek5:

We were out of our seats squealing, :gob: The last few laps had us at fever pitch, the dog was going nuts at the energy. Bloody chaos.:lol:

ellipsis

21st May 2018, 21:48

...he's only doing what VR did for many years...time and fate is such a big part... he is a definite contender for the big moniker of GOAT...time will tell...I love the little cunt for his absolute smile and demeanour...Go Vale...

merv

22nd May 2018, 09:00

The racing is closer than it has ever been in my memory in that the gap back to the next finishers is only a few seconds. Way back when especially in the 500 days, a rider could win by 10's of seconds and lap a few riders, and even as recently as the Rossi on Honda days we all remember Phillip Island where he got a 10 second penalty so just screwed up the wick on the RC211V and still won the race.

The Le Mans race, if you don't count the crashers, no one got lapped and 10th place was only 27 seconds behind. ECU, tyres, whatever, Dorna have made the racing much closer and we shouldn't be bitching about that and compared to the past as I'm saying above, how can that be boring?

Drew

22nd May 2018, 15:25

ecko_nzed

22nd May 2018, 15:34

Fuck it, I'll take the bait!

What's your idea of Grand Prix, you old cunt?
The 4acing is great, but it's not my idea of grand prix.

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Autech

22nd May 2018, 17:05

Fuck it, I'll take the bait!

What's your idea of Grand Prix, you old cunt?

Sent from my SM-G935F using TapatalkHe'd prefer all the riders to wear mankinis and ride pink scooters.

Even back to when Rossi and Lorenzo were duking it out in the late 200xs the racing was boring as all fuck, I used to watch all the other races then fast forward the gp race till the end stopping for the occasional good bit.

Recent years I have actually gone off moto3 a bit as its too much bonkers and grown moar love for the big bikes. Moto2 next year is going to be mint too with the tripples

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Drew

22nd May 2018, 17:14

Fuck it, I'll take the bait!

What's your idea of Grand Prix, you old cunt?

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Grand prix was about the best vehicle and best driver. Most teams sacrificed (to a point) one or the other a bit.
But there were set rules, and engineers exploited them as best they could. Now they get chopped at the knees with spec crap.

I love the racing, and the electronics are a good thing. Just not all coming from one shop.

merv

22nd May 2018, 17:38

Just not all coming from one shop.

Presume you are talking about Magneti Marelli and it is interesting to think Italians got the job doing hardware and software for all teams. Not something in the past I had thought they were famous for being rated in that area.

Drew

22nd May 2018, 18:43

Presume you are talking about Magneti Marelli and it is interesting to think Italians got the job doing hardware and software for all teams. Not something in the past I had thought they were famous for being rated in that area.

I thought the same thing when it was announced. They've clearly gotten better, since the biks seem to still go when its raining.

ecko_nzed

22nd May 2018, 19:31

You being a handy rider and a dab hand at cobbling together some weird and wonderful machines I get where you are coming from, wanting the best engineers and the best riders competing.

I always thought of it more along the lines of the literal English meaning of Grand Prix, or great prize. With more emphasis on the riders competing for the greatest prize. The fact that they've evened the odds by the bikes more evenly matched with spec this and that, doesn't take away from the racing, it adds to it.

Grand prix was about the best vehicle and best driver. Most teams sacrificed (to a point) one or the other a bit.
But there were set rules, and engineers exploited them as best they could. Now they get chopped at the knees with spec crap.

I love the racing, and the electronics are a good thing. Just not all coming from one shop.

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pritch

23rd May 2018, 23:00

This is not news, it’s still more like speculation, but the source is usually well informed. Lorenzo to Suzuki, Iannone to Aprilia.

SaferRides

24th May 2018, 02:52

What exactly is Crutchlow made of? Tungsten perhaps?What made it worse was no airbag. He hadn't changed his leathers after the previous crash when the airbag had gone off.

No idea how he raced the next day.

SaferRides

24th May 2018, 03:03

Looks like 2014 again. If MM hadn't had a brain explosion in Argentina, he'd have 120 points from a possible 125 now.

Still a long way to go through but it's hard to see anyone else coming close.

Drew

24th May 2018, 07:47

What made it worse was no airbag. He hadn't changed his leathers after the previous crash when the airbag had gone off.

No idea how he raced the next day.
He would have put a new gas canister in it I should think. They're good for two deployments before they need recertified. Well, the ones available for sale are at least.

SaferRides

24th May 2018, 07:56

He would have put a new gas canister in it I should think. They're good for two deployments before they need recertified. Well, the ones available for sale are at least.Cal said there was no airbag when he crashed. Maybe the ones in the race suits are only single use.

pritch

24th May 2018, 09:21

Cal said there was no airbag when he crashed. Maybe the ones in the race suits are only single use.

Yes, I read where he said that, pretty sure he also said he should have changed suits. It was reported that he had internal injuries but originally it didn't say what they were. Apparently he was bleeding into his lungs which doesn't sound like fun.

Mental Trousers

24th May 2018, 09:49

The Alpinstars Tech Air has 2 bottles and the race version only use 1 bottle at a time, so they're good for 2 deployments/crashes. However, I'm sure the MotoGP guys aren't given the standard stuff sold to your average noddy so there's a good chance he's using something a bit more prototype like. Or something got damaged in the first crash so it didn't work in the second.

Autech

24th May 2018, 10:01

This is not news, it’s still more like speculation, but the source is usually well informed. Lorenzo to Suzuki, Iannone to Aprilia.

Rins on a precontract to Repsol too. I have a feeling either Iannone, Lorenzo or Dani might very well be out of a factory seat next year once the dust settles.

He would have put a new gas canister in it I should think. They're good for two deployments before they need recertified. Well, the ones available for sale are at least.

Cal said there was no airbag when he crashed. Maybe the ones in the race suits are only single use.

Both correct but Crutchlow said his one is only a single use, some of the others are rocking a double use. It was also said CC doesn't wear an undersuit like lots of the other riders to save on the 200 grams it weighs. As a result he couldn't get the suit off tween the FP4 and Q1 so just went out and hoped for the best. Guess he doesn't have an assistant like most riders to get out of them on a hot day (I know I've helped and been helped many times to unstick and arm in the leathers).

SaferRides

24th May 2018, 10:12

Both correct but Crutchlow said his one is only a single use, some of the others are rocking a double use. It was also said CC doesn't wear an undersuit like lots of the other riders to save on the 200 grams it weighs. As a result he couldn't get the suit off tween the FP4 and Q1 so just went out and hoped for the best. Guess he doesn't have an assistant like most riders to get out of them on a hot day (I know I've helped and been helped many times to unstick and arm in the leathers).
He doesn't wear an undersuit, I don't think many of the MotoGP riders do. If it's for weight saving, then that would explain the single use airbag.

actungbaby

24th May 2018, 10:20

Majority of crashes happen the same place they've always happened. Corner entry as the front brake is released. What's the question again?

Marquez is quicker into the turn, no argument here. He crashes three times the weekend just been. Sooner or later that's gonna cost him through injury though.

Everyone else holds back from that limit, though most have adopted a more front end style of riding since the young fella came along and schooled them all.

Yes freddy spencer was the same he push the bike from get go though was able push over the limit. i think cost him fryed his brain
doing the double mm seems not to like making break away like spencer and leading from front like gorgre does too.
i guess u more likey crash that way or just alot hard work. when can leave till tires drop off and u can stretch your advantage.
does seem smarter move you only win accross the line. dovi seems smartest in that reguard well last year any ways.
Is Cassey not tsting for ducati this year , see no mention of him at the tests .wonder if he recomend jack for the factory seat.

actungbaby

24th May 2018, 10:26

I thought the same thing when it was announced. They've clearly gotten better, since the biks seem to still go when its raining.

In speaking of that off topic but who bright idea at honda had lotus doing the worrld superbikes the honda fireblade seems a total dog.
yet its leading aussie superbikes . i cant work why honda dont take over the wsb team they ones in charge seem hopeless.

pritch

25th May 2018, 10:14

I have a feeling either Iannone, Lorenzo or Dani might very well be out of a factory seat next year once the dust settles.

The big topic on social media last night was Lorenzo and his exceedingly limited options. He could be out of a ride which for a five time champ is harsh indeed.
Option one is stay where he is but he'll need to pull something out of a hat to even do that.
Option two is Suzuki.
There isn't an obvious option three. Honda occasionally run a third factory bike, Yamaha have resisted that in the past.

Autech

25th May 2018, 10:44

The big topic on social media last night was Lorenzo and his exceedingly limited options. He could be out of a ride which for a five time champ is harsh indeed.
Option one is stay where he is but he'll need to pull something out of a hat to even do that.
Option two is Suzuki.
There isn't an obvious option three. Honda occasionally run a third factory bike, Yamaha have resisted that in the past.

Can't see Honda wanting him, if he can't ride the Ducati he'll struggle even more on the Honda one would think.

Yamaha... I honestly think they need him back but can't see him signing with a Sat team even on a full factory bike.

SaferRides

25th May 2018, 12:31

I'd bet Vinales wishes that JLo had stayed at Yamaha!

Le Mans was his first race on the 2018 chassis. He tried it in testing and didn't like it, so started the year on the 2017.

I thought he showed signs of the old Lorenzo, especially at the start of the race, so Mugello could be interesting.

But if he doesn't get a podium soon, I expect he'll be looking for a new ride.

Berries

25th May 2018, 12:41

Dame Susan Devoy steps down from HRC (https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104210943/dame-susan-devoy-steps-down-from-hrc)

She kept that quiet. Must be moving to make space for Jorge.

ecko_nzed

25th May 2018, 13:37

Dame Susan Devoy steps down from HRC (https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104210943/dame-susan-devoy-steps-down-from-hrc)

She kept that quiet. Must be moving to make space for Jorge.Jorge will become no1 at Suzuki, clearly she's leaving to make room for Johnny
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2018/In%20the%20Media%20Reas%20WorldSBK%20farewell

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Autech

25th May 2018, 14:41

Jorge will become no1 at Suzuki, clearly she's leaving to make room for Johnny
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2018/In%20the%20Media%20Reas%20WorldSBK%20farewell

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Not many good rides left for him I am afraid, though I have no doubt he would do well as the guy is a freak on a motorcycle

pritch

25th May 2018, 16:58

But if he doesn't get a podium soon, I expect he'll be looking for a new ride.

There are no "new rides", IIRC all 2019 seats but for one at Suzuki and JL's unsigned seat at Ducati are taken, and a Spanish journlist reports today that Mir has signed to ride that Suzuki. It must be said though that Spanish journos report lots of things.

We'll see.

SaferRides

25th May 2018, 17:07

There are no "new rides", IIRC all 2019 seats but for one at Suzuki and JL's unsigned seat at Ducati are taken, and a Spanish journlist reports today that Mir has signed to ride that Suzuki. It must be said though that Spanish journos report lots of things.

We'll see.Brivio has said they won't decide until Mugello. Lots of rumours.

Of course Dani could yet decide he's had enough of being everyone's crash dummy and Honda could be looking.

Autech

25th May 2018, 17:09

There are no "new rides", IIRC all 2019 seats but for one at Suzuki and JL's unsigned seat at Ducati are taken, and a Spanish journlist reports today that Mir has signed to ride that Suzuki. It must be said though that Spanish journos report lots of things.

We'll see.

IMO the rider most likely not to have a seat is Iannone, but they you hear he has the Aprilia seat locked in already.

Fuck knows who's going to end up where. Hope Dani at least throws his name out there for the other factories to consider.

Drew

25th May 2018, 17:21

IMO the rider most likely not to have a seat is Iannone, but they you hear he has the Aprilia seat locked in already.

Fuck knows who's going to end up where. Hope Dani at least throws his name out there for the other factories to consider.
Always liked Pesrosa, always wanted him to do well. Don't know if he would do well on a Suzuki.

Lorenzo is the better bet of the two I reckon.

Autech

25th May 2018, 20:55

Always liked Pesrosa, always wanted him to do well. Don't know if he would do well on a Suzuki.

Lorenzo is the better bet of the two I reckon.Be interesting to see over the years who has finished ahead of the other more often in the championship.

Both pretty good bets only reason I think Dani should jump ship is beating MM on the Honda right now is the very very tall ask. That and if he can ride a Honda fast he should be rapid on another bike that's easier to ride.

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BMWST?

25th May 2018, 21:19

i think JL could be good on the Honda....its an Agile bike which the Duck aint...wether he wants to be no 2 to MM is the question.I am sure he would be better on the Honda than the Ducati anyway

jasonu

26th May 2018, 02:21

sugilite

26th May 2018, 04:30

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/896819/1/ducati-pointless-go-if-it-doesn-t-work-jorge
Long time coming. Looks like Jorge may need to do a bit more than put a soft front on next race. Though even if he won it, the writing is well and truly on the wall - divorce.
He arguably went to a much better Ducati than what Rossi did, but like Rossi, does not have a single win to his name. He had me feeling a bit sorry for him last year, even had me wanting him to get a win one - until he kept opening his mouth.

I knew his "fuel tank" excuse would of seriously irked Ducati, and reading this paragraph from Ciabatti in the article above has me suspecting that statement was Lorenzo bashing the last nails into the coffin "“Here he was doing a great first nine laps and then losing lap-by-lap and finishing sixth. As he said in his press conference he is struggling with the ergonomics and the position of the bike, with the shape of the tank. They are things that can be fixed; we already worked on those, but in the end [it was] not enough because he cannot ride at the same rhythm for the whole race."

Will Lorenzo's ego allow him to sign for Suzuki at a much lesser pay scale? Suzuki is well known for its miserly race budgets - if indeed a Suzuki ride even exists. Cannot see him "lowering" his standards to race a Aprilia or a KTM. I think he knows the arse whopping MM would issue him each and every race if he were to go to Honda. So might be time to retire and enjoy his mega millions - he did earn them, certainly the Yamaha ones, so he may as well enjoy them now.

pritch

26th May 2018, 12:36

SaferRides

26th May 2018, 13:19

If Rins and Mir were to wind up together at Suzuki that would be a bit odd. There was that recentish link to am item buy a paddock old hand who said they used to put old riders on new bikes. The old riders know how fast they can go and can just focus on the bike. A rider like Mir will still be learning how to ride the bike and not be able to do much to help with developing the bike. Brivio has been around but...Suzuki should have spent the money an kept Vinales, or at least re-signed EspargaroA. Lorenzo would go well on that bike but I can't see Suzuki writing a big enough cheque.

Apparently they pissed off Zarco's manager so much last year that he wouldn't even consider going there.

I'm a longtime Suzuki fan, but they seem to have completely lost the plot when it comes to rider signings.

pritch

27th May 2018, 10:21

So the hot topic overnight is the possibility of George riding a MarcVDS Yamaha. That’d be cool to watch, there would be definite needle between him and the factory team.

Still haven’t seen a report of the exact nature of the Marc VDS financial problem.

SaferRides

27th May 2018, 11:42

Apparently the basis of the rumour that Mir is going to Suzuki is that Honda let their option lapse to sign him for next year, which has been taken to mean that Dani is staying and Mir is off to Suzuki. Time will tell.

BMWST?

27th May 2018, 12:22

what about the rumours where Jonathan Rea may fit in???

onearmedbandit

27th May 2018, 17:30

what about the rumours where Jonathan Rea may fit in???

There's a feeling that maybe just a move by Rea to strengthen contract negotiations.

AllanB

27th May 2018, 18:30

onearmedbandit

27th May 2018, 18:41

actungbaby

27th May 2018, 20:37

I was reading something that Richard Scott wrote the other day He said it was ongoing issues with a hard head knock was that was what bugggered him up after a impressive start with Kenny Roberts. I always thought previously he was given a raw deal by Roberts, but no he was very glowing of the support Kenny's team had given him.
I am pretty Sure that was what finished Daryl Beattie's career as well. His early results were on par with Doohans.

yes Scott was impressive on the v3 atr whanganui first sub minuter lap know am told production bikes are under that too.

i watched Darly beatie at manfield cant remeber what bike he had off at higgins i thught that too too, but read up where in latter years he went well on the suzuki 500

Autech

27th May 2018, 20:43

I'm always a week behind as I watch the summary on TV3 on a Sunday with a nice local craft beer. Nice to see Rossi on the podium. Sick of that other fucker taking first again......

I reckon they need to open the rules on what one can run - max cc for sure but configure the engine as the makers see fit. It's is meant to be the pinical of racing - open it up. Ditto F1 and all that regulation BS.

I want innovation and development - FFS next years mega sports XXX is just last years Moto GP ride. I want to be awed by V6 engines running 30,000 rpms or something similar.

Quite looking forward to Triumph entering next year as the oil on the track should at least make it more interesting! And F-me a triple at max rpms is a joy to hear. Be interesting to see if they are as reliable as Hondas old 600.

Nah fuck that I want close racing, not Ducati and Honda winning everything as they throw the most money at it racing. With the rules as they are we have some epic stuff going on, pretty sure they could make more power than they are with some different regs, but they're struggling to contain 260 hp imagine what would happen if they started strapping on turbos etc...

Agree the Triumphs are going to be good though, never been a fan of a inline 4 screaming it's head off (even owned one) so a new noise with some more power should be just the ticket.

husaberg

27th May 2018, 20:53

yes Scott was impressive on the v3 atr whanganui first sub minuter lap know am told production bikes are under that too.

i watched Darly beatie at manfield cant remeber what bike he had off at higgins i thught that too too, but read up where in latter years he went well on the suzuki 500
Pretty sure beatie rode an aging RC30 the year Roche blew the Ducati all over the track.
You are sure right though, beattie had one decent year after the toes but before the head injury.
He finished third in the champs only to be dropped by honda
and after a disastrous year on dunlops at Yamaha.
He finished second in the champs on Suzuki in 95 before the accident.

SaferRides

28th May 2018, 05:23

I reckon they need to open the rules on what one can run - max cc for sure but configure the engine as the makers see fit. It's is meant to be the pinical of racing - open it up. Ditto F1 and all that regulation BS.

I want innovation and development - FFS next years mega sports XXX is just last years Moto GP ride. I want to be awed by V6 engines running 30,000 rpms or something similar.

Many of the classic tracks in Europe have barely enough runoff with the current bikes, so more power isn't an option. Anyway, they can't even use the current 270 hp with that crap control ECU.

pritch

30th May 2018, 12:20

what about the rumours where Jonathan Rea may fit in???

Here's the latest from Mat Oxley on the current state of silly season:

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/motogp-2018-peak-silly-season

Well actually not quite the latest. Oxley has since posted that Rea's manager had flown from the USA to be at Le Mans for the GP. Very unlikely that he did that for a glass of vin rouge. Who was he talking to?
Your guess is as good as anybody else's.

EJK

31st May 2018, 20:37

Seems Dovi and Petrucci was out driving Lamborghinis while Lorenzo went on a boat ride.

SaferRides

1st June 2018, 04:31

Ianone leaving Suzuki: www.motorsportmagazine.com/news/motogp/iannone-split-suzuki-motogp

pritch

1st June 2018, 09:23

Ianone leaving Suzuki: www.motorsportmagazine.com/news/motogp/iannone-split-suzuki-motogp

The few public comments under that article are a tad pungent. Iannone has some passionate fans it seems.

Jorge has reportedly said he will be around for two more years and on a good bike.

Autech

1st June 2018, 14:41

Rins has thrown a Spanish alien spanner into the works. Someone's going to be left without a factory seat whether its Dani, George, Eahhnonee or Petrux I am not sure :girlfight:.

Annoys me how much they are fighting for him though, I do think he's the next best thing but so is Bagniaia from what I have seen, winning on a Mahindra was no easy task.

ecko_nzed

1st June 2018, 20:21

Dadpole

1st June 2018, 20:51

Iannone fastest in FP1. No surprise there really. Oh how I wish he could remain motivated for a whole season. :brick:

sugilite

2nd June 2018, 02:53

Iannone fastest in FP1. No surprise there really. Oh how I wish he could remain motivated for a whole season. :brick:

Yeah, Iannone needs to learn he needs that fire in his belly every race if he wants to attain "Alien" status.

pritch

2nd June 2018, 10:30

It has been reported that Lorenzo and Morbidelli will be riding Yamaha’s sponsored by Petronas.
At least I think it’s Petronas and not Patronus which is different.

The thought was expressed that while Rossi may be less than thrilled to have George back on a Yamaha, he will be able to congratulate himself on the first of his academy riders being promoted to MotoGP.

carbonhed

2nd June 2018, 11:52

Iannone fastest in FP1. No surprise there really. Oh how I wish he could remain motivated for a whole season. :brick:

Entirely predictable. Laziest motherfucker in the paddock. If he didn't have underachievement he'd have no achievement at all. Could have been a contender... :msn-wink:

BMWST?

2nd June 2018, 12:03

Pirro has fast bad crash(seems to be ok) and dovi blows an engine

carbonhed

2nd June 2018, 12:54

Pirro has fast bad crash(seems to be ok) and dovi blows an engine

Horrendous looking crash that he seems to have got away with.

https://youtu.be/Seo4qPPkALk

pritch

2nd June 2018, 13:41

Horrendous looking crash that he seems to have got away with.

Apart from concussion and a dislocated shoulder. A pity, he wanted to use his wild card rides to show he should have a regular place on the grid. Not this time.

carbonhed

2nd June 2018, 13:59

Apart from concussion and a dislocated shoulder. A pity, he wanted to use his wild card rides to show he should have a regular place on the grid. Not this time.

From a highside at 300kph that's practically getting off scot free :laugh:

Have you heard how Shakey got so beaten up? Did the bike land on him... hit a wall... get run over by the safety car????????

pritch

2nd June 2018, 18:45

From a highside at 300kph that's practically getting off scot free :laugh:

Have you heard how Shakey got so beaten up? Did the bike land on him... hit a wall... get run over by the safety car????????

A dislocated shoulder sounds like a bit painful to be described as "scot free".

No, I haven't read exactly what happened to Shakey but he has a long list of injuries.

onearmedbandit

2nd June 2018, 18:46

A dislocated shoulder sounds like a bit painful to be described as "scot free".

No, I haven't read exactly what happened to Shakey but he has a long list of injuries.

Getting biffed off at 300kmh and only getting a dislocated shoulder is scot free to me.

EJK

2nd June 2018, 22:11

Getting biffed off at 300kmh and only getting a dislocated shoulder is scot free to me.

I was genuinely scared when I watched it live, showing Iannone riding pass a motionless body in Ducati suit. Gave me chills.

Half a dozen barrel rolls from 300kph+ and not a single bone broken... Looks like Dainese airbag suit really works.

speights_bud

2nd June 2018, 22:29

Despite being extremely lucky...

Described as trauma to chest head and spine & under sedation to manage the pain as he was in and out of consciousness.

Awaiting CT scans but they don't expect to find other injuries. So he's obviously taken quite a beating but everything sounds pretty optimistic all things considered.

Dr Charte...

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2018/06/01/dr-charte-talks-about-pirro-s-health-after-the-big-crash/260715

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carbonhed

2nd June 2018, 22:36

I was genuinely scared when I watched it live, showing Iannone riding pass a motionless body in Ducati suit. Gave me chills.

Half a dozen barrel rolls from 300kph+ and not a single bone broken... Looks like Dainese airbag suit really works.

Me too. Still... the suit had a looooong time to figure out something was going wrong and sort it's shit out.

Guess we really don't watch for the crashes :niceone:

Dadpole

3rd June 2018, 10:46

Looks like Dainese airbag suit really works.

No air bag suit as wildcards do not have to use one. I expect a rule change before the next race though.

MEANWHILE Rossi... :woohoo:

EJK

3rd June 2018, 12:15

No air bag suit as wildcards do not have to use one. I expect a rule change before the next race though.

MEANWHILE Rossi... :woohoo:

Ok then, Pirro's skeleton is made out of carbon fiber.

Autech

3rd June 2018, 13:26

Rins?

Do you mean Mir?Yeah, wrong mexican sorry.

Shaping up for a tasty race tonight. Can't wait. Might be Georges turn I think, hope so

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Dadpole

3rd June 2018, 14:20

Youtube has the Suzi Perry - Lorenzo 10 min interview from Mugello. It is good to get a bit of a look at George away from those fucking awful MotoGP "Find my bike" things.

Earlier on the BT Sport coverage they were discussing Iannone. Gav Emmet said that an 'un-named insider' is predicting a disaster at Aprilia if Iannone and EsA are both there as neither can develop a bike - or even give good feedback to the team. The story is that they both just hold their breath and go for it to do a good time. That certainly shows with Espargaro with his one or two fast laps per meeting.

husaberg

3rd June 2018, 15:06

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54NdJEQwoVA

pritch

3rd June 2018, 15:55

Some of the Pom pundits have been making disapproving comments about the booing that sometimes occurs. They want GP crowds to be more like "rugger" than football apparently.

Personally I'd prefer people cheered their favourite but just shut up when the wrong guy was the hero of the hour. Someone at Mugello has crossed a line, they have created a grave complete with skeleton and a number 93. OK so it is Italy but... As is to be expected the Pom pundits are singularly unimpressed.

Bradley Smith is contemplating retirement at the ripe old age of 28. He doesn't want to ride in any other series.

Dadpole

3rd June 2018, 17:05

Bradley Smith is contemplating retirement at the ripe old age of 28. He doesn't want to ride in any other series.

My (cruel) wife said that he can't negotiate a new contract as only dogs can hear him.

Autech

3rd June 2018, 19:44

My (cruel) wife said that he can't negotiate a new contract as only dogs can hear him.Pmsl.
Tough bird you got there.

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pritch

3rd June 2018, 21:00

A Spanish journo is reporting that HRC were prepared to pay a million Euros to buy Miller out of his Ducati contract to partner Marquez @ Repsol. Miller declined the offer. That would tend to indicate he has high expectations where he is.

Rumours are rife but that’s a good one.

mulletman

4th June 2018, 09:51

Nice convincing win for George :clap:

WALRUS

4th June 2018, 10:39

No air bag suit as wildcards do not have to use one.

I'm pretty sure all Vircos suits these days have Alpinestars "TechAir" system in them. Just because they don't have to use them, doesn't mean that they don't haha!

Autech

4th June 2018, 10:58

3 awesome races
Great viewing and my predictions were bang on for the GP for the first time this year.

George is back, love watching him ride dude is a freak out front

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BMWST?

4th June 2018, 12:52

Dadpole

4th June 2018, 12:58

Lorenzo cost me money at the TAB, but I consider it worth it to see him back on the top step.

I can't wait to see the next 'Dear George'.

Dadpole

4th June 2018, 13:02

Autech

4th June 2018, 14:18

And it does not disappoint... https://www.bikeme.tv/index.php/yes-putas-yes-burn-that-yellow-piss-smoke-burn-yourselves-for-all-i-care-bronze-yourselves-with-your-own-steaming-mierda-let-it-dry-like-muddy-armour-on-your-squirming-bodies/Usual waffle.

Only thing worth noting is that he may dominate from here, not out of the question considering how he rode away with his brutal metronomic pace. Considering how many races the Ducati won last year we may be in for a treat. Go Jorge

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pritch

4th June 2018, 15:46

Apparently Lorenzo was asked by an Italian journo if the result would change his attitude to riding a Ducati. His reply was that it's too late for that.

The Mugello result might not actually be indicative of anything likely to happen in future, the tyres have such a major effect on each race. This time the tyres affected Honda badly but most or all of the top finishers had repeated front end losses toward the end because the track temperature was too high for the tyres supplied. Next time out it might be somebody else's turn to suffer.

pritch

5th June 2018, 22:28

Multiple sources reporting that Pedrosa has been told there is no place for him at Repsol Honda. Apparently Miller was approached by HRC but declined, other sources now have Lorenzo heading to Honda or Marc VDS or team Nieto or team SIC.

So far I haven't seen a prediction of where Pedro is going.

Meanwhile in Austria, Marc Marquez has tested a Red Bull F1 car. Pedrosa is also to get a drive but 2 and 2 does not equal 6.

Autech

5th June 2018, 23:00

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/897626/1/official-dani-pedrosa-leave-repsol-honda

Official. Fingers crossed he goes to another competitive bike.
Mir to Repsol
Dani to Suzuki

You read it here first

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eelracing

6th June 2018, 05:36

Lorenzo to Repsol Honda would be awesome.
Dani to Suzuki...in time I could learn to like the leetle fella.

sugilite

6th June 2018, 05:56

I reckon it would be a disaster move for Lorenzo to go with Repsol Honda. It looks to be a very hard bike to get the best out off. Crashlow crashes every other race, Dani has struggled with it and MM wins by seemingly having 2 to 3 spectacular front end saves every race that currently only he can pull off. I do not see a rider like Lorenzo fitting well with that recipe for winning.

Drew

6th June 2018, 07:30

Lorenzo to Honda. Didn't see that coming.

speights_bud

6th June 2018, 07:31

99 to Honda as above.

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/lorenzo-two-year-deal-honda-pedrosa-1044691/?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation&spotim_referrer=recirculation

Autech

6th June 2018, 08:15

Lorenzo to Honda lol.

Wow, that's a curve ball. As much as I like JL I don't see him capable of riding it as well as Dani or Marc. Time well tell but if he struggled with the Duc...

So that leaves Mir going to Suzuki (still not officially announced) and Dani?

Options left are:
Ducati
Aprilia
Then stacks of satellite bikes

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pritch

6th June 2018, 08:38

The guesswork is wild but the most common pick for Pedro is a Yamaha. Crutchlow has said Dani would have been world champ on a Yamaha. Dani’s big problem though is getting heat into the tyres and the Yamaha is easy on tyres so that may not be a simple matter.

Similarly Lorenzo did best on the high corner speed Yamaha. Now he is going to the very physical point and squirt Honda.

If Mir goes to Suzuki as predicted that would appear less than ideal, two young riders to develop the bike.

We shouldn’t have to wait long for confirmation of the moves, this week or next?

Dadpole

6th June 2018, 08:54

The media speculation over the last month of who is sleeping/signing with who has been worthy of Coronation Street. :nya: I am just going to wait until the deals are signed.

Mental Trousers

6th June 2018, 08:58

Autech

6th June 2018, 09:22

Agree with all the above statements. I think Dani may have kept his seat if he hadn't had one the worst starts to a season imaginable:

Qatar: Shit tyre
Argie: Taken out by zeee freench
Murica': Rode bravely with a fucked wrist
Jerez: Taken out by zeeee Mexican mobile chicane spartan mamba
Le Mans: Rode brakely with even more injuries, got held up by zeeee Mexican mobile chicane spartan mamba
Mugello: Crashed his good bike so qualied terrible, then took himself out and another trying to make up for it

Throw in the fact he fired Puig and he was never going to keep the seat. Should have jumped ship years ago though I think he's missed the train big time on a bike he could be brilliant on without hurting himself every other week.

Never know though Zarco has been wayyy faster than the others on the sat Yamaha a far few rounds so Dani might not be held back too much by the satellite crew.

EJK

6th June 2018, 09:24

I knew Dani should have been quietly looking for another ride as soon as Puig was appointed. Pedrossa on the Suzuki would be a damn good combination I reckon.

Lorenzo going to Honda has got to be as bad as Lorenzo going to Ducati to start with. It'll take almost the entire 2 years to figure out how not to crash the thing. Last race he finally stomped all over everybody and next year he's going to go back to spending most of his time trying to figure out how to ride a bike that doesn't suit his riding style at all.

I had thought Honda was a very refined bike and easier to ride compared to Ducati, which was a tough bike to master. So when Casey Stoner went from Ducati to Repsol in 2011 he single handedly dominated the championship.

But again, that's 2011 so...

Autech

6th June 2018, 09:30

I had thought Honda was a very refined bike and easier to ride compared to Ducati, which was a tough bike to master. So when Casey Stoner went from Ducati to Repsol in 2011 he single handedly dominated the championship.

But again, that's 2011 so...

Totally different bike to then, that and Casey Stoner is Casey Stoner. He had already ridden a Honda too my bro.

JL going to suffer big time, saving grace may be he's been a fucking demon on the brakes on the Ducati but I don't see him loading up the front like the other do to begin with. Wont be back to square one for him though so lets give him a shot. Will be hilarious if he beats MM and well worth a flutter in 2020.

pritch

6th June 2018, 10:53

The media speculation over the last month of who is sleeping/signing with who has been worthy of Coronation Street.

That was as nothing. It really took off last night our time. Oxley had just written his piece for Motorsport Magazine but he was advising people to read it quick, it might be out of date by today.

David Emmett was the most confident. From memory he had Lorenzo to Yamaha, Pedro to Honda, Mir to Suzuki and Petrucci to Ducati.

Miller might still have a chance though because he is supposed to have turned down the Repsol ride. He had to have a reason to do that. Most tracks require a lot of rear brake to get the Ducati turned, Miller is happy with that as was Stoner due to their early days on oiled dirt tracks.

Somebody commented on Zarco riding the satellite Yamaha to good effect. Apparently the electrics are better sorted on that bike than on this year's model. Next year the satellite riders will be riding this years model which may or may not be sorted by then.

Autech

6th June 2018, 11:46

This years silly season has been silly as fuck, I mean Jorge to Honda? Who writes this!!! Shame too as I think he's got the ability now to ride the Ducati better than Dovi and give Gigi that championship finally. Not that Dovi can't, but I think Jorge has that next level pace.

Lots of funny meme's about the whole Lorenzo MM gay thing on the Faceballs, loads of world championships tween them though so look out if they do get married. Would have fast children too.

The Jack Miller rumour was just that apparently, a rumour as Jack said he had no knowledge of it. Apparently Jorge's salary is only around 3mil euros per year too so Honda got themselves a bargain right there.

jasonu

6th June 2018, 14:17

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/897626/1/official-dani-pedrosa-leave-repsol-honda

Official. Fingers crossed he goes to another competitive bike.

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Why? So he can not win on another competitive machine?
He should have made way for up and comers to get a premier ride a season or two ago.

Drew

6th June 2018, 14:40

How many people can say they won a grand prix on more than two manufacturer's bikes?

Not counting the olden days of 350cc and shit.

speights_bud

6th June 2018, 15:10

How many people can say they won a grand prix on more than two manufacturer's bikes?

Not counting the olden days of 350cc and shit.
About 6...
337181

Mental Trousers

6th June 2018, 15:18

How many people can say they won a grand prix on more than two manufacturer's bikes?

Not counting the olden days of 350cc and shit.
About 6...
337181

I'm pretty sure there's nobody that has won a MotoGP race (at least not in the 4 stroke era) on 3 different manufacturers bikes. Jorge might actually be the first, provided he can figure out how to stay on the Honda long enough to cross the finish line.

Autech

6th June 2018, 15:26

I'm pretty sure there's nobody that has won a MotoGP race (at least not in the 4 stroke era) on 3 different manufacturers bikes. Jorge might actually be the first, provided he can figure out how to stay on the Honda long enough to cross the finish line.

Will be surprised if he doesn't win at least one.

Drew

6th June 2018, 15:53

About 6...
337181

More than two.

Drew

6th June 2018, 15:53

Will be surprised if he doesn't win at least one.

That's my point. Be a pretty big feather in one's cap I reckon.

Autech

6th June 2018, 15:58

That's my point. Be a pretty big feather in one's cap I reckon.

He's no doubt a facking good rider.

I think it will be similar to the MM-DP scenario, when MM's front tyre isn't working JL will be able to make it work and beat him.
If the tyres are working for all 2 seasons MM is too good on that particular bike to be beaten. IMO.

pritch

6th June 2018, 16:16

More than two.

Drew, I believe this is what you are after?

Courtesy of Mat Oxley.

In 70 years of GP racing only 4 riders have won premier-class races on 3 different makes of machinery:
Hailwood (Norton/MV/Honda, 1961-1967),
Mamola (Suzuki/Yamaha/Honda, 1980-1987),
Lawson (Yamaha/Honda/Cagiva, 1984-1992)
& Capirossi (Yamaha/Honda/Ducati, 1996-2007)

WALRUS

6th June 2018, 17:43

Open up to include the two "feeder" classes 125/Moto3 and 250/Moto2, and you've got loads!

pritch

6th June 2018, 19:06

Open up to include the two "feeder" classes 125/Moto3 and 250/Moto2, and you've got loads!

Yeah, but that would be relatively meaningless. Apples with apples and all that. While it's true the smaller bikes are feeder classes now they didn't used to be. Little guys rode little bikes and some of them spent their whole career on the "tiddlers". The "premier class" is the most powerful class, whatever it is at the time: 500, 990, 800, 1,000, or whatever comes next. Whether there are five classes or just three.

carbonhed

6th June 2018, 19:34

Honda have confirmed Jorge Lorenzo 2019/20.

Wow. TBH I don't get that. Seems like the prospects for the arrangement to go horribly wrong far outweigh the likelihood of it being a match made in heaven.

On the other hand they will have two multi champions with different riding styles which might help development????????????

MM is a ballsy fucker giving the ok to that.

What a monster team though if Lorenzo can gel with it.

speights_bud

6th June 2018, 19:45

Honda have confirmed Jorge Lorenzo 2019/20.

Wow. TBH I don't get that.

He only needs to be fast for the first few laps and hold everyone up until MM harder option tyres warm up...

carbonhed

6th June 2018, 19:52

He only needs to be fast for the first few laps and hold everyone up until MM harder option tyres warm up...

:laugh: definitely a cunning plan.

BMWST?

6th June 2018, 20:24

well well well.I had thought that lorenzo might go to Honda,but now that its confirmed ...If the honda is a very physical bike to ride not sure how jlo will do,after all it wasnt till JLo got the tank etc he was after till he could last more than 5 laps.Jack Miller says the Ducati is a brezze to ride compared to the Honda...But the Honda is easy to turn and has good brakes.Perhaps it is the exct hybrid JLo has learned beween the Duc and th Yamaha.It will certainly be interesting!

EJK

6th June 2018, 21:08

It's now Facebook official.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/06/06/petrucci-joins-factory-ducati/261638

SaferRides

6th June 2018, 21:58

So after just over a season Ducati make JLo bike he can win on. Congratulations to the team and the rider.

Suddenly this season has become even more interesting.

pritch

7th June 2018, 10:49

carbonhed

7th June 2018, 12:04

They've stopped him riding for the opposition.

I think that's crucial to their thinking... devastating for the other teams.

pritch

7th June 2018, 12:53

Autech

7th June 2018, 13:38

A magazine (German?) has published the news that Pedro is to announce his retirement at Barcelona. I hope they are wrong.

Here's hoping somebody can get a Yamaha satellite team up and running. The grid needs the two extra bikes.Be a shame but I think after the extra punishment his body has taken already this year I wouldn't be surprised. Once again can't help but say "what if" again as he's down the order due to no fault of his own yet again.
What ifs don't win championships though.
He wants a world championship and if the bike he is offered isn't capable of it I can see him retiring.

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BMWST?

7th June 2018, 19:37

i will really miss Dani.At times he is sublime .Must be very frustrating for him and th team to know he can sometimes be so awesome but other times not...some out if his control.I think the Michelins have really made it hard for him

Dadpole

7th June 2018, 20:28

While I will miss Dani (if he does retire), I won't miss the velocity he achieved when it all went wrong. There have been too many occasions lately when I feared he would really fuck himself up.

I have enjoyed the Lorenzo hoopla since he won. Some have declared that it is 'Job done' and he is back at the top. One swallow does not a Summer make (but it livens up a Winter afternoon). I will reserve judgement until a couple of races hence.

Drew

8th June 2018, 07:41

sugilite

8th June 2018, 07:59

A magazine (German?) has published the news that Pedro is to announce his retirement at Barcelona. I hope they are wrong.

Here's hoping somebody can get a Yamaha satellite team up and running. The grid needs the two extra bikes.
I would really, really like to see him go at least one season on the Suzuki, reckon he would go very well on it!

WALRUS

8th June 2018, 09:20

Wonder what Honda are paying him though.

I heard/read somewhere it's an annual four million euro deal..

Autech

8th June 2018, 10:02

If Jorge says he thinks the Ducati is as he wants it, I'm inclined to believe him.

He's not exactly motivated now, to try and win on it though. So we may never know.

Wonder what Honda are paying him though.

Watch him fuck off into the distance whenever grip is consistant and MM can't manage his front tyre. Dovi wont be able to beat him when the cards are down on the table.

Funny how they have chosen Dovi to be their main championship runner next year, by selecting Petrux as their number 2 I think they've got a A and B rider combo. I just have the feeling we have seen all Petrux has to offer already and that Miller would have been the better option, good they have rewarded his loyalty though and he's shown an amazing career progression from Euro superstock, CRT, Open class, shitty satelitte, good Satellite, factory. Not the usual path for sure, though history has shown the main guys that get factory bikes and hold on to them come directly into those bikes. JL, VR, DP, MM, MV... Didn't Dovi go straight to Repsol Honda too?

I heard/read somewhere it's an annual four million euro deal..

Yup heard it was 3 mil that too so pretty much what they were paying Dani IIRC. Bargain considering how many GP championships he has won and a masterstroke as they now have next years biggest threat on their bike and Petrux now on that bike who may or may not take points from MM depending on his form.

Most riders get sponsor money we don't see so don't feel bad for George there will be a few more million on top of that for sure.

Autech

8th June 2018, 10:08

Edit, just read they have signed Petrux for only 1 year, so if he doesn't do as well as Miller he will just be keeping the seat warm while Miller gets a year under his belt on the full fat Ducati?

pritch

8th June 2018, 10:37

David Emmett posted an interesting statistic about Lorenzo and Marquez, "Between them, they have won 62.5% of all MotoGP races since 2013, 60 of 96."

Here's his roundup of the current state of the game of musical chairs. https://motomatters.com/analysis/2018/06/07/the_comprehensive_silly_season_update.html

SaferRides

9th June 2018, 08:45

If Jorge says he thinks the Ducati is as he wants it, I'm inclined to believe him.

He's not exactly motivated now, to try and win on it though. So we may never know.

Wonder what Honda are paying him though.He's motivated all right. At the least, he will want to beat Dovi in every race from now on. Don't think he'll mind taking a few off Marquez either.

Everyone would love to know how he made the medium front last the race. Even Dovi couldn't do manage it, and despite following all those laps, couldn't figure out what JLo was doing.

Can't wait for Spain.

pritch

9th June 2018, 09:53

Everyone would love to know how he made the medium front last the race. .

Mat Oxley posted that the tyres were all overheating so the bike in front has a slight advantage over bikes that are following in that the front bike has more air on the tyre.

Iannone has signed a two year deal with Aprilia. The options for a satellite Yamaha team are now very limited.

Pons has sacked Barbera following the latter's conviction for DUI.

carbonhed

9th June 2018, 11:21

He's motivated all right. At the least, he will want to beat Dovi in every race from now on. Don't think he'll mind taking a few off Marquez either.

Everyone would love to know how he made the medium front last the race. Even Dovi couldn't do manage it, and despite following all those laps, couldn't figure out what JLo was doing.

Can't wait for Spain.

Absolutely. He'll be dying to put Dovi back in his place.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya can't come soon enough. Hordes of highly motivated Spaniards. :headbang:

BMWST?

9th June 2018, 11:44

i would never have thought that following another bike would impact on tyre temperature!

pritch

9th June 2018, 11:57

i would never have thought that following another bike would impact on tyre temperature!

I think the theory is that the front bike has undisturbed clear air. Bikes following have a mixture of exhaust gas and air and there's less air pressure because they are in a slipstream.

I'll accept that because I don't know enough to disagree. :scratch:

Drew

9th June 2018, 12:11

I think the reality is that he pushed like all duck in the first three laps. Then he didn't need to maximize his strongest points on the track because he wasn't challenged.

He just cut lap after lap the way he does, and the rest all stressed the shot out of their hoops.

Dadpole

9th June 2018, 12:13

Dovi and Rossi were on the hard front. It turned to be the wrong choice whereas Lorenzo had the medium AND the chance to do the race he wanted IE: bugger off and do the corners how he wanted.

BMWST?

9th June 2018, 15:11

Dovi and Rossi were on the hard front. It turned to be the wrong choice whereas Lorenzo had the medium AND the chance to do the race he wanted IE: bugger off and do the corners how he wanted.
MM on hard front too.I cant get my head around how the compounds work now....

jellywrestler

9th June 2018, 15:33

MM on hard front too.I cant get my head around how the compounds work now....

soft is softer than medium,
medium is softer than hard.

make sense?

SaferRides

9th June 2018, 22:57

soft is softer than medium,
medium is softer than hard.

make sense?
Apparently it's not that simple in MotoGP - remember that Michelin is a French company!

Have a look at the Motomatters race report. The Honda riders could not find a front that worked when the track was hot, which is why Marquez spent half of FP4 trying a medium front, then crashed during the race on the asymmetric hard which wasn't.

speights_bud

9th June 2018, 23:26

Apparently it's not that simple in MotoGP

I think the descriptions of tyres we are given are very general terms.

I have heard riders comment based on numbers which must be compound keys. eg 'we tried the 34 but maybe the 36 was better' MM has mentioned words to that effect.

Ever since then I've wondered if the "soft" option is fixed to say numbers 26-30, medium is 31-36, hard 37-40 etc. Or is the "soft" description just given to the lowest number value tyre present.

Ie a "soft" in Malaysia could be the same as a medium compound in Philip Island.

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BMWST?

9th June 2018, 23:29

soft is softer than medium,
medium is softer than hard.

make sense?
thats the bit i do understand..i cant understand how the mediums or even softs can work better than the hards when the temperatures are high enough that tradionally the hard is the logical choice

husaberg

10th June 2018, 01:05

thats the bit i do understand..i cant understand how the mediums or even softs can work better than the hards when the temperatures are high enough that tradionally the hard is the logical choice
What constitutes each tyre compound is also varied for each track. Tires are not just effected by track temp some tracks place different demands on tires ie twisty tight vs open flowing or even the track friction or surface adhesion. what was a hard compond at one track might be softer than the soft at another.

Dadpole

10th June 2018, 07:04

Enough about tyres. Tell me about oil again. :innocent:

BMWST?

10th June 2018, 10:49

Enough about tyres. Tell me about oil again. :innocent:

but its important!The brand of oil isnt going to influence the result of the race.Unfortuanetely its the tyre management that will often be the governing factor.Throw in the odd quality control problem and a tyre can be the factor which decides the race!.

pritch

10th June 2018, 12:40

Enough about tyres. Tell me about oil again. :innocent:

Stirrer :whistle:

The tyre thing is interesting though because it directly affects the outcome of races.

speights_bud

10th June 2018, 12:49

...some tracks place different demands on tires ie twisty tight vs open flowing or even the track friction or surface adhesion.

I remember seeing years ago silicone moulds a tyre manufacturer had made from the asphalt of the track.

The square was a sample of the apex from turn whatever at a particular track. Then they could design the tyre around what the track had going on.

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husaberg

10th June 2018, 13:18

I remember seeing years ago silicone moulds a tyre manufacturer had made from the asphalt of the track.

The square was a sample of the apex from turn whatever at a particular track. Then they could design the tyre around what the track had going on.

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Neat stuff. tailor made.
Here is some other snipets.

Usually, the compounds are created based on experience from previous races and tests. Since each track is different, requiring different compounds, the tires delivered to events are frequently track-specific. For example, Losail uses an asymmetric compound because of the additional stresses on the right side of the tire since more than half of the turns are right handed. Also, the sand on Losail makes it more abrasive and requiring different compounds than those that would be used at COTA, for example.
http://www.motorcycle.com/top10/top-10-facts-about-michelin-motogp-tires.html/11

https://www.intentsgp.com/motogp-tyre-options-uninitiated/

In total, Michelin will use around 7 different front compounds and 11-12 different rear compounds during the 19 rounds.

there are three events which require special attention this season - the new Buriram track, where an official pre-season test has been held, plus the resurfaced Silverstone and Barcelona circuits."Buriram, we needed to go. Barcelona has been resurfaced, so we have planned one test before and we will have data for that. Silverstone will also be resurfaced. We don't plan to do a test there, but we have an agreement with Dorna to bring four front specifications and four rear specifications, to be sure to have the right ones.
"For the other tracks, we have enough experience and data after two years to make the right tyres."

Assymetrical tyres- This tyre has a different compound on either side of it. It may have the Soft compund on the right side and Medium on the left depending on which side will be used more during the Grand Prix.
It is like a Soft and Medium tyre chopped in half and then joined together to form one assymetrical tyre. This offers a perfect balance between speed and durability. While exiting right handed corners, you will have maximum grip as the softer side will be on the tarmac. But the tyre won't degrade as fast due to the Medium compound.

A change for 2018 in terms of Michelin's wet tyres is that they will all feature asymmetric compounds.
"All the rears are asymmetric. Last year we had some asymmetric tyres, some had a different compound on the left, some were the same compound [throughout]. This year they will be all asymmetric - specific for left-hand or right-hand circuits.
"So more made-to-measure for the track. More specific to the track, like we do for the rear slicks."

https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/891166/1/michelin-explains-tyre-freeze-2018

Today, Michelin’s approach is different. Its strength has always been delivery; in the past, when they were in competition with Bridgestone, Michelin was able to bring tires to European races on Saturday night after having seen what worked better in the practices (but only for some riders). Last year after the Argentinian GP they were able to produce new tires for the whole MotoGP (http://www.cycleworld.com/motogp-racing-news-results-features) grid and send them to the other side of the world in almost a week. It was an impressive demonstration of what the French manufacturer is capable of in terms of know-how, technology and delivery.
https://www.cycleworld.com/piero-taramasso-interview-michelin-motogp-tire-controversy

Autech

10th June 2018, 13:51

Also on top of it is how the front tyre squishes under breaking which is more related to the carcus I believe but can be effected by the compound.
MM from memory seems to prefer a symetrical front as its more consistent with the abuse he puts it through. Last year before they switched the carcus most the crashes were as they released the brake and entered the corner when the load was taken from the tyre

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mulletman

11th June 2018, 20:59

2 year contract for Joan Mir

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/898114/1/official-joan-mir-motogp-suzuki

AllanB

11th June 2018, 21:38

Enough about tyres. Tell me about oil again. :innocent:

In a recent copy of Fast Bikes magazine, under Tech Talk, there is a oil article by LiquiMoly and they state they run 0w-10 oil in MotoGP bikes to have as little friction as possible. Requires a oil change every session.

Dadpole

11th June 2018, 22:09

:Oi: ........

Autech

11th June 2018, 22:54

In a recent copy of Fast Bikes magazine, under Tech Talk, there is a oil article by LiquiMoly and they state they run 0w-10 oil in MotoGP bikes to have as little friction as possible. Requires a oil change every session.Yamaha also developed a new oil a while back which gave them a few more hp.

Enough exploring oil though thats illegal in our country

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pritch

11th June 2018, 23:04

Lower viscosity oil gives more horsepower so 0/10 sounds about right. Modern cars run 0/30.

Rea won’t be going to Yamaha or anywhere else in the GP paddock, he’s signed for two more years at Kawasaki.

A young man named Perez has died of injuries sustained in a multiple bike crash during a Moto3 Junior World Championship race.

Dadpole

12th June 2018, 09:05

Yamaha also developed a new oil a while back which gave them a few more hp.

Enough exploring oil though thats illegal in our country

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Please make it stop..... I promise to be good. :weep:

pritch

12th June 2018, 10:29

OK this is not GPs, it's endurance racing, but this is amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWEcrzzgZ3o

For the extensive repairs required, including a complete new front end, that bike was in the pits just twelve minutes.

Autech

12th June 2018, 11:03

Please make it stop..... I promise to be good. :weep:

Time for an off topic oil meme from the internets.

337256

WALRUS

12th June 2018, 13:28

Lower viscosity oil gives more horsepower so 0/10 sounds about right. Modern cars run 0/30.

Mean my old Italian tractor/996 manual calls for 15-50 xD

Mental Trousers

12th June 2018, 14:35

pritch

12th June 2018, 17:43

Mean my old Italian tractor/996 manual calls for 15-50 xD

Yeah, I can remember that from when I had an S4R with a 996 motor. Shell were sponsoring Ducati and didn't make 10/40 which had been the recommended grade. Ducati could hardly recommend a grade their sponsor didn't offer so they changed the "official" grade to one that Shell did make. Less ponies, more heat, but sponsor's cash is powerful stuff.

merv

12th June 2018, 18:48

Yeah, I can remember that from when I had an S4R with a 996 motor. Shell were sponsoring Ducati and didn't make 10/40 which had been the recommended grade. Ducati could hardly recommend a grade their sponsor didn't offer so they changed the "official" grade to one that Shell did make. Less ponies, more heat, but sponsor's cash is powerful stuff.

Funny that, I was using Shell Helix Ultra 5/40 synthetic in the Honda Civic 20 years ago, did they really not make a bike oil with a low viscosity?

pritch

13th June 2018, 09:47

Funny that, I was using Shell Helix Ultra 5/40 synthetic in the Honda Civic 20 years ago, did they really not make a bike oil with a low viscosity?

Alex Briggs is en route to Barcelona and a Euro bike mag has published an article linking Pedro with the proposed Petronas project. I'll send you a PM.

WALRUS

13th June 2018, 09:53

Oh dear... This isn't going to be another FP1 is it?

Gorgeous machine, brilliant idea, sounded great, built by Suter... Abject failure, unfortunately.

pritch

13th June 2018, 18:55

Oh dear... This isn't going to be another FP1 is it?

Gorgeous machine, brilliant idea, sounded great, built by Suter... Abject failure, unfortunately.

Not really. Petronas were reportedly interested in sponsoring a satellite Yamaha with Jorge as pilot. Jorge is no longer available but Pedro might be and last I read there is, as yet, no Yamaha satellite team. So you can see why a magazine might add 2 + 2 and possibly get 10?

Yamaha have been pushing hard in South East Asia and Petronas is based there, so there are reasons why such a marriage might appeal to both parties. If something is going to happen though it needs to happen in the next coupla weeks or so.

Autech

13th June 2018, 19:55

Not really. Petronas were reportedly interested in sponsoring a satellite Yamaha with Jorge as pilot. Jorge is no longer available but Pedro might be and last I read there is, as yet, no Yamaha satellite team. So you can see why a magazine might add 2 + 2 and possibly get 10?

Yamaha have been pushing hard in South East Asia and Petronas is based there, so there are reasons why such a marriage might appeal to both parties. If something is going to happen though it needs to happen in the next coupla weeks or so.Dani has huge support in South East Asia too so pretty sure the fans wont mind.

Bring on this weekend feels like forever since Mugello!

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AllanB

13th June 2018, 20:22

Funny that, I was using Shell Helix Ultra 5/40 synthetic in the Honda Civic 20 years ago, did they really not make a bike oil with a low viscosity?

Sounds odd - 10w40 has been a stable bike oil weight for absolute decades.

pritch

13th June 2018, 21:47

Sounds odd - 10w40 has been a stable bike oil weight for absolute decades.

Synthetic for rather less though - in the case of Shell anyway.

BMWST?

13th June 2018, 23:04

Yamaha also developed a new oil a while back which gave them a few more hp.

Enough exploring oil though thats illegal in our country

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no it isnt ,only new searches are not permitted

SaferRides

13th June 2018, 23:12

Sounds odd - 10w40 has been a stable bike oil weight for absolute decades.In the early days of synthetics, the oil manufacturer's tried to outdo each other by making wide viscosity oils. Mobil used to do a 0W-50 from memory.

But on a bike, you want shear stable oils without viscosity improvers (VI) so that they don't get chopped up in the gearbox. So most motorbike synthetics are more normal viscosities like 10W-40 that don't need much or any VI's.

Autech

14th June 2018, 07:04

no it isnt ,only new searches are not permittedErm which is kind of what I said?

Shhh though, they will come for us if we challenge their BRIGHT FUTURE.

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pritch

14th June 2018, 07:59

An extra press conference has been included in the schedule for Barcelona. A Dani Pedrosa solo press conference.

Dadpole

14th June 2018, 08:51

Enough about oil. Tell me about tyres again. :innocent:

AND - Now for something completely different: Pick me a top 3 for this weekend...

Dadpole

14th June 2018, 08:53

An extra press conference has been included in the schedule for Barcelona. A Dani Pedrosa solo press conference.

Please let him stay on MotoGP... He is still head and shoulders (:lol:) above most of the field.

Autech

14th June 2018, 11:08

Please let him stay on MotoGP... He is still head and shoulders ([emoji38]) above most of the field.I dunno. If the bike isn't capable of giving him a title he should go do something else n rest his poor mangled body.

Be sad to see him go though

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Autech

14th June 2018, 11:10

Agree though I can think of many riders on factory bikes that he is far more talented than

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pritch

14th June 2018, 11:48

Mr Emmett has said it's common for a rider to give an individual press conference. It is not common for those to be broadcast, as Pedrosa's is scheduled to be. Feel free to draw your own inference, everybody else will.

It looks as if the thoughts of Mr Pedrosa will be broadcast live about 2.15AM our time - if you've got a video pass. I'll read about it in the morning.

husaberg

14th June 2018, 19:48

I dunno. If the bike isn't capable of giving him a title he should go do something else n rest his poor mangled body.

Be sad to see him go though

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I just ran the stats and if you compare Danny to his team mates ,the stats don't favour Danny being held back from being champion because the bike is deficient.

<tbody>
2017 Team mate 1st, Danny 4th

2016 Team mate 1st, Danny 6th

2015 Team mate 3rd, Danny 4th

2014 Team mate 1st, Danny 4th

2013 Team mate 1st,, Danny 3rd

2012 Danny 2nd, Team mate 3rd

2011 Team Mate 1st, Danny 4th

2010 Danny 2nd, Team mate 5th

2009 Danny 3rd Team mate 6th

2008 Danny 3rd Team mate 5th

2007 Danny 2nd Team mate 8th

2006 Team mate 1st, Danny 5th

</tbody>

On only 5 occasion has he finished ahead of his team mate the last occasion was 5 years ago...
Yet for seven seasons of his 12 seasons his team mate has won the championship.
Especially when you consider that it was 3 different guys that beat him on same bike as Danny.

BMWST?

14th June 2018, 20:24

Erm which is kind of what I said?

Shhh though, they will come for us if we challenge their BRIGHT FUTURE.

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you said

"Enough exploring oil though thats illegal in our country "

which is not true.If you have an existing permit you may explore away to your hearts content to find some oil for dadpole:laugh:

Dadpole

14th June 2018, 20:50

I just ran the stats and if you compare Danny to his team mates ,the stats don't favour Danny being held back from being champion because the bike is deficient.

To be fair to Dani, he has had a freak for a teammate on 2 occasions.

husaberg

14th June 2018, 21:04

To be fair to Dani, he has had a freak for a teammate on 2 occasions.
All works riders are freaks, but those two have won 5 Moto gp title on the very exact bike Danny has Had.
in 13 odd years thus far The only team mate Dani consistently beat, was Andrea Doviizoso.

SaferRides

14th June 2018, 21:50

I just ran the stats and if you compare Danny to his team mates ,the stats don't favour Danny being held back from being champion because the bike is deficient.

<tbody>
2017 Team mate 1st, Danny 4th

2016 Team mate 1st, Danny 6th

2015 Team mate 3rd, Danny 4th

2014 Team mate 1st, Danny 4th

2013 Team mate 1st,, Danny 3rd

2012 Danny 2nd, Team mate 3rd

2011 Team Mate 1st, Danny 4th

2010 Danny 2nd, Team mate 5th

2009 Danny 3rd Team mate 6th

2008 Danny 3rd Team mate 5th

2007 Danny 2nd Team mate 8th

2006 Team mate 1st, Danny 5th

</tbody>

On only 5 occasion has he finished ahead of his team mate the last occasion was 5 years ago...
Yet for seven seasons of his 12 seasons his team mate has won the championship.
Especially when you consider that it was 3 different guys that beat him on same bike as Danny.Interesting stats, but difficult to be world champion when your teammates have included Stoner and Marquez.

But please, he's not Irish, his first name is spelt Dani.

husaberg

14th June 2018, 22:58

But please, he's not Irish, his first name is spelt Dani.
Nail on the head
Not being irish is likely the most important reason he maintained his position (despite his lesser results) in the REPSOL sponsored team.
Hes had the bike to be a world champion about 7 times, the only thing is he wasn't as others were more talented.
I am not trying to go Dani bashing, i am just pointing out imo its not his size, his tires ,his lack of effort, bad luck or any deficiency of his bike.
Heaps of people used to reride Aaaon Slight for not winning the chmpionship, but he had the ability to right until the end, outscore current world champions on the same bike.

Autech

15th June 2018, 00:31

Nail on the head
Not being irish is likely the most important reason he maintained his position (despite his lesser results) in the REPSOL sponsored team.
Hes had the bike to be a world champion about 7 times, the only thing is he wasn't as others were more talented.
I am not trying to go Dani bashing, i am just pointing out imo its not his size, his tires ,his lack of effort, bad luck or any deficiency of his bike.
Heaps of people used to reride Aaaon Slight for not winning the chmpionship, but he had the ability to right until the end, outscore current world champions on the same bike.Put Stoner, Marquez, Dovi and Pedrosa all on a 250gp bike.
Who wins?
We already know who wins out on Dani, Dovi n Stoner. Dani.
MM n Dani would be interesting but we will never know that one.
Can't not factor his size into the equation I am sorry to say as his 125-250 progression was mind bending.

Hes just been injured too much to seal the deal in the big leagues. THAT is why Honda kept him on as they knew if he kept it together he would win em one. His "lesser results" usually are poduims too so can't say hes not up there.
Times well overdue for a title though I agree. He should have jumped ship in 12-15 before all the sexy new talent arrived with something to prove. They deserve his seat more than him now, but there are other guys I think he is proven to be better than occupying factory seats that he or younger riders should be on. I will name a few:
Zarco - hes 28 fucking years old n they are talking like him as the new kid on the block. Overly agressive rider and he will never win a GP world title IMO.
Ianonne
Petrux
Dovi - That bike has been capable of a title for 2 or 3 years imo if Stoner was on board, he is no bodys daddy.

Going off last years results Dani did more than well enough to keep his seat, just he fired the new boss once upon a time so the cunt approached everyone (even petrucci apparently) to replace him and somehow landed the biggest catch of the century. Well done Puig but it was a fluke.

Predictions this weekend. I have a funny feeling a certain Italian old timer might just win it.

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SaferRides

15th June 2018, 05:05

So Dani has several options and can't say what he will be doing next year. Surely one possibility is a satellite Yamaha.

Just when it looked like the silly season was over ...

pritch

15th June 2018, 07:32

Yeah, wot a tease. At least it wasn’t a retirement speech. He has good options, he had thought he would be able to comment by now but cannot, he can’t say if the options are in the GP paddock.

Autech

15th June 2018, 08:30

Yeah, wot a tease. At least it wasn’t a retirement speech. He has good options, he had thought he would be able to comment by now but cannot, he can’t say if the options are in the GP paddock.Silly season continues in earnest!

WSBK maybe? Someone needs to give Rea a challenge I guess

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Dadpole

15th June 2018, 09:56

My weekend just got better. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motogp-suzuki-to-field-sylvain-guintoli-as-wild-card-at-catalunya/

Autech

15th June 2018, 10:03

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2018/06/14/pedrosa-i-can-t-say-anything-yet/261911

Video up there. Seemed to me Dani was really enjoying playing with the press as they attempted to get him to slip up in some way.
Main interesting thing to come out of the interview is that Dani was planning to leave 2 years ago so it wasn't 100% Puig pushing him out, which he had indicated to in a few interviews I think over the past few years. Still a cunt though I reckon :D
There is a point he almost tripped up and said be interesting to be "watching" next year the decision... Whether that is Spanglish or him indicating he will be retiring but there's outside forces preventing him from saying so. Time will tell. Definitely was on a tight leash with what he was allowed to say, good company man Dani.

Stuff the silly season though, racing this weekend.

Going off last years performance the Ducati will be strong, though the reintroduction of the sweeping corner on to the back straight might drop their pace a tiny bit over last year. Main interesting thing will be who finishes top Ducati and where the Suzuki's factor into the race. Aleix Esparagus was on for a good one last year when the bike went pop so could be up in the top 6 too. Once again lots of bikes with a lot of potential to do well if you factor in the Pramac boys, Zarco, Crutchlow and the 4 factory boys. Make for a busy top 10 battle. Can't wait! Kept thinking yesterday that it was Friday then being disappointed that it was not!

Had a cup of tea and read the leaves and saw the race result:
VR
JL
AD
MM
DP
JZ
MV
JM
AE
AR
AI
Petrux

Dadpole

15th June 2018, 11:41

I think the shorter list would be those with no chance of making the podium. The new track surface may make the Yamaha top dog this time out. Let you know on Monday...

Mental Trousers

15th June 2018, 12:45

My weekend just got better. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motogp-suzuki-to-field-sylvain-guintoli-as-wild-card-at-catalunya/

:banana: :headbang: :clap: Excellent :clap: :headbang: :banana:

EJK

16th June 2018, 20:43

Maybe another Ducati 1 2 finish this weekend? They were looking very strong during FP3.

carbonhed

16th June 2018, 22:07

Combined practice times Rabat 3/10ths slower than Dovi... 10th :eek5:

She's brutal out there.

MM in Q1. That'll smart.

jasonu

17th June 2018, 04:34

An extra press conference has been included in the schedule for Barcelona. A Dani Pedrosa solo press conference.

maybe a hall of fame announcement next to Randy Mamola

Berries

17th June 2018, 09:30

Just wondering whether to nip out and have a go at this -

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3IAIultpG8Y" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

mulletman

17th June 2018, 10:09

Yeah that was impressive, he had another but alot smaller in Q2....

pritch

17th June 2018, 12:52

Thing is, any young guy coming through harbouring hopes of beating Marquez has to be able to do that too. Spencer used to practice using the front brake on wet clay and the up and comers need to be doing something similar to be able to compete.

Marquez has definitely raised the bar.

Autech

17th June 2018, 13:15

EJK

17th June 2018, 13:29

JL looking very much in control. Be surprised if MM makes it through the racile without at least one or two massive scares on the front. Going to be a very entertaining race mes thinks

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I'd like to see JL battle with MM for the win. But since JL is on podium start, I suspect he'll stay there till the end of the race.

Autech

17th June 2018, 16:02

I'd like to see JL battle with MM for the win. But since JL is on podium start, I suspect he'll stay there till the end of the race.Not sure MM has the front confidence for a battle but knowing him he will give it a crack.

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speights_bud

17th June 2018, 17:09

Not sure MM has the front confidence for a battle but knowing him he will give it a crack.

Sent from my SM-A730F using TapatalkThis makes me skeptical that he'll even finish. He threw away a good lead last round. I'm hoping he doesn't do the same with what's left of it

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Dadpole

17th June 2018, 17:54

I am going with Dovi for the win with Rossi second. Third could be any of around six riders. Trust me....

BMWST?

17th June 2018, 19:26

JL for the win.MM for second ,he wont mind Lorenzo beating and he will do anything to keep his points lead except crash.But anyone who wants to beat him will have to fight for it.

EJK

18th June 2018, 01:30

I'd like to see JL battle with MM for the win. But since JL is on podium start, I suspect he'll stay there till the end of the race.

JL for the win.MM for second ,he wont mind Lorenzo beating and he will do anything to keep his points lead except crash.But anyone who wants to beat him will have to fight for it.

Where do we collect our chocolate fish?

roogazza

18th June 2018, 12:27

I said last year Dovi had a lucky year and I doubted he could do it again ?????

He's good but not an alien. :rolleyes:

Lots of crashing in Moto3 and nice to see a new winner in Moto2 .

pritch

18th June 2018, 13:02

Dadpole

18th June 2018, 15:59

Well done to Lorenzo and those who picked the correct results. I am starting to wonder if Lorenzo is related to Iannone at all.

And which one of you buggers has put a gypsy curse on my lad Rins ??? :mad:

sugilite

18th June 2018, 16:26

Congrats to Lorenzo, he did the business in a race of attrition. What the heck was all the booing for MM all about - that was his home track, so huh??? Looked like it was getting to him a bit, and understandably so.

Autech

18th June 2018, 17:06

The way that Moto3 race was going it was starting to like as if it might be last man standing.

While Corsi is apparently in the shit for punting Oliviera up the arse, watching the clip of Oliviera cruising along no-hands at a bit above walking speed while everybody seemed to be passing at almost race pace did seem scary.

The main event took a leaf out of the Moto3 book. Not even enough finishers to take all the points on offer.

As someone else said, Ducati should have sacked JL more often.

Where's Pete?It always puts the shits up me how they celebrate right as they cross the line while there is someone right on their tailpipes and I have been waiting for something like this to happen for a wee while.
Both riders very lucky to walk away from what could easily have been a fatal accident. Great ride by Quatararo on the Speed up, anyone know when that chassis last got a dry win? Hope its a sign of things to come from the youngster

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