| Author | Message | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
     Fresnobuell |
doesn't make a difference if the entire field is slowed by 10-15mph Yes. My point is close racing is exciting racing, even if tops speeds aren't 200 MPH. The AMA DSB is the best racing out there right now (from what Speed shows here in the States) and these are slow 600cc machines--compared to everything else. EXCELLENT race Better race for sure--for MotoGP as least. Stoner's tires went, Lorenzo got stronger throughout the race as he tends to do and he ran down the Aussie prick. But the fact is there was one pass for the lead IIRC. Not very exciting, but better than the norm for MotoGP. An EXCELLENT race was the AMA DSB Race 2 in Road America. 7 guys in the lead pack with each rider leading at some point in the race. Ballsy passes in nearly every corner somewhere in the pack. Unbelievable. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
An EXCELLENT race was the AMA DSB Race 2 in Road America. 7 guys in the lead pack with each rider leading at some point in the race. Ballsy passes in nearly every corner somewhere in the pack. Unbelievable. Have you watched Moto2? similar very close racing on 600cc bikes with 'only' 120bhp. WSS is usually very close too (WSS bikes have around 140bhp+). More bhp usually means less close racing rather than the other way around. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
Except in MotoGP. The 800s make less horsepower than the fire-breathing 990s they replaced... and look what happened. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
The 800s make less horsepower than the fire-breathing 990s they replaced... and look what happened. I think the latest (last) generation 800's make around the same bhp as the last of the 990's now, at least in 'qualifying' form. They are then electronically restricted to give better fuel consumption and engine life for the race. Tyres have been developed spcifically to suit these high corner speed monsters and the end result is that it has resulted in bikes that can only operate properly in a very narrow performance window. Anything outside this window results in poor performance and then we get processional boring races. What we need is a much wider performance window that will allow different setups, tyre choice and rider styles in order to bring back close racing. if this means less bhp and tyres that are not quite so focussed as now then so be it. F1 is going through the same growing pains at present and is finding it equally difficult to find a solution. However they are intent on reducing electronics and engine power and MotoGP needs to look closely at what they achieve and maybe follow suit I think. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
Picture me shaking my head in wonder: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresul ts/MotoGP/2011/July/jul0811-race-direction-respond s-to-pedrosa-critcism/ Maybe Dani ought to look to his OWN past, and the behavior of HIS MANAGER in 2006 before casting aspersions on another rider, eh? Simoncelli and Gresini seem to be a LOT more apologetic than Pedrosa/Puig. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresnobuell |
Have you watched Moto2? I watch all road racing shown here in the State, so yes, of course. The last Mugello Moto 2 was an excellent race. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
After two practices, Simoncelli is the fastest so far. Fastest Ducati is Nicky Hayden on the "Dead End GP11." Rossi was experiencing electrical issues. Lorenzo is once again keeping it from being an "All Honda Top Three." I haven't heard anything about Casey though... it's been all Simoncelli-Pedrosa so far. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doerman |
How in the world do they get all the equipment from Sachsenring to Laguna Seca in less than 4 day? Are MotoGP teams really "rich enough" to load the trucks, trailers and all the equipment into C17s and fly it across? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresnobuell |
Are MotoGP teams really "rich enough" to load the trucks, trailers and all the equipment into C17s and fly it across? Can you imagine the bill on that? It has to be flown, right? Thats the only way it could possibly get the equipment from point A to B? Is this the standard mode of intercontinental transport for MotoGP, I wonder? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sidepipe79 |
MotoGP equipment all travels as one big group as far as i know. This way they can keep the cost down by combining everything. At the end of the weekend all the bikes, tools, etc. get packed up and loaded on Dorna plane to come to America. At least that is how I understand it. I might be completely wrong. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
It really would be more cost effective to run the two US races back to back. That way, there's no going back and forth across borders and all of the hassles involved with that. Besides, the distance between Monterey, CA and Indianapolis, IN is greater than that between any two European countries! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Davegess |
Are MotoGP teams really "rich enough" Seem to be. They charter a plane or two and load the trailers on board. Same deal for all the non-European races. The amount of money involved is small potatoes compared to the cost of just running a team. MotoGP is nothing compared to Formula 1 but still enormous. The money would be comparable to the NFL. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
MotoGP @ Sachsenring, Germany - Qualifying Results
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
Looking at this year's schedule, we have MotoGP races in Jerez, Spain Estoril, Portugal Catalunya, Spain Aragon, Spain Valencia, Spain Nice to be a MotoGP fan living in Spain. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
Based on the latest race, I'd say the way to make the racing more exciting is to get rid of the long straights... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaesati |
Based on that race, I'd have to agree. No rain and everybody approaching fitness might also help. Spies' levelheadedness and speed is also impressive and so is Hayden's consistency on the Ducati. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
Best race of the year so far without doubt (and even closer in the 125 race!), so there is a lot to be said for tight twisty circuits with no long straights and an uphill drag to the finish  Stoner got duffed up at the last corner in exactly the same way he beat Rossi last year, so there is some satisfaction there Rossi raced better than he qualified, but it is clear that both Ducati models have a long way to go before they are even close to the front of the field. Rossi raced half a second faster than he qualified, but was still over a second off the pace of Pedrosa at the front. Good to see the Suzuki fighting for a reasonable position though Don't know what happened to Spies, and still can't figure if he got quicker and caught Dovi/Simoncelli or if they slowly lost pace and drifted back to him. Either way it made for a good fight to the finish, and Simoncelli must be kicking himself for losing it at the last corner  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
WOW! There IS hope for the kid yet! He's actually taking all the blame HIMSELF?? Maybe it is the end of days... And Matt, according to Ben, he had traction problems (poor tire choice) so couldn't get off the line the way he'd like. Whenever he tried to push he didn't like the feel of the tires so he just kept it consistent. Accordingly, Simo and Dovi came back to him, as their fighting allowed him to slowly catch up on them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
Rumour has it that both Rossi and Hayden will have 4 bikes each at Laguna (2 of each designation per rider), and will both run back to back tests between the GP11 and GP11.1 in practice before deciding which to race on Sunday. It is clear that the GP11.1 isn't significantly faster than the previous model, but it would seem a big step backwards for Rossi to revert to the older chassis/engine and will play havoc with the engine allocations of both riders. This would mean that it is almost inevitable that they will have to start from pit lane in at least one GP this year each (although Rossi doesn't seem too concerned about starting at the back at the moment). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vagelis46 |
Great race by Lorenzo. What a soul , a true Spartan.... It looked like that Lorenzo was willing to risk more, maybe because he is still behind in the points. It is certain now that last year, Stoner found the small "window" to get the most of the Ducati. After that they got wins and podioums , both Stoner and Hayden. Rossi this year has made the Ducati much worse. He is not willing to risk much. He is more of a businessman thesedays , not a dedicated racer. I do not blame him , there is no reason for him to risk injuries , he is too rich for that . His decision to move to Ducati was wrong, he got carried away by his greed for more money and glory. He would be better if he created his own racing team like Tech3 , or even better do something like managing a CRT Aprilia team.... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
On this I'll agree: Rossi did NOT do his "legend" any favors by moving to Ducati. However, this was beyond ANYONE'S wildest imaginings, because all agreed that the Ducati was NOT as bad off compared to the other bikes on the grid as the Yamaha was compared to the Honda the year he made that jump. It could be that Bologna just doesn't move as quickly to resolve engineering issues as the Yamaha factory in Japan. Remember, he didn't go to Ducati the first time he had the chance because he thought they were run too much like Honda. However, this DOES seem to cement Ducati's reputation as a "MotoGP Career Killer." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
His decision to move to Ducati was wrong, he got carried away by his greed for more money and glory. Glory yes (which rider doesn't), money no. He could have demanded more money if he moved to WSB/F1/Rallying rather than make a very risky move to Ducati and try to make it a winning machine again. I think part of the problem at Ducati was that so long as Stoner was able to win (even occasionally) then they did not believe the problem with the bike was too great and that it was the riders that got it wrong. Stoner appeared prepared to push and to either crash or win, whereas other riders are just not prepared to risk injury at all costs (not just Rossi either). The Ducati has shown that it is not a bike that can be ridden in the 'normal' way, and Hayden/Melandri/Gibernau/Capirossi etc haven't exactly set the world on fire on it either despite a few distant podiums. It is pretty inconceivable that Ducati will not get the bike to work eventually, and I'm sure they are throwing considerable resources at the problem in order to get the bike competitive. I just don't think it will be a short term success and they need to be looking at 2012/2013 rather than salvaging anything from this year by going back to the old bike at Laguna. To suggest that Rossi is no longer a dedicated racer is rubbish. You won't see another top class rider spend so long in the garage with his team tring to sort things out, and he didn't look like he had lost any dedication yesterday even fighting for 7th place. He will be back | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
>>> Don't know what happened to Spies He finished 5th, 2nd non-Honda. Where did Crutchlow finish? Is it just me, or does Crutchlow resemble Frankenstein the way he sticks his leg out coming into a turn? Cracks me up every time I see it. Dovi does it too. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
EVERYBODY emulates that move that Rossi started. It looks ridiculous. I shouldn't say everybody. I've yet to see Edwards or Lorenzo do it. I HAVE seen Spies do it at LEAST once in WSBK, but I haven't noticed him doing it in MotoGP (yet). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
Not like Rossi or others who dangle a leg. They project it stiffly out to the side like they have a cramp, really odd looking. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
He finished 5th, 2nd non-Honda. Where did Crutchlow finish? You can be soooo touchy can't you!! I wasn't criticising Spies but was wondering out loud exactly what happened in his battle with Dovi/Simoncelli. Spies didn't seem to get any quicker but managed to catch the pair ahead of him. My question was, did he speed up or did they slow down. Simple. Crutchlow and Edwards are both struggling with the Tech3 Yamaha which is clearly different to the factory bike this year (unlike part of last year). Neither rider has any confidence in the front end but Edwards has a lot more experience than Crutchlow, so managed to keep it at least in sight of the battle for 7,8,9th place. Crutchlow has suffered in the last two GP's in addition to his big crash at Silverstone, and appears to be suffering from a major confidence ccrisis as much as anything. Add that to lack of experience and lack of circuit knowledge and he actually wasn't doing to badly until a couple of laps from the end (He was 1 place behind Edwards until he lost the front at turn one and let 3 riders past. Not like Rossi or others who dangle a leg. They project it stiffly out to the side like they have a cramp, really odd looking. None of the riders say they do this deliberately or that it is a conscious effort. There is split opinion on it but experts believe that it is a result of the high corner speed/high grip tyres more than any fashion statement in riding style. Holding the inside leg out transfers more weight to the inside/forward than you could manage otherwise and helps in stabilising the bike on the brakes and in corner entry. A lot of the riders who don't do are not going fast enough for it to make a difference, but we are seeingmore and more riders even in lower formulae taking this up. When riders first started dragging their knees on the tarmac I remember there was a lot of criticism from 'old school' fans saying it looked ridiculous too. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
Doesn't seem to slow down Lorenzo any... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
Doesn't seem to slow down Lorenzo any... Lorenzo has a very classic style is a very smooth rider. If you watch him compared to Stoner/Rossi/Spies/Dovi etc he doesn't move around as much or look so animated, yet is still very very fast. He tends to get his body in position very early and then doesn't move at all right through the corner whereas the others make constant adjustments. Pedrosa is similar but even he moves aroudn a lot more than Jorge. It obviously works for him but I have seen even him stick his leg out a couple of times when pressured. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
Ben Bostrom has been given a one-of wildcard ride on the 'spare' LCR Honda of Toni Elias this weekend........ Well done to Rizoma for funding it, but surely they can find a US racer under 35 who is looking to move up the ranks, not someone approaching pension age who will probably make Elias look good! What happened to all the US young guns? JD Beach, Gagne, P J Jacobsen.... any others? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaimec |
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Boz gives Elias a riding lesson this weekend. I think the idea was to get a POPULAR rider aboard the satellite bike for sponsor dollars. Money first, then talent, I'm afraid. I want to see someone give Elena Myers a shot!! Who will be the bold one to do THAT?? |
