| Author | Message | ||
     Firstbuell |
he simply extended speculations into future facts if it turns out that he's correct, it's called "claiming the truth in advance" | ||
| Trojan |
Melandri's going to Kawasaki for Germany race. Sete will replace him for season. Hayden def going to Ducati. Dovitsioso to replace Hayden on Repsol HRC. West may get boot from Kawi. Spies has not signed a long term contract for MotoGP yet. This has all been speculation in MCN for a few weeks now, although a lot of 'inside' pundits are now giving Sete Gibernau a more than 50-50 chance of getting the Ducati gig for 2009 ahead of Hayden. Others are linking fast 250 KTM rider Mika Kallio to the second Ducati ride for 09. Now that would be a great match up with Stoner  | ||
| Ebear |
In CASE anyones looking for the MOTOGP race on TV today.....Its on Channel 2 here...CBS....AT 10:AM!!! (Message edited by ebear on July 13, 2008) | ||
| Ebear |
YaHoo...it also is being shown in HD on channel 402...Time Warner,SoCal!!!!!!! | ||
| Ebear |
And nowPEDROSA is down..!!!!!YaHOooo........ | ||
| Buell2001b |
Stoner and Ducati rules, another reason why HD should merge with Ducati. the Italians are way better engineers then the japps | ||
| Jaimec |
Are they? So far it looks like Stoner is the only one who can put that bike anywhere NEAR the podium, let alone on the top step. Don't look at the individual, look at the team and manufacturer's standings to get a better idea of who builds the better bike (Yamaha). | ||
| Ceejay |
or it could be said that they are focusing thier efforts... | ||
| Trojan |
The Ducati suits Stoner's riding style and the fact that he implicitly trusts the electronics to get him out of trouble. Everyone else seems to have a problem in 'letting go' of control to the same extent. When Ducati found their recent extra turn of speed at the Barcelona test (and ever since) it wasn't anything mechanical that was changed, it was simply a tweak of the electronics systems. I am looking forward to seeing how Sete Gibernau goes on the second Ducati when he replaces Melandri (Only a matter of time surely), as he has been very quick in testing and was less than half a second off of Stoner's time last time out on the bike. | ||
| Jaimec |
I'd LOVE to see Nicky return to form this weekend, but even more I'd like to see Ben Spies pull a "Troy Bayliss" and shock the world. Unfortunately, I'll miss the race as I'll be transferring between Vancouver Airport and the Celebrity Mercury while it's taking place. I'll have to catch it when I get back (already set the DVR at home). No way I WON'T find out who won ahead of time but as long as it isn't another Stoner runaway I'm sure it'll be enjoyable. Hell, Stoner could even win as long as he has to fight for it all the way to the finish line to do so... But: GO NICKY! GO BEN!! | ||
| Bads1 |
I see Spies in the top ten at best. I think he's got his focus on the AMA series championship at the present.... and he should. But I do think he will have a better showing this go around. | ||
| Mutation_racer |
Ben Spies has as good a chance at a top ten finish as I do at winning the MOTO-ST race in New Jersey. Yet he still has a chance. GO COLLIN GO NICKY GO SPIES GO BUELL RACING | ||
| Bads1 |
I'll remember that. Last year didn't Nicky's Brother Roger do the same on a Kawi??? | ||
| Jaimec |
Yup, he was the highest finishing American in last year's Laguna GP. Hopkins and Hayden took each other out in the first lap, and I don't remember what happened to Edwards. | ||
| Bads1 |
Yep I was there. And I can honestly say Roger looked pretty good for first time out. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
I think Laguna is going to be the best race of the year. Many riders will fight for the top 3 places. In any order....... 1.Stoner 2.Hayden 3.Rossi 4.Edwards 5.Vermuelen | ||
| Trojan |
Jamie Hacking is riding the Kawasaki in place of John Hopkins at Laguna. In testing recently he lapped under the lap record at the Kawasaki test track, so may be a fly in the ointment come race day if he can get to grips with the tyres. Personally I hope Rossi puts his Laguna jinx to bed and wins just to stop Stoner Rossi is set to announce his new two year deal with Yamaha tomorrow (as scooped here some time ago folks  ) and Edwards has already signed another year for Tech 3 (with an option for another year in 2010 apparently). His wages are yet again being picked up directly by Yamaha for another year, which has allowed the cash strapped Tech 3 squad to retain his service. Pedrosa is flying to Laguna with the intention of racing, but I think he will struggle to break into the top 6 and is in 'damage limitation' mode already. Dark Horse for me is Lorenzo, and my top 3 finishers would be: 1. Rossi 2. Stoner 3. Lorenzo Hayden will probably put up a good qualifying show but will fade away as the race progresses. He just isn't at the top of his game despite the nationalistic fervour involved this weekend. Vermuelen has gone well at Laguna in the past, but the Suzuki hasn't got the tyre advantage it and the other Bridgestone runners enjoyed last year and the other teams are now faster. | ||
| Jaimec |
Lorenzo's never been on this track before. That's asking a lot. I'd say: Rossi Edwards Stoner But I'm HOPING it'll be: Edwards Hayden Rossi | ||
| Trojan |
Lorenzo may not have been on track at Laguna before, but he's a quick learner and he knows which way teh the circuit goes. Now he has got his confidence back I think he may spring a surprise, always providing Michelin can deliver a race ready tyre this week of course. Dreaming aside, it will probably be as boring as the last three races when Stoner has just buggered off and left the rest miles behind. Enough of the sanitised 800 GP's! Bring back the days of fairing bashing 990's and ban rider electronics! There isn't even the prosp[ect of a decent 125 or 250 race to console ourselves with at Laguna either  | ||
| Tcskeptic |
Wow, what a race. Spoilers below for those having Tivoed it Lorenzo's high side was nasty. The battle between Rossi and Stoner was epic, astonished that Stoner didn't pack it in completely after running it off with 9? to go. It generally reinforced the impression in me that on equivalent equipment Rossi would likely have the edge. Can't wait to see how this season unfolds. | ||
| Bads1 |
Best race of the season. Hey Mutation, Can you say Spies 8th place??? Yeah Baby!!! Now,can Rossi hold on for a Championship?? | ||
| Odinbueller |
I thought that race was unbelievable. My poor husband must have aged like 10 years. The tension between Rossi and Stoner was unbelievable - wonder how much longer it could have gone on but for one mistake? But he jumped right back in - I mean, they were so far ahead of everyone else that being out for like 16 seconds didn't even affect his placement? Jeez! They need another class just for these guys! ->ChelleM | ||
| Trojan |
Dark Horse for me is Lorenzo, and my top 3 finishers would be: 1. Rossi 2. Stoner 3. Lorenzo 2 out of three ain't bad I think Lorenzo would have been up there at the end too if he hadn't tried too early on cold tyres on the first lap. Typically, Stoner was petulant and ungracious in defeat, refusing to shake Rossi's hand immediately after the race and branding the 7 time world champion 'dangerous'. That isn't dangerous, That's racing. If you don't like banging elbows and running two abreast into the corkscrew just close the throttle and settle for second Definitely the best race of the season so far, Rossi was back to his magnificent best and showed what a great rider on a slower bike can actually do. To be the best part of a second slower in every practice session and then come up with that race was almost unbelievable, and certainly a shock to Stoner! I think Rossi has mentally rattled Stoner and found a chink in his armour at last. Well done Andrea Dovisiozo & Ben Spies on excellent performances. I would have liked to see Chaz Davies on the Kawasaki in place of Jamie Hacking, but maybe next time. (Message edited by trojan on July 21, 2008) | ||
| Smoke |
good call Matt. it looked like rossi broke stoner down with the constant pressure and stoner was lucky to be able to continue. we will see what effect that will have on the rest of the season. looking forward to the next race. tim | ||
| 12r |
Stoner's reaction in the parc ferme was exactly what Rossi wanted. Vale has got the sulky turd just where he wants him | ||
| Bads1 |
Rossi's smoothness and defensive riding is what won that race. Stoner was right there,looking up the inside just about the whole time but Rossi would just shut the door. Stoners bike though was kinda loose. But hey I'm not complaining on who won. Would of liked to see how thing would have played out with Pedrosa in the mix healthy. | ||
| Blake |
Pedro on Michelins would likely have been back in the pack like all the other Michelin riders. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
Ducatis are not supposed to like tight tracks like Laguna. It looked impossible to make a pass, combined with Rossi's braking ability. Stoner is fast everywhere, dry - rain -open tracks - tight tracks....... I would like to see what happens next. Many interesting races to come. How will Casey react ? I would like to see Casey forcing a "Tony Elias" move on Rossi ? Will Rossi accept it or say it is dangerous ?? | ||
| Trojan |
Ducatis are not supposed to like tight tracks like Laguna. It looked impossible to make a pass, combined with Rossi's braking ability. Stoner won at Laguna last year on the Ducati, so it can't be that much of a bogey track for them. I would like to see Casey forcing a "Tony Elias" move on Rossi ? Will Rossi accept it or say it is dangerous ?? I doubt if Rossi would back down from a confrontation with Stoner. You could see on Sunday that he wasn't going to take any pressure from Stoner, and was instead the one handing out the punishment himself. Stoner has come up through the 125/250 ranks so should be used to 'close racing' by now Stoner is just the latest in a long line of riders who have found out how far Rossi is willing to push in order to win. Just ask Gibernau & Pedrosa | ||
| Nicozzzz |
don't forget Biaggi .. |
