MotoGP 2014

[Bender]

So they've consigned themselves to finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th.

Does this mean they'll dump Horhay and install an Espargaro?

[Drew]

So they've consigned themselves to finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th.

Does this mean they'll dump Horhay and install an Espargaro?

Interesting take on it. Who do you suggest they give the seat to, that'll be battling Marquez?

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting take on it. Who do you suggest they give the seat to, that'll be battling Marquez?

No one will get to battle MM until he tires later on in a few years time. He is the Next BEST ROSSI!

[pritch]

No one will get to battle MM until he tires later on in a few years time.

He might slip one day while practicing his bike to bike jumping and crush his nuts. That'll slow him down.

[Bender]

I think the answer to beating MM will have to come from the ranks of Moto3 (maybe his brother, who Mark says is faster than he is) or Jack Miller, or from Moto2. The guys who are now watching and learning how MM rides.

The route Yamaha has taken, relying on high mid-corner speed for its competitiveness, may be less flexible than the point and squirt Hondas. It takes more rider courage and a cleaner or drier track than the other styles. And at Assen, Horhay showed he has lost his bottle in anything less than perfect conditions. I feel for the guy because he has been truly great (last year when he had the overnight operation, for example).

Yamaha is in a real bind, getting their arses kicked every race by Honda. They need to do something radical (which Honda did when signing Stoner and then MM) or the results will not change. It was only a few years ago that Honda's team was Pedrosa and Dovizioso - and they sacked Dovi.

They are in the same boat as Ducati was before signing Gigi - doing the same things but expecting different results.

On another note - I read this morning that Ducati have a new engine that they will test at the end of year post-race tests. It is smaller than the current version, giving the engineers more options in terms of bike set-up. They realise they have plenty of speed, but the thing won't go round corners. The same article report that Cal's been talking to Suzuki and Dovi is very happy with Ducati's progress.

[pritch]

More grist to the rumour mill:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/sp..._/R-EPI-144288

[Mental Trousers]

On another note - I read this morning that Ducati have a new engine that they will test at the end of year post-race tests. It is smaller than the current version, giving the engineers more options in terms of bike set-up. They realise they have plenty of speed, but the thing won't go round corners. The same article report that Cal's been talking to Suzuki and Dovi is very happy with Ducati's progress.

Not surprised CC has been thinking about moving. His riding style is very much a Superbike one - take weight off the front end to restore grip when turning in. If you look at where he and Dovi sit on the bike CC is almost sitting on the tail piece rather than the seat and he's doing the stupid leg wavy thing (puts weight lower), whereas Dovi is all over the tank. The Ducati lacks grip at turn in cos the weight isn't moved forward quickly enough (low and rearward CoG) so a style like Dovi's works much, much better than CC's.

The new engine and the change in weight distribution it brings may be somewhat of a revelation for Crutchlow.

[Crasherfromwayback]

More grist to the rumour mill:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/sp..._/R-EPI-144288

Not surprised CC has been thinking about moving. His riding style is very much a Superbike one - take weight off the front end to restore grip when turning in. If you look at where he and Dovi sit on the bike CC is almost sitting on the tail piece rather than the seat and he's doing the stupid leg wavy thing (puts weight lower), whereas Dovi is all over the tank. The Ducati lacks grip at turn in cos the weight isn't moved forward quickly enough (low and rearward CoG) so a style like Dovi's works much, much better than CC's.

The new engine and the change in weight distribution it brings may be somewhat of a revelation for Crutchlow.

I think CC would be a mistake for Suzuki. Go with Dovi (better than CC anyway) and a young hard charger like Jack

[Reckless]

Aprilia conclude three-day test at Mugello with Biaggi
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Italian manufacturer Aprilia have wrapped up a three-day Mugello visit, in which Max Biaggi extensively tested the ART-Aprilia MotoGP bike.
Biaggi completed a marathon haul of 176 laps over the 72 hour workout, recording a best time of 1’50.940.

For Aprilia however the lap time is not crucial at this stage, as they are more focused on gathering key data for the continued development of their current bike - already being used in the MotoGP™ World Championship - and in preparation for a new Aprilia prototype they hope will race in the premier class in 2016.

The importance of the tests was clear to Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing manager, who commented: "Max’s pace was very good and we have gathered valuable data. There is little more to add than what has been said already this week. We decided to try Biaggi because we knew we would get important information from his experience, so from this point of view, the test went as planned."

Biaggi was happy with the feeling with the ART, saying, "The balance of these three days is definitely positive. From all points of view, adaptation to the bike, the tyres, brakes, not to mention the physical effort with so many laps, it becomes important especially if you have not been on the bike for a long time."

"We did a good job, we were able to evaluate the different solutions available and I think I've provided some good ideas to the team.

[roogazza]

http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/...season_up.html

[pritch]

http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/...season_up.html

That'll keep things churning over and some of those involved were commenting on Twitter last night. None of the comments gave anything away though.

Marc VDS made a formal announcement that they definitely have Miller's signature on a documentt. Miller says they don't. This exchange was probably prompted by the rumour that Miller is going straight to MotoGP next year.

Casey Stoner chimed in with a comment to the effect that maybe the fans didn't like him because he didn't play these games. This from the guy who's formal statement denying a rumour, could be taken as proof the rumour was true.

[Shaun Harris]

That'll keep things churning over and some of those involved were commenting on Twitter last night. None of the comments gave anything away though.

Marc VDS made a formal announcement that they definitely have Miller's signature on a documentt. Miller says they don't. This exchange was probably prompted by the rumour that Miller is going straight to MotoGP next year.

Casey Stoner chimed in with a comment to the effect that maybe the fans didn't like him because he didn't play these games. This from the guy who's formal statement denying a rumour could be taken as proof the rumour was true.

Its all to funny eh, shame though as all parties have been great for each other. Maybe it will lead to them all involved in a Motogp bike next year? Calling Mr Suzuki

[Maha]

That new sports channel on Freeview show the MotoGP live, was gleefully surprised when flicking through the channels last weekend and stumbled upon the closing laps of Moto3, then got all the crap that goes on between races, but I guess there is lawns to mow or chooks to feed while that's on.

[pritch]

That new sports channel on Freeview show the MotoGP live, was gleefully surprised when flicking through the channels last weekend and stumbled upon the closing laps of Moto3, then got all the crap that goes on between races, but I guess there is lawns to mow or chooks to feed while that's on.

The GPs have been on Sommet for a while now. It's just a small thing but they won't switch to the Moto 3 race while an AFL match is in progress, last time they missed some major drama with both Miller and Fenati crashing before they crossed IIRC. Fenati obliged by crashing again though so we didn't miss out completely.

What Sommet do offer is better than anything else that's freely available though, and there has been some great racing.

And do you really mow your lawn around midnight?

[steveyb]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/M...th+Jack+Miller

My feeling is that the Millers are being a bit silly here.
THey know what they have signed and frankly, every single other rider in the paddock would give their left nut, or both even, to get a Moto2 ride with MVDS.
And they are thinking about moving to MotoGP, so 2016?
It's a no brainer really, regardless of other offers.
Is this another case of swelling head syndrome?