MotoGP 2021 [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

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Autech

23rd November 2020, 11:11

Okay I'll start the new year's thread this time to save Merv doing it.

Got a big shuffle in teams for this one boys, lets hope Ducati have finally cracked on to a good combination with Miller and Bags after so many years.

I'm also hoping Aprilia will have fixed their engine gremlins from 2020 as the bike looked bloody good until they had to turn it down a bit to keep it from going pop. Going to be interesting to see who they put as #2 but my guess is Dorna will have the final say.

mulletman

23rd November 2020, 12:55

Is Joe Roberts still in the mix for the Aprilia ?

Autech

23rd November 2020, 13:17

Is Joe Roberts still in the mix for the Aprilia ?Rumours state he's turned it down, which would be mad IMO as Aleix has shown its not a baf bike if you ride the fucking wheels off it, good enough to get noticed anyways.

There's that other American chap linked to it too apparently. My bets will be a yank of Bradders back on it next year

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

mulletman

23rd November 2020, 15:52

Rumours state he's turned it down, which would be mad IMO as Aleix has shown its not a baf bike if you ride the fucking wheels off it, good enough to get noticed anyways.

There's that other American chap linked to it too apparently. My bets will be a yank of Bradders back on it next year

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

You'd like to think that Aprilia like KTM will come right , Garret Gerloff - him ?
Maybe Chas Davies to ?

mulletman

24th November 2020, 07:08

Provisional 2021

https://motomatters.com/news/2020/11/23/2021_motogp_provisional_motogp_rider.html

Autech

24th November 2020, 12:23

You'd like to think that Aprilia like KTM will come right , Garret Gerloff - him ?
Maybe Chas Davies to ?

Yeah Gerloff's the one.

The main thing is their budget is bugger all compared to KTM, so KTM threw money at it and got exactly the right team. Bit like Petronas have managed to do in such a short space of time, assemble the talent and let them do their work.

Aprilia have access to the money it's whether they're invested or not. Chaz would be a mistake IMO, too old and the learning curve in Motogp is too steep.
Aprilia need a young hungry rider, I think that Rossi is advising against the VR46 moto2 guys going there though going off the fact a few have turned them down, makes sense as many careers have already been cut short by that bike and team.
Dorna no doubt have their noses right in there though advising what passport they'd like the rider to carry with financial incentives to do so, which is a shame really as we want the fastest rider on the grid. I won't be surprised if Rabat noses in there with his cheque book, it's a shame to see him go as he was really starting to show some promise before his accident at Silverstone, ever since then he's not been the same Rabat. It'd be interesting to see him on a half decent bike as he's only been on the shit ones in Motogp.

Reckless

4th December 2020, 15:15

Marc Marquez undergoes a new operation
Repsol Honda rider has undergone a new operation on his right arm
Tags 2020, Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda team) has undergone a new operation on his right arm as a result of the slow healing of the humerus bone, which has not improved with specific shock wave treatment.

Today the rider has undergone surgery at the Hospital Ruber Internacional, in Madrid for a pseudarthrosis of the right humerus.

The surgery, carried out by a team made up of doctors Samuel Antuña, Ignacio Roger de Oña, Juan de Miguel, Aitor Ibarzabal and Andrea García Villanueva, consisted of the removal of the previous plate and the placement of a new plate with the addition of an iliac crest bone graft with a corticoperiosteal free flap.

The surgical procedure lasted for eight hours and was uneventful.

Me thinks he came back to soon. I'm told if you stuff the bone around the screws after op one its shagged and wont heal/harden.
Be a shame to loose MM or have him ride with something in reserve because of fear of re Injury.
He was the benchmark and I was looking forward to seeing how fast the other guys really where when he got back.
ah well that's life cant change it, if he's lost a couple of tenths it'll make for a bloody great season.

pritch

4th December 2020, 16:01

The surgery, carried out by a team made up of doctors Samuel Antuña, Ignacio Roger de Oña, Juan de Miguel, Aitor Ibarzabal and Andrea García Villanueva, consisted of the removal of the previous plate and the placement of a new plate with the addition of an iliac crest bone graft with a corticoperiosteal free flap.

He must be gaining some interesting scars because they've used part of his pelvis and another piece from his leg for the bone graft if I read that right.

sugilite

4th December 2020, 18:14

Does not sound good for MM dammit.

Reckless

4th December 2020, 19:23

More on MM doesn't look like it'll make it for the first half of this season either

https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/153946/marquez-has-third-surgery-facing-sixmonth-recovery

F5 Dave

5th December 2020, 07:41

Reckless

5th December 2020, 11:22

It would be interesting to see how the new guns compare to MM now. But I can't imagine that his software would allow him to get scared or keep anything in reserve. On the contrary I think he'll see it as motivation to prove a point.
Shades of Dick Moohan.

True mate it'll be interesting to see how it pans out.
I have read articles on how age makes you slower because of the brain assessing risk factors differently - Example Rossi and a few other old fellas :)
You cant control or override this it just happens for some later than others - again Rossi as an example.

This was the reasoning behind my first comment MM is young but wondering if the above will effect him at all in regards to staying upright?
He has to have thought one more fall???
But you could be 100% correct it will be interesting to watch thats for sure.

Will they be saying "he was never the same" or "he has come back better"

F5 Dave

5th December 2020, 15:34

True mate it'll be interesting to see how it pans out.
I have read articles on how age makes you slower because of the brain assessing risk factors differently - Example Rossi and a few other old fellas :)
You cant control or override this it just happens for some later than others - again Rossi as an example.

This was the reasoning behind my first comment MM is young but wondering if the above will effect him at all in regards to staying upright?
He has to have thought one more fall???
But you could be 100% correct it will be interesting to watch thats for sure.

Will they be saying "he was never the same" or "he has come back better"

After I got hurt my internal voices got louder and once fearless in the rain I started to get progressively more spooked to where I didn't race in the rain unless I had to and was pretty average when I did. I let it get to me the older I got.

But that's why I'm mere mortal and would never have been able to make the jump to the next level. Whereas these guys stomped through levels, because they never doubted their (much higher x1000) ability at any stage. And MM is so headstrong he just goes-front wheel you're my bitch.

I don't think it would occur to him to think he won't be fastest.

Doohan once said something like Do you want me to slow down.? When there was criticism of his total dominance. I kinda hope MM does slow a bit. The racing is actually better when it's so close.

Reckless

6th December 2020, 08:13

More on MM, seems it's all the doctors fault and that could be correct. But hard to imagine that someone didn't say it wasn't a good idea to get back on the bike a week after a major operation. But I don't ride MotoGP lol.
The podcast is good this autosport site is bloody good. In the podcast they're talking about Dovi riding for Honda? Did I miss something because I'm working 24/7 atm.

https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/153980/marquez-admits-jerez-motogp-return-was-a-mistake

Dadpole

6th December 2020, 08:26

Looks to me like the doctors are being blamed for not doing enough to stop Marquez. I bet the advice given was that the plate should hold. The opposite end of the scale is doctors refusing to do patch-up and ride work or giving a blanket 'do not ride until fully healed'.

In the end it is down to the rider, his team and Dorna to make the call to ride.

pritch

6th December 2020, 09:24

Did I miss something because I'm working 24/7 atm.

Not really, They might just be interviewing their keyboard. Dovi is a free agent and would presumably be available. Crutchlow too is available, is familiar with the Honda, but has announced his retirement. A suitably large cheque could change his mind about that though.

The latest from Mat Oxley. It seems that Marquez's surgery has an infection requiring special treatment.

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-jerez-broken-arm-mistake/4921571/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6

Reckless

6th December 2020, 12:38

Not really, They might just be interviewing their keyboard. Dovi is a free agent and would presumably be available. Crutchlow too is available, is familiar with the Honda, but has announced his retirement. A suitably large cheque could change his mind about that though.

The latest from Mat Oxley. It seems that Marquez's surgery has an infection requiring special treatment.

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-jerez-broken-arm-mistake/4921571/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6

Cal Signed a contract to become a test development rider for Yamaha during 2021 shortly after last season, with possible occasional appearances as a wild card or replacement rider. So he is out of the picture.
Not sure why they are talking Dovi up tho.

When I got mixed up in someone else mess at Motofest last year and broke my collar bone badly. They said the bone could reject the screws and told be to just wait and let a big mass of bone grow and rejoin the bits. I'm thinking every damn thing I read on MotoGP is about riders coming back after 3 weeks with a plate and all fixed up. I also have a mate his collar bone is mush and they cant fix it at all. So it took 5 bloody months before I have my first ride back on the road bike.

347940

Was thinking if MM is out for the first 1/2 why not leave his brother where he is with Pol and feed MM back in slowly on Cals old bike or a third factory bike.
I think they are better of with Alex Marquez than two riders fresh on the bike by having Dovi (if thats an option at all)
Pretty special circumstances this situation especially when he doesn't stand a show of winning a championship if he doesn't race the first 6 races.

Pure speculation and rumor's tho we could be in fantasy land LOL

F5 Dave

6th December 2020, 16:57

Yeah I asked the surgeon if he could wrap it in carbon fibre, but that's not a thing yet. :mad:

SaferRides

7th December 2020, 01:31

Cal Signed a contract to become a test development rider for Yamaha during 2021 shortly after last season, with possible occasional appearances as a wild card or replacement rider. So he is out of the picture.
Not sure why they are talking Dovi up tho.

Was thinking if MM is out for the first 1/2 why not leave his brother where he is with Pol and feed MM back in slowly on Cals old bike or a third factory bike.
I think they are better of with Alex Marquez than two riders fresh on the bike by having Dovi (if thats an option at all)
Pretty special circumstances this situation especially when he doesn't stand a show of winning a championship if he doesn't race the first 6 races.

Pure speculation and rumor's tho we could be in fantasy land LOL

I expect Honda has a plan if MM isn't fit at the start of the season and I doubt it includes Dovi. From his most recent interview, it sounds like he actually wants to have a year off.

It will be interesting to see how Pol goes on the Honda, which appears to be a much improved bike since the start of the season. Unfortunate that there is no end of season testing this year, but quite understandable.

I am very concerned about MM. This is the third year in a row that he's had major surgery at the end of the season, and success this time is not a certainty.

F5 Dave

7th December 2020, 12:15

Reckless

7th December 2020, 13:17

I'd always assumed they were merely replacing service items when the had done enough hours.

Maybe this time C19 has affected the factory where they make bits for MM and they had to put some old parts in which failed?

So if Pol is lacklustre early season, is it just adapting to a very particular bike? Is it the KTM was making him shine?

I'd like to think he'll find his feet and be right up there.

So will Michy release a new front tyre and remove Suzuki advantage? Probably submerging Yamaha again. :crybaby:

Maybe they should release a worse rear tyre?

Yeh Some bikes don't suit a tyre and got like shit and its more odd how with all the skill and tech within a factory they cant seem to change the bike to make it suit either.
You would have thought a few tweeks here and there and its fixed given their skill.
But I imagine its generic in the different chassis design and engine inline vs V4.
KTM still using the trellis frame that everyone else left behind tho aren't they??

Dadpole

7th December 2020, 13:35

Autech

7th December 2020, 16:01

KTM dumped the trellis frame for 2020.
As far as the tyre favouring a particular bike - I think the bikes are so close in overall performance that any minor improvement is magnified. It is not as if Suzuki turned up with the same old bike and the magic tyre did the rest. Ducati seem to be the only real loser in 2020 and how much of that is the tyre and how much other factors?

The one common factor all year has been the satellite teams have been the place to be...

Roll on 2021 - and a return soon to Portimao :headbang:

Ducati I think were held down by their rider line up more than anything. 2 of the oldest riders on the grid having to adapt to riding a bike they know so well totally differently from years gone by. They just couldn't get the best out of it like the others were.
The Youngsters at Pramac showed the bike was still fine, so if those youngsters were in factory red with 10 more engineers in their garage... If it wasn't for the Mechanicals Jack Miller would have been on for a title shot. From my couch in the final rounds the way Jack had that bike turning looked pretty decent, no way near as bad as previous years where they were on a totally different line to all the other bikes.

KTM's bike is still a "Trellis frame" afaik, they just changed the shape of it to a curve rather than round tubular steel. Either way whatever they cooked up was fucking good! Be interesting to see what secrets Petrux brings with him from Italia, hope he sticks it to them :D

Looking really bad for MM sadly, having a 3rd operation so far away from the original injury doesn't bode well. We all worried that his tendency to crash would eventually catch up with him and it appears this time he's not got away with it. That said many other riders have had plenty of injuries and they've been able to eventually bolt them back together, I just hope this isn't one of those "Career ending" jobbies that sometimes happen.

Dadpole

7th December 2020, 16:59

The way a certain M Marquez is built, it would not surprise me to see a one-armed rider vying for the championship.

jato

3rd January 2021, 21:36

Just cancelled my video pass renewal ... 119 euro (nz220) is too much to gamble against the virus sadly. International news is so bleak i can't see the season getting far. I was so looking forward to this season and have/had high hopes for Jack...

SaferRides

4th January 2021, 06:03

I don't expect the season as planned will go ahead, although Dorna are still saying that the testing at Sepang in February will happen.

But they managed to complete the 2020 season and should be able to use the experience to do things better in 2021. There is a lot at stake after all.

I would be more concerned about the circuits - not sure how some will survive if they cannot have spectators this season.

If you have an Android phone, Video Pass is $180 in the Play Store.

pritch

4th January 2021, 09:11

Recently I've been toying with the idea of ditching SKY because I'm mostly watching Netflix. The Moto GP subscription is about the equivalent of two months SKY so that would leave me ten months ahead on the deal. The virus though will dictate the season. No rush.

SaferRides

4th January 2021, 11:10

I've changed my Sky to Freeview over the summer, although that means no overseas cricket. I would really like to ditch it completely.

Anyone here tried to stream Fox Sports in Oz? Unlike Sky, they still have almost every sport.

F5 Dave

4th January 2021, 13:32

Haven't had sky for at least a decade and that was fleeting and certainly not for sport. Anyway, - even if I paid freeview directly, could we have no local cricket? Or rugby?

Streaming when you want makes crap tv so 90's.

So assuming a late start next year and some vaccine coverage in rich parts of Europe, I wonder what next year will look like? Of course expecting the Italians to bring some sort of order in a reasonable time. . . .

All next rounds in Germany?

Roguenut

5th January 2021, 21:08

In Australia lots of us use Kayo Sports streaming app. AUD$25/mth for 2 simultaneous streams but you'd also have to use a VPN from NZ. It includes all the Fox Sports channels including WSBK races and all sessions for MotoGP/Moto2/Moto3.

https://kayosports.com.au/

SaferRides

6th January 2021, 08:34

onearmedbandit

7th January 2021, 20:20

Damn.....

https://www.suzuki-motogp.com/features/SUZUKI-MOTOGP-DAVIDE-BRIVIO-AND-TEAM-SUZUKI-ECSTAR-PART-WAYS?fbclid=IwAR25EDwpZIsYXl02hHViLZ1xnpm5piwaHhJK w33smliYuC7c32HUdovatqs

pritch

7th January 2021, 20:53

Thanks, looks good but depends how well it is geoblocked.

Would the VPN not deal with that?

pritch

7th January 2021, 21:15

Fausto Gresini has been in the wars. Hopefully he will recover.

Autech

8th January 2021, 09:27

I'm back, been off the forums a bit for a holiday unpluggedish.

Haven't had sky for at least a decade and that was fleeting and certainly not for sport. Anyway, - even if I paid freeview directly, could we have no local cricket? Or rugby?

Streaming when you want makes crap tv so 90's.

So assuming a late start next year and some vaccine coverage in rich parts of Europe, I wonder what next year will look like? Of course expecting the Italians to bring some sort of order in a reasonable time. . . .

All next rounds in Germany?

I have not had an aerial plugged into my TV for a good 5 years I'd say, last time would have been when that other outfit got the rights to motogp for the year, can't even remember what they were called though. Or did they have the rights to have Skysport channel? Can't remember.

Fuck watching TV at a certain time, I have to for Motogp as I'm jewish and use my folks iSky log in which can only be viewed in real time, don't mind watching it live anyways but for some rounds I skip the smaller classes in favour of sleep.

Would the VPN not deal with that?

Depends on how its achieved from a networking perspective, I used a DNS server for a while to get US Netflix which is different to a VPN. It was a constant cat and mouse battle between the service and Netflix though as I guess Netflix would pick up what IP's they were routing it through and block them. Eventually I got sick of it not working all the time and cancelled it.

Anyone on here used a VPN service successfully for an extended period of time?

SaferRides

8th January 2021, 12:35

Would the VPN not deal with that?It should do, but there are more geoblocking techniques than checking the IP address. I'll try it soon.

Bonez

8th January 2021, 13:01

Try the Tor network.

Just saying...

george formby

8th January 2021, 16:58

mulletman

8th January 2021, 21:26

He's off to F1

https://www.gpone.com/en/2021/01/07/motogp/brivio-leaves-suzuki-and-motogp-to-join-alonso-in-formula-1.html

F5 Dave

9th January 2021, 06:04

Can probably command some serious money with new championship under belt.

sugilite

9th January 2021, 09:08

Damn.....

https://www.suzuki-motogp.com/features/SUZUKI-MOTOGP-DAVIDE-BRIVIO-AND-TEAM-SUZUKI-ECSTAR-PART-WAYS?fbclid=IwAR25EDwpZIsYXl02hHViLZ1xnpm5piwaHhJK w33smliYuC7c32HUdovatqs

They could do a lot worse than this guy as a replacement!
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/950533/1/livio-suppo-sometimes-i-miss-motogp-if-suzuki-call-me-i-will-listen

For those that do not need to see the races live, and an hour later will do....this website has the races posted minutes after they are run, also rugby games. I've seen all blacks games posted by halves they are so keen, and it is a spanish site - odd! Make sure you are using a browser with a good adblocker (Ublock), like firefox (or waterfox like me) and make sure you get the English versions. There is a guy I suspect is from NZ with a avatar showing a inked maori warrior. His downloads are reliable. Site link below...
http://forum.rojadirecta.es/forumdisplay.php?15-Partidos-en-descarga-%28Full-matches%29

pritch

13th January 2021, 09:16

Happenings in the world of GPs etc.

GPs:

The Sepang test has been cancelled due to the Covid emergency in Malaysia, it may be replaced by a test in Spain.

Ducati have a new engine which would normally have been introduced this year, but due to Covid related budget engine rules they have to hold off until 2022.

Etc:

The Headquarters of Ducati North America and the homes of some employees have been raided by the FBI.

Joel Robert, Belgian former MotoX star has Covid.

roogazza

13th January 2021, 13:11

Happenings in the world of GPs etc.

The Sepang test has been cancelled due to the Covid emergency in Malaysia, it may be replaced by a test in Spain.

Hope this isn't the first of many changes pritch ?

I've cancelled Sky Sport in the meantime. (worth about $33 a month)
I only use it for GP's and after last years effort (not all Sky's fault ) I'm gunna wait to see what sort of a season we're in for?
I'm in withdrawal not being able to travel and can't see that changing. :yawn:

SaferRides

14th January 2021, 01:34

Autech

14th January 2021, 16:10

Losail should go ahead but I doubt Argentina or COTA will happen. Testing will be another issue. They could have that in Spain, or perhaps before Losail?

I expect there will be quite a few changes to the current calendar. F1 has just "postponed" 2 of their first 3 races.

Cracked me up everyone saying fuck 2020 etc at new years, we aint out of the woods people. 2021 has the potential to be worse with all these mutated strains kicking about the place.

I need me a motogp fix though so hopefully we can get some soon. Meth only just covers the cravings during the off season...

F5 Dave

14th January 2021, 19:34

Try turpentine?:drinknsin

pritch

15th January 2021, 06:58

An additional test, beginning of March at Qatar, has been added to replace the Sepang test.

Reckless

15th January 2021, 15:02

Marc Marquez undergoes six-week check-up
The Repsol Honda rider has gone to the Hospital Ruber Internacional for a medical check-up
Tags 2021, Marc Marquez
Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez has visited hospital six weeks on from a surgery performed on an infected pseudarthrosis of the right humerus on December 3. A satisfactory clinical and radiographic evolution has been confirmed at the time of evaluation. Marquez will continue with the specific antibiotic treatment and with a functional recovery programme adapted to his clinical situation.

sugilite

15th January 2021, 17:04

SaferRides

16th January 2021, 09:21

6 weeks and still requiring antibiotics is really bad news. fuck. :no:

Bone infections can be difficult to treat so probably not of too much concern at this stage. Plus It's likely the infection started after the 2nd surgery and was untreated for months.

I really hope he comes right. MotoGP isn't the same without him.

Autech

25th January 2021, 15:47

Good Doco on Redbull TV on Brad Binder called "Becoming 33". Such a well grounded seeming dude considering what he's achieved thus far.

pritch

4th February 2021, 01:18

There are reports that Buriram 2021 has been cancelled. A Thai reporter says the information has been misinterpreted. At this stage the GPs are still to take place.

steveyb

4th February 2021, 20:52

Brno has been officially not included and Moto2 and Moto3 official IRTA tests moved to weeks prior to round 1, in Qatar.
That is a long time for the teams to stay in Qatar.

SaferRides

4th February 2021, 21:17

Brno has been officially not included and Moto2 and Moto3 official IRTA tests moved to weeks prior to round 1, in Qatar.
That is a long time for the teams to stay in Qatar.A month, and they will have to stay in their bubbles. It's going to be a very long month...

pritch

7th February 2021, 02:50

There has been a significant fire at the Argentinian GP track Termas de Rio Hondo. Reports are still sketchy but apparently the museum is undamaged.

mulletman

7th February 2021, 06:15

http://www.gpone.com/it/2021/02/06/motogp/ultimora-un-incendio-devasta-il-circuito-di-termas-de-rio-hondo-in-argentina.html

pritch

7th February 2021, 18:51

https://www.bikeandrace.com/motogp/motogp-fire-termas-de-rio-hondo-boxes-rooms-destroyed/

Interesting use of the word 'osmosis'. Hopefully the museum is OK, they seem to have a lot of bikes, but there is a big Fangio collection apparently.

Reckless

12th February 2021, 21:17

Doesn't give a time frame tho ??????

Marc Marquez passes his latest medical check-up
The eight-time World Champion is continuing to make progress following a third operation in December 2020
Tags MotoGP, 2021, Marc Marquez
A further review of Marc Marquez at the Hospital Ruber Internacional, 10 weeks after surgery for an infected pseudoarthrosis of the right humerus, has confirmed a favourable clinical situation.

The medical team led by Doctors Samuel Antuña and Ignacio Roger de Oña, and including Doctors Juan De Miguel, Aitor Ibarzabal and Andrea García Villanueva, assessed the radiographic signs of bone consolidation and were satisfied with the progress.

From now on, and during the next few weeks, Marquez will be able to progress steadily in the process of functional recovery of the operated arm.

pritch

12th February 2021, 22:24

The teams are all pubishing details of their new line ups and liveries, Ducati a day or two ago. This morning we had photos of Rossi's first Team SKY VR46 MotoGP entry. Luca Marini will be in the hot seat. Funny that.:innocent:

In the last few hours KTM have released their publicity pics. The bikes are looking good. Here's hoping we get to see them all in action.

James Deuce

12th February 2021, 23:08

Brno is about to be sold to a housing developer. Won't see that track again.

SaferRides

13th February 2021, 02:16

Brno is about to be sold to a housing developer. Won't see that track again.Where did you see that? Very sad to see Brno go but Portimao will be a decent replacement.

mulletman

13th February 2021, 08:20

Where did you see that? Very sad to see Brno go but Portimao will be a decent replacement.

https://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/171458/Bruenn-Kuenftig-eine-Wohnsiedlung-statt-Rennstrecke.html

pritch

18th February 2021, 08:32

Fausto Gresini has been in hospital with Covid, David Emmett has reported that his condition has worsened.

https://www.gpone.com/it/2021/02/17/motogp/peggiorate-le-condizioni-di-gresini-ma-fausto-lotta-e-conferma-la-conferenza.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=social

Autech

19th February 2021, 14:27

Brno is about to be sold to a housing developer. Won't see that track again.

Where did you see that? Very sad to see Brno go but Portimao will be a decent replacement.

Super lame. Potrimao is good but Brno is one of the best tracks for actual racing in the world, on par with the likes of PI etc.

DUMB!!!

I might call Tony Quin and see if he can save it, anyone have his number? :D

pritch

23rd February 2021, 17:29

The Repsol Honda official presentation it is currently free on the MotoGP site. The entire half hour if you're keen.

https://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2021/02/22/the-full-2021-repsol-honda-team-official-presentation/361689?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=offseason_launchvideo_en&utm_campaign=traffic&j=397257&sfmc_sub=20016214&l=97_HTML&u=28653693&mid=100010274&jb=15013

SaferRides

24th February 2021, 06:32

Sad to see that Fausto Gresini has died after being ill with covid for over 2 months.

steveyb

25th February 2021, 11:44

pritch

25th February 2021, 13:16

The GP paddock held a ceremony for Fausto. Can't help but wonder about the future of his Moto 3 and Moto 2 teams.

SaferRides

25th February 2021, 14:52

The GP paddock held a ceremony for Fausto. Can't help but wonder about the future of his Moto 3 and Moto 2 teams.And the MotoGP team! Gresini were the first private team to sign up with MotoGP for the 5 years from 2022.

steveyb

25th February 2021, 15:46

They have made a statement to say they will be continuing, of course.
One would hope that the team has become more than only Fausto at the helm and will continue in good health.
But, who knows.
All projects need a champion for the project, he was definitely theirs.

Autech

26th February 2021, 08:29

Sad to see that Fausto Gresini has died after being ill with covid for over 2 months.

Incredibly sad. Such an energetic figure in the MotoGP paddock and had built a wonderful team.
I wonder if this news might help educate those (bleep) people who think/believe the Covid pandemic to be some evil conspiracy.
Sigh...
RIP Fausto and heres hoping no more of our heroes catch it.

Likewise that its a bad flu that only kills the elderly, he'd have had a good 20+ years left in him. Quatararo had it and it took him a month to get over, this is no joke.

roogazza

26th February 2021, 16:38

Likewise that its a bad flu that only kills the elderly, he'd have had a good 20+ years left in him. Quatararo had it and it took him a month to get over, this is no joke.

At a month away from 72 and my Doc is saying no to the Vaccine for me.(Immune system probs).
I'll let ya know lol.

But hey a fortune teller said I'll live to 92 - 93 whadda you do ? :(:no::msn-wink::rolleyes:

pete376403

26th February 2021, 17:12

Covid or no, when it happens it happens.

"Death is the cost of a ticket in the lottery of life"

Autech

2nd March 2021, 13:40

Less than a month to go boys

Fuck
Yeah

george formby

4th March 2021, 10:48

Phillip Island back on the calendar and.... Finland.

Hope they have bug spray.

pritch

7th March 2021, 08:02

Things are kicking off. There's an "After The Flag" available on the MotoGP site, it's free but you have to be registered. I recently lost my phone, recovered it but am now experiencing a series of password dramas. I will persist.

There's an interview with new Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow on BT Sport, but as usual for them it's geoblocked. Never seen the lad look so relaxed.

James Deuce

7th March 2021, 12:53

See KTM tried to sabotage Suzuki's bike launch. KTM now on my naughty list.

pritch

8th March 2021, 08:26

Aprilia was fastest on the first day. I didn't see that coming.

Dadpole

8th March 2021, 09:06

Aprillia/Asparagus is often fastest on day 1. The bike/team may have issues, but lack of rider commitment (madness) is not one of them. I expect normal service to resume soon.

Autech

8th March 2021, 10:59

Aprilia was fastest on the first day. I didn't see that coming.

Aprillia/Asparagus is often fastest on day 1. The bike/team may have issues, but lack of rider commitment (madness) is not one of them. I expect normal service to resume soon.

^^^ This. Asparagus has been the best rider on the worst bike for many years, he's out performed some very well regarded riders on the same machinery, quite a long list when you think about it...
It's a shame Suzuki shit canned him so soon as it would have been interesting to see what he could do with a competitive bike, from memory he struggled to make the Michelins in '16 when they switched over so got the boot to Aprilia.

I wouldn't be reading too much into his placement, the Aprilia will look good till the engine starts playing up again and they'll have to turn it down again like last year.

So excite for round 1, should we do the $100 challenge this year boys? I wanted to last year till Covid hit, but we might be able to this year.

Autech

8th March 2021, 11:07

Just looked up how many Motogp Racing careers that Aprilia has put to an end in one way or another since '15

Stefan Bradl
Marco Melandri
Sam Lowes
Scott Redding
Andrea Iannone

That's a solid amount in 5 years lol

James Deuce

10th March 2021, 09:09

^^^ This. Asparagus has been the best rider on the worst bike for many years, he's out performed some very well regarded riders on the same machinery, quite a long list when you think about it...
It's a shame Suzuki shit canned him so soon as it would have been interesting to see what he could do with a competitive bike, from memory he struggled to make the Michelins in '16 when they switched over so got the boot to Aprilia.

I wouldn't be reading too much into his placement, the Aprilia will look good till the engine starts playing up again and they'll have to turn it down again like last year.

So excite for round 1, should we do the $100 challenge this year boys? I wanted to last year till Covid hit, but we might be able to this year.

Did you see the shade Lorenzo threw at Aleix yesterday??? Jorge has gone all Older Brando on us.

onearmedbandit

10th March 2021, 09:49

Word is that MM is registered to appear at the first race in Qatar. Of course this doesn't mean he'll ride but things are looking up for the lad.

Autech

10th March 2021, 10:26

Did you see the shade Lorenzo threw at Aleix yesterday??? Jorge has gone all Older Brando on us.

I saw the one he threw at Crashlow and Miller, not Aleix though.

He has a fairish point with Crutchlow, since Lorenzo left Yamaha the bikes become steadily worse, so you'd think they'd need him to test for them to get it back to its strong points.
BUT, he's too much of a premadonna to be a test rider, so I can see why they canned him.

As for Miller, Millers on a factory bike finally this year (Lorenzo was always on Factory bikes) so his wins will start coming very soon. BRING IT ON!

Dadpole

10th March 2021, 11:07

So excited for round 1, should we do the $100 challenge this year boys? I wanted to last year till Covid hit, but we might be able to this year.

Very tempting. My total with the TAB is 50-something dollars in my favor. They pestered me for a year to give them money and dangled all sorts of offers. I only took the free bets and they eventually worked it out and left me alone.

Autech

10th March 2021, 11:11

Very tempting. My total with the TAB is 50-something dollars in my favor. They pestered me for a year to give them money and dangled all sorts of offers. I only took the free bets and they eventually worked it out and left me alone.

Yeah I think there'll be some good money on odd bets this year, with so many guys able to win putting a bet in early on a Binder, Olivera, Pol etc should net some good odds.

I'm keen, shall I start the thread?

Dadpole

10th March 2021, 12:36

I have been mulling it over and have decided to give it a miss this time. I find the problem is that the one you want to win - and are shouting at the screen to help - is seldom the one you have bet on. Money or the chosen one... It takes a slice of enjoyment out of a race at times.

pritch

10th March 2021, 15:46

Did you see the shade Lorenzo threw at Aleix yesterday??? Jorge has gone all Older Brando on us.

Apparently that was in the nature of an in joke. Part of the reference was to ESA's manager. JL and ESA have the same manager. ESA's reply used the tears of laughter emoji.

Reckless

10th March 2021, 21:03

Bradl is trying to prove a point I reckon he is fast :)

Getting concerned Rossi isn't going to make it this season he is way behind :(

Just watched a few interviews on MotoGP

1/- Damn that Pol seems to be a realistic and genuinely nice chap :)

2/- On another vid MM gave his gym and training schedule over the last month.
8am up
9-11am Physio and gym
11:30 - 1.30 Bike or run
4-6 Physio and gym
No days off
Pretty damn dedicated that's for sure.
Was never a great fan of his (except great respect for his talent) but I have admired him for his handling of this Rossi spat and he seems to have matured.

Bring on the season getting excited now :)

Autech

11th March 2021, 10:05

Apparently that was in the nature of an in joke. Part of the reference was to ESA's manager. JL and ESA have the same manager. ESA's reply used the tears of laughter emoji.

Pretty good joke really. Though I rate ESA's podium on the CRT bike better than a win on a factory bike. That just should not have happened.

Bradl is trying to prove a point I reckon he is fast :)

Getting concerned Rossi isn't going to make it this season he is way behind :(

Just watched a few interviews on MotoGP

1/- Damn that Pol seems to be a realistic and genuinely nice chap :)

2/- On another vid MM gave his gym and training schedule over the last month.
8am up
9-11am Physio and gym
11:30 - 1.30 Bike or run
4-6 Physio and gym
No days off
Pretty damn dedicated that's for sure.
Was never a great fan of his (except great respect for his talent) but I have admired him for his handling of this Rossi spat and he seems to have matured.

Bring on the season getting excited now :)

He was plenty quick enough on the Sat Honda, I wonder if he moving to Aprilia for money and a "Factory ride" then his career fell with it? Can't remember if he was pushed or left...

Rossi seems to be stuck trying to make the bike into what he needs rather than adapting to make it work, Vinales spent a whole day just playing with his riding style to see if he can work out a way to make it grip and last the whole race. Rossi can complain all he likes but he got out performed by the other Yamaha boys last year and it's looking the same this year. Seems like his pace is slowly declining, he's still quick enough for the ride but is he quick enough to win still?

Pols looking good on the Honda already, faster than the other Honda boys and not hit the limit of the bike yet, go Pol!

F5 Dave

11th March 2021, 12:09

Went on a 2nd hand book binge. Just finished Doohans book and Raineys before that (sodding autocorrect) . Good reads.

James Deuce

11th March 2021, 14:06

I saw the one he threw at Crashlow and Miller, not Aleix though.

He has a fairish point with Crutchlow, since Lorenzo left Yamaha the bikes become steadily worse, so you'd think they'd need him to test for them to get it back to its strong points.
BUT, he's too much of a premadonna to be a test rider, so I can see why they canned him.

As for Miller, Millers on a factory bike finally this year (Lorenzo was always on Factory bikes) so his wins will start coming very soon. BRING IT ON!
He got canned for not testing. Best reason to can a test rider, really.

Miller will continue to eat tyres and crash at inopportune moments. His temperament is his worst enemy.

Autech

11th March 2021, 14:26

He got canned for not testing. Best reason to can a test rider, really.

Miller will continue to eat tyres and crash at inopportune moments. His temperament is his worst enemy.

Miller will win the title this year. Feel free to quote me at the end of the year if I'm wrong :D

I'd say his temperament last year was good enough for the title if he had the luck, all the stuff that went wrong for him last year was not his fault IIRC

ellipsis

11th March 2021, 16:21

Miller will win the title this year. Feel free to quote me at the end of the year if I'm wrong :D

I'd say his temperament last year was good enough for the title if he had the luck, all the stuff that went wrong for him last year was not his fault IIRC

...I wouldn't rule out Morbidelli for the title either...but Miller is certainly a contender this year...

Reckless

11th March 2021, 16:56

Miller fastest boys and unofficial all time lap record

Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Lead. Gap Prev. Gap Laps Last lap
1 MILLER, Jack 1:53.183 51 / 51
2 QUARTARARO, Fabio 1:53.263 0.080 0.080 55 / 62
3 VIÑALES, Maverick 1:53.510 0.327 0.247 75 / 77
4 ZARCO, Johann 1:53.899 0.716 0.389 62 / 65
5 ESPARGARO, Pol 1:53.899 0.716 0.000 47 / 53
6 ESPARGARO, Aleix 1:53.971 0.788 0.072 20 / 31
7 MIR, Joan 1:54.078 0.895 0.107 57 / 57
8 RINS, Alex 1:54.143 0.960 0.065 56 / 63
9 BAGNAIA, Francesco 1:54.236 1.053 0.093 29 / 51
10 NAKAGAMI, Takaaki 1:54.262 1.079 0.026 38 / 50
11 MORBIDELLI, Franco 1:54.367 1.184 0.105 37 / 55
12 OLIVEIRA, Miguel 1:54.526 1.343 0.159 50 / 58
13 ROSSI, Valentino 1:54.618 1.435 0.092 45 / 56
14 BASTIANINI, Enea 1:54.738 1.555 0.120 43 / 44
15 MARQUEZ, Alex 1:54.930 1.747 0.192 42 / 56
16 BRADL, Stefan 1:54.974 1.791 0.044 4 / 15
17 PETRUCCI, Danilo 1:54.978 1.795 0.004 46 / 48
18 TEST2, Yamaha 1:54.998 1.815 0.020 28 / 53
19 MARTIN, Jorge 1:55.010 1.827 0.012 25 / 44
20 BINDER, Brad 1:55.279 2.096 0.269 24 / 50
21 LECUONA, Iker 1:55.315 2.132 0.036 43 / 47
22 MARINI, Luca 1:55.328 2.145 0.013 21 / 54
23 PEDROSA, Dani 1:55.640 2.457 0.312 28 / 58
24 GUINTOLI, Sylvain 1:55.642 2.459 0.002 38 / 52
25 SAVADORI, Lorenzo 1:56.168 2.985 0.526 30 / 39
26 PIRRO, Michele 1:57.255 4.072 1.087 25 / 29
27 TEST1, Yamaha 1:57.510 4.327 0.255 39 / 64
28 TSUDA, Takuya 1:57.795 4.612 0.285 25 / 27
NC TEST3, Yamaha

Reckless

11th March 2021, 17:00

Not sure if allowed to copy the whole article but stuff it - for those without a subscription Day 3 round up - its a good read ;)

Fastest man Miller beats all time lap record on Day 3
Ducati Lenovo Team’s Aussie topped the timesheets from the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP duo as the Qatar Test lights up
Tags MotoGP, 2021, QATAR MOTOGP™ OFFICIAL TEST, FP3, #QatarTest
Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) set an unofficial all-time lap record around the Losail International Circuit on Day 3 of the Official 2021 MotoGP™ Qatar Test, the Australian storming his way to a 1:53.183 to finish 0.080s ahead of second place Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Maverick Viñales made it two Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bikes inside the top three as the Qatar Test revved into life on Wednesday.

Thankfully for all the riders and teams, the second leg of the Qatar Test was greeted by the best weather conditions we’ve seen since the paddock landed in Doha. The wind wasn’t causing issues, the sun was shining and the riders were rearing to get going again after Monday and Tuesday on the sidelines.

After seeing the factory riders testing the intriguing new Ducati aero, Zarco was today giving it a whirl in Losail and judging by the timesheets – if indeed his best laps were with it on – the Frenchman was feeling good. Miller was sitting top of the timesheets for quite a substantial amount of the afternoon, until Quartararo slammed in his rapid time. So far, so good for Miller in Qatar who headed out at the end of the day, did a flying lap, went top, and pitted again. Confidence flowing on the Australian’s side of the garage. Miller said his best lap felt “mega” and described the conditions as “perfect” and he got through all the things he needed to get through on Wednesday.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) ended Day 3 in P9 as the third fastest Desmosedici rider on track, 51 laps were completed by the Italian and he finished 1.053s off Miller’s time. Bagnaia was concentrating on his longer run pace and made a big step compared to Sunday, and Pecco was pleased with his Wednesday’s work. Fourth fastest Zarco was “pretty happy” with the progress being made, and the Frenchman added that the GP21 has “huge potential” – promising signs for the Bologna factory.

Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) was the fastest rookie on track in P14, the reigning Moto2™ World Champion was P14 on the timesheets and finished ahead of Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), Stefan Bradl (Honda Test Team) and Danilo Petrucci (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) – impressive to say the least. The Italian was also just 0.120s behind nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and is settling into MotoGP™ life very well indeed.

The other two rookies are looking great too. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) improved his previous best time by half a second and has been checking Miller and Zarco’s data, confirming that in “three or four corners” he could immediately go faster. Martin placed P19 with a 1:55.010, with Luca Marini (SKY VR46 Avintia) three tenths behind Martin in P22.

In the Yamaha camp on Day 3 of the Official Test, as well as Yamaha’s stunning white and red 60th Anniversary livery, a new mudguard and front fork covers were seen being tried. The reasoning is unknown to us, but it could be to create smoother airflow into the radiator to potentially increase top speed. The riders were also doing back-to-back runs on the new and old chassis to get some final confirmation on if any improvements have been made.

The factory duo strutted their stuff in the closing stages to finish P2 and P3, with Viñales completing the most laps of anyone on Day 3 at Losail. The Spaniard did suffer a crash at Turn 1 but thankfully he was unharmed, and Viñales was apparently doing plenty of practice starts at the end of pitlane – an area to work on for sure. Overall, a good day on paper for both Quartararo and Viñales. The former said that he’s found some good pace on used tyres and he was very happy about his fastest lap on the new chassis, and his day – in general – was really good, despite Miller beating his effort.

Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi both finished outside the top 10, the Italians were 1.1 and 1.4 seconds adrift of the best time respectively, but that shouldn’t be looked too much into. Rossi’s main concern was the rear grip on Sunday evening, and The Doctor also said that the new chassis was much closer to the 2020 one, rather than the 2019 one. An intriguing couple of days are coming up for the Iwata factory, that’s for sure.

Pol Espargaro’s adaptation to the Repsol Honda Team machine continues to be seamless. The Spaniard was leading the way at midday and eventually snuck into the 1:53s on just his third day on the RC213V. Already, Pol Espargaro is nearly half a second quicker than he was on the KTM at Losail last season and just half a second shy of Marc Marquez’s all-time lap record in Qatar. The number 44 was also seen using Honda’s carbon bonded chassis, it seems the Japanese factory have chosen this as the way forward. 53 more laps were completed by Espargaro on Day 3, another fantastic day at the office.

Stefan Bradl’s Day 3 ended early after a crash at Turn 2, the German was reported to have pain in his neck and decided to sit out the rest of the day. LCR Honda Idemitsu’s Takaaki Nakagami also crashed, as did LCR Honda Castrol’s Alex Marquez – that’s now seven crashes between them in the Qatar Test. Nakagami was the quicker of the two and snuck into the top 10 on a day where he tested some new items, the Japanese rider reported that they were working very well in some areas. More time is needed, according to Nakagami, to confirm which chassis is the one to go with. He has a "much better" feeling on the bike than on Saturday and Sunday, teammate Alex Marquez finished P15 on the timesheets.

Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing Team Gresini once again ended the day towards the summit of the times. The all-new RS-GP in the hands of the Spaniard ended the day P6, but Espargaro completed the lowest number of laps of any full-time rider – 31. A couple of technical issues and a small crash on new tyres hampered his day, and the Spaniard is hoping for fewer problems tomorrow to complete the programme and do a race simulation. MotoGP™ rookie Lorenzo Savadori completed 39 laps to finish the day 25th, another day of valuable track time for the Italian.

World Champions Team Suzuki Ecstar were seen with an extra set of fairings on the side of their bikes, with Joan Mir and Alex Rins claiming P7 and P8 on the timesheets. Between them, 120 laps were put into the 2021 GSX-RR as the Hamamatsu continue to rattle through their busy testing schedule in Qatar. The big focus so far has been a new chassis and we’re still no nearer to knowing whether Suzuki have fixed their main 2020 problem – one-lap pace. It’s difficult to say whether the duo pushed for a quick lap like Miller, Quartararo, Viñales and potentially some others did, it seems like the blue machines haven’t yet shown their hand in pre-season testing.

Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the leading KTM rider once again in P12, the gap between the Portuguese rider and Miller’s time was 1.343s. It’s fair to say it’s been a quiet test for the Austrian factory so far at the Losail International Circuit, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) suffering another crash at Turn 2. The South African was uninjured but P20 isn’t where he would have expected to be at this stage, but Binder said he's feeling more comfortable on the new bike and the team have a good direction to work in. A new swingarm and mudguard – that test rider Dani Pedrosa has been testing – has been spotted on Binder’s bike, with the KTM runners also using the new, skinnier fairing once again.

Tech3 KTM Factory Racing’s Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona were P17 and P21 on the timesheets respectively, with Lecuona suffering a small crash at Turn 2 early doors. Lecuona is expecting Thursday will be better and admits he need more time with the bike, the Spaniard has tried many new parts during the test and wants to improve his lap time in the remaining two days.

The penultimate day of pre-season testing will be coming your way on Thursday afternoon from the Losail International Circuit, follow every lap with Live Timing from 12:00 CET. Analysis, reaction and interviews are coming up on After the Flag LIVE at 18:30 CET, make sure you don’t miss that too.

Top 10 Day 3:
1. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1:53.183
2. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.080
3. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.327
4. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + 0.716
5. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) + 0.716
6. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) + 0.788
7. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.895
8. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.960
9. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 1.053
10. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) + 1.079

SaferRides

11th March 2021, 18:37

I'd say the times mean nothing as it's Losail, but they are having a double header so probably a good chance for the Duc riders to bank some points.

Not long now...

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 06:54

Miller will win the title this year. Feel free to quote me at the end of the year if I'm wrong :D

I'd say his temperament last year was good enough for the title if he had the luck, all the stuff that went wrong for him last year was not his fault IIRC

I won't be quoting you, so it's not a problem. But seriously, have seen a lot of riders over the last 40 years of following this motorcycle GP racing. He'll choke under championship pressure if gets to the front of the points table. Then he'll start blaming everyone except himself.

Having said that, I'd be thrilled to see him win. Despite my scepticism he has worked extremely hard to get where he is, on the minimum level of talent required to make it to MotoGP.

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 06:56

I'd say the times mean nothing as it's Losail, but they are having a double header so probably a good chance for the Duc riders to bank some points.

Not long now...

Pre-season testing times never mean anything. Except for Rossi. The ideal time for him to retire was 2016. Pre-season testing is where Honda sandbag, Ducati pull all the stops out and install the cheater engines and electronics, KTM run around being cheeky little dominance asserting Austrians and Yamaha look slightly bewildered.

SaferRides

12th March 2021, 07:42

Reading between the lines, Pol is very happy. Hopefully he won't try to be a hero in the first few races until has has a good feel for the front end, but he could go really well this year.

Reckless

12th March 2021, 09:09

Autech Picked Miller and as a southern hemisphere rider I'd like to see it as well
but
Pol is certainly getting the hang of the Honda really quick first crash under the belt and fastest :banana:

I wonder what MM is thinking :mad::(:sweatdrop

Pol Espargaro 0.4s clear at Day 4's halfway point
The Repsol Honda Team rider continues his fine form as testing continues in Qatar
Tags MotoGP, 2021, QATAR MOTOGP™ OFFICIAL TEST
Repsol Honda Team’s Pol Espargaro hasn’t let his first crash of 2021 faze him as the Spaniard currently sets the pace on Day 4 of the Official Qatar Test. A 1:54.103 so far sees the number 44 sit 0.445s clear of second place Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), and 0.485s ahead of Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Franco Morbidelli.

UPDATE
Viñales spearheads Yamaha trio on penultimate day
It was an Iwata factory 1-2-3 on the Day 4 timesheets at the Qatar Test, Miller’s Day 3 time remains the fastest overall
Tags MotoGP, 2021, QATAR MOTOGP™ OFFICIAL TEST, FP4
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales occupies top spot at the end of play on Day 4 of the Official MotoGP™ Qatar Test, thanks to a late 1:53.244 lap time. It’s three Yamahas leading the way on Thursday as Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) both set 1:53.3s to cement their good form heading into the final day of pre-season testing.

In terms of new tech, nothing too out of the ordinary was seen on Thursday. However, track conditions couldn’t have been more perfect for Day 4 of testing, handing riders a fantastic opportunity to get some crucial laps under their belts with time running out before the start of the season.

Top 10 on Day 4:
1. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – 1:53.244
2. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) + 0.079
3. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.154
4. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.200
5. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) + 0.396
6. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.583
7. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.616
8. Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) + 0.749
9. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + 0.812
10. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) + 0.859

F5 Dave

12th March 2021, 12:26

Pre-season testing times never mean anything. Except for Rossi. The ideal time for him to retire was 2016. Pre-season testing is where Honda sandbag, Ducati pull all the stops out and install the cheater engines and electronics, KTM run around being cheeky little dominance asserting Austrians and Yamaha look slightly bewildered.

Re the Rossi bit, and I'm not a fan boy, but I seem to recall 2019 he was showing he could get right up the front. And Yamaha have had some weak electronics for a few years.
Plus I bet he made a heap of money from his merch business.

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 14:30

Re the Rossi bit, and I'm not a fan boy, but I seem to recall 2019 he was showing he could get right up the front. And Yamaha have had some weak electronics for a few years.
Plus I bet he made a heap of money from his merch business.
Not saying Grandad can't ride at the pointy end. But I'm pretty sure the results are commensurate with the diminishing flow rate when he takes a piss as each year passes.

pritch

12th March 2021, 14:47

Re the Rossi bit, and I'm not a fan boy, but I seem to recall 2019 he was showing he could get right up the front. And Yamaha have had some weak electronics for a few years.
Plus I bet he made a heap of money from his merch business.

It is starting to seem that Rossi hung on a bit long. Last year was odd and we could justify excuses, not this year. He really needs to be at the sharp end not circulating to make up the numbers. He may well have the same bike he had last year and he never seemed to get to grips with it then, nor now? He has the reputation of saving his best for Sunday. Come Sunday the 28th we'll see.

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 15:17

It is starting to seem that Rossi hung on a bit long. Last year was odd and we could justify excuses, not this year. He really needs to be at the sharp end not circulating to make up the numbers. He may well have the same bike he had last year and he never seemed to get to grips with it then, nor now? He has the reputation of saving his best for Sunday. Come Sunday the 28th we'll see.
I have all 13 fingers crossed.

Kickaha

12th March 2021, 16:53

I have all 13 fingers crossed.

Is that easy to do with webbed hands ?

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 17:30

Is that easy to do with webbed hands ?
That's what makes it so heartfelt.

Autech

12th March 2021, 17:34

I won't be quoting you, so it's not a problem. But seriously, have seen a lot of riders over the last 40 years of following this motorcycle GP racing. He'll choke under championship pressure if gets to the front of the points table. Then he'll start blaming everyone except himself.

Having said that, I'd be thrilled to see him win. Despite my scepticism he has worked extremely hard to get where he is, on the minimum level of talent required to make it to MotoGP.

Where as I remember what he did in Moto3, solid consistent championship where he was down on power to the Hondas yet still gave them a damn good run despite coming up against the much hallowed Alex Marquez and Spanish armada. If Alex Marquez hadn't taken him out in that wet race he'd have a moto3 title, that was so bizzare of them not to penalise as they've hammered riders for doing the same many times since. I suspect the last name helped...

There was a reason Honda grabbed him straight outta Moto3, just a shame they put him on the worst Motogp bike in the paddock. Ever since he's been on the Ducati he's really matured and worked his way forward.

Millers made of the right stuff I reckon and he's exactly the right amount of crazy to win shit, bring it on! :D

James Deuce

12th March 2021, 19:05

He reminds me of Randy Mamola. Can ride a bike better than anyone. Can not fight the red mist and doesn't do politics well. He's in the most Machiavellian MotoGP team ever now. Deep end of the pool. The sharks have legs and they stand on your head when it's on the bottom of the pool.

pritch

13th March 2021, 07:57

When D'all'igna went to Ducati the bike was a dog yet he said his top priority was a communication problem. WTF? In due course we learned what the problem was. The engineers at the factory were very conscious of their status and did not see why they should listen to humble mechanics. Any criticism of the bike was treated as an insult. Some examples of this became apparent with time.

Dall'igna reportedly told them that the guys in the team drove the effort, and any engineer who felt he could not take direction from a team mechanic should look for another job.

The Ducati team is run on a shoe string compared to the Japanese factories, but if they can win great. They are certainly trying different things.

Miller had his problems, f'rinstance once he got fat between seasons . Puig had to sort him out. Hopefully he has matured and Ducati can give him a bike capable of doing the business. The Spanish and Italian anthems will get monotonous otherwise.

SaferRides

13th March 2021, 08:13

The only other experienced Ducati rider is Zarco, so they really need Miller to do well. I doubt any of the other top riders would sign for them now, and Ducati probably can't afford them anyway.

Warr

13th March 2021, 19:30

pritch

13th March 2021, 19:35

Sorry if already been discussed :)

A subscription from the MotoGP site @ NZ$233 has grown a little out of my league.

My fall back is downloading a torrent post race or watching live on some dodgy low resolution stream.
What is some alternatives others use please ?

That certainly seems a jump on whatever I paid. I guess I'd have to console myself that it's only a bit over two months SKY subscription. If SKY don't show the GPs they'll get the axe and I'll pay the Dorna sub.

Dadpole

13th March 2021, 19:45

pritch

13th March 2021, 20:45

I
The same source informs me that the purchase of an inexpensive Android media box and the right free software allows one to turn ones TV into a 'Smart TV' and view BTSport (and many others) as a live stream. :whistle:

Interesting. A VPN lets me see the BTSport clips. It might work for the races as well? For the ones at a suitable hour anyway.

Dadpole

13th March 2021, 21:11

My anonymous source used the Mobdro app, but alas, the management was nicked :chase: and the channel shut down. Some more testing is under way for a reliable source.

SaferRides

14th March 2021, 02:34

Cheapest way to buy Videopass is the Android Play store. $180 this year.

george formby

14th March 2021, 13:53

I have been told that a torrent of the BTSport coverage is available within a couple of hours from https://www.ettv.be/user/smcgill1969
It is available in time for Monday morning viewers. Handy since most races only start at midnight or later NZ time.

The same source informs me that the purchase of an inexpensive Android media box and the right free software allows one to turn ones TV into a 'Smart TV' and view BTSport (and many others) as a live stream. :whistle:

I have one of those wee boxes. And indeed you can watch TV worldwide, all of the UK channels. Problem is, staying awake.

Quite a lot of Sky Channels, too, IIRC.

Ultimately I found it to much faff and rarely use it now the novelty has worn off.

Dadpole

14th March 2021, 14:51

MotoGP was the only usage

pritch

16th March 2021, 06:06

Spark Sport is to cover MotoGP in NZ. Dammit! I have questions...

Update.
Answers are coming:
$24.99 per month
Yes, it’s available on demand.

Moto GP is the main reason I have Sky now. Decisions decisions...

SaferRides

16th March 2021, 06:49

Autech

16th March 2021, 10:52

onearmedbandit

16th March 2021, 11:23

Video pass for me still, get all the practice sessions, qualifying, etc and can watch them all on demand. Maybe it's the same with Spark though?

F5 Dave

16th March 2021, 12:02

Go to mates place, bring beer. Works for me and don't have to worry about the kids grumbling about watching Penguins of Madagascar, which to be fair is quality entertainment.

Autech

16th March 2021, 12:08

Go to mates place

Easy to say when you have mates. I don't have mates :violin:

F5 Dave

16th March 2021, 12:10

Fake it till you make it.

Just try suppress your personality until they are too invested to not open the door. Works for me. :crazy:

george formby

16th March 2021, 15:31

Easy to say when you have mates. I don't have mates :violin:

In my experience it's quite amazing what people will put up with if you have beer and bbq.

Autech

16th March 2021, 17:18

In my experience it's quite amazing what people will put up with if you have beer and bbq.

I don't drink beer (or at all this year surprisingly) and don't own a BBQ :D

Guess that's why I don't have friends?

pritch

17th March 2021, 08:56

Spark offer a seven day free trial. I might avail myself of their kind offer a couple of days before the GP to see how it works. If I don't like the result I can opt for the video pass.

SaferRides

18th March 2021, 07:52

Spark has some content up already. Nothing from testing though, just team launches and some highlights.

denill

19th March 2021, 07:44

Well that’s SKY gone for me.
I have Spark Sport (don’t laugh, for Cricket) and after upgrading Apple TV, it’s fine.
But is there a Stream available for BSB in NZ?
Seems not.

denill

19th March 2021, 20:17

Well that’s SKY gone for me.
I have Spark Sport (don’t laugh, for Cricket) and after upgrading Apple TV, it’s fine.
But is there a Stream available for BSB in NZ?
Seems not.

Spark Sport is also showing all practice sessions and qualifying

SaferRides

20th March 2021, 04:49

Marquez has ridden a RC213V-S at Catalunya. I haven't seen anything on how that went, but I dont think Bradl will be on his bike for long this year.

SaferRides

20th March 2021, 04:54

It obviously went well because he's riding the same bike at Portimao!

BMWST?

22nd March 2021, 08:33

denill

22nd March 2021, 09:25

So what is the techies advice for a relative luddite with this streaming business.Will probably ditch sky sport and get Spark.They also have world rally champs.
We have an middle age "smart"(yeah right) tv.My knowledge of this technology is limited to laptops and chromecast.I havent looked but i think i saw something about an spark sport app for (probaly newer) smart tvs.?

Not a Techie. If you can get the Spark app on your TV, good.
If not, or also, get it on your Laptop and Chromecast it to your TV.
We had to upgrade our Apple TV (Chromcast equivalent) dongle as it was continuously buffering. A couple of hundred later, great.

pritch

22nd March 2021, 12:42

Not a Techie. If you can get the Spark app on your TV, good.
If not, or also, get it on your Laptop and Chromecast it to your TV.
We had to upgrade our Apple TV (Chromcast equivalent) dongle as it was continuously buffering. A couple of hundred later, great.

Also I'm not a techie but any device should do. A phone is a bit small but I watched the final America's Cup race on the (smallish) phone 'cause I was out at the time. A tablet would do. A PC would work but would be less comfortable/convenient.

Denill's comments re the Apple TV are a worry because mine is old. If it required any expenditure I'd just watch the GPs on a laptop. Most laptops will appear larger on your knee than does a 42" TV across the room. Some of the new bigger TVs may have changed that but the picture should still be an acceptable size...

BMWST?

22nd March 2021, 12:59

Most laptops will appear larger on your knee than does a 42" TV across the room.

probably true ,but not as comfy,and what do you do when the is a last corner overtake.....woops sorry about that laptop!

rustys

22nd March 2021, 13:50

Ahh shit, hmmm, decision time. Video pass or Spark sport?

Spark Sky Sport, is extra again.

pritch

23rd March 2021, 07:58

Spark Sky Sport, is extra again.

Sorry, what? As I understand it there is Spark Sport and there is SKY, two seperate entities.

No doubt I'll learn more in the next day or so when I sign up for Spark.

denill

23rd March 2021, 10:56

pritch

23rd March 2021, 11:47

Reckless

23rd March 2021, 11:48

My son has decided to pull out of his 1/2 of our Gp subscription so my 1/2 price Gp sub is now full price :(

I really like getting to know the riders and the banter and body language in the press conferences
Just wondering if we can still watch the post race and pre start conferences on Spark???

Autech

23rd March 2021, 14:58

I have taken another step into the great unknown and installed a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which makes my IPad appear to be in LA, thus allowing me to stream AMA SX and MX, plus, plus.
Anyone here using VPN?

I'm a network systems engineer for work so quite capable of doing a VPN of some sort, just can't be fucked lol.

As for the techie questions above, here's a list of their supported devices https://help.sparksport.co.nz/what-devices-can-i-watch-spark-sport-on.

If your TV is not on that list, buy a chromecast to get it working, essentially the chromecast just needs a HDMI input into your TV and you cast it from your phone or laptop to your TV. Simple as, stay away from Apple TV as it eats many dicks.

Reckless

23rd March 2021, 15:27

Cheers Autech
Was just trying to get a handle on what you actually get with Spark Sport probably only what's broadcast I imagine so assuming races only?
Which means id look to go with MotoGP sub so I get everything.
Might have to go 7 day trial with spark see what's there for the first GP.
If there is not enough get my own log in with GP and a new share partner lol
Cheers all looks like my updates will have to stop.

Oh BTW
MM not racing the first two Gp's doctors advice

Update finally found it races only with spark
Spark Sport is pleased to announce that we are the new and exclusive broadcast partner of MotoGP™ in New Zealand for the next 3 years.
This three-year agreement includes live broadcasting of each and every Grand Prix – including the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes – as well as on-demand action including:
Full race replays
A magazine show
Race highlights.

SaferRides

23rd March 2021, 21:23

Update finally found it races only with spark
Spark Sport is pleased to announce that we are the new and exclusive broadcast partner of MotoGP[emoji769] in New Zealand for the next 3 years.
This three-year agreement includes live broadcasting of each and every Grand Prix – including the Moto2[emoji769] and Moto3[emoji769] classes – as well as on-demand action including:
Full race replays
A magazine show
Race highlights.
There's a few videos there already, nothing too exciting yet. No coverage of the testing though.

Autech

24th March 2021, 09:49

denill

24th March 2021, 13:47

Hi
Yeah Ima do the same then work out which one to go for. How does it work with the share partner for motogp?
I'm guessing so long as you don't log in at the same time it's all good? I'd be happy to go halvsies with one of you fine gentleman if that's the case and just make sure we watch at different times.

348768

SPARK. Practice etc for all classes

pritch

24th March 2021, 20:15

Reckless

24th March 2021, 20:42

Ok so I signed up for my seven days trial. They mention you need a speed of at least 15mbps to view it properly. So I ran a speed check - 95mbps, should be OK then,
My Apple TV won't work cause it's too old and I'm not buying another one just for Spark, so I'll be watchng it on a lap top. Or use a cable? I hope I don't have to buy another cable, I've got loads of cables and some of them will be so old they don't even make the stuff they plugged in to anymore.

I loaded the app into the phone in case I'm away somewhere when something important is happening.

Now we wait and see.

Chrome cast pritch about 60 bucks
We have one on both tv's and use our cellphones to start it off then cast to the tv as long as you have an HDMI input.
Use that system for Motogp site, netflix and TV on demand.
Even though we have a smart tv they are to cumbersome, cellphone and cast is much quicker

My sons aerial blew down a year ago he uses chromecast for all tv.

SaferRides

25th March 2021, 01:45

Ok so I signed up for my seven days trial. They mention you need a speed of at least 15mbps to view it properly. So I ran a speed check - 95mbps, should be OK then,
My Apple TV won't work cause it's too old and I'm not buying another one just for Spark, so I'll be watchng it on a lap top. Or use a cable? I hope I don't have to buy another cable, I've got loads of cables and some of them will be so old they don't even make the stuff they plugged in to anymore.

I loaded the app into the phone in case I'm away somewhere when something important is happening.

Now we wait and see.My 10-year old Apple TV works well with Apple devices. I use an iPad, which I find better because of the large screen than using the Android phone with a Chromecast.

Only downside is I have to reboot the iPad occasionally when it stops casting.

pritch

25th March 2021, 08:35

My 10-year old Apple TV works well with Apple devices. I use an iPad, which I find better because of the large screen than using the Android phone with a Chromecast.

Only downside is I have to reboot the iPad occasionally when it stops casting.

Your Apple TV is a similar vintage to mine. The Spark website on the laptop doesn't give the option to use the TV. Using the iPhone app though it seems to work just fine, I'll install the app in an iPad just to have another option.

Thanks for that

Update:

The iPad works fine with the TV watching cricket so now all I need to work out is the on demand set up. I'll try that with the F2 tomorrow.

Oh, and the Moto GP coverage has highlites of the press conference.

jato

28th March 2021, 12:42

Testing the water with Spark Sport complete with 7 day trial (which looks like its part of the first month to me ).so far so good. Full credit to the old dog in qualifying - there's still some go in him ... Surely this year is Jack's chance . 360 kph from Zarco , yeeeha. I'll be setting the alarm and watching this one live... Go Jack

onearmedbandit

28th March 2021, 16:27

pritch

28th March 2021, 17:19

I am also trying the 7 day trial and more than happy with what it has offered so far. The biggie for me will be whether they have a no spoiler option as MotoGP.com did, not every race I can catch live.

Yep. Not sure about the no spoiler option. I had to seek out qulifying today and didn't see anything that might have given the game away. I can't watch the races first thing tomorrow so I'll have to remember to steer clear of news sources - including this thread. Got deliveries of timber and iron due first thing and appointments in town. Should be time to watch in the afternoon?

BMWST?

28th March 2021, 17:33

Ok so I signed up for my seven days trial. They mention you need a speed of at least 15mbps to view it properly. So I ran a speed check - 95mbps, should be OK then,
My Apple TV won't work cause it's too old and I'm not buying another one just for Spark, so I'll be watchng it on a lap top. Or use a cable? I hope I don't have to buy another cable, I've got loads of cables and some of them will be so old they don't even make the stuff they plugged in to anymore.

I loaded the app into the phone in case I'm away somewhere when something important is happening.

Now we wait and see.
also there is a package with spark that is spark sport AND sky sport 40 bucks i think

F5 Dave

28th March 2021, 17:54

Well I'd never considered rolling them up. Good GP food. Wondered what the thinner ones were for.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228649/lasagna-roll-ups-ii/

Reckless

28th March 2021, 21:24

Yep. Not sure about the no spoiler option. I had to seek out qulifying today and didn't see anything that might have given the game away. I can't watch the races first thing tomorrow so I'll have to remember to steer clear of news sources - including this thread. Got deliveries of timber and iron due first thing and appointments in town. Should be time to watch in the afternoon?

Me too! off all media till I've watched. Can't see anything on the app that would give the result away.
GP race it says it's 5:30 - 7am so almost a morning watch. I wonder if you can watch delayed or wait till after the finish?????
Although after 6 years away I'm back to my own Architecture business so could finally watch early morning.
Let us know if the delayed works?

F5 Dave

28th March 2021, 21:42

Mate that was fantastic with a small salad. Heaps left over.

Just need some racing to watch.

Reckless

29th March 2021, 08:29

Fantastic morning of racing all classes.
Up at 6am just made the start of Gp
You can Watch delayed or from the start on Spark.
No spoilers but a good way to launch the day and the season

pritch

29th March 2021, 13:15

Only seen the GP so far. Managed to keep the lap top on my knee despite that finish.

onearmedbandit

29th March 2021, 13:54

BMWST?

29th March 2021, 13:55

it is on demand right,so you can watch at any time afterwards??? Still deciding between spark and motgp sub

onearmedbandit

29th March 2021, 14:25

it is on demand right,so you can watch at any time afterwards??? Still deciding between spark and motgp sub

Yes on-demand is available, as is all the sessions, interviews, rider features, rider conferences, highlight sessions. And from some reports I received from friends overseas the MotoGP site was experiencing slow downs this morning.

jato

29th March 2021, 16:32

Happy with spark sport - seems to tick all the boxes here and not a big lump of money upfront like the video pass... wasn't the moto 3 frantic (as usual)

denill

29th March 2021, 16:36

Happy with spark sport - seems to tick all the boxes here and not a big lump of money upfront like the video pass... wasn't the moto 3 frantic (as usual)

Champagne racing. Glad for Vinales who I’ve rated way back in his Paris Hilton days.

Reckless

29th March 2021, 16:39

Wow what a race, that last lap was indeed the edge of the seat variety. The service provided by Spark was faultless, with that and access to sports like F2 with the 2 Kiwi's racing they will be getting my money.

Same decision here extra $80 bucks over MotoGP sub is worth it for Spark and its monthly so you can cancel anytime.
I like the F1, WRC and boxing.
I've been saying for years Sky should have done this. Let us get movies or sport individually. They've missed the boat me thinks.

BMWST?

29th March 2021, 17:06

i have plumped for 1 month of moto gp ,then i will try 7 days of spark sport and then decide.Will cast to tv with a chromecast,had one before seemed good.It seemed to disapear when the daughter went to aussie!

James Deuce

29th March 2021, 21:13

Champagne racing. Glad for Vinales who I’ve rated way back in his Paris Hilton days.
If for nothing more than staring lustfully down her top in every photo in the first set of PR photos for that team.

pritch

30th March 2021, 06:43

it is on demand right,so you can watch at any time afterwards??? Still deciding between spark and motgp sub

Not sure how long they keep it available. The screen would get very crowded by the end of the season. As long as the keep each race until the next one I'd be good with that.

Autech

30th March 2021, 13:44

Not sure how long they keep it available. The screen would get very crowded by the end of the season. As long as the keep each race until the next one I'd be good with that.30 days, I checked.
They also confirmed no spoilers will be there

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

SaferRides

30th March 2021, 13:54

30 days, I checked.
They also confirmed no spoilers will be there

Sent from my SM-G991B using TapatalkThat is one disadvantage compared to Videopass, where you can watch races whenever you like. I have kept a few races from previous seasons on the Mysky box, but you lose them every 2-3 years when the internal hard drive crashes.

pritch

30th March 2021, 18:16

Pramac racing seem very public spirited in offering assistance.

Reckless

30th March 2021, 21:27

Ducati
We soon discovered in the race that the HP advantage was partly bullshit
Because when they turned the wick down so they actually had enough fuel to complete the laps.
A lot of the other bikes could keep ahead or in their slipstream.
Mir simply screwed up that last corner.
They have more hp but not as much as testing showed.

roogazza

31st March 2021, 10:59

Dadpole

31st March 2021, 12:22

Think I'll just wait a week and watch tv3 highlights on Sundays !!! :msn-wink::rolleyes:

signed old and grumpy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

But you will miss the best racing on the planet - Moto3,,, :wings:

F5 Dave

31st March 2021, 12:52

It does seem like a lot of artificial constraints stop the riders just fang it out their hardest. Zarco seemed to have the legs of the Dookatis but it could have just been fuel saving.

The tyres issue, well it looked like Jack was hanging back being cool biding his time, but when he finally got passed by soozooki no.2 he pulled the pin and started moving up again. He had the speed up his belt. For about 2 laps and dropped badly. Too soon grasshopper.

denill

31st March 2021, 13:11

I was thinking over the weekend (I do it often !) I don't think anyone loved GP's any more than me for years? Travelled to races for 15 years.
But always been a Sky user !
When I read the results for the first GP I thought nah, I'm over waiting up for races
Same old same old, nursing the bikes around like Dovi hoping the tyres will last !

Think I'll just wait a week and watch tv3 highlights on Sundays !!! :msn-wink::rolleyes:

signed old and grumpy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hey Gaz, Spark Sport is a pretty good option to view, being on demand. And as you know well, SKY has never been a good friend to Motorcycle Sport, so good uppance to them.
You know you will have to watch the dramas unfold........

SaferRides

31st March 2021, 13:34

I was thinking over the weekend (I do it often !) I don't think anyone loved GP's any more than me for years? Travelled to races for 15 years.
But always been a Sky user !
When I read the results for the first GP I thought nah, I'm over waiting up for races
Same old same old, nursing the bikes around like Dovi hoping the tyres will last !

Think I'll just wait a week and watch tv3 highlights on Sundays !!! :msn-wink::rolleyes:

signed old and grumpy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The difference is that Dovi is the king of tyre management and the current Duc riders, especially Bagnaia, have a way to go.

Weird how Vinales could go hard for so long but then the other Yamaha riders had the usual problems. He'll probably be outside the top 10 next weekend!

roogazza

31st March 2021, 14:28

Hey Gaz, Spark Sport is a pretty good option to view, being on demand. And as you know well, SKY has never been a good friend to Motorcycle Sport, so good uppance to them.
You know you will have to watch the dramas unfold........

yeah cheers mate, WSB is the other thing to think about I suppose? Spark got WSB ?

Mum asked last week if I want Sky sport back on, I got her to delete it last year !
(she does all that sort of stuff and pays the Bills hahaha).

Been lovin the Summer weather and fangin around on the beast, usually twice a week! Oh and there's Trackday Saturday at the Minefeild. lol.

Autech

31st March 2021, 15:23

The difference is that Dovi is the king of tyre management and the current Duc riders, especially Bagnaia, have a way to go.

Weird how Vinales could go hard for so long but then the other Yamaha riders had the usual problems. He'll probably be outside the top 10 next weekend!

For all Mavericks faults on the Yamaha, keeping the Tyres lasting was never one of him, I'd bet if you looked at the 2nd half of the race times from the past few years only Mav would have won every race.

I must say having watched Jack Miller nurse the tyres then lose them suddenly after a few laps pushing makes me wonder if this is more a Michelin thing than a rider thing, I've enjoyed the racing over the past few years but I must say I'm getting sick of the riders having issues making them work for them, I'd rather see them lick the stamp and send it for 18 laps like the days of old.

pritch

31st March 2021, 15:26

yeah cheers mate, WSB is the other thing to think about I suppose? Spark got WSB ?

Mum asked last week if I want Sky sport back on, I got her to delete it last year !
(she does all that sort of stuff and pays the Bills hahaha).

Been lovin the Summer weather and fangin around on the beast, usually twice a week! Oh and there's Trackday Saturday at the Minefeild. lol.

Spark may not have WSBK but it is only $25.00 which is a lot less than SKY. I was going to ditch SKY but am due for surgery next month ('nutha bionic knee) which will mean I'll mostly be stuck inside for a week or three. Cancelling SKY now might be counter productive.

denill

31st March 2021, 15:52

yeah cheers mate, WSB is the other thing to think about I suppose? Spark got WSB ?

Mum asked last week if I want Sky sport back on, I got her to delete it last year !
(she does all that sort of stuff and pays the Bills hahaha).

Been lovin the Summer weather and fangin around on the beast, usually twice a week! Oh and there's Trackday Saturday at the Minefeild. lol.

Streaming is the way forward now GAZ and cost wise probably more cost efficient than SKY.

https://secure.worldsbk.com/en/subscribe

denill

31st March 2021, 15:56

Streaming is the way forward now GAZ and cost wise probably more cost efficient than SKY.

https://secure.worldsbk.com/en/subscribe

I am tossing up between getting WSBK and BSB. Probably go for BSB.

roogazza

31st March 2021, 17:41

Spark may not have WSBK but it is only $25.00 which is a lot less than SKY. I was going to ditch SKY but am due for surgery next month ('nutha bionic knee) which will mean I'll mostly be stuck inside for a week or three. Cancelling SKY now might be counter productive.

Streaming is the way forward now GAZ and cost wise probably more cost efficient than SKY.

https://secure.worldsbk.com/en/subscribe

Yeah guys , I think mum pays Sky about $120 odd a month ??? when she cancelled the sport it was worth I think $33 !!!!!!!

Good luck with the knee pritch..... Prednizone is keeping me riding ! (have it for Crohns, so its a side benefit?).

Ciao Ben.

BMWST?

31st March 2021, 18:36

SaferRides

31st March 2021, 21:14

look at getting sky sport through spark.i think it is slightly cheaper to combine them on sparkI had a look, it's $50 per month for both. You can get a discount if you have the right account with Spark.

I was paying about $55 a month for Sky Sport and their starter package.

steveyb

1st April 2021, 14:22

Oiliviera and Binder not happy with Michelin, suggesting their tyres are a bit shite and not what they were promised.
Maybe there is something in this tyre problem business.

Thinking about the fuel management for Ducati. Clearly they can test this in the testing programme, but racing is racing, so only really know the consumption when in race mode. I would suggest that Race 1 was in conservative mode so as to get to the end in the best shape possible, and that as they gain more knowledge they will be allowed Mapping 'Go Fast' for more laps.

Once again we are seeing the benefits of Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and CEV Repsol Junior World Championship for rider development.
The list of ex-Rookies in all classes is very long now.

I wonder if there are any Kiwi's in Rookies Cup? :lol:

And we experienced the Motogp.com slowdown. Was extremely frustrating. Bloody internets eh?

pritch

2nd April 2021, 08:42

Maybe there is something in this tyre problem business.

Rossi said some years ago that it's possible to beat a guy with a more powerful bike, but if someone has better tyres there's nothing you can do.

Now they've all got the same tyres, but each new variation in tyre design will suit some teams better than others.

BMWST?

2nd April 2021, 11:45

Rossi said some years ago that it's possible to beat a guy with a more powerful bike, but if someone has better tyres there's nothing you can do.

Now they've all got the same tyres, but each new variation in tyre design will suit some teams better than others.

i dont know how they manufacture them but there seems to be some consistency issues.There have been cases where one tyre just does perform like its immediate predessor

roogazza

2nd April 2021, 13:30

i dont know how they manufacture them but there seems to be some consistency issues.There have been cases where one tyre just does perform like its immediate predessor

I've been pointing a finger at Michelin for well over a year ! <_< :shifty: :confused: :rolleyes:

Make it open to all ,or ask Bridgestone if they want another crack ?
Too late for this Season tho.

F5 Dave

2nd April 2021, 13:56

Shinko and maxxis for the win :first:

Reckless

2nd April 2021, 17:55

I read that the Michilin soft is the only option as the carcass on the medium simply doesnt work.
the complaint was get the Medium to work so they have that option.
That I understand is the issue.

Autech

2nd April 2021, 20:05

Oiliviera and Binder not happy with Michelin, suggesting their tyres are a bit shite and not what they were promised.
Maybe there is something in this tyre problem business.

Thinking about the fuel management for Ducati. Clearly they can test this in the testing programme, but racing is racing, so only really know the consumption when in race mode. I would suggest that Race 1 was in conservative mode so as to get to the end in the best shape possible, and that as they gain more knowledge they will be allowed Mapping 'Go Fast' for more laps.

Once again we are seeing the benefits of Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and CEV Repsol Junior World Championship for rider development.
The list of ex-Rookies in all classes is very long now.

I wonder if there are any Kiwi's in Rookies Cup? [emoji38]

And we experienced the Motogp.com slowdown. Was extremely frustrating. Bloody internets eh?Mr Bagshaw I presume?

And yeah Millers just did an interview as good as saying that it was Michelin that phucked his race. I do wonder how the Dunlops would have done with these electronics and power though, it's getting a tad crazy now

Wonder who will win the gamble this weekend?

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onearmedbandit

4th April 2021, 13:40

Wow what a qualifying session that was. One JM very happy, the other JM not so much.

pritch

4th April 2021, 13:42

A chunk of the Moto 3 field is starting from pit lane. Do they set up another grid in pit lane?

Rossi is starting from 21st on the grid. That's the furthest back he's been since Giberneau dobbed him in for sweeping the track. He might as well sweep the track again they can only put him back one place.

There was something of a sandstorm at one point. Teams were coating the surfaces of the air intakes with grease to catch some of the sand before it entered the airbox. That's gotta be a concern with the iimits on the number of engines available.

mulletman

5th April 2021, 06:25

Bloody hell what a stunning GP !

Aaaaand
Pedro Acosta nice one man :first:

roogazza

5th April 2021, 11:38

Have just seen the 1st race (on Ch3 yesterday).
Pleasantly surprised with the Yam win, but man those Ducs are going to be hard to hold out at other tracks. Esp with the new young blood Duc have..
Any long straight or drag races out of very slow corners will make work hard for anyone not sat on a Ducati ?

Still hopeful the Petronas Yams can get up there. :(:corn:

pritch

5th April 2021, 12:22

Wow what a qualifying session that was. One JM very happy, the other JM not so much.

An entertaining race and I'm pleased for the rookie that after leading most of the way he at least made the podium. The Ducati team riders must be starting to look over their shoulders. If they're looking for the Pramac riders they'd be looking the wrong way.

When was the last time the old feller finished a race outside the points? I hope he can get things sorted 'cause this is getting sad.

Autech

5th April 2021, 19:23

Bloody hell what a stunning GP !

Aaaaand
Pedro Acosta nice one man :first:I never thought I'd see a better ride than Binders from last to first, but that topped it.

Miller v Mir:

I hope it wasn't intentional but you can't exactly say Mirs hit on Miller wasn't slightly intentional, he'd have known when he biffed it in there that Miller would close the line, Miller was lucky to stay on board.
I do understand the frustration of the Suzuki and Yamahas though, they need to be a bit rough else they'd never get through

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Dadpole

5th April 2021, 20:32

Miller v Mir incident carried more chance of injury than the handbags in the gravel during Moto3. That was embarrassing for both riders.

Autech

5th April 2021, 21:12

Miller v Mir incident carried more chance of injury than the handbags in the gravel during Moto3. That was embarrassing for both riders.That whole race was simply dangerous, I hope they have words with their riders about weaving on the straight as someones gunna get seriously injured

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onearmedbandit

5th April 2021, 21:58

Pedro Acosta nice one man :first:

Amazing ride from a pit start! Looking forward to seeing him in action this year.

An entertaining race and I'm pleased for the rookie that after leading most of the way he at least made the podium. The Ducati team riders must be starting to look over their shoulders. If they're looking for the Pramac riders they'd be looking the wrong way.

When was the last time the old feller finished a race outside the points? I hope he can get things sorted 'cause this is getting sad.

It was a great race, highly entertainig. With 3 laps to go a friends $10 bet on Martin at 278 to 1 looked like it was going to pay off handsomely. Rapt to see him get a podium too. Unfortunately I have to agree about Rossi, hopefully they can find the speed he needs.

That whole race was simply dangerous, I hope they have words with their riders about weaving on the straight as someones gunna get seriously injured

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The whole race was dangerous? In my opinion the weaving adds to the battle. Sure the collision between Mir and Miller was at the extreme but I certainly don't want the riders being told to not weave and move on the straights.

Autech

5th April 2021, 22:46

Amazing ride from a pit start! Looking forward to seeing him in action this year.

It was a great race, highly entertainig. With 3 laps to go a friends $10 bet on Martin at 278 to 1 looked like it was going to pay off handsomely. Rapt to see him get a podium too. Unfortunately I have to agree about Rossi, hopefully they can find the speed he needs.

The whole race was dangerous? In my opinion the weaving adds to the battle. Sure the collision between Mir and Miller was at the extreme but I certainly don't want the riders being told to not weave and move on the straights.Sorry I meant the moto3 race, Motogp was all goods but Moto3 had some hairy as fohk moments with guys being run onto the astro turf metres off the pit wall, being hit mid straight etc...

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onearmedbandit

5th April 2021, 23:10

Sorry I meant the moto3 race, Motogp was all goods but Moto3 had some hairy as fohk moments with guys being run onto the astro turf metres off the pit wall, being hit mid straight etc...

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Ah gotcha, my bad. And yeah the Moto3 race was a mixture of hair-raising and damn dangerous.

steveyb

9th April 2021, 19:26

348852

Cormac Racing at Portimao getting all the 2021 Rookies Cup gear and his bike.

onearmedbandit

9th April 2021, 21:00

That's fantastic, cheers for sharing.

Autech

10th April 2021, 10:27

Sweet!
Looks like an awesome track.

Is that an Aussie flag on the wheel guard though?

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ellipsis

10th April 2021, 11:13

...love this...person who sent me this thinks that three weeks in Qatar without whiskey may have had some bearing on this behaviour from McPhee :laugh:

https://youtu.be/B3EguGbf3nc

pritch

10th April 2021, 20:24

Marquez has been given the green light, he has been cleared to race at Portimau. That might upset some plans?

onearmedbandit

10th April 2021, 20:31

Best news in ages. Be good to see him back on track, will most definitely rock the boat.

Kendog

10th April 2021, 22:16

Marquez has been given the green light, he has been cleared to race at Portimau. That might upset some plans?

Sweet.
This is going to be really interesting.

jim.cox

11th April 2021, 06:58

For those of us plebs who can't afford fan-passes or subscription TV, it may be worth noting that race highlights are starting free-to-air

TV3 3:30 today (11/4/21)

Reckless

13th April 2021, 17:29

Sitting impatiently to see what Dovi thinks of the RS-GP :brick::crazy::facepalm:
I think Aleix with him could bring that bike further up as a team.

Just imagine if we could have MM and Dovi back in the seat for the next GP :crazy: :scooter:

Tyre's: Michelin have got to do better its looking like only one tyre worked at his last track "the soft" and if your bike didnt suit it you where stuffed.

Whats the bets on MM.
I reckon a feeling out GP but knowing him he will be caning it he knows no other way.

Rossi- personally if he can fade out like you rise up the ranks when starting. Like around top 10 go for it!
Slipping slowly out that's fair enough. I don't agree with having to quit if you cant win if your enjoying your racing.
But if he's down at 3rd to last - time to retire and treat the rest of the year as a calibration of his time in GP racing.

Comments boys this thread has been far to quiet.

Dadpole

13th April 2021, 19:01

yre's: Michelin have got to do better its looking like only one tyre worked at his last track "the soft" and if your bike didnt suit it you where stuffed.

Swings and roundabouts. The winner was on the same tyre as the others.
The whole rational of the Michelin change was to slow the bikes and get closer racing. The slowing part worked for a while anyway.

A good article by Mat Oxley here. https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/whats-up-with-michelins-motogp-tyres-part-1

Autech

14th April 2021, 11:00

I think ultimately we're at a point with tyres that the bikes are just too powerful, they only way I see to improve it is to bring back the factory electronics, which would fuck the sat teams again... So status quo is fine for me I guess.

Pics for this weekend:

Miguel is gunna come out swinging, he dominated last year but I think most the riders won't have liked that so would have added that track to their training list over the break and gone and put in some more laps there perhaps negating his local advantage a bit

Brad Binder, crashed out last year so we never got to see his form, looked good in practice though so maybe he'll show his stuff and give Olivera a run

Jack Miller, was a close 2nd to Olivera last year and with more laps under his belt might be good to go, hard to say what his form will be like this year though as the last 2 races have been a bit weird.

Throw in a newly returned Marquez, a Pol Espagaro who's looking good on the Honda, a hungry factory Yamaha team and once again I have no fucking idea who's going to win this weekend.

Bring it on.

F5 Dave

14th April 2021, 13:01

Autech

14th April 2021, 14:46

Think it was Clifford who suggested, hold on, maybe it was Webb, 4 gears. That would limit power and favour spread.
Then reintroduce 500 2T with 6 gears free tyres and electronics so at least us closed minded bigots could get boners over the sound. :Punk:

500cc 2t you say? Why stop at 500cc, I want full prototype 1000cc 2t GP bikes, might need to strap the riders to them and fit wheelie bars though :blink:

Dadpole

14th April 2021, 14:54

once again I have no fucking idea who's going to win this weekend.

I'm with Autech....

F5 Dave

14th April 2021, 19:07

Spencer .

.

SaferRides

14th April 2021, 22:23

I'm with Autech....
I'd say the last bloke to win it has a decent chance. But I have no idea what Marquez might do.

ellipsis

14th April 2021, 23:46

,,,no one has any idea of what could happen...all conjecture and wishes!..the tyres and the mindset will prevail...nothing else will prevail...broken engines and brakes make plans alter radically too...looking forward to more surprises...or not...

Autech

15th April 2021, 10:20

Lets all agree that the winner on the day will be racing... :D

SaferRides

17th April 2021, 09:44

I think we got the answer we all expected on his final lap in FP2. Then he says the front end is still a problem!

mulletman

17th April 2021, 11:23

I think we got the answer we all expected on his final lap in FP2. Then he says the front end is still a problem!

Yes that was spectacular alright, lets see if his arm can last the weekend - hope so

Reckless

18th April 2021, 15:55

qually Wow just Wow :clap:
Trying not to spoil it

Good to see MM in the mix not way out front. They got some front end issues with that bike and he ain't scared that's for sure.

I think the right Qually result was achieved thanks to the yellow flag as I'd hate to see them turn the wick up for every qually and not be able to do it because of fuel for the race.
Amazing lap tho great rider :)

I'm almost thinking they getting to fast for those drop offs so close to the braking zones at that track = some wicked crashes.

Rossi: If he is near last again this race maybe the valiant thing to do would be to swap his 2021 Factory bike with Franco and treat the rest of the season as a final celebration.

rustys

18th April 2021, 16:17

Hi guys, Sky Sport has 3hrs very good coverage of ASB on today, channel 56.

Autech

18th April 2021, 20:16

So excite I think I'm gunna watch it live tonight

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SPman

19th April 2021, 01:02

Marquez - fastest Honda after that career ending injury - how good is this guy....?

onearmedbandit

19th April 2021, 01:19

Was an impressive performance without a doubt. Takaa did well on the LCR too after getting biffed off at 250km/h two days earlier. Pecco was hard done in Q2 but rules are rules, mighty display from him coming from 11th to 2nd. What the heck happened to MV??

Reckless

19th April 2021, 12:24

What the heck happened to MV??

Same thing as last year replay showed MV fucked up the start then took a few laps to get his head right. He was very hard done by in qually with the yellow flags tho :eek:

Quite impressed with the way Spark sport has things set up menus, live, or from the beginning buttons and casting is seamless :)

Best ride of the day Pecco
but you gotta say THE Most impressive was FQ :) From Race simulation in Practice then Qually and to the race FQ rider of the event :Punk:

On a parting note there was a hell of a lot of front end washouts at speed for what looked like not a lot of reason.
Not sure I'd be choosing Michelin for any of my bikes road or track :rolleyes:

pritch

19th April 2021, 13:09

Not sure I'd be choosing Michelin for any of my bikes road or track :rolleyes:

My most recent tyre purchase was a Michelin front. No worries. If we could push tyres as hard as those guys, we'd be in the action instead of watching it on TV.

onearmedbandit

19th April 2021, 13:18

Same thing as last year replay showed MV fucked up the start then took a few laps to get his head right. He was very hard done by in qually with the yellow flags tho :eek:

Not a few laps, he was still in the high 1:40's low 41's halfway through the race.

denill

19th April 2021, 15:16

Anyone know why Binder got a pit lane start?

merv

19th April 2021, 15:42

Anyone know why Binder got a pit lane start?

I presume you are talking about Darryn Binder in Moto3 and not Brad Binder in MotoGP? On Crash it says "

John McPhee began the race from pitlane, with a 10-second delay, for fighting with Jeremy Alcoba after he was taken out by the Spaniard's bike in Qatar. Alcoba had a similar penalty for retaliating, but with a 5-second delay.Two other riders also joined them in pitlane after new penalties: Darryn Binder and Tech3's Deniz Oncu (+5sec), both for 'riding slowly and disturbing other riders' during Qualifying 2.

https://www.crash.net/motogp/results/975719/1/portimao-moto3-grand-prix-portugal-race-results

denill

19th April 2021, 16:26

I presume you are talking about Darryn Binder in Moto3 and not Brad Binder in MotoGP? On Crash it says "

John McPhee began the race from pitlane, with a 10-second delay, for fighting with Jeremy Alcoba after he was taken out by the Spaniard's bike in Qatar. Alcoba had a similar penalty for retaliating, but with a 5-second delay.Two other riders also joined them in pitlane after new penalties: Darryn Binder and Tech3's Deniz Oncu (+5sec), both for 'riding slowly and disturbing other riders' during Qualifying 2.

https://www.crash.net/motogp/results/975719/1/portimao-moto3-grand-prix-portugal-race-results

Thanks Merv

jim.cox

19th April 2021, 17:09

TV3's on-demand platform ( threenow.co.nz ) has the highlight packages as broadcast on Sunday afternoon CRC-Motorsport

They seem to go up immediately as broadcast and then hang-around for a bit.

Round two is the latest and round one is still available now https://www.threenow.co.nz/shows/crc---moto-gp/S2180-812

You need to login :( but its free :)

Autech

20th April 2021, 10:00

Epic race, sad to see Miller bin it again, I think he'll need half a season to get his head screwed back on and deal with the factory pressure, lets hope Gigi gives him that courtesy and doesn't fire him off that seat as fast as his bum touched it, they should have learned their lesson with the Lorenzo saga though...

On that front, I can't help but draw comparisons tween the way Bags rides the Duke and Lorenzo, he really gets that thing to turn well. Still a bit up and down with his pace but it will come, Ducati are well overdue a title and I still think he and Miller are their best shots. Failing that they got Martin as a fall back.

It was apparent how much Marquez was struggling with strength almost immediately, he was still riding the wheels off the bitch but was glad to see him drop back as he was a bit loose. So weird to see him on the circuit again after so long, I was like oh yeah thats the guy that used to dominate. Then got to see him and Binder both abusing the front end in the same shot, was poetry!

Another great run by the Aprilia too, I'd say a podium is on the cards this year, well earned one too.

Anyone know what happened to Pol?

Final thoughts, it appears that the Yamaha is one fohking good bike this year, looks like the pendulum is swinging their way again after some time apart, Fabio is pure class too and if they can tuck Morbidelli onto the seat across from him they'll be rocking :Punk:

I'll hold off discussing the moto3 race till mid week to ensure everyones watched it.

steveyb

20th April 2021, 15:32

Was not happy that Acosta was not penalised for his off-track excursion. He didn't slow down or give up position at all.
What's fair is fair.
Peccos indiscretion was nothing in comparison.

SPman

20th April 2021, 22:29

On a parting note there was a hell of a lot of front end washouts at speed for what looked like not a lot of reason.
Not sure I'd be choosing Michelin for any of my bikes road or track :rolleyes:

Apparently Zarco's bin was a gearbox problem - it picked a gear it aughtn't have done in the corner.......
Acosta may well be one to watch......

Autech

21st April 2021, 09:38

Apparently Zarco's bin was a gearbox problem - it picked a gear it aughtn't have done in the corner.......
Acosta may well be one to watch......He's certainly hit the ground running, not seen a rookie be that good in moto3 straight away ever that I can think of.

He's got some excellent bike control too, that last corner was magic. That and how he was able to dive under brakes and still make the line, impressive stuff. Time will tell but he's already looking a sure thing for Motogp

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onearmedbandit

21st April 2021, 11:52

He's certainly hit the ground running, not seen a rookie be that good in moto3 straight away ever that I can think of.

I think from memory the commentators said he's out performed every rookie so far, including all the big names who have now progressed to MotoGP.

Autech

21st April 2021, 12:42

I think from memory the commentators said he's out performed every rookie so far, including all the big names who have now progressed to MotoGP.

Yeah it's something I've done some looking into in the past to judge alien status. The likes of Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Marquez, Rossi etc all took 2 or 3 seasons to start winning races and getting podiums, championships etc, granted they didn't have the red bull rookies feeder class at the time and it was 125ccs. Joan Mir took a few seasons too...

I just checked a few of the motogp riders and the most impressive rookie seasons were Vinales and Rins as they got wins and podiums straight away. Whole lot of factors at play there though like who had a good bike right away, Jack Miller, Brad Binder never did to begin with for example as they weren't Spanish or Italian so who knows what they'd have achieved.

What sets the aliens apart is when they switched to the 250s, moto2 motogp etc they all start winning straight away with not much adaption time.

One thing we can go off is Acostas skills on the bike, which seem to me like he's just got something more that the others he's up against in the first few races, bit like Marquez he's able to do things on a bike that the others in his class can't, so promising signs...

If he wins the championship first time out then he 100% would have done something not seen before.

Dadpole

21st April 2021, 13:04

denill

21st April 2021, 13:42

A tiny note of caution is the memory of Fenati. He came in with a second and (a 30 second gap) win is his first 2 races and it all went wrong from there. I hope we never see a repeat of that, but Acosta seems like he has the right attitude and the right team.
Meantime, I await the next race to see what he will do.

Yep, Fenati. When I first spotted him I would have put money on him becoming the major class WC. Lucky I don’t manage a team........

george formby

21st April 2021, 16:29

Yep, Fenati. When I first spotted him I would have put money on him becoming the major class WC. Lucky I don’t manage a team........

Interesting conversation. What was the name of the British rider a few seasons ago who seemed indomitable but ended up melting down? Never been heard of since.

Acosta is 16, I believe. Lets hope he has someone keeping his feet firmly on terra firma, the pressure in moto3 is already nuts 3 races in. It's becoming hard to watch.

Dadpole

21st April 2021, 16:37

Danny Kent may be the one you mean.

After all the years and disappointments, I still shout at Fenati to get up to the pointy end during a race. It must be like an abusive marriage where I know it is doomed but hang on for just one more race in the hope things will get better.

Autech

21st April 2021, 17:21

Interesting conversation. What was the name of the British rider a few seasons ago who seemed indomitable but ended up melting down? Never been heard of since.

Acosta is 16, I believe. Lets hope he has someone keeping his feet firmly on terra firma, the pressure in moto3 is already nuts 3 races in. It's becoming hard to watch.Difference was Kent took many seasons to win the title and only just got it once Olivera got a chasis upgrade to his KTM to give him a chance against Kents Honda.

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steveyb

21st April 2021, 17:57

Gotta say that some of Acostas 'bike control' is more in the 'fuck it, it will hold on' vein than great control.
That last pass at Portimao was a suck it and pray to god move.
That comes from sheer belief that the bike will do what he wants it to do, when he wants it to do it. So fair play to him.
Having the best team in Moto3 or MotoGP entirely, around you helps that. We have been communicating directly with his crew chief Albo about getting Cormac Racing into that team.
Fingers crossed. We will see.
We all gotta remember that Acosta has not come from racing in NZSBK. He has been racing in CEV JWC for two or three years already and also Rookies Cup of course. So even at 16, he is a well honed racing machine.

Just watched the Marquez return to the track short doco on MotoGP.com.
Very interesting move at 2min 55s ish, where he tucks his left foot right up under the bike, readying for left hand corner.
Interesting......

denill

21st April 2021, 20:24

Yep, Fenati. When I first spotted him I would have put money on him becoming the major class WC. Lucky I don’t manage a team........
Canet was another whiz kid in his early years, as was Vinales.