MotoGP 2013

[roogazza]

Good, innit ? In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the GP grids of Europe were full of privateers making a living from being paid start money to attend not only GPs, but a stack of international and national races, and even hillclimbs in between. Since the FIM handpassed the whole box and dice to Dorna, the racing is now marketed worldwide to a tv audience of millions, and gate prices have skyrocketed, yet there's no money to pay the entertainers putting their lives on the line. Where the hell does it all go ?

It's quite understandable that Crutchless would want to make hay while he can with such a short working life riding motorcycles.
Forgetting the romantic idea for a minute, that they're there for the glory of winning.
They probably start out that way though?

[merv]

Good, innit ? In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the GP grids of Europe were full of privateers making a living from being paid start money to attend not only GPs, but a stack of international and national races, and even hillclimbs in between. Since the FIM handpassed the whole box and dice to Dorna, the racing is now marketed worldwide to a tv audience of millions, and gate prices have skyrocketed, yet there's no money to pay the entertainers putting their lives on the line. Where the hell does it all go ?

Exactly, where does all the money go? We know with F1 it made Bernie a billionaire - it all seems rather ridiculous doesn't it that the real earners get very little while the others take the huge amounts of cash.

[yod]

My understanding was that Bradl has a contract through the end of the 2014 season (just like DP, MM, JL, VR, AD, BS, and AB who's contracts all end after 2014 season) but the rumormill was saying that there was a performance clause in the contract that Honda could use to get out of it.

Personally I don't think that's going to happen, LCR have said that they are very happy with Bradl, and arn't interested in switching riders at this time.

Yeah, you wonder where Rea could go if all the prototype Hondas are taken. I wouldn't have thought he'd want to race the production version or a revamped CRT as they're not likely to be too close to the pointy end.

[pritch]

Yeah, you wonder where Rea could go if all the prototype Hondas are taken. I wouldn't have thought he'd want to race the production version or a revamped CRT as they're not likely to be too close to the pointy end.

MCN have just posted an item that says Honda want Rea but that initially the ride would have to be the production bike there being no other options currently open. One possibility mentioned was a production Honda in the PBR team.

[DidJit]

Yamaha have, apparently, been testing their version of a seamless gearbox at Brno...

Oh, and there’s some footage of CS27 testing at Motegi here.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's quite understandable that Crutchless would want to make hay while he can with such a short working life riding motorcycles.
Forgetting the romantic idea for a minute, that they're there for the glory of winning.
They probably start out that way though?

Maybe I'm a freak. But I raced motorcycles on and off for years. One thing that never EVER changed for me? I wanted to win and kick ever other cunts arse every single time I put my leathers on. And I used to PAY to race. A lot. I simply can't understand why someone at that level would be any different.

[McWild]

We are in for absolute time next silly season with so many contracts ending and so much talent in the field. Wow, it is going to be a clusterfuck.

[Bender]

Some interesting comment from David Emmett ("Kropotkin") on advrider's MotoGP thread, concerning C Stoner's abilities as a test rider.

Q: How do you calculate the "rider with the best feeling for a motorcycle in the world" formula?

Emmett: You talk to a bunch of crew chiefs and listen to what they have to say.

Everyone I have spoken to says his feel was unparalleled. They all have outstanding feel, the best have amazing feel, but Stoner is said to have been the most sensitive to what a bike was doing.

[Oscar]

Some interesting comment from David Emmett ("Kropotkin") on advrider's MotoGP thread, concerning C Stoner's abilities as a test rider.

Q: How do you calculate the "rider with the best feeling for a motorcycle in the world" formula?

Emmett: You talk to a bunch of crew chiefs and listen to what they have to say.

Everyone I have spoken to says his feel was unparalleled. They all have outstanding feel, the best have amazing feel, but Stoner is said to have been the most sensitive to what a bike was doing.

So why, during his time at Ducati, did he start with a winning bike which ended up as a POS after his exit?
He appeared to be the only person that could win on the Duc, by riding around its faults.

[Crasherfromwayback]

So why, during his time at Ducati, did he start with a winning bike which ended up as a POS after his exit?
He appeared to be the only person that could win on the Duc, by riding around its faults.

I think that's pretty obvious by now ain't it Oscar? And like...is the Honda a pile of shit after his two years on it? They asked him back as a test rider because???

[roogazza]

Maybe I'm a freak. But I raced motorcycles on and off for years. One thing that never EVER changed for me? I wanted to win and kick ever other cunts arse every single time I put my leathers on. And I used to PAY to race. A lot. I simply can't understand why someone at that level would be any different.

I guess we all did that while youngish ! We paid to do it yes and got money even if it was only 100 bucks for a win. But you are right we didn't do it for the money. Then you realise that although you're ok at it others pop up who are better and priorities change.
Now older I look at the level these guys are at and can appreciate what millions can do.

[Kendog]

So why, during his time at Ducati, did he start with a winning bike which ended up as a POS after his exit?
He appeared to be the only person that could win on the Duc, by riding around its faults.

Maybe if they had listed to his feedback, he would not have left.

[Oscar]

I think that's pretty obvious by now ain't it Oscar? And like...is the Honda a pile of shit after his two years on it? They asked him back as a test rider because???

Because they want him to come back to the big show.
That's pretty bloody obvious.

I seem to recall him whinging about the bike being set up after arriving at Honda. Too Pedrosa-ish.

[Oscar]

Maybe if they had listed to his feedback, he would not have left.

True. But I suspect it had more to do with $$$$

[Bender]

So why, during his time at Ducati, did he start with a winning bike which ended up as a POS after his exit?
He appeared to be the only person that could win on the Duc, by riding around its faults.

Being able to ride around the Ducati's shortcomings just underlines his ability to sense what the bike is doing and put it right on the ragged edge, but not over it. (although the thing often bit Stoner on the arse as well).

Ducati has been criticised for failing to listen to a long line of riders, including Stoner and Rossi. Was it Caprirossi they sent to a shrink rather than listen to his criticism of the bike? How Italian! Left Marco Melandri rocking and sobbing in a dark corner too. The current riders are hardly complimentary about it either.

Lots of personnel changes in that team under the new ownership and I'll bet there will be a new bike for 2014 - one that doesn't use the engine to locate the swingarm mount so they can get away from the current configuration and put some heat into the front tyre.