MotoGP 2016

**merv** · 18th March 2016, 16:57

So 2013 Marquez was an easy World beater on the Honda after Stoner left and slowly but sure Honda have seen its bikes get comparatively slower and harder to ride than the competition. Something just hasn't worked right. Marquez and Pedrosa currently still hold the lap records for some of the circuits from back in 2013 or 2014.

In 2013 Marquez just got on the bike and wrestled it around the track and the same in early 2014 and then something went wrong. Did they screw up the chassis then and since then have they made the engine too aggressive as people keep saying. Whatever, I always wondered why in testing in 2015 they just didn't give Marquez his 2013 bike back and see what happened. For sure this year they've had to go to spec electronics and software but it seems they've started from the wrong base. I don't think its looking good for Honda at all.

As for Qatar the Yamaha boys are probably going to beat it this year but I think it is funny that the current race lap record is still held by Casey Stoner on the 800 Ducati from 2008.

**pritch** · 18th March 2016, 17:04

Originally Posted by Autech

Fenati is too much of a hot head.

Fenati is a talent but I think everything needs to be in his favour for him to fire. He burst on to the scene but has had too many quiet times since.

There's a new kid on the block in Moto3 , very fast, name of Niccolo Bulega. (If I got my Italian right.)

Maria Herrera is looking good (on the timesheets I mean), considering a few weeks ago she didn't even have a ride.

In Moto 2 the top two riders from last year, Kent and Olivera, are in the same team? Promising.

Lots to look forward to. Bring it on.

**mulletman** · 19th March 2016, 04:13

Nice front end save from VR during FP2 knee and elbow required.

Not much from JL looks like he's just sitting back a bit... feel like he'll just go out there and smash it
when it counts.

Things are just starting to simmer as usual during the last 10mins of a session.

**carbonhed** · 19th March 2016, 11:03

Well the Ducati's look fairly ominous. Marquez looks most ragged of the top guys... as per.

0.8 between top twelve.

**pritch** · 19th March 2016, 11:25

Originally Posted by merv

\ slowly but sure Honda have seen its bikes get comparatively slower and harder to ride than the competition. Something just hasn't worked right.

The power from the RCV engine was too abrupt and Honda were trying to use the electronics to tame it. The new "standard" electronics package has HRC buggered, they just can't get the result they need. Yet.

Interesting comments on the new electronics last night, "It's like going from Apple to Windows".
Apparently almost all of the journos use Apple, mainly for reasons of reliability. There is one younger guy is a Windows hold out, but the others say he will change.

Also it was confirmed last night that the Honda crank rotates backwards. Be interesting to know if the Ducati does too. Almost be strange if it didn't.

**carbonhed** · 19th March 2016, 15:39

I think the Ducati's are the ones to beat this weekend and I'm actually picking Dovi. He's been going about his business quietly and under the radar. Crazy Joe will crash in all the excitement.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 19th March 2016, 15:41

Originally Posted by carbonhed

I think the Ducati's are the ones to beat this weekend and I'm actually picking Dovi. He's been going about his business quietly and under the radar. Crazy Joe will crash in all the excitement.

He's still paying $17.00. Crazy Joe that is...

**carbonhed** · 19th March 2016, 17:34

Q2 is going to be really exciting tomorrow. Who's been playing it a bit canny. Who's overplayed their hand.

Flossi had better show up or he'll be embarrassed.

**mulletman** · 19th March 2016, 21:18

Rossi signs on for another 2 years with Yamaha (2017-18) - Bet Dorna are very pleased..

**Berries** · 19th March 2016, 22:02

Originally Posted by carbonhed

Flossi had better show up or he'll be embarrassed.

And she's off for another season.

We all get that you don't like him but you do bang on about it.

**Dadpole** · 19th March 2016, 22:17

Originally Posted by mulletman

Rossi signs on for another 2 years with Yamaha (2017-18) - Bet Dorna are very pleased..

Will Lozenge be looking again at a Ducati offer?

**Dadpole** · 20th March 2016, 10:07

Moto3 Qual. Am I an Oracle or what. I can confidently predict that Fenati will be in the lead the instant the light goes out. The first corner is anyone's guess.

**puddytat** · 20th March 2016, 10:21

Lorenzo has resigned with Yamaha...

Lorenzo
Marquez
Vinales
Ianone
Rossi
Dovi the front 2 rows

Anyones race I reckon, though I think a few will be running out of track.
The last few months have gone quite fast I reckon, but the last few hours are going sooo slow.
Bring it on!!!