MotoGP 2021

[jato]

Well if you ever wondered who rides for the dumbest team two guys from last nights race would be able to give an insight. before the race when Simon was interviewing the Michelin guy i was thinking this could easily end in tears ...

[iYRe]

Pretty enthralling race today.. MM looks to be over the worst of his injury now - he's like 95% on the left and 80% on the right, and still as fast if not faster than all but a few

[pritch]

That race was not without drama, but the aerial shots make the track look like an Aldo Drudi advertisement. Not that I'm complaining mind.

[roogazza]

349907

Well done Yamaha and Quatararo !!!!:laugh: :yes:

[steveyb]

A strong team for HRC WSBK 2022.
Here's hoping the bike is good too.

https://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/990588/1/honda-confirms-iker-lecuona-xavi-vierge-worldsbk-2022

[James Deuce]

A strong team for HRC WSBK 2022.
Here's hoping the bike is good too.

https://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/990588/1/honda-confirms-iker-lecuona-xavi-vierge-worldsbk-2022

Lol. That's the end of those guy's careers. Honda WSBK is a mechanism to quietly shuffle riders who once showed promise off the world stage.

[pritch]

Lol. That's the end of those guy's careers. Honda WSBK is a mechanism to quietly shuffle riders who once showed promise off the world stage.

Hard to argue with that. Honda really haven't been putting much effort into their WSBK machinery. The various European teams Ten Kate etc did extra development work. Cosworth were hired to extract additional performance at one stage The factory seemed to be putting all their eggs in the Repsol basket.

[manxkiwi]

349907

Well done Yamaha and Quatararo !!!!:laugh: :yes:

Shoulder down, the new elbow down!!!

[F5 Dave]

Next up, Helmet scrapers! You read it here first.


Jeez wouldn't half make a racket.

From what was looking like a proecessional race it got real busy.

Glad FQ won championship but its a pity that race didn't give FB another win to be proud of.

Next year could be real sticky at the front end. Let's hope Suzuki and KTM can find that extra poofeenth of whatever it is to bring them back up again.

MM is of course not allowed to become dominant to the same level, glad to see him able to win races again, but. . .

[iYRe]

MM is of course not allowed to become dominant to the same level, glad to see him able to win races again, but. . .

awwww, come on.. He might be ruthless on the track, but that doesnt means he's a bad person :/

[F5 Dave]

Um, I was meaning it makes for better racing if he isn't just whipping everyone like before. Doohan famously said "Am I supposed to slow down?" Or something like that, when there was criticism that he made the racing a bit boring (again or something like that).
No he wasn't supposed to. But would have been better to watch if there were more people who could run with him.

I remember ACMN running an article, something like is Simon Crafer saving GPs? And that was an Ausdie magazine FFS.

A lot of something likes in above post, but too lazy to look up citations. I'll leave that for resident anorak.

[Reckless]

The most deserved rider of the season won IMHO.
Wears his heart on his sleeve and because of it suffers a little from the pressure of which he handled much better than last year.
But there was the odd crack starting to show last couple races.

Next year will be very interesting to see how they all go against MM at full fitness with the Honda better sorted.
Honda might be getting there given Pol's result added to MM.

The overriding thing for me over the last week is the sportsmanship between the riders over the last week or 4.
God to see hard but fair racing and good grace after.

Time for Rossi to go and I'm not sure Dovi will make it next season.
Taking a liking to Jack I hope he does better.
You never know MV is making steady progress.

Condolences to Pecco he made the end of the season just sooo much better for all of us armchair racers.

Congrats to Fabio :done:

[James Deuce]

Next year will be very interesting to see how they all go against MM at full fitness with the Honda better sorted.
Honda might be getting there given Pol's result added to MM.

The Honda will never be "sorted". HRC make engineering solutions, not motorcycles for human racers. Pol's result were purely down to the cooler temperatures giving him rear grip which he always struggles with on the Honda.

[BMWST?]

The Honda will never be "sorted". HRC make engineering solutions, not motorcycles for human racers. Pol's result were purely down to the cooler temperatures giving him rear grip which he always struggles with on the Honda.

i think that is a bit of the mark.It wasnt so long ago that the honda was probably the best bike on the grid.All the manufacturere go through times when the bike doesnt work. I think Honda WILL try to make the bike more manageable. They have seen that only MM can ride it

[James Deuce]

i think that is a bit of the mark.It wasnt so long ago that the honda was probably the best bike on the grid.All the manufacturere go through times when the bike doesnt work. I think Honda WILL try to make the bike more manageable. They have seen that only MM can ride it
They don't care that only MM can ride it. So long as someone is winning Honda are excused from having to make a bike that can accommodate someone who isn't willing to completely ruin their health to win on a Honda. They have been like this for since Freddie Spencer. There is always one rider who can dominate on a Honda in any given time period, but they are utter aliens, every one of them. Spencer, Doohan, Rossi, Stoner and Marquez are phenoms. Lawson had enough brains to make a point and get out of Dodge. Gardner kept riding until he was more often broken than not. The only exception to that rule is Alex Criville and even then he probably got his championship because of Doohan's settings and data.

[F5 Dave]

Add big bang and unleaded petrol to the list.

[pritch]

Um, I was meaning it makes for better racing if he isn't just whipping everyone like before. Doohan famously said "Am I supposed to slow down?" Or something like that, when there was criticism that he made the racing a bit boring (again or something like that).
No he wasn't supposed to. But would have been better to watch if there were more people who could run with him.

I remember ACMN running an article, something like is Simon Crafer saving GPs? And that was an Ausdie magazine FFS.

A lot of something likes in above post, but too lazy to look up citations. I'll leave that for resident anorak.

That might have been a big part of Rossi's appeal in the early days. He'd ride around in second place making it look like it could be a scrap - until about three laps from the end then he'd clear off.

[Autech]

i think that is a bit of the mark.It wasnt so long ago that the honda was probably the best bike on the grid.All the manufacturere go through times when the bike doesnt work. I think Honda WILL try to make the bike more manageable. They have seen that only MM can ride it

Yup before they arseholed Pedrosa anyways. Amazing how similar to the Honda of yesteryear the KTM seems to be...
It's still biffing MM off more than is sustainable though I think, he may be able to ride it but its at a big risk...

Pol rode well, but he didn't have the pace to beat Jack, Peco and Olivera who happened to hop off in front of him. Gotta be on it to win this is true, but also got to be closer to the winner to show true progress... Marc is looking like getting back to his old ways, but the field has moved on a bit since last year...

We saw with Fabio on the sat Yamaha how good he was in his rookie year, last year I think the bike was awful so we can't really hang much on that. Now they don't have Maverick holding them back and Franco is on the other bike I think we'll see an even better Yamaha next year. Gurn be interesting to see if he can go back to back, I'm backing Franco to give him a good run too though. Much excite.

Fabio's riding style on the Yamaha is bloody awesome to watch, seeing him overcome the top speed deficit especially against the Dukes that can now turn almost as good as the Yam this year... Brilliant. Very deserving champion and he did it cleanly with some very brave overtaking.

I love Miller but I'm wondering if Ducatis future lies in Bags and Martin? It's on Jack to perform next year I think as there's some fast fuckers lining up in the Ducati talent pool. What the beast is doing on that old Ducati is very impressive.

As for Maverick, he's ditched a title winning bike... I don't think any more needs to be said than that.

[Reckless]

Marc Marquez to miss Algarve Grand Prix
The Repsol Honda man will sit out the penultimate round of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship after a training crash

This past Saturday Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), while preparing for the Brembo Algarve Grand Prix with one of his standard off-road training sessions, suffered a fall that caused a slight head concussion.

[iYRe]

sheesh.. that's gotta suck..

[roogazza]

He's finally showing he's human (a very fast human).... Injuries are adding up....

[iYRe]

yeah... I had a concussion a few years ago (got hit in the head by a loaded tilt a door hinge) - aint much fun - I was lookin forward to seeing if he could pull one out of the bag again.

One of the guys from Crash.net was saying that his injuries are so bad most other people would have given up by now.. the fact he is still on a bike is a miracle, let alone able to compete, and/or win 9and on a bike that's not that great)

[SaferRides]

I read that the main problem Marc has is with his right shoulder after the op at the end of 2019, not the broken arm. That may not fully recover without further surgery.

Still, 2, 4, 1, 1 in the last 4 races isn't bad going. Could be an interesting season next year.



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[Autech]

Marc is showing that while you are young, topping crash numbers year in year out will eventually cost you down the road.
IIRC it was not single incident that caused that dislocation, just repeated hits then she started popping out on him every weekend. They fixed it up kinda but I'm guessing he's missing some important bits that hold that socket together. I've only dislocated a toe thankfully (indoor "social" netball lol) but I can attest that it's not been the same since, can only imagine what a shoulder is like.

I think if we look back in the motogp threads over the years the opinion of quite a few was that eventually this may come to pass; Marcs strategy of crashing to find the limit in practice then sending it in the race.
Many a career has been cut short by injury though (often Honda riders), Marc may be the next victim of the Honda. He'll keep going, but will we ever see the Marc of old, able to punish the front end to the very limit of adhesion then bring it back from the brink? I dunno. Maybe if the competition wasn't so fierce, but he's now facing a field of aliens, not just a few like the earlier years.

[pritch]

Marc Marquez to miss Algarve Grand Prix
The Repsol Honda man will sit out the penultimate round of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship after a training crash

This past Saturday Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), while preparing for the Brembo Algarve Grand Prix with one of his standard off-road training sessions, suffered a fall that caused a slight head concussion.

Interesting that MM has been declared unfit when Oncu was knocked out for 10 minutes or so but was allowed to race next day. This inconsistency has caused some online comment. For my money, if there's a mistake it was letting Oncu race.

[James Deuce]

I think if we look back in the motogp threads over the years the opinion of quite a few was that eventually this may come to pass; Marcs strategy of crashing to find the limit in practice then sending it in the race.
Many a career has been cut short by injury though (often Honda riders), Marc may be the next victim of the Honda. He'll keep going, but will we ever see the Marc of old, able to punish the front end to the very limit of adhesion then bring it back from the brink? I dunno. Maybe if the competition wasn't so fierce, but he's now facing a field of aliens, not just a few like the earlier years.

Freddie Spencer did the same thing. He'd steer with the rear and slide the front on entry as part of his braking procedure. However this put huge stress on his forearms and this is well before the idea of arm pump or even RSI existed and it completely blighted his post-championship years to the point he retired relatively young. Just puts into perspective Valentino's longevity even more. Damn shame though, I enjoyed watching Marc crash without falling off.

[Dadpole]

The official version is that Oncu never lost consciousness and first reports were incorrect. I was most surprised when he was cleared to ride, before I saw the MotoGP report.

On the Marquez front; a shame to not see him on the Portimao track.

[Autech]

The official version is that Oncu never lost consciousness and first reports were incorrect. I was most surprised when he was cleared to ride, before I saw the MotoGP report.

On the Marquez front; a shame to not see him on the Portimao track.

Probably for the best though as that's one physical track to ride, probably only topped by COTA and that's due to the bumps mainly.

Excited to watch it then back there though. Will be interesting to see how Oliveras improvement in form plays out this time round, hoping for a home win :)
Those that are still betting I'd say he'd be worth a cheeky early $20 bet as I imagine his odds will be pretty good.

[steveyb]

Typical spin-doctoring of the language regarding Marc.
Reports indicate he has been ill for several days. This is no 'slight concussion'.
I would think he proper fucked himself crashing the MX bike or MTB. Highly likely as he will have been training hard, not riding to the dairy for a bottle of milk at Mr Patels.
Being ill for several days indicates a serious concussion.
Mr Carl Hayman now comes to mind during these discussions (among others of course).
I think that there is a very real problem with this spin-doctoring and language of minimisation of injuries in MotoGP/WSBK these days.
It provides some perhaps subconscious belief that these guys are indestructible, rather than just fit humans like the rest of us (or unfit as the case may be).

[Dadpole]

I think they have run out of Marquez clones. A clone is the only way to explain that massive faceplant at Sepang 2019 where a pristine MM turned up the next day. :sherlock:

[Autech]

Just shows how talented and once in a micro generation MM is when someone with exactly the same genetic mix as him is far from alien material. Body clones or luring another alien may be there only hope.

Also going to be interesting to see how Darren Binder matches up to Brad on a "easier" bike. There brother combos make for interesting viewing, if only we could get them all on the same machinery



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[sugilite]

I think they have run out of Marquez clones. A clone is the only way to explain that massive faceplant at Sepang 2019 where a pristine MM turned up the next day. :sherlock:
He is actually a bot, so they just replaced his face.

[roogazza]

He is actually a bot, so they just replaced his face.

Is it just me or has he aged quite a bit, he's looking gaunt, and dark around the eyes lately.

Jumping off motorcycles and living with pain will do that huh ?

[sugilite]

Is it just me or has he aged quite a bit, he's looking gaunt, and dark around the eyes lately.

Jumping off motorcycles and living with pain will do that huh ?

For sure, but the 500 gp aliens aged the fastest.

[Autech]

For sure, but the 500 gp aliens aged the fastest.

I'd say Ardern would give them a run for their money

[Dadpole]

FP1 tonight. :banana: It has been a long time between drinks.

[pritch]

The slowest qualifiers going into Q1 were, from slowest: Dovizioso, Vinales, Bradl, Rossi. That's stark, the times they are a changin'.

[roogazza]

The slowest qualifiers going into Q1 were, from slowest: Dovizioso, Vinales, Bradl, Rossi. That's stark, the times they are a changin'.

Hope they didn't pay much for Dovi ???

I never thought he'd do anything on the Yam ?
He's good on the picks but needs that Doocati HP to get results.

Oh well, next year will tell?

[iYRe]

Hope they didn't pay much for Dovi ???

pretty sure he is just doing it for love..

[Autech]

pretty sure he is just doing it for love..

Plus a brain full of dooookati secrets to bring to Yamaha. Good investment

[iYRe]

take out that inline and put in a v4 :P

[Autech]

take out that inline and put in a v4 :P

All of this. V4 is bae. Miss my VFR...




Interesting race, finally got a rider capable of riding the Ducati to its potential it seems, Jack didn't do too badly considering.

Thoughts:
KTM - Wonder what the 2022 bike will look like that Pedrosa has been working away on, they got caught out big time this year with the tyre allocation so knowing KTM they'll be throwing everything at not having that issue next season. Shame to see the growing pains though, they showed such promise.
Aprilia - Aleix gets a podium, Maverick rocks up and suddenly it's not doing so well... If I were a conspiracy theorist I'd say Aprilia is throwing their resources at Maverick rather than Aleix. Either that or the mid season jump hasn't occurred for Aprilia like it does for the other manufacturers... Either way they're not doing what they did all season.
Iker - I wonder if they'll have security on him to get him out of Portugal safely.

Thats all for now

[iYRe]

All of this. V4 is bae. Miss my VFR...

I'd like to trade my zx-14 for a vfr 1200 - I havent had a honda since I owned an ex police cb500 back in the late 80's lol. I'd kinda like to experience it for a bit.





Interesting race, finally got a rider capable of riding the Ducati to its potential it seems, Jack didn't do too badly considering.

Thoughts:
KTM - Wonder what the 2022 bike will look like that Pedrosa has been working away on, they got caught out big time this year with the tyre allocation so knowing KTM they'll be throwing everything at not having that issue next season. Shame to see the growing pains though, they showed such promise.
Aprilia - Aleix gets a podium, Maverick rocks up and suddenly it's not doing so well... If I were a conspiracy theorist I'd say Aprilia is throwing their resources at Maverick rather than Aleix. Either that or the mid season jump hasn't occurred for Aprilia like it does for the other manufacturers... Either way they're not doing what they did all season.
Iker - I wonder if they'll have security on him to get him out of Portugal safely.

Thats all for now

And young Marquez.. suggesting that he was fairly sure he'd be competitive - if the race had gone a bit longer he might have snaffled Millers spot, as his tyres were buggered.

[pritch]

MM will not be at Valencia. He is suffering a return of the double vision he experienced previously. He has been seen by a leading specialist. Says he is remaining positive.

[sugilite]

More MM info here....
https://www.mcnews.com.au/double-vision-sees-marquez-pull-out-of-motogp-finale-and-test/

[iYRe]

More MM info here....
https://www.mcnews.com.au/double-vision-sees-marquez-pull-out-of-motogp-finale-and-test/

Poor bugger..

a few years ago I had a thing called transient global amnesia - I rode my bike to work, then to home and had no idea I had done it (you literally have goldfish memory.. so god only knows how I made it home). I started getting my memory back while in hospital and my first thought was that I had had a stroke and I was going to have to stop riding. Just the thought of never being able to ride again terrified me.. I cant imagine how someone like MM must be feeling - thought the end of the world was nigh.. or maybe he is just one of those people who goes, "it will get fixed I will be ok"

[Autech]

More MM info here....
https://www.mcnews.com.au/double-vision-sees-marquez-pull-out-of-motogp-finale-and-test/

Fohking hell. Guy can't catch a break can he.

Starting to wonder if it's worth having him back on the grid... Bit like Rossi these days, would rather the guy well and helping the sport progress then risking his neck. Not unprecedented really, Stoner called it quits at 26, Marquez is 28...

He's too hungry to stop now though, I think he enjoys it more than Stoner did, bit like Rossi who just loves racing bikes.

[roogazza]

Fohking hell. Guy can't catch a break can he.

Starting to wonder if it's worth having him back on the grid... Bit like Rossi these days, would rather the guy well and helping the sport progress then risking his neck. Not unprecedented really, Stoner called it quits at 26, Marquez is 28...

He's too hungry to stop now though, I think he enjoys it more than Stoner did, bit like Rossi who just loves racing bikes.

Rossi is throwing himself into cars moreso after the last race. Just loves to ride/drive and to race.
Wonder how being a dad will affect him ??
Him and his best mate Uccio do pretty well in sport car racing too.

[Autech]

Rossi is throwing himself into cars moreso after the last race. Just loves to ride/drive and to race.
Wonder how being a dad will affect him ??
Him and his best mate Uccio do pretty well in sport car racing too.Not sure how it is for Rossi. But for me at least I find when I get in something with 4 wheels on track, having raced bikes, I feel invincible.

I remember having a crack at a decent outdoor hire kart track in aussie with some mates who had all raced karts properly. I remember as I pulled out thinking "I can't fall off this", then sending it faster and faster into the corners every lap. I was faster than all of them.
Having no proper karting experience on 42degree day I finished something like .8 off the lap record... Also broke 2 ribs from hopping around the corners, turns out you don't need to fall off to hurt yourself on a kart lol.

Getting off a Motogp bike onto something like a DTM car must be a piece of piss for the likes of Rossi, the only thing I think they may struggle with is in conveying what the car is doing to the engineers. But perhaps a bike racer is much more in tune with this? Either way I don't see Rossi as too slow for cars or motogp for that matter, just think the new riders are just that bit faster (the irony is he taught half of them) so he's better off enjoying teaching them and driving the wheels off rally cars or whatever takes his fancy.

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[iYRe]

Not sure how it is for Rossi. But for me at least I find when I get in something with 4 wheels on track, having raced bikes, I feel invincible.

I remember having a crack at a decent outdoor hire kart track in aussie with some mates who had all raced karts properly. I remember as I pulled out thinking "I can't fall off this", then sending it faster and faster into the corners every lap. I was faster than all of them.
Having no proper karting experience on 42degree day I finished something like .8 off the lap record... Also broke 2 ribs from hopping around the corners, turns out you don't need to fall off to hurt yourself on a kart lol.

Getting off a Motogp bike onto something like a DTM car must be a piece of piss for the likes of Rossi, the only thing I think they may struggle with is in conveying what the car is doing to the engineers. But perhaps a bike racer is much more in tune with this? Either way I don't see Rossi as too slow for cars or motogp for that matter, just think the new riders are just that bit faster (the irony is he taught half of them) so he's better off enjoying teaching them and driving the wheels off rally cars or whatever takes his fancy.

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There is a video out where Marquez test drives an F1 car, I think? They talk quite a bit about the difference - there is a video somewhere. They did say:

"It's impressive, because obviously Marc is at the top of his game on two wheels and to come to drive a Formula 1 car, the way we generate the lap time is just so different," Webber said."We have so much downforce, so much cornering grip, the lateral component, the seating position is unique because the eyeline is different.
"A super-impressive morning. He chipped away, we got into the breaking areas, we got into the high-speed corners, and now we're into this last part which takes a bit longer to get the last bit of lap time out.
"In general it's been a real honour to be here. He's driven awesome."

He was 10s of pole place on a slower car, with demo tires and some other stuff missing, they said.

[sugilite]

Just enjoyed reading this article/interview with fabios crew chief. It is a little dated, so apologies if it is a repost.

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/why-fabio-quartararo-is-so-fast

[Reckless]

MM eye problem and the arm by the looks
https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/marc-marquez-out-valencia-motogp-reveals-worrying-return-unusual-injury

[roogazza]

MM eye problem and the arm by the looks
https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/marc-marquez-out-valencia-motogp-reveals-worrying-return-unusual-injury

Ahhhhhhh poor bugger, hope he gets back, tho not at the expense of health.

[iYRe]

I think its a nerve in his eye.. I believe his arm/shoulder situation is situation normal

[F5 Dave]

People have regularly made the mistake of writing the Doctor off as too old to win another GP or podium, but I think he is going to pull a swansong out of the bag. Think about it, MM is away, FQ is a bit tired and emotional now, it is his perfect chance to go out with a bang. And if by the fates . . . at Vale-ncia. You read it here first.

Once on the podium and with the power vested in him, he will arrest Bidden and Hillary, and probably Obama, then reinstate Trump as rightful presidantai. He will then ascend the heavens and take his rightful place on the factory team with God, displacing Jesus for 2022, who quite frankly has had a disappointing run for the last 2000 years. However JC will for sentimental purposes get a satellite ride as an Alter-boy for the Catholic faith team under Father McStiffy.

[george formby]

Speaking of the end of days. Here are some nice pics of Rossi.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2021/nov/12/motogp-valentino-rossi-a-career-in-pictures

[F5 Dave]

That was a nice collection. Just watched first half of hitting the Alex on Netflix last night. Pitt is surprisingly not too annoying as narrator.

[mulletman]

Bloody hell Pols highside in FP3 was horrible , hope he's ok

Big bro AEsp topped them all, damn impressive considering where he was in FP 1&2

Rossi relied on his usual tow from Pecco and scraped into Q2.

[roogazza]

[QUOTE=mulletman

Rossi relied on his usual tow from Pecco and scraped into Q2.[/QUOTE]

Yamaha have got to bin the 15 year old motor if they want some success next year... Mind you they did win the title ????
Maybe a V4 ?
or try and pull some extra HP out of the old bus again ?

[Reckless]

Yes I hope Pol is well it looked nasty. It looked like the electronics didn't control the rear.
That Honda looks like a bike that will really bite you.
Honda might be in trouble as MM this article seems to mean his eye issue is going to take a while.
https://the-race.com/motogp/honda-motogp-boss-gives-update-on-delicate-marquez-eye-problem/

[James Deuce]

Well the last link to the era of GP bikes I was deeply interested in has gone. I watched the race and the bits after and then realised I don't really care anymore. Just a bunch of kids whizzing around on spaceships. I am so unenthused by the idea of electric bikes as to wonder if motorcycling is even relevant anymore.

Postscript: Get the fuck off my lawn or I'm powering up the autonomous Minimi turrets.

[pritch]

Well the last link to the era of GP bikes I was deeply interested in has gone. I watched the race and the bits after and then realised I don't really care anymore. Just a bunch of kids whizzing around on spaceships. I am so unenthused by the idea of electric bikes as to wonder if motorcycling is even relevant anymore.

Postscript: Get the fuck off my lawn or I'm powering up the autonomous Minimi turrets.

Rossi's retirement is a significant change and leads me to reflect on other changes. When I started following GPs we waited three months for a magazine with a few black and white pictures. It's only in recent years I discovered what colours some of the factory bikes were. The racing was insanely dangerous with multiple deaths each season. The factory rider(s) tended to clear out from the field and commonly won by minutes. Even in classes with multiple factories the margins could be big. I seem to recall Hugh Anderson fell twice during one GP and still won the race.

Now we have live colour coverage or we can watch it at our leisure. During practice in Valencia Rossi was slowest, 1.5 seconds behind the fastest rider. In 2011 that 1.5 secocnds would have him in fifth place on the grid. I didn't much like Dorna initially but they have developed a fantastic product. I might as well continue enjoy it while I can.

[roogazza]

Rossi's retirement is a significant change and leads me to reflect on other changes. When I started following GPs we waited three months for a magazine with a few black and white pictures. It's only in recent years I discovered what colours some of the factory bikes were. The racing was insanely dangerous with multiple deaths each season. The factory rider(s) tended to clear out from the field and commonly won by minutes. Even in classes with multiple factories the margins could be big. I seem to recall Hugh Anderson fell twice during one GP and still won the race.

Now we have live colour coverage or we can watch it at our leisure. During practice in Valencia Rossi was slowest, 1.5 seconds behind the fastest rider. In 2011 that 1.5 secocnds would have him in fifth place on the grid. I didn't much like Dorna initially but they have developed a fantastic product. I might as well continue enjoy it while I can.

yes mate, lost a bit of interest myself. I didn't start travelling to GP's until 2005 when Rossi was in his second year on the M1. nothing like 100,000 screaming Italians to give the atmosphere huh ?
I find I'm fast forwarding the races sometimes and never bother with Practice and Qual.
I met a lot of likewise travellers and a lot of new mates and had a ball.350132350133

Stationary engines amongest the crowds, and long legged ladies , my memories !!!!

[F5 Dave]

I must admit to losing interest when they stopped using racebikes circa 2002, but I've regained interest in last 6 odd years as it's a social event with the lads of a Tuesday night on delay.

Went to Philip Island 6 years from 96 and it was wild in Cowes with people pulling naked wheelies up the main St Hill and worse.

Nothing makes you tingly like a 500 on song. The Diesels were tame by comparison.

But Rossi always has presence. These teenieboppers (remember them?) Were squealing Rossiiii!! Every time he went past on his 125. So we started squealing the same thing to take the piss. They weren't impressed. But they knew who he was before we did. Guess that makes us the hangers on and them the true fans.

Loved the trade shows. And pictures of me with the Malboro girls. There was like 20 of them. I was wearing a particularly silly hat so got to pose with them.

[Dadpole]

I find I'm fast forwarding the races sometimes and never bother with Practice and Qual.

Some rounds I find the Qualifying a better contest than the race.

[steveyb]

I recall 'The Boys' (Jared Gillard and crew) recounting their first trip to PI (must have been pre 1993 as I joined them at Eastern Creek that year) and turning up to see the bikes going round for practice and remarking, Fuck those 500s are fast!! Only to find out as the day wore on, they were the 125's! LOL.

As for getting the tingle from the sound of 500s, I will contribute that the GP at Philip Island is probably the worst one of all to go to as a spectator. It's one thing to ride that circuit, it's another to stand in the southerly and the rain, a million miles from the bikes and not see all that much, not have so much noise and not have the big show in the paddock.

I have been lucky enough to be in the pit-lane at Estoril, Donnington Park and PI during the 800cc 4T era (actually it was 1996, so still the 990cc era, but the British 800cc bike was running there at Estoril, what was it called? McCoy on board?). I can tell you, when those fucking things went full tit down the straight at Estoril, between the grandstand and the pit complex, you didn't just get a tingle!! Your whole body shook. Made the 500's sound like kids toys by comparison.

Oh, not to mention holding up the Ducati of Capirossi, while it was running, and the mechanic wandered off into the garage to fetch something. Oh yeah! Right place, right time.

Still, the 250GP bike is by far still the best motorcycle ever made (by all brands). I have had a few, still wish I had one.

But the big show is in the paddock at the European rounds and is worth the entry fee alone. The people, the riders, the teams and most of all the hospitalities and facilities. OMG! Just seeing the Ducati three trailer hospo go together was something else. Having a one on one consult with the Dainese factory guys, etc etc. The team my mate was in (Campetella Racing Team) had a very modest hospo by comparison, but it was cool to hang out there.

And at Estroil, the rear of the paddock is so close to the track you can almost reach out and touch the bikes as they go past. Now that is close!!

Ah, memories.

[steveyb]

Just had a look at the short video on MotoGP.com of the Jerez test. I am not one to talk, to be fair, but man, Bradl is looking pretty podgy in his leathers.
I am guessing that Pol won't be riding at the test, or if so, he will be pretty sore.

[sugilite]

Just had a look at the short video on MotoGP.com of the Jerez test. I am not one to talk, to be fair, but man, Bradl is looking pretty podgy in his leathers.
I am guessing that Pol won't be riding at the test, or if so, he will be pretty sore.

I heard Honda were dropping the term "rider" for 22 and are replacing it with "airbags" <_<

[mulletman]

I am guessing that Pol won't be riding at the test, or if so, he will be pretty sore.

He put in 45 laps on the current bike and is going to test the 2022 today, he's still in pain with his wrists and ribs he said.

[pritch]

I heard Honda were dropping the term "rider" for 22 and are replacing it with "airbags" <_<

In a recent MotoGP communication the riders were referred to as 'drivers'. I guess we can cut them some slack, their English is likely way better than our Spanish.

[Reckless]

I hope this isn't the end of MM that eye doesn't sound to good


News14 minutes ago
By motogp.com

Puig on Marquez: "Checks at Christmas, decisions to follow"
The Repsol Honda Team manager has offered the latest update on the eight-time World Champion, as he continues to recover from diplopia
Tags MotoGP, 2022, JEREZ MOTOGP™ OFFICIAL TEST, Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Repsol Honda Team boss Alberto Puig has offered the latest update on Marc Marquez's recovery from diplopia. Speaking at the Jerez Test, the Spaniard stated that the eight-time World Champion will undergo further scans and tests on the lead-up to Christmas, with HRC and Marquez set to make decisions for the future once the findings of those latest checks become clear.

Marquez missed the final two rounds of the 2021 World Championship, plus the ongoing Jerez Test, following an off-road training accident in the build-up to the Algarve Grand Prix. It was later announced that the 28-year-old was suffering from double vision, known as diplopia, in a repeat of the injury he suffered at the end of 2011.

"The important thing is how he is," started Puig. "And he is more or less the same as we explained [in Portimao and Valencia]. He needs some time to rest, recover and see if all this area around the eye is getting less swollen, coming down and becoming calmer. Then we will see.

"Around Christmas time we will have another check with the doctor and we will see what the situation is. Then we will probably make decisions on what the possibilities are. Of course, he's not happy about not being here [at the Jerez Test]. At the same time, he understands that what he needs now is to be resting and to be patient, and this is the situation."

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motogp.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2 F2021%2F11%2F19%2Fpuig-on-marquez-checks-at-christmas-decisions-to-follow%2F402912%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook.com%26utm_ medium%3DSocial%26utm_content%3DPuigonMarquezCheck satChristmasdecisionstofollow%26utm_campaign%3DTra ffic&h=AT1eJkqBjRM2ensv2qtCZgSzlWh3-fh8mc2GLIGtGGlsAK8wl3F-srYLlsaoOpdHIhuk6R4F17znpiFIBxFEogdVe4QsLjaYexLVNt x26l3gshsPu_qVyXD_roOuZiexko7e

[pritch]

I hope this isn't the end of MM that eye doesn't sound to good


News14 minutes ago
By motogp.com

Puig on Marquez: "Checks at Christmas, decisions to follow"
The Repsol Honda Team manager has offered the latest update on the eight-time World Champion, as he continues to recover from diplopia
Tags MotoGP, 2022, JEREZ MOTOGP™ OFFICIAL TEST, Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Repsol Honda Team boss Alberto Puig has offered the latest update on Marc Marquez's recovery from diplopia. Speaking at the Jerez Test, the Spaniard stated that the eight-time World Champion will undergo further scans and tests on the lead-up to Christmas, with HRC and Marquez set to make decisions for the future once the findings of those latest checks become clear.

Marquez missed the final two rounds of the 2021 World Championship, plus the ongoing Jerez Test, following an off-road training accident in the build-up to the Algarve Grand Prix. It was later announced that the 28-year-old was suffering from double vision, known as diplopia, in a repeat of the injury he suffered at the end of 2011.

"The important thing is how he is," started Puig. "And he is more or less the same as we explained [in Portimao and Valencia]. He needs some time to rest, recover and see if all this area around the eye is getting less swollen, coming down and becoming calmer. Then we will see.

"Around Christmas time we will have another check with the doctor and we will see what the situation is. Then we will probably make decisions on what the possibilities are. Of course, he's not happy about not being here [at the Jerez Test]. At the same time, he understands that what he needs now is to be resting and to be patient, and this is the situation."

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motogp.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2 F2021%2F11%2F19%2Fpuig-on-marquez-checks-at-christmas-decisions-to-follow%2F402912%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook.com%26utm_ medium%3DSocial%26utm_content%3DPuigonMarquezCheck satChristmasdecisionstofollow%26utm_campaign%3DTra ffic&h=AT1eJkqBjRM2ensv2qtCZgSzlWh3-fh8mc2GLIGtGGlsAK8wl3F-srYLlsaoOpdHIhuk6R4F17znpiFIBxFEogdVe4QsLjaYexLVNt x26l3gshsPu_qVyXD_roOuZiexko7e

That's not good. The boy should have enough cash to retire now. Even if this bout of double vision corrects itself. a third affliction might be permanent. Take the money and run.

[mulletman]

Not MotoGP....but anyway well done Toprak for taking out the 2021 WSBK title this arvo with a race to spare.

[Autech]

Not MotoGP....but anyway well done Toprak for taking out the 2021 WSBK title this arvo with a race to spare.100%

Now Rea is whinging in the press. He's not the best loser that guy tbh, awesome rider but he got beat fair n square

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

[mulletman]

On MotoGP site they have collaborated with Amazon Prime for a docuseries , looks like a Netflix formula 1 type thing.

[pritch]

It's motocross but...

A young KTM factory rider and race winner has died in an avalanche in Austria along with two of his friends.
https://news.sky.com/story/promising-teenage-motocross-star-rene-hofer-among-three-skiers-killed-in-austrian-avalanche-12487377

[roogazza]

Have a fun "Christmas" team. :banana::banana:

Look out for idiots if you are out for a fang !!!!! :rolleyes::yes:

[iYRe]

Have a fun "Christmas" team. :banana::banana:

Look out for idiots if you are out for a fang !!!!! :rolleyes::yes:

right back atcha!

[jim.cox]

Look out for idiots if you are out for a fang !!!!!


Fang - now there's a thought

Its kinda warm here right now, last day of work - so thought I'd take the long way through the port and home round the bays last night.

Blardy traffic. Be lucky to have averaged 30km/h...

[iYRe]

I used to ride 100k a day through auckland traffic on the 14.. now I walk 300m. I miss the ride, but I dont miss the concentration level required to get too and from.

My rides through the waikato from pokeno are much more relaxing now :P

[iYRe]

Oh, in case anyone was interested,, seems MM is improving and no surgery required:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfgm0jwdStg

[Autech]

Have a fun "Christmas" team. :banana::banana:

Look out for idiots if you are out for a fang !!!!! :rolleyes::yes:Legit gave up road riding a while back because of it.

Churrr to the motogp homies, been a great year of back and forth

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

[SaferRides]

Oh, in case anyone was interested,, seems MM is improving and no surgery required:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfgm0jwdStgI'd say it means he is gradually improving without surgery and Honda is hoping he will be able to do some testing before the season starts.

I hope he does come right and is on the grid at Losail. MotoGP just isn't the same without him.



Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

[iYRe]

I'd say it means he is gradually improving without surgery and Honda is hoping he will be able to do some testing before the season starts.

I hope he does come right and is on the grid at Losail. MotoGP just isn't the same without him.



Love or hate him, he can ride, and I think he has more years in him.. But I reckon he needs to stop before he does something that means he cant enjoy life after racing.

[Grumph]

I'd pick it stems from the shoulder injury. Diplopia is double vision and can be caused by damage to the 3rd,4th or 6th cranial nerves. Those are in your shoulder and neck. I had the 4th severed in surgery taking out cancerous lymph nodes and it's surprising how far it's influence extends. Radiation brought a part of it back to life which was quite annoyingly painful but the right drugs and time have quietened it down. But a large part of LHS shoulder and neck is still without feeling.

Time is probably the thing he needs now. It takes a while for damaged nerves to settle and heal. But recurrence is going to be a real possibility.

[SaferRides]

He had the same problem 10 years ago, which required surgery on the 4th right cranial nerve to correct. This is the most detail I've been able to find, but an ad blocker is recommended!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.crash.net/motogp/news/991594/1/marc-marquez-2012-45-months-fix-eye-problem%3famp

Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

[pritch]

I'd pick it stems from the shoulder injury. Diplopia is double vision and can be caused by damage to the 3rd,4th or 6th cranial nerves. Those are in your shoulder and neck. I had the 4th severed in surgery taking out cancerous lymph nodes and it's surprising how far it's influence extends. Radiation brought a part of it back to life which was quite annoyingly painful but the right drugs and time have quietened it down. But a large part of LHS shoulder and neck is still without feeling.

Time is probably the thing he needs now. It takes a while for damaged nerves to settle and heal. But recurrence is going to be a real possibility.


He originally had the vision problem years before he had the shoulder problem though. Back when he was in Moto 2, following the knock to the head at Sepang.

Earl Hayden has died after a battle with cancer. All kinds of paddoclk people, and former paddock people, saying he was a really nice guy.

[F5 Dave]

Cancer Get Fucked. No one likes you. Just go home.

[diesel pig]

I'd pick it stems from the shoulder injury. Diplopia is double vision and can be caused by damage to the 3rd,4th or 6th cranial nerves. Those are in your shoulder and neck. I had the 4th severed in surgery taking out cancerous lymph nodes and it's surprising how far it's influence extends. Radiation brought a part of it back to life which was quite annoyingly painful but the right drugs and time have quietened it down. But a large part of LHS shoulder and neck is still without feeling.

Time is probably the thing he needs now. It takes a while for damaged nerves to settle and heal. But recurrence is going to be a real possibility.

I cannot give any insight on MM problems but I can agree that nerve damage can be surprisingly far ranging and annoyingly long to heal. Diplopia or Double vision sounds like a perfect thing for a comedy show but in real life it sucks. I had it once before and having another bout right now so I know what I am talking about. The weird thing about Diplopia is the worse part just before it goes away the two visions fight over dominance by getting very close together then flicking into view one after another which sounds funny but is like having some Dickhead sticking a strobe light into your eyes. So it must be fun for MM all round.

[SaferRides]

No fun at all, he said that the diplopia in 2011 was worse than the arm problems over the last 2 years.

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