Assen MotoGP discussion *SPOILERS*

[White trash]

Wll Casey seems to be back on top at Assen judging by the first two practice session times over night.

FP2 times listed below.

1 C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team 1'36.087
2 V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team + 0.732
3 C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha + 0.844
4 N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team + 0.925
5 A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini + 1.039
6 S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini + 1.050
7 R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP + 1.100
8 J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team + 1.164
9 D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team + 1.193
10 C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 1.195
11 A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP + 1.239
12 S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team + 1.270
13 J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha + 1.751
14 J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team + 1.873
15 A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team + 2.326
16 T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team + 2.569
17 L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 2.580
18 M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team + 3.127

I have a sneaking suspicion that poor ol' Marco's gonna be looking for work.

[riffer]

I have a sneaking suspicion that poor ol' Marco's gonna be looking for work.


Hmm, yes, we've touched on that before. Is it that Melandri's form has dropped that significantly?

Because I don't see ANYONE else doing that well on a Ducati except for Stoner, and he used to regularly bin bikes before going to Ducati.

Is it possible that Ducati development has concentrated on making a bike that Stoner can ride, at the expense of all other riders?

[Badjelly]

Hmm, yes, we've touched on that before. Is it that Melandri's form has dropped that significantly?

Because I don't see ANYONE else doing that well on a Ducati except for Stoner, and he used to regularly bin bikes before going to Ducati.

Is it possible that Ducati development has concentrated on making a bike that Stoner can ride, at the expense of all other riders?

And Honda's on making a bike that Pedrosa can ride? And Yamaha's on Rossi? All the manufacturers develop for their best rider, but it's still amazing that Melandri can be that much slower than Stoner.

[NZsarge]

Because I don't see ANYONE else doing that well on a Ducati except for Stoner, and he used to regularly bin bikes before going to Ducati.

Is it possible that Ducati development has concentrated on making a bike that Stoner can ride, at the expense of all other riders?

I think that is a good possiblity, Pedrosa favored over Hayden in their bike design too...

[Matt Bleck]

I have a sneaking suspicion that poor ol' Marco's gonna be looking for work.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25062008/58/melandri-ll-step-aside.html

Hopefully he can pull out a good result at the A-style.....


My money's on Whore-hey!!!!

[Badjelly]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25062008/58/melandri-ll-step-aside.html

He's reported as saying "My style is the opposite of what this bike requires." Does anyone know what he means by that?

[Sully60]

He's reported as saying "My style is the opposite of what this bike requires." Does anyone know what he means by that?

Maybe he has just figured out countersteering?:shutup:

He needs to sort something out soon but it sounds like he's resigned to the fact he can't get the Ducati to work. Sete is hovering around in the background at the moment, could we see a mid season rider change?

Edit: Casey .732 faster than the Doctor, gee can't blame the tyres now can we?

[svr]

Go Casey - I hope he kicks Rossi's arse (again). Capirossi couldn't ride that Ducati either, but it seems everyones's fast on the new Yamaha.

["D" FZ1]

My money is on the "Doctor" He loves Assen.

["D" FZ1]

I think Edwards should do well too. He has been in good form lately.

[James Deuce]

My money is on the "Doctor" He loves Assen.
No he doesn't. Not this Assen. This Assen is a carpark compared to what it used to be. NONE of the GP riders like Assen.

["D" FZ1]

No he doesn't. Not this Assen. This Assen is a carpark compared to what it used to be. NONE of the GP riders like Assen.

Valentino Rossi
"I'm really glad that we're going straight on to Assen, which is another of my favourite circuits.

["D" FZ1]

Valentino Rossi.
Last year's race in Assen was magic, the best of the year, and I would like to repeat that victory again this year. Of course this time I would prefer to start from the front row instead of the fourth, even if making all those overtakes last year was great, great fun! I still miss the 'old' Assen but it's still a fantastic track and the atmosphere is very special, plus our M1 usually works very well there so I'm looking forward to another exciting weekend.

[k14]

If its dry and his bike makes it then stoner will win like last week. However the forecast is for rain for the next 2 days so that would throw things in the air. Stoner would still be at the pointy end but the other front runners may throw up a few surprises.

If it remains dry I think Hayden will be up there with that pnuematic engine, edwards looks set for another solid 4th. Lorenzo seems to be taking it easy, maybe his injuries are still giving him grief??

125's are wide open, will be another ripper. 250's looks like Bautista is fastest but we all know that means squat on race day.

P.S. When Casey win's this years championship what will everyones excuses be this time???

[driftn]

Go the Hopper I say.

[enigma51]

Judging by what happend last year i would say your a fool to think stoner is going to run away with it like donington.

[k14]

So why is that different to going on last year's race??

[emaN]

Stoner to win the championship?
Only if Ducati manage to keep improving the electronics for him!

[enigma51]

So why is that different to going on last year's race??

Last year Rossi had some serious problems all year espically on the fast tracks. Not being able to keep up with stoner. But come assen he was able to have a nice fight with Stoner all the way to the end and win

This year he seem to have the speed issues sorted so in theory he should be able to win again.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Judging by what happend last year i would say your a fool to think stoner is going to run away with it like donington.

Stoner had huge trouble with side winds and Ducati's large fairing at Assen last year. They have a new smaller fairing, and it was as windy as shit at Donnington last week. He's waaaay faster than everyone again this week...just like last. I for one will be looking to double my money at the tab with Stoner...just like I did last week!

[k14]

Stoner had huge trouble with side winds and Ducati's large fairing at Assen last year. They have a new smaller fairing, and it was as windy as shit at Donnington last week. He's waaaay faster than everyone again this week...just like last. I for one will be looking to double my money at the tab with Stoner...just like I did last week!
Ditto, although I wasn't too ballsy and went with the top 3 for stoner. Win all the way this weekend. Wet or dry he will be there :woohoo:

[enigma51]

Stoner had huge trouble with side winds and Ducati's large fairing at Assen last year. They have a new smaller fairing, and it was as windy as shit at Donnington last week. He's waaaay faster than everyone again this week...just like last. I for one will be looking to double my money at the tab with Stoner...just like I did last week!

There is a few others than can piss on his parade. I dont think he has the weekend in the bag just yet. Although you would have to say the odds are stacked in his favour at the moment

[k14]

There is a few others than can piss on his parade. I dont think he has the weekend in the bag just yet. Although you would have to say the odds are stacked in his favour at the moment
A few? If its dry then surely Pedrosa is the only one that you can say has a chance on this season's form. If its wet then vermeulen would be a fair bet, even toseland could have a chance. Hopefully haystack is up there too.

[enigma51]

A few? If its dry then surely Pedrosa is the only one that you can say has a chance on this season's form. If its wet then vermeulen would be a fair bet, even toseland could have a chance. Hopefully haystack is up there too.

Edwards
Davidsioso (or what ever)
Valentino
Jorge
basically everyone expect those on kwaka's and other duc's

Pedrosa on form you joking right? The only time pedrosa has been on form is when he is in front from the start to the end. every single time he has to fight for position he lacks form and ends up bridesmaid.

Pedrosa is the most boring rider in the field at the moment.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ditto, although I wasn't too ballsy and went with the top 3 for stoner. Win all the way this weekend. Wet or dry he will be there :woohoo:

Yeah...although he's only paying $1.65 this week!

[enigma51]

PS The race is on saturday / sunday morning !

[ElCoyote]

Maybe he has just figured out countersteering?:shutup:

Edit: Casey .732 faster than the Doctor, gee can't blame the tyres now can we? It's just practice so far

[Matt Bleck]

Stoner to win the championship?
Only if Ducati manage to keep improving the electronics for him!
You sound bitter..... hey at least he's on a Eyetie bike bro! :bleh:

[BarBender]

Go Vale Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edwards up there too.

[enigma51]

Go Vale Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edwards up there too.

Holy crap you still around mate!

[Matt Bleck]

Delayed!!!!!!? coverage from 6am on Sunday, sky sport 2.

[roogazza]

A few? If its dry then surely Pedrosa is the only one that you can say has a chance on this season's form. If its wet then vermeulen would be a fair bet, even toseland could have a chance. Hopefully haystack is up there too.

Yep K14, Pedrosa with a chance only in the dry, If it rains, he has weakness, so it seems? It pisses down quite often in Holland.

Rossi came thru from about 11th last year !!!! (pete ha ha !) and Edwardian lost it on the last corner the year before, so the Yamahas work there. Maybe we're forgetting the other Yam and Jorge ???? Gaz.

[enigma51]

Delayed!!!!!!? coverage from 6am on sky sport 2.

There is most likely baseball or something more important on

[sosman]

He's reported as saying "My style is the opposite of what this bike requires." Does anyone know what he means by that?
Yeah that means he need's to go back to a 87cbr600 biscuit wheel machine,using b'stone bt45's & do the isle of piha rd :first:

[Matt Bleck]

There is most likely baseball or something more important on
tennis :confused:

[Cr1MiNaL]

Look guys I'm sorry to poke my nose in this "Moto - Gp" thread, coz its so not me, but I have to say if Rossy was riding my bike he would win. Ta.

[White trash]

Look guys I'm sorry to poke my nose in this "Moto - Gp" thread, coz its so not me, but I have to say if Rossy was riding my bike he would win. Ta.
Ummmm, seeing as he has a great deal of difficulty winning on a prototype MotoGp machine, I doubt very much a poxy R6 is going to do the trick.

Here's our grid people. Apparently, John Hopkins has had a major accident and could be quite badly injured.

1 1 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1'35.520 297.193
2 2 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1'35.552 293.318 0.032
3 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1'35.659 290.869 0.139
4 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1'35.975 293.000 0.455
5 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 1'35.985 281.616 0.465
6 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha 1'36.278 290.010 0.758
7 48 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1'36.532 290.010 1.012
8 7 Chris VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 1'36.768 284.061 1.248
9 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1'36.804 285.186 1.284
10 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team Ducati 1'36.823 294.679 1.303
11 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP Honda 1'36.899 284.435 1.379
12 15 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1'36.948 282.279 1.428
13 52 James TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha 1'36.978 285.638 1.458
14 24 Toni ELIAS SPA Alice Team Ducati 1'37.287 294.037 1.767
15 21 John HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki 1'37.643 287.157 2.123
16 13 Anthony WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki 1'37.793 290.244 2.273
17 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1'38.726 293.000 3.206

[emaN]

hey at least he's on a Eyetie bike bro! :bleh:
hey, them classy bikes make anyone look fast...even DMTD!:devil2:

[roogazza]

Thats bad news on Hopkins, Trash ! Gaz.



ps just checked , appears to be left lower leg injuries, maybe fractured ankle and knee damage . Apparently lost the front at one of the fastest spots and slid into a tyre wall.

[riffer]

Shit. Poor Marco.

I think Sete Gibernau will be back faster than we expected.

[White trash]

Thats bad news on Hopkins, Trash ! Gaz.
Sure is mate.

It looks like he'll definitely miss the next round and possibly Laguna

[Matt Bleck]

Jorge is quacking! :yes:

[denill]

I have a sneaking suspicion that poor ol' Marco's gonna be looking for work.

I dunno. As I've said before Melandri is just NOT THAT BAD?????? :bash:

Also. Sete will do no better IMO.

As for Assen. Stoner's been so far ahead in all sessions he's surely goin to take it. Well as sure as you can be? :whistle::whistle:

[Shaun]

I dunno. As I've said before Melandri is just NOT THAT BAD?????? :bash:

Also. Sete will do no better IMO.

As for Assen. Stoner's been so far ahead in all sessions he's surely goin to take it. Well as sure as you can be? :whistle::whistle:



I think SETE is gunna rock after a couple of races again He always had the abbillity as a rider, he was just not mentally strong enough to deal with his competitors mind games, and lost the plot

[Shaun]

Sure is mate.

It looks like he'll definitely miss the next round and possibly Laguna


he is riding a piece of shit any way

[denill]

Assen: Stoner - Rossi - Pedrossa

Now there's a brave call. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[k14]

I'll go for stoner, rossi and hayden (just for a bit of an outsider).

[White trash]

he is riding a piece of shit any way
Eloquently put!

You're not wrong though, he's the only rider that can put the thing in the front third of the field. His team mate is consistantly dead last.

[Matt Bleck]

So I get up at 6am (on a sunday!!) to watch the GP and get TENNIS!



cool.......


thanks sky!

[White trash]

Bwahahahaha, fuck that's gold. I was up anyway. These future MotoGP stars sure like their sustanence.

[fatzx10r]

So I get up at 6am (on a sunday!!) to watch the GP and get TENNIS!



cool.......


thanks sky!

yeah, im fucken sick of getting up early for the gp and sbk only to find tennis or soccer between to bloody countrys ive never herd of. sort your shit out sky

[White trash]

6am aint early.

[riffer]

I rang 0800 759 759. The info has been updated on Sky decoders since 12.00 midnight. Wasn't updated on my Telstra one.

It starts at 8.00

LOL Jimmy. I'm getting used to not having to get up at 6.00 finally. The kids didn't stir until 7.00 today.

I feel for you mate.

[Masterchop]

Sky-----CUNTS!!!!

[White trash]

I rang 0800 759 759. The info has been updated on Sky decoders since 12.00 midnight. Wasn't updated on my Telstra one.

It starts at 8.00

LOL Jimmy. I'm getting used to not having to get up at 6.00 finally. The kids didn't stir until 7.00 today.

I feel for you mate.
Well Sky are also fucken liars then. My decoder told me at 6am that the MotoGP would be on at 6.30. Then at 6.30 it said 7. At 7 it said, you guessed it.....

It's a friggen conspircy to increase tenis ratings.

[riffer]

Well Sky are also fucken liars then. My decoder told me at 6am that the MotoGP would be on at 6.30. Then at 6.30 it said 7. At 7 it said, you guessed it.....

It's a friggen conspircy to increase tenis ratings.

It's not working.

Tennis is shite.

[riffer]

The worst thing is, I accidentally turned the telly on to Sky Sport 3 at 6.01 just in case they had flicked it over to that channel.

And what did they have on - the review of the fI(*&king Motogp.

arse. I already know the result. :argue::(:(:(:(

[ajturbo]

The worst thing is, I accidentally turned the telly on to Sky Sport 3 at 6.01 just in case they had flicked it over to that channel.

And what did they have on - the review of the fI(*&king Motogp.

arse. I already know the result. :argue::(:(:(:(
friggin tennis.. yes i too thought they had it aonther channel... frukers

[Crasherfromwayback]

So then...Rossi has now had an 11th place finish just as Stoner has.

Stoner also had a DNF due to his bike shitting it's self. If Rossi also has a mechanical DNF...well...you know what I'm saying!

THIS is gonna be a fucking great season regardless.

I'd love to see a gloves off showdown between Rossi, Stoner and the sulky dwarf with a round to go!

Ohhh and Finn...Told you before the season started that Hopkins would crash far more often on his Kawasaki than he ever did on his Suzuki!

[denill]

I'd love to see a gloves off showdown between Rossi, Stoner and the sulky dwarf with a round to go!!

Well said, that man.:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

It's getting interstinger and interestinger. <_<

[roogazza]

[QUOTE=Crasherfromwayback;1627041]
I'd love to see a gloves off showdown between Rossi, Stoner and the sulky dwarf with a round to go!

That would be great to see Crasher! (but I will still back Rossi in the Situation)
SKY on the other hand will lose me after that last race ! Gaz.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That would be great to see Crasher! (but I will still back Rossi in the Situation)
SKY on the other hand will lose me after that last race ! Gaz.

Interesting. You do remember it was Rossi that blew it under pressure from Nicky Hayden in the last round of the '06' championship don't ya?

That was the 1st and only time Rossi has had that sort of pressure, as all of his championships have been won well before the last round in the past.

I'll be watching closely this year. Have you noticed that Stoner hasn't crashed out of a race since his 1st year in Moto GP? And that Rossi is now having to try so hard he's crashed?

It's my belief that Stoner will perfom better under severe pressure than Rossi.

[riffer]

I have to agree with you there Pete. It pains me to say it, but I think Rossi's met his match with Stoner.

[Matt Bleck]

Bwahahahaha, fuck that's gold. I was up anyway. These future MotoGP stars sure like their sustanence.
Good to see Riff Raff has you sorted with the domestic chores.... hows the nappies? :D

[NZsarge]

I have to agree with you there Pete. It pains me to say it, but I think Rossi's met his match with Stoner.

I dunno, perhaps. I still think when the pace is similar as a racer Rossi has an edge but the pace is not similar.Is'nt it interesting the difference an electronics upgrade can make?
Get rid of em I say!! That could yield some interesting results.:yes:

[riffer]

Get rid of em I say!! That could yield some interesting results.:yes:

Better yet. Bring back the two-smokers mate. :yes:

[Hinny]

Yep K14, Pedrosa with a chance only in the dry, If it rains, he has weakness, so it seems? It pisses down quite often in Holland.


Wrong call there Brother.
Pedrosa came through with the fastest time in the wet.
My money is still on Pedrosa to take the title.
He is the second most winning rider on the circuit after Rossi.

[BigG]

Dont count Lorenzo out he started 17 th off the grid and finished 6th didnt he, that little sh__ has bleeding guts and determination but needs to learn not to push to hard. Pedrosa is good untill 3 laps to go and seems his tyres bomb out, Stoner is light and sleek it aint the bike its the rider cos there aint another duke in sight, Rossi is still good and he's real good but I'm afraid to say it no one is up to Stoner he will be the Champ again.
Watch the street stocks to night on WSBk thats bloody good raceing.:beer:

[Mort]

Check out Rossi's gear change lever at the end... Broke clean off leaving a 1cm piece left.... and yet he could ride as fast as Pedrosa in the end. Amazing.

Rossi can still win this championship... and will !!

[NZsarge]

Dont count Lorenzo out he started 17 th off the grid and finished 6th didnt he, that little sh__ has bleeding guts and determination but needs to learn not to push to hard. Pedrosa is good untill 3 laps to go and seems his tyres bomb out, Stoner is light and sleek it aint the bike its the rider cos there aint another duke in sight, Rossi is still good and he's real good but I'm afraid to say it no one is up to Stoner he will be the Champ again.
Watch the street stocks to night on WSBk thats bloody good raceing.:beer:

I agree up to a point, I think it would be reasonably fair to sumize that the factory teams have one rider in mind when developing a new bike and it's generally bares out in the race results.
It was'nt until this new electronics package was fettled that Stoner got his pace back.
Develop the bikes without the electronic riding aids and I believe that you'd see some different results, at the very least I don't think you would see Stoner disappear like he has these last two races, I think it's vital to the sport too keep it interesting that they get rid of the electronic rider aids, it's happening to a certain point in F1 and it's become a more interesting spectacle because of it.
I think a control tyre would'nt hurt either.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I dunno, perhaps. I still think when the pace is similar as a racer Rossi has an edge but the pace is not similar.Is'nt it interesting the difference an electronics upgrade can make?
Get rid of em I say!! That could yield some interesting results.:yes:

There's no doubting Rossi is/has been one of the best motorcycle racers the world has ever seen...but there's nothing surer than no matter how fast/good you are...there's always gonna be some one some day that'll go faster still!

What has impressed me most about Stoner (other than his sheer speed), is that he doesn't seem to bow to mind games or jibes from the other guys, and no matter how bad things have gone, he's never doubted his ability (Melandri??). That and he's never tried to outride the Duke when things haven't gone his way (Rossi)...he's simply ridden smart and collected as many points as poss. All that and with the cutest Mrs in the paddock!!!

[Finn]

Ohhh and Finn...Told you before the season started that Hopkins would crash far more often on his Kawasaki than he ever did on his Suzuki!

What was really funny was when Haydon got overtaken while rolling past the finish and lost a podium position.

[Crasherfromwayback]

What was really funny was when Haydon got overtaken while rolling past the finish and lost a podium position.

Yeah I bet Edwards found it pretty funny too!

[NZsarge]

There's no doubting Rossi is/has been one of the best motorcycle racers the world has ever seen...but there's nothing surer than no matter how fast/good you are...there's always gonna be some one some day that'll go faster still!

Yeah that is the natural order of things for sure but Rossi is not there yet. This is why i'd like to see a ban on rider aids and have a control tyre, you'd see who's leaning on electronics and who is top of the line talent. None of these guys in Moto GP are shit riders though I just think there would be a lot more interesting racing seen.

What has impressed me most about Stoner (other than his sheer speed), is that he doesn't seem to bow to mind games or jibes from the other guys, and no matter how bad things have gone, he's never doubted his ability (Melandri??). That and he's never tried to outride the Duke when things haven't gone his way (Rossi)...he's simply ridden smart and collected as many points as poss. All that and with the cutest Mrs in the paddock!!!

I don't have a bank vault memory like some people on KB but i'm certain he's put foward some founded and un-founded shitty remarks about his competitors but in general he is indeed very good at staying level headed on the bike these days but it's early days yet too.
I don't really think Rossi should be knocked too hard for trying to ride his bike as fast as he can get it to go when he's off the pace, he is Italian after all and he's more human for his mistakes. As professional as he is becoming Stoner is boring but I guess in the end you can't argue with results....

[roogazza]

Rossi must have been pissed off slipping off like that cos his times showed that he would have been there (even with just a piece of gear lever)
He's only human and Pete you're right, there is only one way when you're at the top. That Duc and Stoner are a great combo but it ain't over yet.

Mrs Stoner wears a lovely little pair of jeans !!!

As NZsarge said , remove the electronics !
Gaz.

[Crasherfromwayback]

As NZsarge said , remove the electronics !
Gaz.

I agree with you both there. And while we're at it...back to 990cc please.

Have you noticed that they've had more nasty 'biffs' now at 800cc with nastier injuries!!?? Safety my fucking ass. Just 'cause Honda wanted to go to 800cc!!! Bring back the big guns!!!

[NZsarge]

Mrs Stoner? Bit skinny I reckon......Yet another thing that's open to interpretation I guess...:laugh:
What's with all these grid girls barely any bigger that the poles and umbrella's they're holding up?

[NZsarge]

I agree with you both there. And while we're at it...back to 990cc please.

Have you noticed that they've had more nasty 'biffs' now at 800cc with nastier injuries!!?? Safety my fucking ass. Just 'cause Honda wanted to go to 800cc!!! Bring back the big guns!!!

Right on, 990's were better to watch for sure.

[Badjelly]

Mrs Stoner? Bit skinny I reckon...

Yeah, but I'd sign her stomach if she asked me to!

[johan]

I watched the qualifying session on Friday night, that was actually more interesting than the race. 10 minutes to go of the qualifying session no one had dropped below 1'36, Stoner go down to 1'35.9, Rossi followed shortly even faster. Stoner gave it another go and dropped down to 1'35.52, Rossi next lap was 1'35.55 and Pedrosa from nowhere did a impressive last lap of 1'35.659 just before the session closed.
Hopkins had a nasty high-speed crash into the barrier during his qualifying and didn't move at all. But he seems ok now.

[denill]

As NZsarge said , remove the electronics !
Gaz.

Giday Gaz. I'm no technician but my understanding is that - you can't just 'get rid' of electronics, as electronics is just a part of what makes the modern engine go - it's like saying, "get rid of valve timing". It's the 'set up' that makes or breaks engine performance, and traction control for instance, is just the characteristics that have been engineered into the system. This area is being developed into an art form and the mechanic of olden days who got his hands dirty and filed a bit of here and built a bit up on there, has been replaced by the boffins on computers.

Some more enlightened ones will either put me right on this or may even agree???

[Badjelly]

I watched the qualifying session on Friday night, that was actually more interesting than the race.
Isn't this a little worrying? It's normal for the qualifying session to be more interesting than the race in Formula One, but in MotoGP? :eek:

[enigma51]

Giday Gaz. I'm no technician but my understanding is that - you can't just 'get rid' of electronics, as electronics is just a part of what makes the modern engine go - it's like saying, "get rid of valve timing". It's the 'set up' that makes or breaks engine performance, and traction control for instance, is just the characteristics that have been engineered into the system. This area is being developed into an art form and the mechanic of olden days who got his hands dirty and filed a bit of here and built a bit up on there, has been replaced by the boffins on computers.

Some more enlightened ones will either put me right on this or may even agree???

I dont agree with your get rid valve timing comparison but I do agree this is what engine has become.

The argument is about exciting racing and the solution is two limit electronics to get back to the rider being in control of the slide or wheelie. On the other hand is in not simply a case of the other having to catchup or shutup

[enigma51]

Also you can hardly say the Ducati is a better machine than anything out there

Go have a look at the result you will find all the ducati's except for one was at the back.

[denill]

Isn't this a little worrying? It's normal for the qualifying session to be more interesting than the race in Formula One, but in MotoGP? :eek:

Is it just me? I'm finding the brolly girls (and Mrs S) more interesting. :blink: :blink:

[enigma51]

Is it just me? I'm finding the brolly girls (and Mrs S) more interesting. :blink: :blink:

Welcome to manhood a women will always take the interst first

[denill]

Welcome to manhood a women will always take the interst first

Hey thanks for that. So I've been in manhood for quite a while then! :laugh: :laugh:

[denill]

The argument is about exciting racing and the solution is two limit electronics to get back to the rider being in control of the slide or wheelie.

I'm saying that even if you wanted to, you can't limit it.

I recall - that they tried that in AMA and there was such a fine line in set-up they abandoned it - as it could not be policed.

This is 2008 and things have changed.

[roogazza]

Is it just me? I'm finding the brolly girls (and Mrs S) more interesting. :blink: :blink:

Bill, have you still got that raincoat with the bag of lollies in the pocket ? Gaz.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bill, have you still got that raincoat with the bag of lollies in the pocket ? Gaz.

I was hoping that 'bulge' in his pocket was lollies!

[johan]

I think I read that one of the reasons Stoner has been struggling in the beginning of the season was that the power was delivered too harsh and the bike would start to shake violently out of the corners. Now they have successfully tweaked the software and Stoner can now pin the throttle early as and have a smooth drive out again.

Looking at the TV graphics where they show Stoner's and Rossi's throttle/break bars (the green/red horizontal bars) side by side you can clearly see that Stoner opens the throttle fully very early while Rossi smoothly opens it up gradually. So Stoner's riding style out of corners with his Ducati seems to more be an on/off switch relying on the software whereas Rossi is more old school.

Obviously, breaking into the corners you need a lot of feeling and confidence and I don't think electronics can help you much here.

[Badjelly]

The argument is about exciting racing and the solution is two limit electronics to get back to the rider being in control of the slide or wheelie.


I'm saying that even if you wanted to, you can't limit it.

I recall - that they tried that in AMA and there was such a fine line in set-up they abandoned it - as it could not be policed.

What about the Formula 1 solution of requiring everyone to use the same engine controller (without traction control)?

I'm not actually saying this is a good idea, but it seems to be working in F1 and should be feasible in MotoGP.

[k14]

I'm saying that even if you wanted to, you can't limit it.

I recall - that they tried that in AMA and there was such a fine line in set-up they abandoned it - as it could not be policed.

This is 2008 and things have changed.
Well they have successfully done it in F1 this year so I don't see why they couldn't do it in motogp. Its done wonders for F1 although there are still the top 2 teams with the others constantly playing catch up. It has made for perceivably closer racing though.

Yamaha is going to have to pull something special off to stop the stoner route. Although maybe if pedrosa goes to the pneumatic engine then maybe he can challenge stoner?? Hayden has definitely gotten faster with it.

[scorry]

It would be awesome to see them go back to the old school of no traction control, then they would all bow down to king Rossi.
He used to be sideways out of most corners, so much more fun to watch

[Crasherfromwayback]

It would be awesome to see them go back to the old school of no traction control, then they would all bow down to king Rossi.
He used to be sideways out of most corners, so much more fun to watch

Doubt that would worry Stoner too much mate...he was a fantastic racer on the dirt ovals too!

[denill]

Bill, have you still got that raincoat with the bag of lollies in the pocket ? Gaz.

Hey Gaz, I like 'em young, but not that young!! :Oi:

[Matt Bleck]

The worst thing is, I accidentally turned the telly on to Sky Sport 3 at 6.01 just in case they had flicked it over to that channel.

And what did they have on - the review of the fI(*&king Motogp.

arse. I already know the result. :argue::(:(:(:(
lol, yeah i got that too......

[svr]

Well they have successfully done it in F1 this year so I don't see why they couldn't do it in motogp. Its done wonders for F1 although there are still the top 2 teams with the others constantly playing catch up. It has made for perceivably closer racing though.



TC will be a standard feature on road bikes in a few years (And anti-lock front brakes can't be too far away from the mainstream either ...)
- what then? would you lot all want lower spec motogp bikes?
Theres still black lines and thankfully, racers being racers, still plenty of crashes.

Crasher is right about Stoner - he rules the roost right now. When its close he's the only one that can go toe to toe and beat Rossi . Pedrosa is fast but it was telling the way Rossi gave him a wedgie and took his lunch money at Donington.

Like Mrs S? - get to Barcelona. Beach.

[Hinny]

Dont count Lorenzo out he started 17 th off the grid and finished 6th didnt he, that little sh__ has bleeding guts and determination but needs to learn not to push to hard. Pedrosa is good untill 3 laps to go and seems his tyres bomb out, Stoner is light and sleek it aint the bike its the rider cos there aint another duke in sight, Rossi is still good and he's real good but I'm afraid to say it no one is up to Stoner he will be the Champ again.
Watch the street stocks to night on WSBk thats bloody good raceing.:beer:

Is that as good as Pedrosa getting a podium finish after starting last?

[BigG]

Is that as good as Pedrosa getting a podium finish after starting last? Yup I would say so, different track.

[BigG]

Any body watch the Super Bikes last night, now that was exciting from the super stock to the super bikes, second race was interesting.

[Hinny]

Is that as good as Pedrosa getting a podium finish after starting last?


Yup I would say so, different track.

Same field.

[k14]

TC will be a standard feature on road bikes in a few years (And anti-lock front brakes can't be too far away from the mainstream either ...)
- what then? would you lot all want lower spec motogp bikes?
Theres still black lines and thankfully, racers being racers, still plenty of crashes.

I never said that I'm for removing traction control from bikes, I just said it is possible. A high amount of new cars have anti lock brakes, traction control, stability control, some even have launch control. Didn't stop them from removing it from formula 1.

I say go back to 500's.

[denill]

I never said that I'm for removing traction control from bikes, I just said it is possible. A high amount of new cars have anti lock brakes, traction control, stability control, some even have launch control. Didn't stop them from removing it from formula 1.
I say go back to 500's.

And while you're at it - go back to single cylinder four strokes made in Gt Britain.
:girlfight:

[roogazza]

And while you're at it - go back to single cylinder four strokes made in Gt Britain.
:girlfight:

I'm thinking keep the technology and the electronics Bill, just back off the some of the rider aids like wheelie and traction etc .
I liked it when as a rider Doohan could master the screamer engine when most of the others had to have the big bang set up.(technology without rider aids)
Do you notice they're starting to jump off the 800's a bit more lately (or so it seems) ? Gaz.

[svr]

High-sides are back in too! TC has meant more riders are capable of winning, which is a good thing. Also the balance between speed / tyre life / ant-crash is obviously a fine line to tread and a new skill for the riders to master.
Its easy to be nostalgic for the good old days - and the best 500 riders were gods - but I think currently motogp is the best combination of technology, spectacle and rider skill that I've seen in 20 + years since i started following.

[johan]

Hayden regarding running out of fuel the last 50 meters and electronix:

`It is frustrating because we have the system and it should never run out of fuel. We should always make it across the finish line. On the starting grid a light showed up and I knew something wasn´t calibrating right. The bikes have so much electronics now, sometimes it is not the guy who rides hardest that wins it is the guy who hits the right buttons on his computer.´

[denill]

Do you notice they're starting to jump off the 800's a bit more lately (or so it seems) ? Gaz.

Yes, good point Gaz. Seems to be more than they did on the 990s?? Apart from Kato who was fatally injured at Suzuka in '03, there were not too many serious crashes on the 990s. Stoner used to biff his LCR Honda regularly and walk away.

[Badjelly]

Apart from Kato who was fatally injured at Suzuka in '03, there were not too many serious crashes on the 990s.

I think the lack of serious crashes results from a combination of two factors:

A relaxed idea of what consitutes "serious"
Good medical attention at the track

I recall that Capirossi crashed at the end of the straight at Philip Island in 2005 and punctured a lung. It could have been nasty without prompt attention.

[svr]

I think the lack of serious crashes results from a combination of two factors:

A relaxed idea of what consitutes "serious"
Good medical attention at the track

I recall that Capirossi crashed at the end of the straight at Philip Island in 2005 and punctured a lung. It could have been nasty without prompt attention.

They're all 23 odd and seem to bounce pretty good / bend without braking / heal fast if they do break. They're rich too so can afford the best drugs...