Qatar MotoGP

[denill]

With no comment from me :msn-wink: :msn-wink: about tyres.

Overall lap times Qatar MotoGP Official Test – Final day of two day test:

1. J. LORENZO, FIAT YAMAHA - 1'54.552 / 73

2. J. TOSELAND, TECH3 YAMAHA - 1'54.592 / 52

3. R. DE PUNIET, LCR HONDA MotoGP - 1'54.973 / 91

4. C. EDWARDS, TECH3 YAMAHA - 1'55.464 / 50

5. C. STONER, DUCATI MARLBORO - 1'55.485 / 31

6. A. DOVIZIOSO, JiR TEAM SCOT - 1'55.550 / 68

7. N. HAYDEN, REPSOL HONDA TEAM - 1'55.674 / 94

8. C. VERMEULEN, RIZLA SUZUKI - 1'56.119 / 73

9. A. DE ANGELIS, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI - 1'56.249 / 60

10. V. ROSSI, FIAT YAMAHA - 1'56.256 / 83

11. L. CAPIROSSI, RIZLA SUZUKI - 1'56.450 / 64

12. J. HOPKINS, KAWASAKI RACING - 1'56.612 / 55

13. D. PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA TEAM - 1'56.704 / 75

14. S. NAKANO, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI - 1'56.792 / 71

15. M. MELANDRI, DUCATI MARLBORO - 1'56.902 / 63

16. T. ELIAS, ALICE TEAM - 1'56.986 / 69

17. S. GUINTOLI, ALICE TEAM - 1'57.055 / 55

18. A. WEST, KAWASAKI RACING - 1'57.459 / 67

[Bikernereid]

Surprising results but happy for Toseland. Expected Rossi and Pedrosa to be higher on the list.

[pritch]

Expected Rossi and Pedrosa to be higher on the list.

It can depend what they're working on. Some might be using qualifying tyres, others race tyres etc etc etc

[denill]

It can depend what they're working on. Some might be using qualifying tyres, others race tyres etc etc etc

The Yamaha PR:
(Note that Val did not provide a quote?)

The following is from Yamaha...

Fiat Yamaha Team rookie Jorge Lorenzo proved he is more than ready for his MotoGP debut with an impressive display at the final pre-season test in Qatar tonight. The 20-year-old topped the time sheets on the second night of floodlit testing at the desert circuit, lapping half a second under the existing pole record on Michelin qualifying tyres.

Lorenzo, who was victorious in the 250cc race here last year, was also fast throughout the day on race tyres as he worked on refining the setting of his M1 in preparation for his competitive entry into the premier-class. His race simulation towards the end of the night’s work heralded impressive results before he tried out some qualifying tyres, setting his lap of 1’54.552 on his 73rd and final lap. His team-mate Valentino Rossi had a few issues to address meanwhile and finished the night in tenth place.

Jorge Lorenzo

Position: 1st Time: 1'54.552 Laps: 73

“I am very happy because we have done two days of testing with a very good rhythm throughout. Our performance has been consistent, which is very important after the trouble we had at the last test and this makes me confident for the first race. The race simulation today was really positive, although I think we still need to do some work on the rear of the bike which might allow us to be a bit faster. Despite all these positive signs we must keep our feet on the ground, because I have never raced with the other riders and the first race will be a new experience for me! Next week many things will be different so we must remain focused and hopefully maintain a good rhythm. I am happy because I think people understand now that I am ready for this, and this is very important for me and for my confidence. I do not have experience in MotoGP so I cannot say how this championship will turn out, but let’s say that without experience the winter tests were good and with some experience the championship might be even better

[roogazza]

Getting a few Yamahas up front in the tests Bill , can only get better for them when Vale gets serious ? Gaz.

[Deano]

Early days but it looks like the fresh blood are more than up to the task.

[steved]

It is also the first time that most (if not all) of them have ridden on a track under lights. Different riders will respond differently to it (e.g. Pedrosa with his normal moaning). It'll be very interesting to see the race. Can't wait!

[Wingnut]

Can guarentee it will be a different story come qualifying!!!

Shit its gonna be a good season - Still cant stand Lorenzo though - jumped up arrogant little gimp!! But man does he have talent!:yawn:

[Warr]

Dont see it mentioned here yet, but checking out the SKY site lookis like the raceing will be screened live at 5.55am Monday morning 10th

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/getVote.jsp?pn=rossi0229>SouperPoll:</A> Has Rossi Screwed Up?

Yamaha's MotoGP master Valentino Rossi finished the Qatar night test tenth-fastest and may be starting the '08 season on the back foot because of his switch to Bridgestone tires. His Michelin-shod teammate, meanwhile, finished Qatar fastest.

The question: Has Rossi screwed up by quickly switching to Bridgestone tires on the Yamaha?

Yes. 3134 votes (61.6%)

No. 1954 votes (38.4%)

Vote total: 5088

[roogazza]

Maybe Bill ? but I just can't imagine him changing without knowing something we don't and or just taking a punt ? G.

[denill]

Maybe Bill ? but I just can't imagine him changing without knowing something we don't and or just taking a punt ? G.

Did you vote on the <a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/getVote.jsp?pn=rossi0229>Poll:</a> Gaz?

Qatar is going to go some way towards revealing the wisdom of changing brands. Although it must be remembered that last year the Ducati blitzed the Yamaha on that track with it's sheer speed.
The benchmark of course is that the apprentice will be on Michellins!

Not too many sleeps now :laugh: :laugh:

[ElCoyote]

Maybe Bill ? but I just can't imagine him changing without knowing something we don't and or just taking a punt ? G.

Didn't he also cop flack for changing from Honda to Yamaha and look what happened there. He is a thinker. let's see.

Cheers

[denill]

About racing under lights Stoner said:
"The first impression is like playing on the videogame "Need for Speed"! It's definitely a lot different to what we're used to. It's not better or worse, just different. The most interesting thing is that with lower visibility, at least with regard to the imperfections on the track, you have to have more confidence than your instinct tells you to have. It's not a bad start though."

Sounds a bit scary to me? :whistle:

[roogazza]

Did you vote

Not too many sleeps now :laugh: :laugh:

I voted no mate ! I reckon I could find a poll that said, Helen Clark is a woman !! the answer to that is NO as well.... Gaz. :dodge:

[steved]

Didn't he also cop flack for changing from Honda to Yamaha and look what happened there. He is a thinker. let's see.

Cheers
I don't think you'll find too many people who would say that Rossi's first Yammie was better than the RC211V. The fact that the Yammie was slower just highlights how fantastic Rossi was riding those three seasons.

I think Rossi made an ego call with Bridgestone tires. He can't accept that Stoner beat him on rider ability so he blamed Michelin.

The Ducati isn't even very good. Look at what every other good rider has done on the 2007 and 2008 Ducati (so far). Watch everyone else ride a whole lot faster. Stoner has some magic with it that no-one else can figure out.

[Marknz]

The Ducati isn't even very good.

That's a huge statement! Can you explain how you come to that conclusion?

[ElCoyote]

I don't think you'll find too many people who would say that Rossi's first Yammie was better than the RC211V. The fact that the Yammie was slower just highlights how fantastic Rossi was riding those three seasons.

I think Rossi made an ego call with Bridgestone tires. He can't accept that Stoner beat him on rider ability so he blamed Michelin.

The Ducati isn't even very good. Look at what every other good rider has done on the 2007 and 2008 Ducati (so far). Watch everyone else ride a whole lot faster. Stoner has some magic with it that no-one else can figure out.
I think we are reading off the same page although I am assuming that after following Stoner for a season he would have seen a measureable difference. The year after joining Yamaha Rossi only lost to Haydn by falling in the last race of the year which indicates the fact that he was 10/10th and not on the fastest bike. Last year, the Ducati was clearly faster but had Rossi not had an engine blowup (Untried Pneumatic valve engine) and an off because he was on a slower bike (See previous) he would have taken the title.

This is not trying to deny Stoner his rightful title but I hope illustrates that Rossi is not afraid to make what others consider a backward move. Hopefully a move to Bridgestones will prove him right again.

I do not think the Qatar times are reflective of the potential of the better riders who are content to fox and test while the newbies are trying to set the world alight and make their mark. When the flag drops the bullshit stops.

I only hope for a safe series and a worthy champion, unlike F1 with it's spy allegations, a sulky Spaniard and Bernie's interference.

Cheers

Phil :apint:

[SlowHand]

That's what I thought, till I saw the bikes in action at Phillip Island.

I think that duc's a machine and a half. I can't quote the round etc, but when Capirossi stopped thinking about his lunch, and put the hammer down, he hauled. May even have been practice at PI..

I'm just grumpy hoppers joined the crappy gangreen gang.

[steved]

That's a huge statement! Can you explain how you come to that conclusion?
It's largely a feelings based statement so I admit to a large extent it is worthless.

I just can't understand what Stoner is doing on the Ducati to make it as fast as he makes it. No-one else can do anything with it. Other Ducati riders on identical equipment to Stoner, are absolutely miles off his pace. Further, they look hopeless and riding well short of the talent they had shown on previous bikes. I can't explain what Stoner is doing but whatever he is doing, it bloody works.

[denill]

I just can't understand what Stoner is doing on the Ducati to make it as fast as he makes it. No-one else can do anything with it. Other Ducati riders on identical equipment to Stoner, are absolutely miles off his pace. Further, they look hopeless and riding well short of the talent they had shown on previous bikes. I can't explain what Stoner is doing but whatever he is doing, it bloody works.

So is it going to be Stoner again in '08? :msn-wink:

I think so. Poor Gaz is backin a loser. :jerry:

[roogazza]

Not going by the poll sweet thing !!!! Gaz.

[madkeenandy]

It's largely a feelings based statement so I admit to a large extent it is worthless.

I just can't understand what Stoner is doing on the Ducati to make it as fast as he makes it. No-one else can do anything with it. Other Ducati riders on identical equipment to Stoner, are absolutely miles off his pace. Further, they look hopeless and riding well short of the talent they had shown on previous bikes. I can't explain what Stoner is doing but whatever he is doing, it bloody works.

i dunno maybe its an aussie thing.... way back at the final round of the 2006 season, Troy Bayliss rode the duke (990) and absolutely blitzed the field...
maybe Caparossi didn't suit it??? i dont know...(Melandri in this season = ???) what i do know is that it was still faster than the yamaha and often had the better tyres...

but changing the tyres won't nessecarily help rossi much, as he has no datat, blah blah blah, etc etc and michelin will have hopefully got their act together this year

should be a good season (as usual :) )

[BarryG]

I think Rossi's switch to Bridgestones was as much to keep him interested as anything else, a bit like going from Honda to Yamaha. I think he's at the stage where he needs a challenge, where he needs to make life a bit harder for himself, in a way. I'd think he's delighted at being a fly in the ointment of Yamaha/Michelin.
I suspect the Yam will still be a little down on speed on most of the others, but it's getting to be a pretty fine line between power and fuel consumption so there may be some trade-off at the end of a race. Mind you, nobody actually ran out of fuel last year, did they?
After looking at testing times, it's obvious that the tyre companies are working on compounds that will better suit anticipated temps and possible humidity of a night race, and we may not see that translate into other venues. A bit like Daytona - the teams reckon it's a one off race in a place that has no relevance to any other US tracks they go to. Qatar at night may be the same.
Roll on Saturday (or Sunday, really, they won't show the race till 6pm our time here).
Cheers
Barry

[denill]

I think Rossi's switch to Bridgestones was as much to keep him interested as anything else, a bit like going from Honda to Yamaha. I think he's at the stage where he needs a challenge, where he needs to make life a bit harder for himself, in a way. I'd think he's delighted at being a fly in the ointment of Yamaha/Michelin.

Normally agree with you Barrry, but not today. Val was totally pissed off to see Stoner running away from him every weekend. ;)

His move to Bridgestone was his answer to getting parity with Mrs Stoner's husband. :yes: :yes:

[Matt Bleck]

Starts at 5.55am Monday 10th March Sky Sport 3..... might pay to pull a sick day!

[BarryG]

'totally pissed off to see Stoner running away' - as was everyone else!
I can see why Vale wants to be on the same tyres as Stoner, for sure, he probably felt that Michelin had been resting on their laurels a bit too long on relying on him to get them world championships, and he felt they no longer appreciated him when they didn't (wouldn't or couldn't?) produce tyres consistent enough to match Bridgestone.
Throwing his Michelins out of the pram might backfire on him still, if they do manage to step it up just the bit they were missing last year. I reckon Pedrosa and Hayden will be his main opposition this year, apart from Stoner. He'll be mightily pissed if they beat him regularly, especially if he thinks it's their tyres!
Maybe the real answer will be Vale's tax problems over, and the appearance of a new girlfriend - tyres are just a red herring :niceone:
It's all good for us, at the end of the day.

Cheers
Barry

[SlowHand]

......
Maybe the real answer will be Vale's tax problems over, and the appearance of a new girlfriend - tyres are just a red herring :niceone:
It's all good for us, at the end of the day.

Cheers
Barry

Poor Uccio. Who dumped who? :buggerd:



:whistle:

[denill]

Poor Uccio. Who dumped who? :buggerd::whistle:


Michellins, now Uccio?? :mad:

[roogazza]

Michellins, now Uccio?? :mad:

Monday morning mate, and if you hear laughing , it'll be coming from Kapiti !
( no excuses, but I still doubt this night race will be plain sailing).. Gaz.

[denill]

Monday morning mate, and if you hear laughing , it'll be coming from Kapiti !
( no excuses, but I still doubt this night race will be plain sailing).. Gaz.

"no excuses, but I still doubt this night race will be plain sailing"
But that is an excuse. :bash:

The only sounds I expect to hear from Kapiti are mournful wailings. :clap: With more to come thuout the year.

[limbimtimwim]

I just watched some practise video from Qatar. The sparks that come off the bikes when they touch down is very cool.

Especially when Pedrosa decides to crash into Rossi. And then puts his arms up in the air to say "Rossi, WTF were you thinking?!?". But I can't see how it was Rossi's fault at all.

[denill]

Apart from Stoner - there's a few surprises here? :no: I dunno?

CommercialBank Grand Prix of Qatar
Second Session

1. Casey Stoner (Ducati), 1:55.442

2. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha), 1:55.453

3. James Toseland (Yamaha), 1:55.812

4. Colin Edwards (Yamaha), 1:55.942

5. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:55.963

6. Alex de Angelis (Honda), 1:56.120

7. Randy de Puniet (Honda) 1:56.234

8. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:56.279

9. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:56.395

10. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:56.922

[denill]

Quite different - for some?

Qatar - Saturday practice 3 - Results:

1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 55.186 secs
2. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 55.299 secs
3. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 55.598 secs
4. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 55.659 secs
5. Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 55.746 secs
6. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Scot Team (M) 1min 55.788 secs
7. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 55.902 secs
8. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 56.108 secs
9. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 56.371 secs
10. James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 56.467 secs
11. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 56.472 secs
12. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 56.516 secs
13. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 56.741 secs
14. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 56.789 secs
15. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 56.992 secs
16. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 57.658 secs
17. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 57.777 secs
18. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 57.800 secs

[Marknz]

Turn up for the books.

Final Qualifying sees three Yamahas on the front row, with Stoner 4th and Rossi 7th.

1. Lorenzo
2. Toseland
3. Edwards
4. Stoner
5. De Puniet
6. Hayden
7. Rossi

Kawasakis and Spezukis come somewhere after that rabble ;)

[denill]

Turn up for the books.

Final Qualifying sees three Yamahas on the front row, with Stoner 4th and Rossi 7th.

1. Lorenzo
2. Toseland
3. Edwards
4. Stoner
5. De Puniet
6. Hayden
7. Rossi

Kawasakis and Spezukis come somewhere after that rabble ;)

And in the top 10 - 6 Michellins & 4 Bridgestones :cool:

[denill]

Final Qualifying:

Pos. - Rider - Team - Time - Kph - Gap
1 Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Team 1'53.928 170.0
2 James Toseland Tech 3 Yamaha 1'54.182 169.62 0.254
3 Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 1'54.499 169.15 0.571
4 Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 1'54.733 168.81 0.805
5 Randy De Puniet LCR Honda 1'54.818 168.68 0.890
6 Nicky Hayden Repsol Honda Team 1'54.880 168.59 0.952
7 Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team 1'55.133 168.22 1.205
8 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 1'55.170 168.17 1.242
9 Andrea Dovizioso JiR Team Scot 1'55.185 168.15 1.257
10 John Hopkins Kawasaki Racing Team 1'55.263 168.03 1.335
11 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1'55.540 167.63 1.612
12 Alex De Angelis Team San Carlo Honda Gresini 1'55.692 167.41 1.764
13 Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1'56.070 166.87 2.142
14 Toni Elias Alice Team 1'56.251 166.61 2.323
15 Shinya Nakano Team San Carlo Honda Gresini 1'56.434 166.34 2.506
16 Marco Melandri Ducati Marlboro Team 1'56.730 165.92 2.802
17 Sylvain Guintoli Alice Team 1'57.198 165.26 3.270
18 Anthony West Kawasaki Racing Team 1'57.445 164.91 3.517

[NZsarge]

Holly crap! Lorenzo and Toseland ave come out firing! Will be interesting to see how they run during the course of the race mind...

[ElCoyote]

Holly crap! Lorenzo and Toseland ave come out firing! Will be interesting to see how they run during the course of the race mind...

The fat lady is only warming up her vocal chords............she is yet to sing:Oi:

[limbimtimwim]

The fat lady is only warming up her vocal chords............she is yet to sing:Oi:Like most fat people, she just farted. Like most ladies, she is covering up for it.

[ElCoyote]

Like most fat people, she just farted. Like most ladies, she is covering up for it.

Agreed, but watch Rossi, he has more cheek than a fat lady's arse
:soon:

[KS34]

GO SUZUKI!!!!:chase:

[R6_kid]

time for a snooze, been a while since i was up at 6am!

got the provisions out ready to go so it's a simple get out of bed, turn on the kettle and migrate to the couch!

[limbimtimwim]

Man, I wish I could take the morning off to watch it like you! I'm really looking forward to this season.

[denill]

Firstly - the gleeful anticipation of the first MotoGP of 2008 was tempered by the terrible and tragic events at Puke. Sobering indeed! RIP.

Life's not fair. :crybaby: :crybaby:

Race comments in another *spoiler* thread.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Doh, Ive just been downloading (taken 3 days) the torrent of the first round at qatar. I didnt look and got the eurosport coverage with commentary in Spanish. Doh.

Still, its motorbike racing so its quite easy with the onscreen graphics to work out whats going on.

Note to self: read the little bits describingt the file before hitting "download"

[Toast]

Nice race.

Toseland was aggressive, good to see a bit of mongrel in MotoGP. Pity the poor bastard getting destroyed on the straights though. Can't wait to see how he does with the new engine in a month or so.

Rossi looked good at times and set a fast lap early on but couldn't keep it up. The pace of the two out front was just too good and too consistent.

Can't wait for the next one.