Interested in MotoGP?

[merv]

Yep a good scrap would've been nice! Doubt your man will be headed off now mate!

He's one race win off Agostini's record for wins in the premier class of GP, and I always thought Ago was fantastic, but without question the Dr has had more respectable competition than Ago had for a few of the years he raced. So the boy is good :niceone:

[pritch]

Some hereabout were wondering if Rossi had erred in changing tyre brands - perhaps less so now?

Expect Michelin Tyre Technician to appear in an upcoming episode of "The Worlds Dirtiest Jobs" on Sky. :whistle:

Rather them than me.

[Cajun]

yeah seams whole yamaha team(edwards, tosland) whining about crap michelins, pedosa crying about how crap they are also.

So will we see more teams on bridgestone next year, does bridgestone want more teams, said end of last year they didn't want any new ones, but i think told very nicely to give rossi tires.

[svr]

Edwards and Toseland are getting spanked by Dovisioso (also on M), of course they're crying.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Edwards and Toseland are getting spanked by Dovisioso (also on M), of course they're crying.

Yeah wonder if he gets Haydens factory Honda next year? Looks like they may give it to Nakano though...although maybe he only got a factory bike to see how it goes on Bridgestones?

[svr]

Yeah wonder if he gets Haydens factory Honda next year? Looks like they may give it to Nakano though...although maybe he only got a factory bike to see how it goes on Bridgestones?

Honda will have to give Dovisioso a factory ride to keep him around I guess - no doubt he's in demand, currently fastest M rider wet or dry. Young'n'fast.

Then again he might get Stoners' ride aye Pete?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Honda will have to give Dovisioso a factory ride to keep him around I guess - no doubt he's in demand, currently fastest M rider wet or dry. Young'n'fast.

Then again he might get Stoners' ride aye Pete?

I think he's certainly proved his worth...and no...I don't think so!

[gav]

Yeah wonder if he gets Haydens factory Honda next year? Looks like they may give it to Nakano though...although maybe he only got a factory bike to see how it goes on Bridgestones?
No, the Eurosport commentators talked about this during one of the practice sessions. Nakano is doing testing duties as much as anything with the new spec bike. It will be the customer bike for next year. The reason Nakano was preferred was because he is Japanese, and its not so much favouring one of their own its more that Nakano can discuss with the Japanese technicians with out anything getting lost in translation. Dovi can barely speak English let alone Japanese. But does appear Dovi will be on the Repsol bike next year with Hayden on the Ducati, suppose to be an announcement from Hayden at Muegello.

[gav]

Also sounds like Yuki Takahashi, currently on the Scot Honda 250 will step up to MotoGP next year and take over Dovi's spot.

[magicfairy]

Sept issue twowheels magazine (Aus) has Casey Stoner have a real whinge about Rossi in his monthly column.

"..I'm very,very disappointed in the level in which he had to stoop to try and win the US GP at Laguna Seca"...

.."A couple of times Valentino had me to thank for staying on his bike"...

.."There is a point where there is aggression and there is a point where it becomes dirty.."

"..Watching Valentinos team after the race they were not as happy as they usually are after wins. They were quite subdued about it because they realised it wasn't right.."

"..Laguna Seca was the first time I've been disappointed the way someone was riding at the front of a MotoGP race. I have lost some respect for a great rider"

You get the drift. I suspect Casey might regret putting those words in print.

[skaz]

You get the drift. I suspect Casey might regret putting those words in print.

Shit yea, especially considering he stated in the press conference before brno that he over reacted after the race. Prety much every one, including Doohan and Swantz has said that it was hard but clean racing, the way it should be.

[racefactory]

That is a piss poor attitude from stoner.

Hmm.. where did i then hear that stoner said rossi's pace was too good and he just tried too hard to stay in the battle with him.

Rossi deserves this one- stoners machine is just too good...

[Benk]

Hard call to say Stoners machine is too good. If the Duc was too good then Melandri would be further up the order. I think Stoner deserves full crtedit for his ability to ride that thing, because nobody else can seem to. Look at Meladri's previous placings http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Melandri , certainly not a slow rider (although, past his prime).

Its a shame he threw his toys, but I think it says less about the race at Laguna Seca, and more about the mind games Rossi has been playing with him. I think Stoner is feeling quite threatened...

[Chrislost]

i think that stoner is a muppet.
He just grabs a handful and lets the traction control do it for him, Rossie on the other hand rolls on nicley, has less gas applied than stoner, but jumps ahead anyway coming out of the corners.

[NZsarge]

i think that stoner is a muppet.
He just grabs a handful and lets the traction control do it for him, Rossie on the other hand rolls on nicley, has less gas applied than stoner, but jumps ahead anyway coming out of the corners.

I think this is why the riders coming through from the 250cc ranks do as well as they do because of traction control.
Coming from a machine that does'nt have the raw power of a big capacity bike the traction control allows them to crack the throttle open but with the likes of Rossi coming from the evil 500cc era where if you did'nt finesse the throttle you ended up on your arse quick smart I guess he's carried this style through and has his traction control set up accordingly.
I've said it more than once, ditch traction control, go back to 990cc machines and introduce a control tyre.

[svr]

i think that stoner is a muppet

This is a joke right?

[roogazza]

Maybe he meant puppet ???? G.

[Crasherfromwayback]

i think that stoner is a muppet.
He just grabs a handful and lets the traction control do it for him, Rossie on the other hand rolls on nicley, has less gas applied than stoner, but jumps ahead anyway coming out of the corners.

Oh I see! It's that simple eh? Hell...maybe even I could be world champ then!!


This is a joke right?

Must be.

[johan]

Stoner and the team continues to improve the bike to stay competitive. Here's last weeks changes:

`We made a big change which would have taken away the element of what caused the crash in the race. We´ve been leaning this bike over a long way, always scraping the footpegs. We took out that factor by changing the setup and the overall geometry.

`Now we can ride more on the bigger part of the tyre, which is safer and should give us more feedback,´ added Stoner in his post-test analysis.

[Cleve]

I think this is why the riders coming through from the 250cc ranks do as well as they do because of traction control.
Coming from a machine that does'nt have the raw power of a big capacity bike the traction control allows them to crack the throttle open but with the likes of Rossi coming from the evil 500cc era where if you did'nt finesse the throttle you ended up on your arse quick smart I guess he's carried this style through and has his traction control set up accordingly.
I've said it more than once, ditch traction control, go back to 990cc machines and introduce a control tyre.

Oh that would explain Jorge's huge high sides then:innocent:...

[pritch]

Oh that would explain Jorge's huge high sides then:innocent:...

Not really but it does explain how he got to be so fast so soon. Then he had a set back and perhaps thereafter tried too hard.

The traction control has made a difference, riders going from 250 to 800s now seem to adapt faster than riders going from 125s to 250s.

[racefactory]

i think that stoner is a muppet.
He just grabs a handful and lets the traction control do it for him, Rossie on the other hand rolls on nicley, has less gas applied than stoner, but jumps ahead anyway coming out of the corners.

i agree with you man. he is a bit. I've seen that so many times now on the onboard camera- just wide open throttle straight away. that machine is too good.

I don't think i've ever seen stoner properly out brake someone... only passing on the straights with the monsterous power of that bike. the team manager even says it's probably 20ps more than anything else out there. Melandri is way past his day so you can't go bringing that argument in.

Not saying stoner is a bad rider though...

please, bring back the 2 strokes.

well, stoner will not be winning it this year...

[Ivan]

Serious if he can do it and make it work for him then be that

I know if I had traction control like them and all the other electronic aids id just slam it full throttle you know the bikes gonna take it so why not?

Stoner also if you watch is a very cunning rider and knows how to play with other riders especially that mind game of straight line power and cuases riders to make errors its great,

I think calling him a pillick is a bit harsh I mean at least he got there to that level ment he did something right not like computor typers who have never raced a bike in there life and try and pick faults in every rider,

I know what it is like I get it here at club level racing some twat who never goes on track yet is a big mouth talker and trys to tell me how to ride my bike,

[racefactory]

lol yeah i totally agree with that- respect to stoner, absolutely. The english crowd's attitude at donnington towards him was absolutely disgraceful. I agree he will really regret saying those things about Rossi though....

You just can't help but get the feeling his TC is so much more advanced then everyone elses with those wrist movements! That's all.

Wasn't it amazing to witness the turning point so far with pedrosa going down in the wet? That was a big moment. Poor guy....

I wish we had more of a ''leading pack'' this year though. I mean- it's just rossi/stoner fighting and that's it. Pedrosa is gone.

[gav]

i agree with you man. he is a bit. I've seen that so many times now on the onboard camera- just wide open throttle straight away. that machine is too good.

I don't think i've ever seen stoner properly out brake someone... only passing on the straights with the monsterous power of that bike. the team manager even says it's probably 20ps more than anything else out there. Melandri is way past his day so you can't go bringing that argument in.

Not saying stoner is a bad rider though...

please, bring back the 2 strokes.

well, stoner will not be winning it this year...
FFS Melandri is 25 years old!!! Hardly past it, you'd think he could just whack the throttle open too, aye! Same with Elias and Guintoli, just twist it open straight away, what are they playing at? :stupid:

[gav]

lol yeah i totally agree with that- respect to stoner, absolutely. The english crowd's attitude at donnington towards him was absolutely disgraceful. I agree he will really regret saying those things about Rossi though....

And do you know why the British crowd boo Stoner, not just this year but last as well?

[gav]

Not really but it does explain how he got to be so fast so soon. Then he had a set back and perhaps thereafter tried too hard.

The traction control has made a difference, riders going from 250 to 800s now seem to adapt faster than riders going from 125s to 250s.
How about Max Biaggi going from a 250 to an evil snarling 500cc two stroke, with no traction control etc? How did he do first up?

[Kendog]

Rossi was an atheist, until he realised he was god!

[racefactory]

And do you know why the British crowd boo Stoner, not just this year but last as well?

I thought it was because the english are so into Rossi and stoner winning on the better bike... but i realise that's not all there is to it...

why was that?

[roogazza]

You just can't help but get the feeling his TC is so much more advanced then everyone elses with those wrist movements! That's all.
[/QUOTE]

You'd have to believe that is the case. Everyone is saying the Duc is hard to ride and very different ?
Maybe its just so hard to get the head around having the electronics do everything for you ?
Imagine having the guts to nail it and to trust the electronics ?!!!! Gaz.

[roogazza]

I know what it is like I get it here at club level racing some twat who never goes on track yet is a big mouth talker and trys to tell me how to ride my bike,

Whats the matter Ivan, they picking on you ?

Maybe you are getting better and they feel a bit threatened, welcome to road racing ! gaz.

[enigma51]

but i realise that's not all there is to it...

why was that?

They are poms what other reason can there be?

[gav]

I thought it was because the english are so into Rossi and stoner winning on the better bike... but i realise that's not all there is to it...

why was that?
Nope, you heard of the Day of Champions that Donington runs before the GP? Most the GP riders are there and they auction stuff off for charity, Riders for Health etc. Seems Stoner hasn't been too popular with the crowd, refusing to sign autographs etc. This carried over to them booing him on the podium last year. Apparently this year he wasn't much better and didn't spend alot of time with the crowd either.

[svr]

Stoner, at 22, is reigning MotoGP world champion and at the absolute peak of the sport. Show some respect! Anyone that knocks his riding ability clearly has no idea. Think laying a 220hp motogp bike on its ear and `whacking open the gas' doesn't take 1. Balls 2. Self belief 3. Ability to optimize traction control setup 4. Skill ??
With Pedrosa out and Dovisioso `a year off', If it wasn't for Stoner taking on (and consistently beating) Rossi, the worlds greatest ever motorcycle racer, there would be no challenger and you knockers would be bitching about how boring it all is.
Thank god for Stoner.

[Cajun]

Though this was a good write up


In his 500cc/MotoGP career, Valentino Rossi has had three great rivals: Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and now Casey Stoner. Getting beaten by a rider who isn't a long-term threat for a title doesn't bother him, he joins in the back-slapping and doesn't waste ammunition. Tiger Woods is exactly the same. When a one-hit wonder wins a tournament he's full of bonhomie, but not when the world number two triumphs. Rossi's attitude to and analysis of his three challengers is illuminating.

Max he characterizes as strong on a two-stroke but 'not a lot of problem' on a four-stroke. However, Biaggi had 'strong media power' and in the beginning that caused a few problems with the Italian press.

Gibernau, says Vale, was 'faster than Max and good on a four-stroke.' Sete's problem was that got too wound up before a race and arrived with "too much emotion and aggression, so he make mistakes.'

And Sete as a person? "At the start I think I like him, then I get to know him and decide I don't like him. But, you put Max's head on Sete..."

Which brings us to Stoner. "He is very, very fast, especially at the limit. He knows it and uses it—you need a great feeling for that.'

And Casey's ability to ride the Ducati that no-one else can master? Valentino spreads the fingers on both hands then brings them together so they interlock: "Perfect fit."

"However, he knows he is the best and therefore does not respect his rivals; I have to give him a problem."

I think it is safe to say that Valentino has done just that.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/080828rn.htm

[roogazza]

Thanks Cajun, he's a great champion isn't he. I can't wait to see what Sunday night brings with the next round and whether Stoner can come back. Gaz.

[racefactory]

Nope, you heard of the Day of Champions that Donington runs before the GP? Most the GP riders are there and they auction stuff off for charity, Riders for Health etc. Seems Stoner hasn't been too popular with the crowd, refusing to sign autographs etc. This carried over to them booing him on the podium last year. Apparently this year he wasn't much better and didn't spend alot of time with the crowd either.

Oh ok, what's his problem then? I'd probably boo him for that if i was there too! Fair enough.

[NZsarge]

Thanks Cajun, he's a great champion isn't he. I can't wait to see what Sunday night brings with the next round and whether Stoner can come back. Gaz.

Ditto, undoubtedly he'll come back but if nothing untoward happens to Rossi or his machine it seems a come back this season is gonna be too little too late.
I reckon it would be great to see Rossi celebrate another champion title win so fingers crossed.

[wharfy]

Most of these guys in MotoGP are still just boys so they do and say dumb things sometimes.
Anyone who throws their leg over a 250 hp bike and rides it even close to its limits is a f&*kn GREAT rider.
The ones who consistently win championships are f*&kn,f*&kn,f*&kn,f*&kn, GREAT riders.
Some of them may be good guys - and some may be tossers, and some complete pricks, but even the slowest is at a level that is far beyond most of us KB'ers.

However we shouldn't let that spoil our fun and everyone should have a favorite to cheer for.

Mine is Rossi - I would like him to win again just to confirm he is possibly the best bike racer ever.
I would love to see him race live, just so I could remember it, like the time I saw Colin Meads lead the All blacks to victory at Eden Park

Having been a mediocre rugby player and being a mediocre bike racer it is very cool to see the giants of either sport in action. (Oh if you don't know who Colin Meads is - google him - All black No. 583 ) :Offtopic: maybe :whocares:

Stoner is, to quote Barry Crump, a "Bastardus whippersnappersus" - a young bastard but he will grow out of it and if he is lucky will take over from Rossi sooner or later. I hope they are both lucky enough to become "old bastards" like me :rolleyes:

[svr]

For a 22 yr old Stoner is pretty polite and well spoken!
It is refreshing when sports stars actually say what they think every now and again...

[TonyB]

I seriously wonder how anyone can watch Stoner ride and then say he's only at the front because he's on the best bike. He is constantly correcting front end slides, mid corner wobbles and riding right on the limit. There was one wet race where the front tucked noticeably at high speed- he just gathered it up and carried on.... and did it again the next lap. That takes serious skill, not to mention balls the size of texas.

I'll admit that watching the on screen telemetry from his bike, it looks like he just whacks the throttle fully open and lets the traction control sort it out, but then the same telemetry also shows him pulling the brake lever ALL the way in whenever he's on the brakes. Maybe the telemetry setup for the TV footage is wrong? I wouldn't mind betting that the telemetry that his crew are looking at tells a very different story.

[gav]

Oh ok, what's his problem then? I'd probably boo him for that if i was there too! Fair enough.
He's a young guy that just wants to race his bike, he's not a natural media darling like Rossi. No one is like Rossi though, he grew up in the race paddock, at 3 years old he was hanging out with his Dad at GP's etc. Stoner is probably a bit shy and would rather not have the hassle of the media/public I guess but certainly does his best, alot better than Pedrobot for sure. And yeah, he is probably too honest for his own good sometimes but good on him.

[lostinflyz]

the problem with stoner is he is like all the F1 guys. They are just some guy on a bike(aka a guy in a car). hes dull and really unlikable. And he has a hot missus. Which means i cant stant him.

But lets face it motorcycle racing is half about being a good bastard. Most people really like rossi (assuming there not huge baiggi/stoner fans) and guys like edwards and even hopkins. These guys have a personality (ohh and can ride like all hell). People arent gonna like someone just cause they are quick. they want cool and classy. and farkin fast.

but in the end it all comes back to the really hot missus. thats the reason everyone bags stoner. and id trade places anyday

[Crasherfromwayback]

I seriously wonder how anyone can watch Stoner ride and then say he's only at the front because he's on the best bike. He is constantly correcting front end slides, mid corner wobbles and riding right on the limit. There was one wet race where the front tucked noticeably at high speed- he just gathered it up and carried on.... and did it again the next lap. That takes serious skill, not to mention balls the size of texas.

.

The only people that say that don't know what the fuck they're talking about.

The guy is a super hard charger and more skillfull than they'll ever know!

[roogazza]

The only people that say that don't know what the fuck they're talking about.

The guy is a super hard charger and more skillfull than they'll ever know!

Is someone picking on 'wingnut' again Pete ? You got any practice info , times, weather over there ?
ps. while you were working this morning, I was at Martin/B for breakfast (someone has to do it !) Gaz.

[johan]

You probably already know it, but you get live internet broadcast of practise, qualifying etc if you subscribe on the motoGP site.

A lot of times these ones are more entertaining that the actual race.

[k14]

Is someone picking on 'wingnut' again Pete ? You got any practice info , times, weather over there ?
ps. while you were working this morning, I was at Martin/B for breakfast (someone has to do it !) Gaz.
I watched FP2 and stoner led comfortably for the whole session, finishing with a 0.4s lead over Rossi. However it did look like Rossi did his last lap on a qualifier and Stoner's last run was a 3 lapper so hard to tell what he was doing. It seems as though it is the same as in most of the other races so far in regards to Stoners advantage over the field. But we all know what has happened in the last 2 races aye!!

The only problem is stoner has reagravated an old injury in his wrist, seems as though he was bending it at just the wrong angle and his scaphoid broke the same place it did as in 2005. So it could cause him some trouble in the race, hopefully not!!

The other story is Michelin seems to have got their act together more than in Brno, even though the top 6 is still bridgy dominated a few michelin runners are up there.

[roogazza]

Thanks for that K14, just hoping its dry and another close hard fight.

I've had one of those scaphoid breaks, I was lucky and it was a quick mend, but a mate had one that took nine months and a bone graft to fix. Gaz.

[k14]

Qualifing was much the same, all the other guys fought hard to get into the high 1.33's (on their third qualifier) with lorenzo and rossi leading the charge. Stoner came out on his first qualifier and didn't do much special (said he didn't get front tyre up to heat fast enough). Came in for his second and then decimated everyone, over half a second. He was 3rd on race tyres anyway so he didn't even need to bother. This is certainly shaping up to be Stoners race to loose again but we all know what has happened in the last 3 races.

My pick Stoner, Lorenzo, Elias.

On the weather front, how does 37 degrees air temp sound?? No mention of rain.

[gav]

Qualifing was much the same, all the other guys fought hard to get into the high 1.33's (on their third qualifier) with lorenzo and rossi leading the charge. Stoner came out on his first qualifier and didn't do much special (said he didn't get front tyre up to heat fast enough). Came in for his second and then decimated everyone, over half a second. He was 3rd on race tyres anyway so he didn't even need to bother. This is certainly shaping up to be Stoners race to loose again but we all know what has happened in the last 3 races.

My pick Stoner, Lorenzo, Elias.

On the weather front, how does 37 degrees air temp sound?? No mention of rain.

Huh? No Rossi? What about your man Hayden? Got any more $$$$ on him down the TAB? :blink:

[k14]

Huh? No Rossi? What about your man Hayden? Got any more $$$$ on him down the TAB? :blink:
Nah the honda is a nail on michelin's, i'd be surprised if either pedrosa or hayden get in the top 10. Nakano seemed quite consistent, he could be in for a top 5.

Rossi won't be able to handle the pressure :whistle:

[NZsarge]

Rossi won't be able to handle the pressure :whistle:

:pinch: :D :laugh:

[merv]

Did you say that Aussie bloke :sick: ?

[pritch]

Rossi won't be able to handle the pressure

By the end of this season he will most likely have won more GPs than anyone else in the history of the sport. An amazing performance for someone who can't handle pressure :whistle:

[roogazza]

:wari::wari::wari: Valeeeee !!!!!

The Yamaha seems to be pretty well sorted now, the two together are just magic !

I hope Michelin can get their act together , the racing is missing something.

Stoner...... one of those pom commentators said he had just leant it too far ?????? (but he's in the Stoner fan club).
Stoner's a front runner, qualifies well, but it just isn't happening for him at the moment.... For the next races I think Jorge is going to be an added thorn in his traction control. Gaz.

[k14]

By the end of this season he will most likely have won more GPs than anyone else in the history of the sport. An amazing performance for someone who can't handle pressure :whistle:
Ha, that will teach me.

Yeah its crazy, who would have thought stoner would have crumpled like he has. Sucks from a motogp fans perspective too, 3 races ago it was looking like a 3 way title fight, but now its pretty much all done and dusted. There could still be some fireworks but rossi would have to have 2 dnf's for stoner or pedrosa to have a chance.

[wysper]

Gotta hand it to the Doctor.
He never gives up and is a gracious winner too. All good for the sport. Hamilton (F1) should take a leaf or two out of his book.

I wasnt sure he was going to be able to win it this year. Stoner looked almost bulletproof at the start of the season.

[pritch]

Is Hector Babera a shitwit or what?

In one of the earlier races he was running wide so often the commentators said it would take a brave person to pass him round the outside. Twice Simoncelli tried this time, and twice he was forced off the track.

When Barbera wasn't running people off the track, he was busy modifying their fairings. The boy seems more suited to racing bulldozers than bikes.

I hope he doesn't make it to MotoGP because he could have a big effect on the outcome of a championship while never threatening to win it
[/RANT]

[Crasherfromwayback]

Gotta hand it to the Doctor.
He never gives up and is a gracious winner too. All good for the sport. Hamilton (F1) should take a leaf or two out of his book.

I wasnt sure he was going to be able to win it this year. Stoner looked almost bulletproof at the start of the season.

Anyone ever seen Rossi with a woman? He seems to take his 'friend' with him everywhere!!

[Cajun]

Anyone ever seen Rossi with a woman? He seems to take his 'friend' with him everywhere!!

yeah there some pictures around with him usual on a boat with naked female there

[svr]

Anyone ever seen Rossi with a woman? He seems to take his 'friend' with him everywhere!!

Good point. Stoner may be consistently crashing out of large leads and losing to Rossi, but the fact remains that one is a confirmed heterosexual and one isn't. Hard to tell with Italians, of course...

[k14]

Anyone ever seen Rossi with a woman? He seems to take his 'friend' with him everywhere!!
Yeah every time I see that chubby bastard in his pit box it makes me wonder. You look at every other racer, Stoner, Capirossi, Hopkins, Vermin etc and they all have some hot blonde/brunette in their box holding their drink bottle for when they come back. But who is holding Mr Rossi's?? Always the same guy, definitely makes you wonder.

[Badjelly]

Gotta hand it to the Doctor. He never gives up and is a gracious winner too. ...


Anyone ever seen Rossi with a woman? ...

I don't see the connection. He's a gracious winner so he must be gay???

[Crasherfromwayback]

I don't see the connection. He's a gracious winner so he must be gay???

No connection mate...just changing the direction of the conversation.

Couldn't care less if he's gay either. Simply wondering aloud!

[lostinflyz]

Yeah every time I see that chubby bastard in his pit box it makes me wonder. You look at every other racer, Stoner, Capirossi, Hopkins, Vermin etc and they all have some hot blonde/brunette in their box holding their drink bottle for when they come back. But who is holding Mr Rossi's?? Always the same guy, definitely makes you wonder.


Rossi has the same girl at his pit box every week, holds the brolly, good looking blonde. I dunno her name but a few races ago (maybe laguna) he was joking with her cause she was pregnant. He says she is his good luck charm.

But lets face it i dont think rossi is the settle down type person, seeing as he seems to have the mind of a 3 year old at times (i think thats why so many like him). and the really important question no one is asked is how did stoner really bugger his wrist. A back protector incident? or is his missus holdin out on him and he had to releive some pre-race stress???

[merv]

I don't see the connection. He's a gracious winner so he must be gay???

Nah he doesn't ride a Honda any more :pinch:

Oh, but he has equalled Agostini's record of numbers of wins in the premier class.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nah he doesn't ride a Honda any more :pinch:

Oh, but he has equalled Agostini's record of numbers of wins in the premier class.

And a mighty fine effort that is too.

He's proved me wrong this year too...I really didn't think he had another championship in him...so good luck to him!

[Badjelly]

No connection mate...just changing the direction of the conversation.

Fair enough. It's just that the turn was a bit sharp for me.

Re Casey crashing, I am reminded of Phillip Island 2005. Dani had a pretty big lead in the championship, but wasn't beyond reach and hadn't been dominating quite as much as usual in the previous rounds. During the build-up, Casey said he thought Dani was a bit vulnerable under pressure. Result: Casey led early, but fell on the way out of Turn 10, and Dani won, thereby wrapping up the championship. Casey said, "I don't know what happened. I didn't do anything different from previous laps." Dani said, "Eat that you cocky Aussie bastard" (though not in those exact words).

I'm not trying to bag Casey--he's brilliant--but anyone can fall off under pressure.

Though I don't recall Vale ever falling off while in the lead...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Though I don't recall Vale ever falling off while in the lead...

While he wasn't leading...Rossi binned it to hand the 06 championship to Hayden. Pressure does funny things to people.

[k14]

While he wasn't leading...Rossi binned it to hand the 06 championship to Hayden. Pressure does funny things to people.
You could probably attribute his crash at Assen this year to pressure. He had got a fairly reasonable lead in the races prior to that and then all of a sudden ducati found that "thing" and stoner was flying and reeling rossi in at a great rate of knots. But then came leguna...

Yeah I'm a stoner fan but would it be all that bad if rossi had a dnf at indy? Just reinject a tiny bit of drama back into the end of the season??

[wysper]

Yeah I'm a stoner fan but would it be all that bad if rossi had a dnf at indy? Just reinject a tiny bit of drama back into the end of the season??

As a Rossi fan - yes it would :first: LOL

[roogazza]

I just wish wingnut would stop stomping around the pits shaking his head like its everyone else's fault when 'he' fucks up !
He has a lot to learn.
Then again ,he could a fairy ? (he said Rossi was too rough !) Gaz.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I just wish wingnut would stop stomping around the pits shaking his head like its everyone else's fault when 'he' fucks up !
He has a lot to learn.
Then again ,he could a fairy ? (he said Rossi was too rough !) Gaz.

Are you kidding me mate!!! I'm sure you've seen Mrs Stoner!

[Cajun]

Are you kidding me mate!!! I'm sure you've seen Mrs Stoner!

<img src='http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/stonerwedding.jpg'>

Adriana Tuchyna

[pritch]

As a Rossi fan - yes it would :first: LOL

Me too. But then my avatar is a bit of a give away...

Actually Rossi would have to DNF twice to give Stoner a look in, and then he could finish second to Stoner in the last three races and still win the title. (Unless my admittedly dodgy arithmetic is even more off than usual.)

[NZsarge]

Adriana Tuchyna

Pretty face...too skinny.

[Cajun]

Pretty face...too skinny.

another one

[scrivy]

Nice lips. She got teeth??

[k14]

Pretty face...too skinny.
So you'd say no?? No wonder you're a rossi fan... :Pokey:

[NZsarge]

So you'd say no?? No wonder you're a rossi fan... :Pokey:

Now now, just coz your boy can't say on his bike!
Shades of the Stoner from two or three years back I reckon.
I just like woman not girls, gotta have something to hold onto, skinny chicks don't interest me does'nt really matter how pretty the face is.
Monica Bellucci, now there a woman!

[slowpoke]

Are you kidding me mate!!! I'm sure you've seen Mrs Stoner!

Haha, Stoner's missus is a stunner! When I heard he'd got ten married at such a young age I thought "what an idiot..." then when I saw those legs I thought, "Yep, fair enough, well done son!"

Crash or not Stoner was just incredible in those first couple of laps. How he gapped the field on "cold" tyres had Rossi scrambling and it was very nearly Rossi picking himself up out of the kitty litter after that mini-highside. We'd have a hell of a championship on our hands now. We could have had a 50 point swing on this one race.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Haha, Stoner's missus is a stunner! When I heard he'd got ten married at such a young age I thought "what an idiot..." then when I saw those legs I thought, "Yep, fair enough, well done son!"

Crash or not Stoner was just incredible in those first couple of laps. How he gapped the field on "cold" tyres had Rossi scrambling and it was very nearly Rossi picking himself up out of the kitty litter after that mini-highside. We'd have a hell of a championship on our hands now. We could have had a 50 point swing on this one race.

Yeah he's certainly trying hard...the last two crashes are a shame.

He'll be back...he's certainly the only racer I've seen that can stick it to Rossi on a reg basis...and that's reason enough to want him to stay in one piece!

[svr]

He's still young. Kenny Roberts used to say he'd take a fast crasher anyday over a `finisher' - "they learn to stay on, but you can't teach speed" The problem is Stoner expects to win every time he goes out (like Bayliss), even when the bike's not up to it. He should give Eddie Lawson a call.

[lostinflyz]

Yeah he's certainly trying hard...the last two crashes are a shame.

He'll be back...he's certainly the only racer I've seen that can stick it to Rossi on a reg basis...and that's reason enough to want him to stay in one piece!

truth be told he hasn't had many battles yet. I dont think hes near rossi caliber yet and as he is more than proving has a shite load more to learn. As that Duke becomes less dominant he is having to push all the time, and by the looks of it thats a big weakness of his. No one can question is raw pace, and conisistency to find it everywhere, but no great has ever been able to push for an entire race. you cant ride at 110% for an hour.

Rossi and him are pushing each other to the max. Until yesterday one of them was bound to bin eventually in every race. Its great to watch.

and dont give stoner too much credit for his start. Hes stinking quick and the only guy close is rossi, who cant start and gives stoner a massive lead nigh on every race. Its an area stoner can exploit if hes smart. but you gotta be riding to do anything, and at the moment hes having enough trouble doing that.

[roogazza]

Are you kidding me mate!!! I'm sure you've seen Mrs Stoner!

Ha ha, only part of my post was semi serious, the 'fairy' bit was tongue in cheek.
I'm still picking Jorge as Rossi's main opposition next year. Gaz. :calm:

[Chrislost]

i think that stoner is a muppet.
He just grabs a handful and lets the traction control do it for him, Rossie on the other hand rolls on nicley, has less gas applied than stoner, but jumps ahead anyway coming out of the corners.



This is a joke right?

Nup...


Oh I see! It's that simple eh? Hell...maybe even I could be world champ then!!

Must be.
perhaps if you start when they change bikes and end up on the best one...
then you might win it for a year.
Otherwise,
Nup...

[k14]

perhaps if you start when they change bikes and end up on the best one...
then you might win it for a year.
Otherwise,
Nup...
Oh yeah, so thats why all the other ducati guys are so good, including an ex 250GP world champ and two previous race winners.

If you're trolling you're a dickhead, if not then you're the muppet. :2guns:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nup...


perhaps if you start when they change bikes and end up on the best one...
then you might win it for a year.
Otherwise,
Nup...

Mate...LOTS of racers have had the best equipment and not won world titles.

You've still gotta be able to use what you've got well. It could be said Rossi has the advantage this year with the Yamaha! It's obviously one of the best all round pakages. Lorenzo, Edwards and Toseland are all going great guns on it. More than can be said for the other Ducati riders yeah?

So you people that knock Stoner for simply being able to unleash what the Ducati has have your heads buried in the sand if you don't realize his huge talent.

Have you been watching road racing for years...or are you new to it? Have you competed yourself...or are you simply that good at spotting talent from your couch?

Cause I think you need to see an optometrist mate.

[roogazza]

He's still young. Kenny Roberts used to say he'd take a fast crasher anyday over a `finisher' - "they learn to stay on, but you can't teach speed" The problem is Stoner expects to win every time he goes out (like Bayliss), even when the bike's not up to it. He should give Eddie Lawson a call.

Ah, 'Steady Eddie' now there was a man ! Media didn't like him much though, or vice versa ?
I was just trying to think of some that wanted the bike perfect before they'd go for it ? Cadalora was one . Gaz

[johan]

I just read this article. Pedrosa's already tried the Bridgstones and he's fast.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168429-0/pedrosa_fast_on_bridgestone_pneumatic.html

So are we now going to hear excuses from all the other riders, that to go fast you need to be on the Bridgestones? Pedrosa is the second rider to switch and as a result better lap times. Is in the head or in the rubber?

[Badjelly]

...and don't give stoner too much credit for his start. He's stinking quick...

Indeed, and so he deserves credit for that, n'est-ce pas?


...Pedrosa is the second rider to switch and as a result better lap times...

It's pretty common for people to produce better lap times in testing than they did in the race the day before. We'll see how Dani goes in an actual race. Not that I'm saying he won't be fast on the Bridgestones.

[roogazza]

I just read this article. Pedrosa's already tried the Bridgstones and he's fast.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168429-0/pedrosa_fast_on_bridgestone_pneumatic.html

So are we now going to hear excuses from all the other riders, that to go fast you need to be on the Bridgestones? Pedrosa is the second rider to switch and as a result better lap times. Is in the head or in the rubber?
It's well documented that Michelin are struggling at the mo Johan. But if you saw Sundays race, Jorge was looking good on them for a strong second place.
Gaz.

[svr]

It could be said Rossi has the advantage this year with the Yamaha! It's obviously one of the best all round pakages. Lorenzo, Edwards and Toseland are all going great guns on it. More than can be said for the other Ducati riders yeah?

Hard to tell from the couch (at 12.30am after a few heingrenades) but the Yam does look like it turns better i.e. a better rate of turn for less lean - Stoner's thing is on its ear every corner and then trying to kill him on the way out. The power difference is pretty minor now.

[svr]

Ah, 'Steady Eddie' now there was a man !
I was just trying to think of some that wanted the bike perfect before they'd go for it ? Cadalora was one . Gaz

Lawson rode some pigs in his day too (Rainey after riding the 1000 kawa at Daytona: `but it slaps lock to lock off the banking' Lawson glares back `so f..n what?!') But the media always thought his bikes handled better than everybody elses, which pissed him off.
Bit of a head thing too right?, especially with front tyres and `feel'. Switching to Michelin fronts tires ended a few otherwise successful careers.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Lawson rode some pigs in his day too (Rainey after riding the 1000 kawa at Daytona: `but it slaps lock to lock off the banking' Lawson glares back `so f..n what?!') But the media always thought his bikes handled better than everybody elses, which pissed him off.
Bit of a head thing too right?, especially with front tyres and `feel'. Switching to Michelin fronts tires ended a few otherwise successful careers.

Eddie Lawson was one hard mofo!

Simon Crafar and Nori Haga being two that didn't get on with Michelins!

Both on Red Bull YZR500's no less

[k14]

Hard to tell from the couch (at 12.30am after a few heingrenades) but the Yam does look like it turns better i.e. a better rate of turn for less lean - Stoner's thing is on its ear every corner and then trying to kill him on the way out. The power difference is pretty minor now.
Yeah the power difference could be down to 5-10hp. Stoner is a bit smaller than Rossi too (I think) so that will give him an advantage tucked in.

All this bs about stoner pretty much turning up to win the title, if that is the case then every one of Rossi's premier class titles were the same (cept his first one on the yammie). The NSR and the RC211V were by far the best bikes of their time, doesn't mean that it makes it any easier to win the championship. Yes you can win one race with a bit of blind luck, win a championship on luck?? Absolutely not. Being a racer myself (albeit at a totally different level, but similar principles apply) to win even a NZ championship requires so much planning, skill, preparation and not to mention being consistently the best racer out there. One moment of inattention or lost concentration can see the championship go down in flames. Stoner (and Hayden at that matter) won his championship through pure skill, determination and preparedness by his team and no one will ever convince me otherwise :Playnice:

[slowpoke]

I just read this article. Pedrosa's already tried the Bridgstones and he's fast.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/168429-0/pedrosa_fast_on_bridgestone_pneumatic.html

So are we now going to hear excuses from all the other riders, that to go fast you need to be on the Bridgestones? Pedrosa is the second rider to switch and as a result better lap times. Is in the head or in the rubber?

He was also testing the new pneumatic valve engine at the time, combined with the tyres and post race track familiarity makes it hard to read much into this.

Personally I reckon he's shown how fragile he is mentally. Lorenzo showed that Michie's were competitive at that track yet Pedrosa went backwards. Spitting the dummy in the dirt at this stage of the season is just crazy and will screw up any comparative analysis they wanted to do on bike development.


Lawson rode some pigs in his day too (Rainey after riding the 1000 kawa at Daytona: `but it slaps lock to lock off the banking' Lawson glares back `so f..n what?!') But the media always thought his bikes handled better than everybody elses, which pissed him off.
Bit of a head thing too right?, especially with front tyres and `feel'. Switching to Michelin fronts tires ended a few otherwise successful careers.

Haha, remember that upside down NSR with the fuel tank in the belly and exhausts over the top? A plug chop on that thing must have been a fuggin' nightmare! Would he spit the chewy half way through a season over tyres? Would he fuck, he wouldn't give his rivals that sort of mental advantage.

[NZsarge]

Spitting the dummy in the dirt at this stage of the season is just crazy and will screw up any comparative analysis they wanted to do on bike development.

It will though allow some development under race conditions prior to next season rather than switching at seasons end. This season is unlikely to see him champion anyway so may as well start getting all ya ducks in a row and hit the ground running from the get go next season.
I'm just wondering if this means the likes of Lorenzo will perhaps head the Bridgestone way too, could only strengthen Fiat Yamaha's situation.

[roogazza]

Lawson rode some pigs in his day too (Rainey after riding the 1000 kawa at Daytona: `but it slaps lock to lock off the banking' Lawson glares back `so f..n what?!') But the media always thought his bikes handled better than everybody elses, which pissed him off.
Bit of a head thing too right?, especially with front tyres and `feel'. Switching to Michelin fronts tires ended a few otherwise successful careers.

I also liked the way he switched to Honda for 89 from Yamaha in 88, and won the title again. (that pissed Gardner off !! ) similar to Rossi going to Yamaha 04. Gaz.

[gav]

Haha, remember that upside down NSR with the fuel tank in the belly and exhausts over the top? A plug chop on that thing must have been a fuggin' nightmare! Would he spit the chewy half way through a season over tyres? Would he fuck, he wouldn't give his rivals that sort of mental advantage.
But Lawson never rode that bike, if that's what your implying? :confused:

[Crasherfromwayback]

But Lawson never rode that bike, if that's what your implying? :confused:

No...but poor old Freddie Spencer had to!

[Crasherfromwayback]

I also liked the way he switched to Honda for 89 from Yamaha in 88, and won the title again. (that pissed Gardner off !! ) similar to Rossi going to Yamaha 04. Gaz.

You forgot the Cagiva switch too!

[gav]

I also liked the way he switched to Honda for 89 from Yamaha in 88, and won the title again. (that pissed Gardner off !! ) similar to Rossi going to Yamaha 04. Gaz.
Apparently Gardner only learnt that Lawson had signed with Honda while reading a newspaper in an airport! Imagine how he must have felt !? :devil2:

[slowpoke]

But Lawson never rode that bike, if that's what your implying? :confused:

My rose coloured glasses obviously need a bit of cleaning! Sorry, yeah, Spencer had the joy of taming that thing, and somehow managed to win a few GP's on it.

[roogazza]

I was at a little re-union Sat night and funny enough were chatting about those years. A mate worked on the Honda team around 85 and Spencer. He was saying Honda believed at the time, in getting the weight low, hence the tank under the engine ! They couldn't get it to work . Gardner arrived and helped develope it into his title winner of 87. Gaz.

[slowpoke]

I was at a little re-union Sat night and funny enough were chatting about those years. A mate worked on the Honda team around 85 and Spencer. He was saying Honda believed at the time, in getting the weight low, hence the tank under the engine ! They couldn't get it to work . Gardner arrived and helped develope it into his title winner of 87. Gaz.

Isn't that when Burgess arrived on the scene? Anyone spot the beginning of a trend here?

I'm guessing the hangover is nearly gone then Gaz?

[svr]

Weight distribution and C of G (fore/aft, up/down) is the big fiddle for lap times - there is software that calculates laptimes based on C of G movement for each track, so not such a black art anymore, I guess...

[roogazza]

Isn't that when Burgess arrived on the scene? Anyone spot the beginning of a trend here?

I'm guessing the hangover is nearly gone then Gaz?

Burgess was probably still riding himself ?

Motorcycles huh , who would have thought we'd still be tight as a group 40 years on ? Gaz.

[slowpoke]

Burgess was probably still riding himself ?

Motorcycles huh , who would have thought we'd still be tight as a group 40 years on ? Gaz.

I think Gardner was Burgess's first HRC experience as spanner twirler, but my rose coloured glasses could well be all skewiff again...

Yup, bikes transcend a lot of barriers eh? Doesn't matter how much money you've got, how old you are, what your background is, it all goes out the window when you start riding/talkin' bikes.

[Cajun]

2009 stuff


I chatted with Valentino Rossi yesterday afternoon in Las Vegas and brought up the much-rumored subject of Nick Hayden leaving Honda and joining Ducati's MotoGP team for 2009.

Rossi was nearly adamant that Hayden has signed a contract to race for Marlboro Ducati next season as a teammate to Casey Stoner.

"I think that situation is completed, it is finalized," Rossi said of Hayden joining Ducati after nearly ten years with Honda. http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080909a.htm


FAUSTO GRESINI CONFIRMS ALEX DE ANGELIS FOR 2009

After a season together in MotoGP, Alex De Angelis and Fausto Gresini have recently signed a new contract for the forthcoming 2009 MotoGP World Championship.

De Angelis' confirmation as a rider of the Faenza-based team is the result of a strengthened relationship of common confidence developed during the 2008 season. It has been a year in which Alex has demonstrated his potential, his willingness to gain experience and to grow in the top class of Motorcycle racing, conquering two fourth places in Mugello and at the Sachsenring Grand Prix. http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080909n.htm

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12960>And Again:</A> if West can be so bloody good in conditions that limits the power that can be utillised and be so much BETTER than the others - he has to be a good rider?? :confused: :confused:

[roogazza]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12960>And Again:</A> if West can be so bloody good in conditions that limits the power that can be utillised and be so much BETTER than the others - he has to be a good rider?? :confused: :confused:

West does shine in the rain doesn't he Bill ? Same as the other young Aussie on the Suzuki ! But you would think he'd be closer to the front in the dry as well, if that good ?
Must be more to it than we know . Gaz.

ps Got your popcorn ready for Monday morn at 3am..?????

[k14]

Its 7am according to the motogp website. Although I don't know who to believe, last week I looked and it was 11am monday for the main race.

[gav]

Think 125's start at 3.00am.

[gav]

West does shine in the rain doesn't he Bill ? Same as the other young Aussie on the Suzuki ! But you would think he'd be closer to the front in the dry as well, if that good ?
Must be more to it than we know . Gaz.

ps Got your popcorn ready for Monday morn at 3am..?????
Think Westy only shines when its really bucketing it down as it was in FP2, you see the Eurosport coverage?

[NZsarge]

Sky coverage begins at 04:00.
No predictions this time?

[gav]

Yeah, its gonna rain!

[denill]

West does shine in the rain doesn't he Bill ? Same as the other young Aussie on the Suzuki ! But you would think he'd be closer to the front in the dry as well, if that good ?
Must be more to it than we know . Gaz.

ps Got your popcorn ready for Monday morn at 3am..?????

Nah Gaz, but will have my DVD ready. Live Sky Sport 3 - 4.00am to 8am.

Would be a brave person to pick a winner there. If it's wet - then (maybe) West???

[roogazza]

Think Westy only shines when its really bucketing it down as it was in FP2, you see the Eurosport coverage?

Nah , I rely on what you guys give me on here.
I don't sleep much anyway, think I'll just stay up , Beat SKY at their own game !!! Gaz.

ps I even watched Rugby last night, how sick is that ?

[wharfy]

Nah , I rely on what you guys give me on here.
I don't sleep much anyway, think I'll just stay up , Beat SKY at their own game !!! Gaz.

ps I even watched Rugby last night, how sick is that ?

And a damn fine game of rugger it was, I chewed my nails to the elbow ..

[gav]

Hmmm interesting, have just watched the Qualifying session that took place in dry conditions. But the weather forecast for tomorrow is for a hurricane to hit big time, they are looking at moving the race forward and may well run the MotoGP race first, before the 125's and 250's, which may get cancelled if the weather hits as predicted.

[k14]

Sweet!! Says the guy on night shift till 0700 tomorrow!!

[codgyoleracer]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12960>And Again:</A> if West can be so bloody good in conditions that limits the power that can be utillised and be so much BETTER than the others - he has to be a good rider?? :confused: :confused:

Guys like West that stand out in the rain - have unique riding techniques. (they prepare very very early for the corner & are very very steady on the bike through the corner). - In the dry the fast guys are subtly shifting weight throughout the duration of any given corner & maximising front or rear grip (as required). Baylis is another guy that is very steady on the bike in the wet mid corner.

[roogazza]

Guys like West that stand out in the rain - have unique riding techniques. (they prepare very very early for the corner & are very very steady on the bike through the corner). - In the dry the fast guys are subtly shifting weight throughout the duration of any given corner & maximising front or rear grip (as required). Baylis is another guy that is very steady on the bike in the wet mid corner.

Rossi is very 'steady' then Dr.Glen !!! Jesus he's good.
That Yamaha has plenty of speed on the straight bits now. After a 3 hr wait in front of the box I got to see it ! Gaz.

[codgyoleracer]

Awesome, Greatest ever ?, debatable - but getting pretty darn close if not there already.
(Only to be beaten by someone else one-day of course)

[roogazza]

Awesome, Greatest ever ?, debatable - but getting pretty darn close if not there already.
(Only to be beaten by someone else one-day of course)

yep, only one way from there isn't it . Gaz.

[denill]

Guys like West that stand out in the rain - have unique riding techniques. (they prepare very very early for the corner & are very very steady on the bike through the corner). - In the dry the fast guys are subtly shifting weight throughout the duration of any given corner & maximising front or rear grip (as required). Baylis is another guy that is very steady on the bike in the wet mid corner.

Mmmm, thanks for that Glen. You have nicely summed up an aspect of wet weather riding that has had me puzzled. A summation from a guy who has been there and done it. Cheers
Bill

[denill]

yep, only one way from there isn't it . Gaz.

Yep your man did great Gaz. His performance in those atrocious conditions was masterful. :crybaby::crybaby:

[Badjelly]

Guys like West that stand out in the rain - have unique riding techniques. (they prepare very very early for the corner & are very very steady on the bike through the corner). - In the dry the fast guys are subtly shifting weight throughout the duration of any given corner & maximising front or rear grip (as required). Baylis is another guy that is very steady on the bike in the wet mid corner.

Thanks. That's the best explanation I've seen for why someone like West (and to a lesser extent Vermuelen) can be so much better in the wet than in the dry. Presumably the ones who do very well wet & dry (Rossi, Bayliss, Stoner) are the ones who can successfully change their riding style to suit the conditions.

[svr]

I used to wonder about Rossi when he was dominating during the `softer' post Doohan era, but he has certainly proven himself against the new batch of very fast protege's. IMHO he is the best since I've been following GPs since Sheene / Roberts - just shading Rainey - and I wouldnt have said that a year ago.
Its a little hard to discern a pattern regarding wet-weather specialists. `Smoothness' doesnt really capture it as no-one ever accused Bayliss or Fogarty of smoothness - its more `smooth when it counts' as Codgey points out. Kocinski was the best wet rider I've seen - silky smooth and always on the gas - `front endy' types are normally the strugglers (Mamola was known as an `understeer phobe' but loved the wet) . Also a mindset thing right? Get negative about the rain and you'll come last or lose the front somewhere you should have been on it.
All hail the King.

[Crasherfromwayback]

All hail the King.

Thanks!:baby:

[denill]

I used to wonder about Rossi when he was dominating during the `softer' post Doohan era, but he has certainly proven himself against the new batch of very fast protege's. IMHO he is the best since I've been following GPs since Sheene / Roberts - just shading Rainey - and I wouldnt have said that a year ago.

Yeah, I'm with that train of thinking too.

Rossi's Indy race was the race of a 'hard man'. He had to work hard for that. No one would have blamed him if he'd settled back and just rode for points. Don't tell Gaz I just said that! :banana:

[svr]

Thanks!:baby:

Hey Pete, King of the Lowside, whats happened to our Casey? To be fair that duke looks a pig in the rain huh?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey Pete, King of the Lowside, whats happened to our Casey? To be fair that duke looks a pig in the rain huh?

Lowside, highside...it's all the same to me mate! Well, apart from the highside dismount normally hurting more!

Dunno...Stoner won in Germany in the wet, the electronics do seem good in those conditions. Who knows mate...too many variables really.

[svr]

Probably felt like finishing a race without getting a helmet full of dirt, for a change, broken wrist and all. Fair enough.

[svr]

Anyone notice the coincidence that the yanks put the flag out when Hayden started going backwards...
Shades of the '84 Olympics.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Anyone notice the coincidence that the yanks put the flag out when Hayden started going backwards...
Shades of the '84 Olympics.

Nah it sounded like it was getting well dangerous mate. They all seem to agree stopping the race was the right thing.

I for one really hope Hayden goes well on the Ducati, as I think Honda's treatment of him has been shitty.

[svr]

Fair enough - but ruin a good angle whydontya?.
Actually just having the crash fencing blowing up in the air was reason enough to call it off.

Honda are a bit different aye? Hayden won them a championship but now that he's struggling he gets treated like shit.
Apparently Mr Honda sat a young Nicky down early in his GP career and told him that at HRC you either win or we don't want you around.
I guess HRC rider is the top job so it should be the most demanding.

[gav]

Fair enough - but ruin a good angle whydontya?.
Actually just having the crash fencing blowing up in the air was reason enough to call it off.

Honda are a bit different aye? Hayden won them a championship but now that he's struggling he gets treated like shit.
Apparently Mr Honda sat a young Nicky down early in his GP career and told him that at HRC you either win or we don't want you around.
I guess HRC rider is the top job so it should be the most demanding.

But the interesting thing with Hayden was even though he delivered HRC a world title and defeated Rossi, he was still treated as second best, as can be seen when they wheeled the 800 out for the first time. You think that bike was built for the reigning World Champ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

But the interesting thing with Hayden was even though he delivered HRC a world title and defeated Rossi, he was still treated as second best, as can be seen when they wheeled the 800 out for the first time. You think that bike was built for the reigning World Champ?

You said it. It was built for the Midget! But to a certain extent maybe that was Spanish money speaking. REPSOL.

Either way...pretty sucksville treatment from Honda.

[gav]

You said it. It was built for the Midget! But to a certain extent maybe that was Spanish money speaking. REPSOL.

Either way...pretty sucksville treatment from Honda.
Never saw them building a special for Alex Criville when Doohan was champ! :devil2:

[slowpoke]

Fair enough - but ruin a good angle whydontya?.
Actually just having the crash fencing blowing up in the air was reason enough to call it off.

Honda are a bit different aye? Hayden won them a championship but now that he's struggling he gets treated like shit.
Apparently Mr Honda sat a young Nicky down early in his GP career and told him that at HRC you either win or we don't want you around.
I guess HRC rider is the top job so it should be the most demanding.


But the interesting thing with Hayden was even though he delivered HRC a world title and defeated Rossi, he was still treated as second best, as can be seen when they wheeled the 800 out for the first time. You think that bike was built for the reigning World Champ?

I dunno, I reckon the Big H are far too smart for that. No favourites here, even though they were supposedly the force behind the new 800 rules: 990cc V5 minus 1 cylinder =V4 800cc. I don't reckon they've counted on the adaptability of their opponents and have been caught resting their laurels a tad. They've just built what they thought would be the best bike and been found wanting both mechanically and polymer-ly (tyres).

What ever your school of thought either: 200+hp=superbike or 800cc=250cc technique, Pedrosa or Hayden ride quite differently, but injury has skewed the playing field so we'll never know. Hopefully Hayden will jump to Ducati next season, grab the thing by the throat and we'll have an fantastic championship on our hands next year.

Whatever happens Rossi has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with no matter what the conditions. The king is dead, long live the king!

[Chrislost]

spies was doing alright from what i saw of the race.
cool! hope he gets a ride one day soon... need sombody new to suport round 2010 odd....

i loved the way rossie got in front and pulled away. (before the wind changed/rain/shit)
:2guns:

[TonyB]

Its a shame the title race isn't close, it looked like being an epic year early on, with Pedrosa, Lorenzo, Stoner and Rossi all winning races. Next year could be really interesting, now that Lorenzo has got his first year of crashing out of the way he could be a real force to be reckoned with. Though I suspect he might be a bit vuneralble mentally....something that Rossi will take advantage of if he has to. Hayden could go really well on the Ducati too, I reckon it'll suit his style.

[gav]

Hayden could go really well on the Ducati too, I reckon it'll suit his style.
And what is his style? I always thought he was more a rear end rider, hanging it out etc. Stoner doesnt ride like that, he is very hard on the front and just lets everything catch up with the front end, and very precise, which is exactly what the Ducati requires apparently. It was designed to be ridden in a very exact and precise manner, according to Ducati.
It would be awesome to see Hayden get his mojo back and fight for the title, I hope he can do it!

[lostinflyz]

hayden just needs motivation and support. honda have been pretty harsh considering last year their bike was a joke and this year its slowly getting there.

On a duke i reckon he could be a bit of a weapon, but i can see him and stoner clashing. Something about stoners whining and neediness says things may not be so great. Either way all i hope is that he plays at the front end cause hes grown up alot and appears to be a good dude now and rides a different style to most fellers now day. just look at indy and his determination pre and during the weekend.

either way im pretty certain he'll enjoy the duke as its got lots of snot and looks like it needs a bit of man handling,and thats hayden to a T. In the end the greatest thing would be if every bike was podium worthy and it was a 18-19 bike shitfight for first. i'd be giddy if that was the case.

[slowpoke]

And what is his style? I always thought he was more a rear end rider, hanging it out etc. Stoner doesnt ride like that, he is very hard on the front and just lets everything catch up with the front end, and very precise, which is exactly what the Ducati requires apparently. It was designed to be ridden in a very exact and precise manner, according to Ducati.
It would be awesome to see Hayden get his mojo back and fight for the title, I hope he can do it!

It'll be interesting. Stoner was a many time junior dirt tracking champion and that was also Hayden's background in his formative years.

[gav]

This sounds pretty cool, Hayden introduced at an American Ducati dealer meeting.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080916ew.htm

[TonyB]

And what is his style? I always thought he was more a rear end rider, hanging it out etc. Stoner doesnt ride like that, he is very hard on the front and just lets everything catch up with the front end, and very precise, which is exactly what the Ducati requires apparently. It was designed to be ridden in a very exact and precise manner, according to Ducati. Hmmmm, I always thought Stoner was into backing it in etc. One of us must be wrong:laugh:

In the EuroSport commentary for one of the races they were commenting on how the Bridgestone front that Stoner and Rossi use is designed for a bike that puts much less load than normal on the front. They were saying that was why Rossi struggled initially, because Yamaha had to make the bike fit the tyre, and none of the other Bridgestone runners are using that tyre yet because they haven't got the correct setup. The theory is supposed to be that with more load on the rear, they can get the bike to hook up and accelerate out of the corners better. The more I think about that, the more I'm in two minds as to whether that will mean the Ducati will suit Hayden...

[codgyoleracer]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12960>And Again:</A> if West can be so bloody good in conditions that limits the power that can be utillised and be so much BETTER than the others - he has to be a good rider?? :confused: :confused:

So if you ignored Lorenzo - who is the standout underdog/up-n-cummer this year ?

My pick - Dovisioso, reliable & surprisingly quick for a privateer team effort.

[roogazza]

So if you ignored Lorenzo - who is the standout underdog/up-n-cummer this year ?

My pick - Dovisioso, reliable & surprisingly quick for a privateer team effort.

He's my pick Glen, on a 250 he was great against Lorenzo even though his Honda was well down on puff. Gaz.

[denill]

He's my pick Glen, on a 250 he was great against Lorenzo even though his Honda was well down on puff. Gaz.

And that soon brings us to the great debate of who are the hot picks for 2009.

Gotta be between -Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and maybe Dovizioso?? :whistle:

[pritch]

My pick - Dovisioso, reliable & surprisingly quick for a privateer team effort.

I'll second that... He and Lorenzo adapted very quickly to the bigger bikes.

[codgyoleracer]

[QUOTE=roogazza;1730121]Rossi is very 'steady' then Dr.Glen !!! Jesus he's good.

Rossi is doing stuff thats at the "next level" , He has such an affinity with a motorcycle its scary. He seems to have an almost personal relationship with a bike & he is a very very good listener.

[NZsarge]

[QUOTE=roogazza;1730121]Rossi is very 'steady' then Dr.Glen !!! Jesus he's good.

Rossi is doing stuff thats at the "next level" , He has such an affinity with a motorcycle its scary. He seems to have an almost personal relationship with a bike & he is a very very good listener.

Hmmm, well said. :niceone:

[roogazza]

And that soon brings us to the great debate of who are the hot picks for 2009.

Gotta be between -Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and maybe Dovizioso?? :whistle:

Bill , just let me 'bathe" in 08 first buddy !
But if you want an early guess, Rossi, Lorenzo and Dovizoso in a great fight.
Let me think on that one. Gaz

[denill]

Bill , just let me 'bathe" in 08 first buddy !

Gaz, 08's done and dusted - unless the Spanish pygmy can pip Stoner?



But if you want an early guess, Rossi, Lorenzo and Dovizoso in a great fight.
Let me think on that one. Gaz

Hey Gaz. Ummm, you forgot Stoner in that equation?? :2guns:

[k14]

Whats the point of making a prediction, the series is so near impossible to guess who will win the next race let alone the championship. I bet the number of people that picked rossi/stoner/hayden to win the last 3 championships I could count on hand (well figuratively speaking anyway) so I'm just going to say let the best man (or midget in pedrosa's case) win.

[Badjelly]

And that soon brings us to the great debate of who are the hot picks for 2009.

Gotta be between -Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and maybe Dovizioso?? :whistle:

I notice you didn't include Hayden in your list. Fair enough, I don't rate him that highly. He's a nice guy and everything, but with all the complaints about HRC favouring their boy Dani, you've got to admit: they're right aren't they? Dani is a better rider than Nicky.

I'll be happy to be proved wrong ;)

[svr]

And that soon brings us to the great debate of who are the hot picks for 2009.

Gotta be between -Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and maybe Dovizioso?? :whistle:

Definitely Dovi on a factory Honda.
It'll be rossi Vs the brat pack again. The big question marks for Lorenzo and Dovi are over the M tyres, and if those 4 kids can stay on all year, which has yet to be shown (apart from Stoner last year). It'll be 4 pretenders going at it and winning races, with hopefully one staying on enough to challenge for the title.
Rossi is always going to the smart money - he's at a level where he can get everything out of the bike without taking risks. That's experience. So he's the best rider (ever) on the best bike on the the best tyres in the best team... hmm, like he needs all that...

[gav]

Are we even going to see Michelin out there next year?

[Wingnut]

I think the arrogant Horge Lorenzo is one to watch next year for sure.

Will be intersting to see if Hayden can ride the Duke too. Will be a great next season for sure.

[madkeenandy]

In the end the greatest thing would be if every bike was podium worthy and it was a 18-19 bike shitfight for first. i'd be giddy if that was the case.

mate you need to watch some more 125 races!
the mugello one was amazing!

[Storm]

I notice you didn't include Hayden in your list. Fair enough, I don't rate him that highly. He's a nice guy and everything, but with all the complaints about HRC favouring their boy Dani, you've got to admit: they're right aren't they? Dani is a better rider than Nicky.

I'll be happy to be proved wrong ;)

However, one has a Plate on his wall at home with the vertical stripe on it. One doesnt-and thats what the history books will show

[Crasherfromwayback]

Definitely Dovi on a factory Honda.
It'll be rossi Vs the brat pack again. The big question marks for Lorenzo and Dovi are over the M tyres, and if those 4 kids can stay on all year, which has yet to be shown (apart from Stoner last year). It'll be 4 pretenders going at it and winning races, with hopefully one staying on enough to challenge for the title.

You'd have to wonder if HRC would bother getting Dovi on a factory bike and make him use Michelins? But he's fucking fast no doubt about it.


However, one has a Plate on his wall at home with the vertical stripe on it. One doesnt-and thats what the history books will show

A well deserved #1 plate at that. I seriously doubt Pedrosa will ever own one.

'09' Stoner-Rossi-Lorenzo-Dovi-Hayden.

Ben Spies should be given a fucking ride...he'd cut it amongst these cats I reckon.

[Chrislost]

That's experience. So he's the best rider (ever) on the best bike on the the best tyres in the best team... hmm, like he needs all that...

ahh, but didnt he swap to yamaha because he wanted to show he was winning rather then the honda...

[RobRod]

However, one has a Plate on his wall at home with the vertical stripe on it. One doesnt-and thats what the history books will show

Ah yes he does, But he'll never be remembered as a guy who won the championship more the guy Rossi LOST the championship too.

I think apart from the odd moment he's just flash in the pan.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ah yes he does, But he'll never be remembered as a guy who won the championship more the guy Rossi LOST the championship too.

I think apart from the odd moment he's just flash in the pan.

You've gotta be more than a flash in the pan to win a championship in that class mate!

I think if they'd stayed with the thous...he'd be there or there abouts still.

[RobRod]

You've gotta be more than a flash in the pan to win a championship in that class mate!

I think if they'd stayed with the thous...he'd be there or there abouts still.

You may be right, the 800's have made a difference but also it was the first year of Pedro, Stoner and one other from the 250's so given that is usually a year of learning I think the cards would have fallen just the same as the 800's - just my opinion::2thumbsup

[Crasherfromwayback]

You may be right, the 800's have made a difference but also it was the first year of Pedro, Stoner and one other from the 250's so given that is usually a year of learning I think the cards would have fallen just the same as the 800's - just my opinion::2thumbsup

Don't think so. The 800's certainly seem to suit the ex 250 boys pretty well, and the ever improving electronics are a help too. The thous were tyre smoking beasts, so guys that love getting them sideways 'clicked'.

If they're not going to ban traction control (which I think they should)...let's bring back 500 2 strokes. They'd got to pretty much the end of their development...lap times had stagnated a bit. So the speeds will be down (there's your safety angle sorted), being carbed traction control would be easier to police...and costs would be a fraction of what they've become, so hopefully we'd see more bikes on the grids!

We can leave the advances of sportbike technology to proddie based superbikes.

Sorted.

[Storm]

Thats a sensible, logical plan.




It'll never fly.

[RobRod]

IMO the electronic's although very clever and mostlikley to become commonplace on the latest sports bikes ARE ruinning moto gp, get rid of the traction control - I agree bring nack the 500's, no trac control and then we'd see the truely talented one's at the front.

[svr]

Ah yes he does, But he'll never be remembered as a guy who won the championship more the guy Rossi LOST the championship too.

I think apart from the odd moment he's just flash in the pan.

Dude - show some respect! He beat Rossi and a bunch of other very good professionals.
Next year will be make or break for Hayden. If he's not quite there, he should go to SBK where, I think, his physical style would rule.

[Crasherfromwayback]

If he's not quite there, he should go to SBK where, I think, his physical style would rule.

Unless we're there mate. We'd give him the learn.

[svr]

Unless we're there mate. We'd give him the learn.

All those knocks to the head but still funny!:clap:

[Crasherfromwayback]

All those knocks to the head but still funny!:clap:

Fuck yeah. I can keep myself entertained for weeks.:baby:

[RobRod]

Yeah sure he won the championship on the best motorcycle there with TWO race wins, just think he's overrated thats all, but could be eating my words if he 'flashes" again:yes:

[svr]

None of those guys are overrated

[codgyoleracer]

None of those guys are overrated

I agree, Every-one of those guys - right down to the backmarker & or the fellas that get a wildcard ride are extremley quick on two wheels. The order of success seems to be rider ability, tyres, machinery (inc electronics), then team.
With these four things working together you have a top three finisher. If you are missing or weak in any one of these - Your stuggling down the grid it seems.

[roogazza]

Motogp Motegi 28th, Sunday Sky ch31 2pm to 6pm for those that care.
Hope the bloody Sky mag is correct, because it wasn't for the WSB last week ? Gaz.

[gav]

Wonder if those times are correct for daylight savings this weekend?

[Cajun]

Motogp Motegi 28th, Sunday Sky ch31 2pm to 6pm for those that care.
Hope the bloody Sky mag is correct, because it wasn't for the WSB last week ? Gaz.

skytv.co.nz says 3-7

race starts 2pm japan time, which is like 5.45 nz time

[Cleve]

Well I am here near Motegi now and will be seeing Saturday and Sunday LIVE!! yeehaa :woohoo:

[RobRod]

Well I am here near Motegi now and will be seeing Saturday and Sunday LIVE!! yeehaa :woohoo:

Don't you just hate that, lucky bastard lol

[johan]

IMO the electronic's although very clever and mostlikley to become commonplace on the latest sports bikes ARE ruinning moto gp, get rid of the traction control - I agree bring nack the 500's, no trac control and then we'd see the truely talented one's at the front.

Isn't Bayliss running the same traction control technology on his F08-1098?

[RobRod]

Isn't Bayliss running the same traction control technology on his F08-1098?

I think they are both magnetti marelli items but not sure if they're the same????

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13030>The 250cc class will be........</A>

[roogazza]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13030>The 250cc class will be........</A>

I'm trying to keep an open mind on the proposed 600's Bill, but I've always enjoyed 250 gp's. Wait and see I suppose. Gaz.

[denill]

I'm trying to keep an open mind on the proposed 600's Bill, but I've always enjoyed 250 gp's. Wait and see I suppose. Gaz.

Yeah, me too Gaz. My problem is that the 200cc diff is bugger all and really can't see the point. Maybe if the MotoGP class now went to 990cc?

Now there's a thought! :beer:

Call me old fashioned tho - but the 250 battles have been superb, as you say.

[fatzx10r]

im stuck at work and missed the moto gp, can any one tell me if rossi is champ? cheer's

[skaz]

scusate il ritardo 8

Sorry for the delay, number 8!!

WOOHOO, GO VALE!!!!!

[denill]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-last-minute-plans-backfire-fim-approves-single-tire-rule/>Dennis Noye's Take on Tyres:</A> Oh well, at least there won't be any more bitching "That your tyre is better than mine'.

[denill]

<a href=http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-more-on-the-control-tire-regs/>And More!</A>

[roogazza]

</A> Oh well, at least there won't be any more bitching "That your tyre is better than mine'.

Yep, thats my take on it Bill. Development may suffer a bit in time but for the moment it can be tried and we'll see how it works ?

Wingnut seemed to take coming second a little better this time huh ?

:banana::banana::banana::banana: Gaz

[codgyoleracer]

Yep, thats my take on it Bill. Development may suffer a bit in time but for the moment it can be tried and we'll see how it works ?

Wingnut seemed to take coming second a little better this time huh ?

:banana::banana::banana::banana: Gaz

The best man won aye !, Havent seen Rossi look that puffed after a race for a while. Class act to want to win - when sitting in 2nd would of done the job.
Glen

[denill]

Yep, thats my take on it Bill. Development may suffer a bit in time but for the moment it can be tried and we'll see how it works ?

Wingnut seemed to take coming second a little better this time huh ?

:banana::banana::banana::banana: Gaz

Mmmm, you seem rather happy this morning Gaz. Oh, that's right - Rossi won. And in style. As Glen alluded, the NEED to win is the measure of the guy.
Little doubt that he is legend in his own time and his record indicates that he is arguably the best ever. :clap::clap:

[svr]

Class act to want to win - when sitting in 2nd would of done the job.
Glen

Absolutely, always the sign of a class champion.
The best rider on the best bike - Stoner and the bratpack are capable of beating him, but... that rossi/yam/B combo looks formidable right now.
Duc and Honda have a lot of work to do in the off season. Kaw and Suzi will need a miracle.

[skaz]

scusate il ritardo 8

Sorry for the delay, number 8!!

WOOHOO, GO VALE!!!!!

I'm judging by the red rep that I spoiled someones race :Oops: sorry!!!

[gav]

I'm judging by the red rep that I spoiled someones race :Oops: sorry!!!
You would have to wonder why anyone would object? The race had already been shown live on Sky TV, and they are browsing a motorcyle forum thread titled "Interested in MotoGP?" :argh: What were they expecting to find?

[denill]

I'm trying to keep an open mind on the proposed 600's Bill, but I've always enjoyed 250 gp's. Wait and see I suppose. Gaz.

<a href=http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/motogp_bizarre_600cc_class_rules_announced_/5611.html>Harald Bartol, reckons the rules “look as though they were drawn up by Karl Marx":</A>

[svr]

Whats with the `buy your competitors' engines' rule??? Bit like bucket racing...

[Masterchop]

Absolutely, always the sign of a class champion.
The best rider on the best bike - Stoner and the bratpack are capable of beating him, but... that rossi/yam/B combo looks formidable right now.
Duc and Honda have a lot of work to do in the off season. Kaw and Suzi will need a miracle.

Quite right, but the Rossi/HONDA/MICHELIN combo was equally formidable.

The common denominator being Rossi.

[diesel pig]

Whats with the `buy your competitors' engines' rule??? Bit like bucket racing...

You're probably thinking of AMA racing. They had a claiming rule for the whole bike until some time in the 70's for road racing. Bucket racing has not had a claiming rule in the 15 or so years I have been in it.

[roogazza]

<a href=http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/motogp_bizarre_600cc_class_rules_announced_/5611.html>Harald Bartol, reckons the rules “look as though they were drawn up by Karl Marx":</A>

I remember the claiming rule Bill, but couldn't place it. 'Diesel Pig' reckons it was AMA. Whatever, 600's don't sound like a good idea so far.
(that coming from a dead keen 250 fan.) Gaz.

[denill]

I remember the claiming rule Bill, but couldn't place it. 'Diesel Pig' reckons it was AMA. Whatever, 600's don't sound like a good idea so far.
(that coming from a dead keen 250 fan.) Gaz.

Yeah, like I said earlier Gaz.

"My problem is that the 200cc diff is bugger all and really can't see the point. Maybe if the MotoGP class now went to 990cc?"
;) ;)

[gav]

AMA MX had a claiming rule for a while in the 80's. Got to the stage the factory riders were racing pretty much standard bikes for fear of losing valuable macinery. Bob "Hurricane" Hannah got to the stage where he would collect a stock bike from the local dealer in the area he was racing, would race and win the main event on the stock bike then raffle it off to some lucky punter. It got so bizzare that "factory" riders from other brands were wishing they too rode a standard YZ Yamaha!!

[Cleve]

Rossi on his career so far.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+reviews+best+form+of+MotoGP+career

Interesting comments. Reckons this years championship was even better than 2004 (first win on Yamaha) and that Casey is the best rival he has had.

[gav]

Its been a strange season hasnt it? We had a rookie take pole 3 times in his first 3 races, then we had a Honda on Michelins leading the championship after 9 rounds! Then we had the defending champ come back and win 3 in a row and look unbeatable, and then Rossi wraps it up with 3 rounds still remaining! :headbang:

[denill]

Rossi on his career so far.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+reviews+best+form+of+MotoGP+career

Interesting comments. Reckons this years championship was even better than 2004 (first win on Yamaha) and that Casey is the best rival he has had.

A good read Cleve. I think this excerpt is the measure of the guy - "I grew up a lot in the last two years, because at the end of 2005 I had a great career and I had won all the important targets so far. 125, 250 and then five titles in a row in MotoGP with two different bikes – I felt unbeatable. But in 2006 and 2007 I learnt to lose and this has been very important. I came out much stronger and my level of concentration and effort to win this championship has been higher than ever before."

[denill]

I remember the claiming rule Bill, but couldn't place it. 'Diesel Pig' reckons it was AMA. Whatever, 600's don't sound like a good idea so far.
(that coming from a dead keen 250 fan.) Gaz.

I have a dim recollection of the claiming rule in existence in AMA - in Kenny Robert's day. I recall that what should have been a good scheme ended up with all sorts of tricks being pulled.

[denill]

I remember the claiming rule Bill, but couldn't place it. 'Diesel Pig' reckons it was AMA. Whatever, 600's don't sound like a good idea so far.
(that coming from a dead keen 250 fan.) Gaz.

From Google:

Long ago, some racer tried to buy a TZ750...they were in stock in the warehouse but the guy couldn't get Yamaha to sell him one. (you had to RIDE IN THE RACE that you wanted to claim the bike in).
Roberts, I believe, won and this guy went to claim his OW31 one-off.
he had to physically confront some of the Yamaha guys regardless of what the AMA said.
I do believe they sold him a new TZ750 for the cost of the claim.

[svr]

You're probably thinking of AMA racing. They had a claiming rule for the whole bike until some time in the 70's for road racing. Bucket racing has not had a claiming rule in the 15 or so years I have been in it.

Yeah sorry - 18 years ago was the first and last time I raced (or noticed) a bucket and the claiming rule was around then I think.
Backwards stuff really - they'd be better to source a control engine supplier for reasonable cost.

[TonyB]

Yeah sorry - 18 years ago was the first and last time I raced (or noticed) a bucket LOL, whatever you do don't join join the Visor Down forum, blasphemous remarks like that would get you in all sorts of trouble, eh Gav

[gav]

LOL, whatever you do don't join join the Visor Down forum, blasphemous remarks like that would get you in all sorts of trouble, eh Gav
Yeah, but when you get a field of 45 of them turn up at a Bears meet it is kind of hard not to notice them!
And yeah, you sure got your ears chewed there, TonyB!

[johan]

Qualifying today at 16.55-17.55!

www.motogp.com

[merv]

The common denominator being Rossi.


.... and Burgess :done:

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13072>Michelins Are GONE!</A>

[Cajun]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13072>Michelins Are GONE!</A>

yeah very interesting michelin arn't a player in any of the top motorcycle racing any more, motogp - bridgestone, wsbk - pirelli, bsb - pirelli, ama - (mostly dunlops).

[denill]

yeah very interesting michelin arn't a player in any of the top motorcycle racing any more, motogp - bridgestone, wsbk - pirelli, bsb - pirelli, ama - (mostly dunlops).

Maybe Dunlop will make a bid :yes:

Or, maybe Cheng Shin will :eek5:

[Matt Bleck]

Gutted for Vale, it looked like a very hard landing...

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/169911-0/rossi_i_couldnt_stop_it.html

[Cajun]

Maybe Dunlop will make a bid :yes:

Or, maybe Cheng Shin will :eek5:

interesting reading. That some people who like somethign special can not longer get it and maybe those lite weight midgets not get on very well either next year



We have a single tyre supplier and it will be Bridgestones all round in 2009. The Japanese tyre company were the only one to submit a proposal to Dorna and the FIM, Michelin announced their decision not to bid this afternoon.

According to Hiroshi Yamada of Bridgestone, riders should expect an allocation of around fifteen to twenty tyres next year as opposed to the forty they currently get. Whoch would explain why Nicky Hayden said today that he will 'miss qualifiers next year.' He won't be the only one. But rides with non-standard styles or requirements are the ones likely to suffer most. Toni Elias depends on a very special front that Bridgestone currently make for him. That luxury will disappear. Yamada-san also mentioned that Dani Pedrosa's light weight mean he could have problems. A natural consequence of a single-tyre rule, said Yamada-san, is that 'they [riders] will have to adapt.' Details of the tyre regulations for next season will be released in two weeks time at the Malaysian GP. Expect back-tracking from riders as they realise what a single-tyre rule really means.

[NZsarge]

Gutted for Vale, it looked like a very hard landing...

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/169911-0/rossi_i_couldnt_stop_it.html

:doh: That's arse! At least it won't affect the championship now but 6 wins in a row would be impressive (as if 5 are'nt) but ya can never ever count Rossi out.

[roogazza]

Another great ride for Rossi !
He was looking a little jaded after his qualifying off, but came through from
12th (forth row)on the grid, to 2nd.
Wingnut won it , but was pressed early by the Kentucky boy (on Michelin).
Pretty boy Toseland put up a fight but blamed tyres for fading in a fight with Dovi and Nakano. Nakano slipping through on them in the last lap rush. Gaz.

[Crasherfromwayback]

interesting reading. That some people who like somethign special can not longer get it and maybe those lite weight midgets not get on very well either next year

Yep. Be careful what you wish for!!

[svr]

So the unintended consequence of Rossi and Pedrosa demanding the B advantage is that no-one will have an advantage next year.
Technical `purists' will complain about the lack of competition between tyre brands, but as per SBK, a level tyre playing field will improve the competition between riders.
Which is 90% of motorbike racing in my book.

[Benk]

So the unintended consequence of Rossi and Pedrosa demanding the B advantage is that no-one will have an advantage next year.
Technical `purists' will complain about the lack of competition between tyre brands, but as per SBK, a level tyre playing field will improve the competition between riders.
Which is 90% of motorbike racing in my book.

Yup, id agree with that. Its not like it was the less competitive (I choose my words carefully as everyone on a motoGP grid is an amazing rider) getting the more effective tyres, so itll just close things up nicely. Takes out a dynamic, but moves things to a more level playing field.

Next season is going to be amazing!

Bloody old man is in Malaysia at the moment. Ready for Seppang. Lucky bugger.

[Crasherfromwayback]

, a level tyre playing field will improve the competition between riders.
Which is 90% of motorbike racing in my book.

I dunno that it will mate. If Michelin and Bridgestone make rider specific tyres (which they do) to help a particular rider...I don't see that only having the same tyres will make it closer. The guys that are unable to adapt (wether it be because of their riding style/size/weight etc) may struggle. Is that good for the sport? And lets face it...at some tracks Michelin have been fine.

To me...Moto GP going to control tyres and 600 four strokes instead of 250's is getting too much like Superbikes.

[Benk]

To me...Moto GP going to control tyres and 600 four strokes instead of 250's is getting too much like Superbikes.

I dont like the 600 deal, sounds like a silly idea to me, but then again, I guess its still a feeder class. 250 racing is amazing to watch though. They were awesome at Phillip Island.

You dont think that Bridgestone will still be making rider specific tyres?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I dont like the 600 deal, sounds like a silly idea to me, but then again, I guess its still a feeder class. 250 racing is amazing to watch though. They were awesome at Phillip Island.

You dont think that Bridgestone will still be making rider specific tyres?

250's are always amazing to watch...and have given us most of the current weapons!!!

No need for Bridgestone to do so when they're THE only tyre. They've also said that they'll be massively reducing the number of tyres avail for selection over race weekend.

[Cajun]

You dont think that Bridgestone will still be making rider specific tyres?

Control tyres means no rider specific tires, and they also be getting less range of tires, to maybe 15-20 pairs, instead of the 40 pairs they are getting now

[denill]

I dunno that it will mate. If Michelin and Bridgestone make rider specific tyres (which they do) to help a particular rider...I don't see that only having the same tyres will make it closer. The guys that are unable to adapt (wether it be because of their riding style/size/weight etc) may struggle. Is that good for the sport? And lets face it...at some tracks Michelin have been fine.

Can someone tell me if ALL riders will be able access all and any BS tyre.


To me...Moto GP going to control tyres and 600 four strokes instead of 250's is getting too much like Superbikes.

Bugger. The 250 class has provided us with sensational racing - and PI was no exception. Classic those dudes. Notice there's a bit of respect creeping in for each other.

[Cajun]

Can someone tell me if ALL riders will be able access all and any BS tyre.



Have to wait for them to release the tire rules, to find out really whats going on.

[denill]

Tyres have been a factor for a number of years in riders performances and their results. It seems strange I know, but Simon Crafer gave Mick D a hurry up at Donnington and PI. So it wasn't just his imagination.

When he had the Dunlops taken away from him his results plummeted.

As different tyres suit different riders - then 2009 is going to be a bit of a lottery. <_<

[Cajun]

Tyres have been a factor for a number of years in riders performances and their results. It seems strange I know, but Simon Crafer gave Mick D a hurry up at Donnington and PI. So it wasn't just his imagination.

When he had the Dunlops taken away from him his results plummeted.

As different tyres suit different riders - then 2009 is going to be a bit of a lottery. <_<

and i read something while ago bridgestone tires need to be ridden different than michelins, and need a total different bike seat up, they sit people who who hard on front or something silly like that

[Benk]

Control tyres means no rider specific tires, and they also be getting less range of tires, to maybe 15-20 pairs, instead of the 40 pairs they are getting now

Sweet. Sounds good for me. I was starting to think if they were going to use rider specific tyres then the one brand rule would be watered down a little. Good to hear its one for all. Give those privateer teams a bit of a boost.

[denill]

Read that: the riders were almost unanimous in their support for a single tire supplier in MotoGP

That's a bit hard to believe - but just may be true?? :pinch:

[Cajun]

Sweet. Sounds good for me. I was starting to think if they were going to use rider specific tyres then the one brand rule would be watered down a little. Good to hear its one for all. Give those privateer teams a bit of a boost. Yeah should be one type of
tire, you get a choice soft/medium/hard, and which fulla got the biggest balls to go the fastest with out destorying them






Read that: the riders were almost unanimous in their support for a single tire supplier in MotoGP

That's a bit hard to believe - but just may be true?? :pinch:

Yes but i think now they will know more what 1 brand tyre means some might change there mines,

[Benk]

That's a bit hard to believe - but just may be true?? :pinch:

Yeah I dunno, sounds pretty believable to me? I would have thought everyone who wasnt in say the top 5, or have had troubles with tyres in the past would have been keen for the rule change.

[svr]

The 250 class has provided us with sensational racing - and PI was no exception.

They all ride on the same brand of tyre...

[k14]

They all ride on the same brand of tyre...
But the factory teams get different tyres to the rest of the field...

I would be surprised if some teams got better tyres than others in MotoGP though. In superbikes, f1, all teams get the same tyre choice. I am pretty sure there are 3 or 4 different constructions/compounds in superbike so depends how they do it. I read that there will be no qualifiers and only about 20 tyres per rider per weekend, vs the 40 odd now.

[roogazza]

Read that: the riders were almost unanimous in their support for a single tire supplier in MotoGP

That's a bit hard to believe - but just may be true?? :pinch:

Rossi might just have 9 on his bedroom wall then next year ? Huh Bill, huh huh ! The electronics just need to be sorted to even the playing field further ? Gaz. :lol::lol::lol:

[gav]

They all ride on the same brand of tyre...
Bit of a laugh seeing Dunlop celebrating 200 wins in a row in the 250 class, the other week. Were they just taking the piss?

[k14]

Bit of a laugh seeing Dunlop celebrating 200 wins in a row in the 250 class, the other week. Were they just taking the piss?
No there was one guy on bridgestones ;) i think he came 20th or something...

[pritch]

I think I've discovered Ducati's secret, they've got universal joints in the middle of the frame.:whistle: The two wheels are never in line or in the same plane. When Stoner's on that thing it must be a terrible twitching twisting thing to ride. These two pictures are mid corner so he isn't on the gas *that* hard, the thing gets more out of shape on the exit...

[denill]

I think I've discovered Ducati's secret, they've got universal joints in the middle of the frame.:whistle: The two wheels are never in line or in the same plane. When Stoner's on that thing it must be a terrible twitching twisting thing to ride. These two pictures are mid corner so he isn't on the gas *that* hard, the thing gets more out of shape on the exit...

Yeah, you're right and that's why I'm thinking Haystack could go very well on the Red Bike. He's not too uncomfortable when the back wheel and front wheel are not pointing in the same direction - as is Stoner. :laugh:

[johan]

Apparently next years bike, GP9, will leave the trademark Ducati trellis frame to make room for a carbon fibre frame. Obviously, a big part of the new design is to make the fibre frame flexible in the desired direction and stiff in another, by aligning the fibres the right way.

Sounds tricky... At least that is what I read on the interweb...

[Swima]

Pretty darn quick with those photo's Ron !
Did you get inside his pits as well?
Remember,What happens on the bus,stays on the bus

[Brian d marge]

Apparently next years bike, GP9, will leave the trademark Ducati trellis frame to make room for a carbon fibre frame. Obviously, a big part of the new design is to make the fibre frame flexible in the desired direction and stiff in another, by aligning the fibres the right way. Sounds tricky... At least that is what I read on the interweb...


I Have the optimization papers on the Ducati steel frame ...

They really are up there with the New tech, Give me a moment and Ill see if I can find it ,,,it should be on the net anyway.

Stephen

[Movistar]

Remember,What happens on the bus,stays on the bus

Right, that's it.

Sounds like way too much fun!

Where do I book for '09...?

[pritch]

Did you get inside his pits as well?
Remember,What happens on the bus,stays on the bus

No, All the Ducati garages were closed this time.
Did I miss something on the bus?