British, World, Super Moto GP

[wheelnut]

:P

I cant wait for the start of the next round of racing, we have had the serious stuff over winter which has resulted in Rossi refusing to ride for a team sponsored by a tobacco manufacturer, (Gauloises) to get a new deal with Yamaha on the Camel Yamaha. Camel Honda cannot afford to pay the wages of the other primadona

ITV has got a 2 year deal to show BSB on the box

Lots of team and rider changes will only make the 3 main championships even better!

Im looking forward to getting some well deserved coverage and that will bring in new sponsers to help our home bred talent

[Peter Henry]

Wheelnut wrote:





Camel Honda cannot afford to pay the wages of the other primadona

Way off mark I am afraid! Honda said no way as long as Rossi has a hole in his zorst will they ever supply a bike in any category for Max Biaggi! Hence Camel still wanted to be in Moto GP and so why not align with the biggest name out there? Do you think Rossi has done it as a favour? There will be plenty of zero's after the digits on his cheque!

Also big mistake by Sito Pons for backing Biaggi so forcefully with Honda....who then basically tell sito to go f*ck himself as they will say in future who rides Honda! 8)

[Scooby Drew]

Pedro, I think we need a wee corner to debate these racing matters. Admin...

[Peter Henry]

Drew....I agree. Peeps pop on to pass comment about things that have already been debated,but me being a big fan of the sport I am always tempted to reply! :oops: :)

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

:P which has resulted in Rossi refusing to ride for a team sponsored by a tobacco manufacturer, (Gauloises) to get a new deal with Yamaha on the Camel Yamaha. Camel Honda cannot afford to pay the wages of the other primadona

Rossi doesn't want to ride for a tobacco manufacturer and so he switches from Gauloises to... Camel... ?

[Scooby Drew]

Drew....I agree. Peeps pop on to pass comment about things that have already been debated,but me being a big fan of the sport I am always tempted to reply! :oops: :)

Do you think if we ask nicely Admin would give us a page for all racing related matters? Cos I do like a bit of discussion and it all gets lost on IB... :-dd

[Scooby Drew]

Rossi seems to be a little inconsistent to get back to the topic at hand. I think he just wants to have it all his own way...

[Peter Henry]

Scooby...I agree with you entirely on this. A touch of the individual feeling he is bigger than the sport itself perhaps? I really like Valentino as a rider and public personality but I can't help thinking...due to the speed of Camel aligning with Yamaha so quickly after the demise of the Pons team that there has been some devious activity going on behind closed doors.

Let's face it who would not take a call from Rossi's people? The corporate argument is that Camel fear the loss of their product sales by not having Biaggi,(who is still immensely popular in Italy) if this is the case why not give someone like Rolfo a crack? It all smells a bit to me, especially when one day Rossi is distancing himself from tobacco sponsorship,(apart from when he goes out to play with Ferrari)

I think the whole episode is very bad for the sport,I can understand Honda refusing to allow Max to ride one of the 7 RCV's next season, but to see a good team like that of Pons step down and all of this on the back of the withdrawal of Telefonica/Movistar isn't good at all.

Could Valentino be carefully managing his exit by creating a fragmented and confused Moto GP world and then being able to cite that as his reasons for moving on?

Does he have the cojones to face the challenge of his life in 2007...when Pedrosa will be fully on the pace and with every likelihood that Jorge Lorenzo will be in the blue riband class by then? 8)

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Peter, dont you think you're over estimating Rossis influence?

[Peter Henry]

Jordan...Quite frankly no! Time will tell of course. :wink:

[Scooby Drew]

I think that Rossi is just throwing his weight around cos he can. I think next to Michael Schumacher, he has the widest appeal to sponsors in motor racing if not any kind of sport. He is undoubtably a genius and because he gets treated as such, he does what he wants. This is exacerbated by a double standard seemingly- When he punted Melandri nothing happened but when someone in one of the lower classes did teh same at the same meeting/ the one before, they had the book thrown at them.

As regards the sponsorship debacle, Rossi was supposed to be getting his own team as per his Nastro Azzuro team in 500's with Alice as the main sponsor. This caused the wrangle with Altadis. Perhaps they have gone with Camel due to Alice pulling out?

[Biker Biggles]

I think all this sponsor/Honda wrangling has the potential to ruin Moto GP just like F1 has been ruined by corporate greed and willy waving.
Call me an old faert but I think it was a better sport when there was less money in it.Bazza used to help spanner his race bikes as a works rider ferchrissakes,and then go out and win races.The only spanner today's prima donnas wield are the ones they stick in the works by upsetting Honda or baccy sponsors.

[Peter Henry]

Scooby...The rider that got hammered by the powers that be was Jorge Lorenzo for attempting what most people saw as a legitimate move. Your right Rossi did both Melandri and Gibernau last season.


Biker Biggles....there are more spanners on display than you give credit for mate. Well after being close up to the Marlboro girls at Valencia they are spanners as far as I can see....as they sure made my n*ts go tight! :lol: :lol: 8)

[Biker Biggles]

You may have enjoyed the Marboro "spanners"PH,but were they open enders or more the ring type? :oops:

[Peter Henry]

B.B....Not too sure mate but I can tell you I would have loved to "socket" to one or two of them! :wink: :)

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Scooby...The rider that got hammered by the powers that be was Jorge Lorenzo for attempting what most people saw as a legitimate move. Your right Rossi did both Melandri and Gibernau last season.

I dont see any connection between those three events. Rossi didnt get the book thrown at him because the Melandri incident was a genuine error at the beginning of the race, not Lorenzos crazy lunge at the last corner that had no hope of ever working.

You might say the Gib incident was a crazy last corner lunge, but Rossi made it stick. The result was only banged fairings, not 2 (and almost 3) bikes clattering into the gravel trap.

[Peter Henry]

Jordan...Funny how your opinion of the Lorenzo incident varies so greatly than about 90% of the riders of all 3 categories when asked about it. Crazy lunge? He carried more speed in to the corner in order to "under take" he almost made it but unfortuantely so late in the race the rear tyre could not cope. It was a brave racers move, not a crazy lunge.

Rossi/Melandri incident? A genuine mistake? What ball*cks that was! Rossi did him simple as that! Look at the video if you get a chance and again just tell me it was "just an early race error".

Rossi/Gibernau....You got to be kidding me? Rossi had no right to do what he did.However Gibernau should have defended that corner a whole lot better and given Valentino no sight at all of the inside. In saying that the only way Rossi was going to go through there was with contact being made.
"Only banged fairings?" Please! :wink: Rossi's handle bar actually made quite heavy contact with Sete's shoulder for heaven's sake! :)

[Scooby Drew]

Melandri did not change line to cause the accident, Rossi went steaming into a gap that closed naturally. If Melandri had rear view mirrors he might have seen him coming and taken avoiding action (which is why I kept checking my mirrors when I did a track day) I can't see that happening.

I have no problem with Rossi but I think they take a very lenient line with him. And that is bad for the sport if it shows double standards or some kind of favouritism.

[Peter Henry]

Drew..I concurr entirely with you. I also admire Valentino but there are certain things that go on that make you wonder at times. :?

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Jordan...Funny how your opinion of the Lorenzo incident varies so greatly than about 90% of the riders of all 3 categories when asked about it. Crazy lunge? He carried more speed in to the corner in order to "under take" he almost made it but unfortuantely so late in the race the rear tyre could not cope. It was a brave racers move, not a crazy lunge.

I says it like I sees it. The guy was gonna struggle to get round the corner, let alone overtake anyone, and hit someone in the process!

Rossi/Melandri incident? A genuine mistake? What ball*cks that was! Rossi did him simple as that! Look at the video if you get a chance and again just tell me it was "just an early race error".

That doesnt make any sense. Why would Rossi who's far ahead in the championship take crazy risks?

Rossi/Gibernau....You got to be kidding me? Rossi had no right to do what he did.However Gibernau should have defended that corner a whole lot better and given Valentino no sight at all of the inside. In saying that the only way Rossi was going to go through there was with contact being made.
"Only banged fairings?" Please! :wink: Rossi's handle bar actually made quite heavy contact with Sete's shoulder for heaven's sake! :)

Maybe he shouldn't have done what he did, but thats not what I'm saying. Both riders made it to the end of the race after Rossis move, they didnt after Lorenzos.

[Peter Henry]

Flaming Squirrel wrote:

That doesnt make any sense. Why would Rossi who's far ahead in the championship take crazy risks?

Err exactly why he could try such a ridiculous manouvre. Because even if he did fall it mattered little to his championship campaign.

Lorenzo only hit someone because the back wheel let go. if it had held he would have been heralded for making one of the manouvres of the season. With his move it was not inevitable that he would make contact with the other riders. But with Rossi's 2 cases it definitely was. Try to pay attention when your watching the races Jordan and leave the Nº46 Tee shirt in the drawer for once! :wink: :D

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Flaming Squirrel wrote:

That doesnt make any sense. Why would Rossi who's far ahead in the championship take crazy risks?

Err exactly why he could try such a ridiculous manouvre. Because even if he did fall it mattered little to his championship campaign.

Nah thats a completely ridiculous thing to say. I cant remember if Rossi had already wraped up the title by that point or almost, but it doesnt make any difference. He wouldnt deliberately risk injuring himself to get the title eary, because it could result in being put out of the season and not winning it at all.

[Peter Henry]

Jordan..Rossi already had it in the bag. And the ridiculous part is jointly you thinking that he would not have done it on purpose and Rossi for carrying it out! Melandri was always going to be the one that got the worse of that incident. Are you sure you actually saw any of this at all? :?

Even Carl Fogarty has admitted trying to take Scot Rusell out when racing him much to his own embarassment as Carl actually was the one to come a cropper when trying to do so. His attempt though was badly thought out and not a planned "T boning" as performed by Rossi. :evil:

Quote from www.sportinglife.com.

"Rossi made a rare error of judgement and clipped his fellow Italian's rear wheel, sending both riders sliding into retirement and leaving the Movistar Honda man with an injured foot.

After escaping sanction from race stewards, despite a Honda protest, Rossi was left apologising to his good friend."

[Scooby Drew]

... apologising to his good friend."

My feeling was that he knew he had been a tw@ otherwise he wouldn't have been apologising - he comes over as being a bit arrogant to be apologising for something that wasn't his fault.

I saw that incident and was just waiting for the race director to haul him into the office. If you remember Sete getting a race ban for his move on Tamada, Motegi 2003 where neither of them came off...

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Are you sure you actually saw any of this at all? :?

Yes. I'm not sure if you have though, because you're making no sense at all!

What you're saying is that with a massive lead in the championship and only a few points needed to make winning a mathmatical certainty, with little more to prove he made his way through the pack with amazing speed up until the point where he came across his friend. He then deliberately rammed him off the track risking injury to his friend and himself, throwing away the points he would have earnt if he'd crossed the line when that was all he needed anyway, risked putting himself out for the rest of the season without winning the championship on the track, or feasibly even not winning it at all?

Yeah, right :!:

[Peter Henry]

Jordan....*he sighs in exasperation*

Rossi started from way down the grid...true.

Rossi did amazingly well to catch Melandri....true.

Melandri had a "mathematical" chance of catching Rossi for the title but it would have meant a major disintegration by both his bike or Rossi for the rest of the season.....extremely unlikely.

Melandri has spoken as to how when he began to get to grips with the Moto Gp bikes, that Rossi's attitude toward him changed. Read that properly and you decipher that Rossi began to distance himself and become more aloof to his "friend". Therefore they are definitely NOT buddies these days.

Have you read or heard Rossi's explanation of the Melandri incident? It is a complete insult to anyone's intelligence. His concern afterwards was a smoke screen created by the fact that he knew that what he had done was wrong and his explanation was ludicrous.

Ok to remind you Rossi suggested that Melandri made a mistake prior to the corner,(if he had done so then why would Melandri's team make an official complaint over the incident) Rossi also stated that as he had not been with Melandri previously going in to that corner he did not expect him to take the line that he did!

Melandri made no mistake Jordan, he was carrying speed longer before dropping in to the turn, as Drew mentioned he merely then leaned on what was the natural line for him to take. Rossi was going slower yet moved underneath Melandri and so the contact. Anyone with sense would have maybe observed Melandri's line in that bend and figure how to beat him fairly and not taking him out.

It was a gamble by Rossi but fortunately due to the low speeds at time of impact the chances of excessive injury were low.

But of course you cannot see any of this can you? :? :shock:

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I'm not really sure what that post was trying to say? All you've done is spouted is alot of anecdotal 'evidence' that does nothing to support your point that Rossi rammed intentionally.

I'm not sure what it is I cant see. I'm quite happy to believe Rossi rammed on purpose, but regurgitating alot of anti Rossi propaganda from a Spanish rag trying to support an idea that makes no common sense at all is incredably unconvincing.

Please, stop patronising and start making valid points based on some solid evidence.

[Peter Henry]

You know Jordan? Your right. I don't know what came over me. I hope that you can find your way to forgiving me? [-o< :notworthy:

[Scooby Drew]

:lol: Aren't differences of opinion wonderful :lol: Handbags at dawn when the season begins...

[Filipe M.]

Can't we talk about Schumacher vs. Hill instead? :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Scooby Drew]

or how about Schumacher on Rossi here (http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?t=Rossi-may-struggle-with-F1--says-Schumacher-&cid=6&id=123924)

These F1 drivers seem to think that driving a car is difficult and Rossi wouldn't be able to adapt, they are all hoping anyway.

Discuss (or even better, what would Schumacher on Biaggi be...)

[Filipe M.]

"Ferrari team leader, Michael Schumacher has warned MotoGP ace Valentino Rossi that he could struggle to find that 'last little bit' of speed needed to be competitive, if he moves to F1."

Just like Schummy himself this last season, then... :roll:

[busasean]

You know Jordan? Your right. I don't know what came over me. I hope that you can find your way to forgiving me? [-o< :notworthy:

peter youre a bad bad man! however i have to agree with you , why would rossi say sorry if he wasnt in the wrong?

ANYWAY.............. rossi / gib / edwards / melandri are the top 4 thyis year in motogp

lavillia(?), rutter, and harris top 3 in bsb, shakey just wont do it methinks

wsb, toseland hopefully , but this should be the most interesting out of the 3

[Peter Henry]

busasean..I know I am totally unworthy! :oops:

Some good calls on your predictions,personally I think BSB,WSB and Moto GP are going to have one of the best years ever.

BSB...I think old giggling Shakey(You seen the Fast bikes "How to wheelie vids? :lol: ) will battle it out with Lavilla and I would not like to make the call between them.

WSB...With those Moto GP boys joining the ranks the whole category is bound to step up a whole load of notches. Again I expect another Suzuki/Ducati battle there also.

Moto GP....I have a gut feeling that the race wins will be spread across a number of riders this year with the championship being won with way less actual wins than the amazing figure achieved by Valentino last season.

I can see Dani Pedrosa getting a few podiums before the season is out..which would be brilliant for his learning season. Plus I read between the lines that Ducati will be a major threat for longer periods of the season this time.

You can also expect to see Nicky Hayden ditched by Honda and replaced by John Hopkins,(at seasons end) if he delivers no more than a win at Laguna in 2006. 8)

[Flamin_Squirrel]

You can also expect to see Nicky Hayden ditched by Honda and replaced by John Hopkins,(at seasons end) if he delivers no more than a win at Laguna in 2006. 8)

That would be interesting. My understanding is he showed great promise, right up until he got stuck on a rubbish bike that conks out in the rain!

[Peter Henry]

Jordan..I really like Nicky, however even allowing time for him to settle in he has flattered to deceive for way too long now. He has had the best machinery available to him yet he has delivered so little.
Unless he gets a hole shot like he did at Laguna, he is never going to battle for a win. This was emphasised greatly at Valencia last season when he was with Melandri for the greater part of the race and never once worked out a way of making a challenge to take the lead. In the same situation I am sure Melandri would have been battling to get past. 8)

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Jordan..I really like Nicky, however even allowing time for him to settle in he has flattered to deceive for way too long now. He has had the best machinery available to him yet he has delivered so little.
Unless he gets a hole shot like he did at Laguna, he is never going to battle for a win. This was emphasised greatly at Valencia last season when he was with Melandri for the greater part of the race and never once worked out a way of making a challenge to take the lead. In the same situation I am sure Melandri would have been battling to get past. 8)

Sorry I was refering to Mr Hopkins and what he may achieve given a decent bike. Nicky seems to do well when everythings perfect for him, but of course thats rare - a good racer makes use of what they've got!

[chutz]

ooh, what an exciting thread. Here's my input for all it's worth.

Rossi taking out Melandri :-

Definitely entirely Rossi's fault but I will never believe that he did it deliberately, just not his style imho. I also believe the spur of the moment apology was genuine concern as he knew it was his fault. Subsequent comments to be taken with large pinch of sodium cholride :wink:

Rossi punting Gibernau :-

Much less clear cut. Sete left the door open inviting Rossi to make a lunge and he must have known that he would. Rossi was determined as always to win and so always goes that extra mile. If Gibbers had his thinking cap on he'd have let Rossi run wide and cut back but he turned into a bit of track that he must've known was occupied by a slightly out of control Yamaha. A hard move but in no way a clear cut punt off by Rossi. This is the difference between Rossi and someone like Hayden who hangs on all race but doesn't go the extra mile and have a go at overtaking.

Jorge Lorenze :-

In NO way should he have been punished like that!!! The one good thing about it is that he gained a new fan because of it. I cheer Jorge on every race now and I really like his riding style.

[H62]

As chutz said what an exciting thread.

My question is
If you where in Rossi's position with Gibernau or Lorenze's position would you have gone for the pass or not.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

As chutz said what an exciting thread.

My question is
If you where in Rossi's position with Gibernau or Lorenze's position would you have gone for the pass or not.

Can you repeat the question?!

[Scooby Drew]

As chutz said what an exciting thread.

My question is
If you where in Rossi's position with Gibernau or Lorenze's position would you have gone for the pass or not.

Can you repeat the question?!

I think he means Melandri...

In Melandri's case he went for a gap that wasn't there (not a deliberate punt, an error in judgement) If I remember correctly with Gibbers, Gibbers left the door open for a pass and tried to come back too late... I would have gone for that definitely.

My predictions for the year:
MotoGP - Rossi, Melandri, Hayden, Cappirossi all mixing it up at the front with bit parts for Pedrosa & Edwards
WSBk - The two Troys and Haga at teh front with JT chasing
BSB - Shakey, Lavilla & Kiyo. Perhaps Rutter & Haslam jnr

I haven't seen Pedrosa race at all so can't give comment on him but I think it will be the usual suspects in MotoGP. Rossi should take it if he doesn't start falling off. Racers start falling off cos they are under a lot of pressure and are trying too hard- with the others coming on, he is going to be under a lot more pressure than before.

Predictions of the exMotoGP boys causing mayhem in WSBK may be premature cos I don't seem to remember anyone moving to WSB and being more succesful than they were in MotoGP. I would tip Bayliss to take it if he stays in the seat. It was noticeable that Corser only performed well when he got away at the front, he's not so good when he has to battle through.

For BSB I couldn't call it as there are a number of top class guys and it could be any of them. It will be exciting though aspecially as ITV have commited to show every race this year (for those of us who don't have Sky)

[Peter Henry]

Might as well try to keep all the info together so here goes:

First day testing in Sepang. Your thoughts chaps?


1. Valentino Rossi - Camel Yamaha 2'02.14
2. Marco Melandri - Fortuna Honda 2'02.21
3. Nicky Hayden - Repsol Honda 2'02.23
4. Dani Pedrosa - Repsol Honda 2'02.46
5. Loris Capirossi - Ducati Marlboro 2'02.54
6. Colin Edwards - Camel Yamaha 2'02.60
7. Sete Gibernau - Ducati Marlboro 2'02.86
8. John Hopkins - Suzuki MotoGP 2'03.30
9. Casey Stoner - LCR Honda 2'03.57
10. Shinya Nakano - Kawasaki Racing 2'03.77
11. Toni ElÃ*as - Fortuna Honda 2'03.80
12. Kenny Roberts - KR Honda 2'03.80
13. Randy de Puniet - Kawasaki Racing 2'03.90
14. Alex Hofmann - D'Antin Ducati 2'04.63
15. James Ellison - Yamaha 2'06.40
16. Chris Vermeulen - Suzuki MotoGP 2'06.50
17. Jose Luis Cardoso - D'Antin MotoGP 2'07.70
Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 – 2'02.993
Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 – 2'01.731

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I think that testing doesnt always show the whole picture, but if in this case it does I think that...

Rossi will win another championship this year.
Marko will threaten him until the end of the season.
Pedrosa will be up there.
Gibs might not be.
Vermulen should have stayed in WSB!

[Peter Henry]

Jordan you know I have a crazy feeling that this year it will be a genuine 3 way battle for a good part of the season.


Valentino will of course be in amongst it, Marco will get stronger and stronger and, once Dani realises that he does not have to stick with the theory that it is merely a learning year he could have a big mid to second half of the season.

I am more than prepared though to see all of that disintegrate as I think Ducati have both the strongest riding team, and bike package than they have had to date in Moto GP! (Yeah course I'm biased!) :lol:

[Filipe M.]

I am more than prepared though to see all of that disintegrate as I think Ducati have both the strongest riding team, and bike package than they have had to date in Moto GP! (Yeah course I'm biased!) :lol:

Let's hope they hired some good psychologists too, then... :roll: :wink: :roll:

[Scooby Drew]

I am more than prepared though to see all of that disintegrate as I think Ducati have both the strongest riding team, and bike package than they have had to date in Moto GP! (Yeah course I'm biased!) :lol:

Let's hope they hired some good psychologists too, then... :roll: :wink: :roll:

I think they need Derren Brown...

*runs and hides from PH*

[H62]

As chutz said what an exciting thread.

My question is
If you where in Rossi's position with Gibernau or Lorenze's position would you have gone for the pass or not.

Can you repeat the question?!

My apologies for not making my question clear.

Some people have said that Rossi's manoeuvre on Gibernau was unfair and others have said it was a racers move and the same has been said about Lorenzo's manoeuvre. I was just wondering how many people here if placed in Rossi's or Lorenzo's position would have tried to pass.

[Peter Henry]

H62..Ok this is all pure dreaming of course but if I had the skill I would have done Lorenzo's move no question,he was just unlucky.

The Valentino/Sete one I think I would have just got close enough, maybe my front wheel just behind the back of Sete's on the inside and hit the gas that bit earlier whilst pushing Sete more to the right all of the time as I headed up out of the bend. I think with the M1 Yamaha Rossi had a real chance of doing that as the RCV's have been eating tyres all season.

I definitely feel in that incident that Sete presented a window of opportunity that should never ever have been there and although I think he did enough to deserve the race,he showed bad race craft in that last corner. 8)

[Peter Henry]

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Sepang Day 2 Winter Test!

1.Sete Gibernau, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.66 / 49 laps :D
2. Loris Capirossi, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.83 / 45 laps :D
3. Colin Edwards, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.00 / 58 laps
4. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda - 2'02.02 / 68 laps
5. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda - 2'02.26 / 47 laps :P
6. John Hopkins, Suzuki MotoGP - 2'02.40 / 40 laps
7. Randy de Puniet, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.55 / 50 laps
8. Casey Stoner, LCR Honda - 2'02.57 / 51 laps
9. Valentino Rossi, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.62 / 41 laps :?
10. Shinya Nakano, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.65 / 50 laps

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

If stuff in Rossi's biog is anything to go by, I'd say he's held back deliberately on the 2nd day so as to make other teams feel that they're doing enough and so they won't try harder to beat him. He says they/he did it in recent years...

I felt the move on Sete in Race 1 was fine. If anyone was at fault it was Sete, for trying to take a line that wasn't available to him because another rider had just overtaken him and was in the way. Rossi was part way past Sete before Sete turned. You leave the door open for someone, they go through, you have to let them go, not ride into the side of them.

With Melandri, Rossi chanced it and hoped Melandri had gone wide and tried to get round the inside. Rossi's fault for trying to take a line that wasn't available to him. Mind you, a split second later and it would have been Melandri's fault for taking out Rossi. I can't think of any other racer who would have braked as late as Melandri there - he's the only person who often outbrakes Rossi into bends and Rossi should have known better.

[Peter Henry]

Well I think now the Ducati boys have pulled themselves together after the spectacle of Valentino in his new outfeet yesterday......looks like they are making a bit of a statement!

Hands up who DOESN?T think he is gonna walk away with it again this season???:wink: 8)

[Scooby Drew]

Well I think now the Ducati boys have pulled themselves together after the spectacle of Valentino in his new outfeet yesterday......looks like they are making a bit of a statement!

Hands up who DOESN?T think he is gonna walk away with it again this season???:wink: 8)

I think Rossi is going to be pushed this year but he is still going to be the most consistent at the top. He looks the most likely to win it but by a much reduced majority.

PH, isn't Sepang somewhere where the Bridgestones always perform well? I have no doubt that the Duke is closer to the others but it may be a false indicator.

[Peter Henry]

Drew,....Shhhhh! Yeah they always run well there,a truer test might be when they get to Barcelona for tests. But great to see Sete really getting to grips with the new package of Ducati plus Bridgestones. Dani Pedrosa is a class act isn't he? I wonder if in the backwash of Valentino...how good this lad is, will be overlooked by everyone outside of Spain? :?

[Scooby Drew]

Well I think now the Ducati boys have pulled themselves together after the spectacle of Valentino in his new outfeet yesterday......looks like they are making a bit of a statement!

Hands up who DOESN?T think he is gonna walk away with it again this season???:wink: 8)

I think Rossi is going to be pushed this year but he is still going to be the most consistent at the top. He looks the most likely to win it but by a much reduced majority.

PH, isn't Sepang somewhere where the Bridgestones always perform well? I have no doubt that the Duke is closer to the others but it may be a false indicator.

[Peter Henry]

Drew...Boy that was some echo! It took ages to come around again! :lol: :lol:

[Peter Henry]

Aah the look of a worried man that senses his time is done! Chasing those hot GP06 Ducati's and the new kid on the block Dani Pedrosa,appears to be taking it's toll on Valentino!

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3091/rossi27hw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:wink: 8)

[Filipe M.]

Aah the look of a worried man that senses his time is done! Chasing those hot GP06 Ducati's and the new kid on the block Dani Pedrosa,appears to be taking it's toll on Valentino!

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3091/rossi27hw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:wink: 8)

Oh boy, this is what I call helmet hair! :shock:

[Foey]

Aah the look of a worried man that senses his time is done! Chasing those hot GP06 Ducati's and the new kid on the block Dani Pedrosa,appears to be taking it's toll on Valentino!

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3091/rossi27hw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:wink: 8)

Oh boy, this is what I call helmet hair! :shock:


I think he's just a bit concerned & worried, after all that does look like a morning after pill in his hand. :wink: :lol:

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

You'd look like that too if you'd just had to extract all that hair from a bike helmet. Think of the pressure on his poor skull when he's got the helmet on.

[Peter Henry]

Well The Doctor is going to need a good prescription in order to stop this going passed on numerous occasions in 2006! :lol: :lol: :lol:

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/4580/loduc8um.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

BTW I hope that news of Jeremy McWilliams having a Moto GP ride is correct. If it is that is me and Lee sorted for pit lane passes at Jerez! :lol: :lol:

[Supervox]

Well The Doctor is going to need a good prescription in order to stop this going passed on numerous occasions in 2006! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I can only assume that your excitement of a Ducati APPEARING to be a valid challenger this season caused your brain to bypass the old spelling node ? :wink:

BTW I hope that news of Jeremy McWilliams having a Moto GP ride is correct.

I hope so too - the more Brits the better.

In ref to a comment mad in an earlier post of yours I think that Nicky Hayden WILL be dumped by Honda at the end of this season, but - possibly in favour of Casey ??

[Peter Henry]

Supervox...let he who is without sin,cast the first stone? :lol: be very careful in correcting other people on spelling my friend!

Dictionary definition:passed...To go by without stopping; leave behind.

Sorry to be so pedantic but you did start it! :wink:


Supervox wrote:

In ref to a comment mad in an earlier post of yours


:lol: :lol:

So you think Ducati are flattering to deceive? Strange how even Valentino himself has passed comment as to how "strong Ducati look" He for sure does not only mean the bike but he knows that they have two of the best riders out there!

Casey Stoner..I really like him a lot.However his raw approach might just catch him out in Moto GP he is quick...no doubt but I assure you he is definitely not a Dani Pedrosa......are you aware how close his record thus far mirrors Valentino's?

Depending upon how many times Casey bins it during the season, he might get Hayden's ride.If he has a bad season and Aprilia are not ready to rejoin Moto GP next year then the hottest boy around will be Jorge Lorenzo!...remember where you heard it first folks! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Supervox]

Supervox...let he who is without sin,cast the first stone? :lol: be very careful in correcting other people on spelling my friend!

Dictionary definition:passed...To go by without stopping; leave behind.

Sorry to be so pedantic but you did start it! :wink:


Supervox wrote:

In ref to a comment mad in an earlier post of yours


:lol: :lol:

oooooooooooooooooooooooops :oops: :oops: :oops:

<pedant mode ON> I still maintain however that you have used the verb 'to pass' in the wrong context - maybe we need a separate thread to discuss verb tenses etc ???? :D <pedant mode OFF>

So you think Ducati are flattering to deceive? Strange how even Valentino himself has passed comment as to how "strong Ducati look" He for sure does not only mean the bike but he knows that they have two of the best riders out there!

Casey Stoner..I really like him a lot.However his raw approach might just catch him out in Moto GP he is quick...no doubt but I assure you he is definitely not a Dani Pedrosa......are you aware how close his record thus far mirrors Valentino's?

Depending upon how many times Casey bins it during the season, he might get Hayden's ride.If he has a bad season and Aprilia are not ready to rejoin Moto GP next year then the hottest boy around will be Jorge Lorenzo!...remember where you heard it first folks! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Of course Vale is gonna say that Ducati look good :-
(a) He can then say mid / end of season that he forecast it all along
(b) An overconfident adversary is better than a hungry one !!
(c) It makes him look even better when he beats them !!

Lets not forget, Vale's other great 'strength' (besides being a riding genius) is his ability to play mind games. What do reckon Ducati's / Sete's / Loris' (is my punctuation correct here ??) reaction would be if he'd said "nah, I don't think the Ducati's much cop this year ?"

As for "two of the best riders" - possibly maybe even probably PROVIDED they can withstand the above mentioned mind games !! Look what happened to Sete last season - he didn't go from being a serious contender to being a muppet for no reason did he ??

Although I'm a dedicated Vale fan, from a pure spectator & racing point of view I think that the sooner Dani, Casey et al can get sorted & start challenging for podiums (podia ??) & race wins the better off MotoGP will be.

But I still have to say that my prediction for the coming season is :-

1) Vale

2) Marco

3) My heart would love to say Colin Edwards or James Ellison - but my head says Dani Pedrosa

[Peter Henry]

Supervox..Interesting comments.Personally the mind games that went on last year for me, were Sete's own.Unlike previous seasons I do not actually think Valentino was a factor. I think it was more the strain of being oh so close for 2 seasons that just made him try too hard.

My gut feeling is that you will be able to throw a small blanket over the top 3 who ever they might be at the end of the season. I really do not think anyone will be so much stronger than the rest. Valentino is not finished but I think the other teams and riders have raised their own standards.

Dani is playing it very cleverly saying he will not be ready to challenge this year...and that might be the case. But by the very nature of him he will not be satisfied with just tagging along. He will win a couple of races I think towards the back end.

Just as he worked to recover after that terrible accident in Phillip Island a couple of seasons ago...Dani knows he needs to build a little strength and stamina for the blue riband class.......I assure you this will be done.

I am going to stick my neck out and suggest 3 different factories to finish at the top of the rankings come seasons end. How the 1,2,3 will pan is for me just too close to call. 8)

[Filipe M.]

Guys, I might have been a little distracted when looking at MotoGP bikes lately, but those forks on the Duke... what the hell are they, dual legs on each side (to minimize torsion, perharps...)? :shock: :?

[Peter Henry]

Filipe...This is not a definitive answer by any means,however I believe that Ducati are using a double fork system so that minor surface deviations and chatter are negated,(a little like a steering damper does) when you really scrutinise how they go in to the same fixing at the bottom there,I can't see it being anything else really. I am though happy to be corrected on this point. :wink:

[The Basket]

Can't believe Jeremy McWilliams is riding in motogp

Maybe it should be moto oap :D

I'll get my coat.

[Peter Henry]

Basket...You leave Jezza alone! I am gonna be able to step on Valentino's toes in the pits at Jerez if Jeremy does ride there! :wink: :wink:

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Filipe...This is not a definitive answer by any means,however I believe that Ducati are using a double fork system so that minor surface deviations and chatter are negated,(a little like a steering damper does) when you really scrutinise how they go in to the same fixing at the bottom there,I can't see it being anything else really. I am though happy to be corrected on this point. :wink:

The other 'leg' doesnt go all the way up though? It's not a remote presurised oil reservoir like you get on shocks is it?

[fizzwheel]

Basket...You leave Jezza alone! I am gonna be able to step on Valentino's toes in the pits at Jerez if Jeremy does ride there! :wink: :wink:

Who else could have put that dog of a two stroke onto the front row at Phillip Island a couple of years back ? against all those four strokes.

[Peter Henry]

Jordan..You could be right,I have never seen the bike without the fairing and obviously with one off you can only see so much. Your theory does sound possible but why would a remote reservoir per se add any benefit? Some form of auxiliary damping I can understand?? :-k

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Jordan..You could be right,I have never seen the bike without the fairing and obviously with one off you can only see so much. Your theory does sound possible but why would a remote reservoir per se add any benefit? Some form of auxiliary damping I can understand?? :-k

Remote (or pigyback, on shocks) reservoirs allow for better cooling for the oil, apparently.

[Peter Henry]

Jordan....It is a very interesting theory you are working on here and one that does make a lot of sense. After all it would be the front shocks and so the oil in same,doing the majority of the work. :wink:

[Mariner]

It looks like it is some kind of "anti-dive" system for the front. Didn't Kawasaki have something similar on road bikes circa 1990?

I'm looking forward to this years MotoGP, I think it may be October before Vale wins this year! He's more consistent than all his rivals, whilst he may only win a handful of races this year, it will be the podium finished that count. Remember that when he has an off day he finishes 3rd or 4th, the rest have an off day and finish in the gravel. That is why he will win again. Vale's mid games are legendary, almost as good as Mick Doohans. Beat them in their mind and it's easy, Gibernau was a much quicker rider last year for lap after lap, but you always knew Vale was going to beat him to the flag! I don't see anything changing this year.

Now 2007 that will be entirely different...............................







..................and for 2012 I'll predict Bradley Smith pipping Chaz Davies on factory Triumphs! 8)

[Peter Henry]

Mariner....Nice post mate but you have not taken in to account the two major differences for 2006........

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8757/dani3jd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5224/sete18oj.jpg (http://imageshack.us) :lol: :lol: 8)


Someone that is largely going overlooked is Toni Elias also.In his second year and now on a much more competitive machine he could ruffle a feather or three! :wink:

[The Basket]

Jezza is a good rider who has been around a while and done what he can on tat.

Nice wad for his old age I would wager.

But wouldn't it have been better to find a younger fresher rider like James Ellison? Who could go on to better things?

A bit like the Kenny Roberts/Kenny Roberts Can I have A job, Dad? pairing.

Doesn't really shine as a future star.

[Peter Henry]

Failing that,they could have put the housewives favourite Maximilian on the Bimota! :lol: :lol:

[The Basket]

Or give Carlos Checa another go...what ever happened to him, eh?

Jezza...well....since the next English Football manager might be an Ulsterman then surely he should apply too. Far better than coming last on a hopeless cause and he gets a go with Ulrika Jonsson too.

[Peter Henry]

Basket...Carlos Checa is wanted by a satellite Yamaha team and are hoping the deal can be done this week. I think after his early season injury last year,he came through well and desrves another shot.

You boys should warm to him as he is based in London. :wink:

[Peter Henry]

Jordan...I have been reliably informed that the second tube on the GP6 DUcati is in fact a "piggy back" gas cartridge similar as you mentioned to many rear shockers. Apparently the tube is indeed only about 8" in length. :wink:

How can someone of such tender years be soooooo wise? :?

[Anonymous]

But wouldn't it have been better to find a younger fresher rider like James Ellison? Who could go on to better things?



Bet James is a whole lot happier on his Yamaha!!

[Peter Henry]

Well I think it is absolutely great that that English lad...the Paul Scholes look alike? Seems to have secured a ride in the 125 World Championship! Young ginger is to be under the watchful eye of no other than Alberto Puig.....the mentor of Dani Pedrosa and will ride a Honda. :wink:

Carlos Checa has finally secured his move to the Yamaha Tech 3 team.

Early doors at testing in Phillip Island,those nice chaps riding the Ducati's allowed the Honda riding Melandri,Hayden and Stoner to take centre stage to lead with the first lap times. Dani Pedrosa finds himself the meat in a Ducati sandwich that completes the top 6.

Rossi so confidant of success in 2006, is of course back in europe getting in some track time in a Ferrari with other drivers on the track at the same time as him for the first time. :?

So how do you read what is going on with Rossi? Can Yamaha have given their full blessing to all of this or did they have no choice? Is he now truly feeling that Moto GP owes him more than he owes it? 8)

[The Basket]

Carlos Checa has finally secured his move to the Yamaha Tech 3 team.

So how do you read what is going on with Rossi? Can Yamaha have given their full blessing to all of this or did they have no choice? Is he now truly feeling that Moto GP owes him more than he owes it? 8)

Good ole Carlos...deserves a go after his efforts last year.

Rossi IS motogp...when you are that powerful, you can act as you please.
But the Biaggi moment is when you act as you please and stop winning....he won't touch a F1 car with a barge pole after a few DNF's.

[Mariner]

Well I think it is absolutely great that that English lad...the Paul Scholes look alike? Seems to have secured a ride in the 125 World Championship! Young ginger is to be under the watchful eye of no other than Alberto Puig.....the mentor of Dani Pedrosa and will ride a Honda. :wink:


The "ginger" is Bradley Smith and he's a bit quick! Won the final 3 rounds of the Spanish 125cc Championship. I expect great things from this young lad, he may even have the potential to be our next World Champion. With Alberto Puig as his manager and mentor he has the right connections!

[Peter Henry]

Barry,

I will do my best to cheer young Scholesy when at Jerez in March! :wink: :)

That is a dream for any young lad getting connected with Alberto. 8)

[Supervox]

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Sepang Day 2 Winter Test!

1.Sete Gibernau, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.66 / 49 laps :D
2. Loris Capirossi, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.83 / 45 laps :D
3. Colin Edwards, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.00 / 58 laps
4. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda - 2'02.02 / 68 laps
5. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda - 2'02.26 / 47 laps :P
6. John Hopkins, Suzuki MotoGP - 2'02.40 / 40 laps
7. Randy de Puniet, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.55 / 50 laps
8. Casey Stoner, LCR Honda - 2'02.57 / 51 laps
9. Valentino Rossi, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.62 / 41 laps :?
10. Shinya Nakano, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.65 / 50 laps

I'm sure it was just an oversight on your part Peter, but you neglected to inform us that all apart from Vale put up their fastest times on QUALIFYING tyres !! :D :wink:

[Peter Henry]

Supervox...Ah this is true but do you honestly believe that comparable tyres would have seen him improve that much? The Yamaha is not quite there at the moment,however it does have someone rather special riding it. :wink:

[Supervox]

. . .but do you honestly believe that comparable tyres would have seen him improve that much?

Frankly - YES !! :D

[Peter Henry]

Oh man your gonna be burning those naff Nº46 Tee shirts and mementos when this season is through! The gigolo will be king no more! Remember where you read it first! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Funny you make more of a deal regarding tyres than anyone from Rossi's camp? (No that wasn't a question as to whether Rossi is camp! :lol: ) I don't recall them mentioning that at all? Perhaps such is their own confidance given comparable rubber? :) :)

[Jelster]

I think, that with somebody of Rossi's ability, knocking a second off on qualifing tyres shouldn't be dismissed. That's all it is, 1 second.

Anyway, those Dukes my be running now, but they have to last all summer, and you know what they say about Ducati reliability :wink:

.

[Peter Henry]

Jelster you naughty boy! Err you might recall that the Ducati reliability last season was somewhat better than that delivered by Honda!!!(he he he )You know I'm right don't you? :lol: :lol:

[Jelster]

Ducati - 2 bikes
Honda - 7 bikes

I think that the Honda reliability is better than 3.5 x that of the Dukes....

:wink:

.

[Peter Henry]

Steve...

Factory team Bikes:

Honda 2 /breakdowns 2.

Ducati 2/breakdowns nil/zilch/none! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Supervox]

Ducati 2/breakdowns nil/zilch/none! :lol: :lol: :lol:

And how many crashes Peter ?? :wink:

I'm sure Ducati would rather the rider crash then have a bike breakdown - its much better to be able to blame the rider after all !! :D

[The Basket]

Sete crashes usually early doors so reliability isn't an issue.

[Peter Henry]

Well yes to keep things interesting both Carlos and Loris had unfortunate falls last season.The one that Loris suffered was pretty severe although in practice and not during a race.(In fact if memory serves me well,I dont think either Ducati was binned during a race?)The timing was really bad as he was putting a fine string of results together.

Sete will now be forgiven all of his previous indiscretions and I think adding his and Marco's falls together last year would still add up to more than the Ducati's!

BTW not a stat that many would record....but Valentino despite having an awesome season last year....had a high number of falls in practice.

I have admired Rossi and really how can you do anything else? I was impressed with him at Valencia when despite not winning the race he came round to our grandstand and showed his appreciation of the vast bank of fans that he has here in Spain.Top man.

I do though strongly object to his faffing around with Ferrari when he is still contracted to a Moto GP team. It's just like he can do what he wants which is wrong. 8)


Basket....Sete crashed once early on last season this was in a wet race when he screwed up on braking. He pulled up early at Valencia due to his HONDA motor going BANG! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Supervox]

. . . I do though strongly object to his faffing around with Ferrari when he is still contracted to a Moto GP team. It's just like he can do what he wants which is wrong. 8)

Bottom line is that he can do whatever he likes so long as Yamaha agree - maybe he has it written into his contract - who knows !!

[Peter Henry]

Supervox wrote:

Bottom line is that he can do whatever he likes so long as Yamaha agree - maybe he has it written into his contract - who knows !!

I feel sure that is the case mate. Yamaha have been unbelievably accommodating in order to keep him sweet. Must have all been part of the contract extension negotiations.

I think we should all do a list of our own 10 top contenders before the season starts and pass a few comments on what we feel about each rider? What you reckon? :wink:

[Mariner]

What like...................

Rossi : Champion with a round to spare
Melandri : Runner-up, a couple of victories but lack of consistency
Hayden : Victorious on any anti-clockwise circuit, but in the gravel too often
Pedrosa : Winner at all 3 Spanish rounds but tries too hard to win every race in his debut season
Caparossi : Winner maybe once but let down by tyres at too many circuits
Gibernau : Still the fastest rider but in the gravel too often
Elias : Lack of support from Honda limits his opportunities, on the podium in Spain
Edwards : You wouldn't believe he was riding the same bike as Rossi, very poor replaced by Ellison at the end of the season
Nakano : Trying his hardest on an under-powered under-developed machine
Roberts Jr : A surprise package with the Honda engine mated with a stable chassis

Biggest Shock, a surprise entry from Harley Davidson at Laguna Seca! :shock: (you heard it here first)

[Jelster]

What like...................

Rossi : Champion with a round to spare
Melandri : Runner-up, a couple of victories but lack of consistency
Hayden : Victorious on any anti-clockwise circuit, but in the gravel too often
Pedrosa : Winner at all 3 Spanish rounds but tries too hard to win every race in his debut season
Caparossi : Winner maybe once but let down by tyres at too many circuits
Gibernau : Still the fastest rider but in the gravel too often
Elias : Lack of support from Honda limits his opportunities, on the podium in Spain
Edwards : You wouldn't believe he was riding the same bike as Rossi, very poor replaced by Ellison at the end of the season
Nakano : Trying his hardest on an under-powered under-developed machine
Roberts Jr : A surprise package with the Honda engine mated with a stable chassis

Biggest Shock, a surprise entry from Harley Davidson at Laguna Seca! :shock: (you heard it here first)

Some of that is pretty good IMHO.....

I reckon Hayden will do better than you think.
Gibernau will take time to get over his obsession of Rossi.
Edwards - Good call (as much as I like the guy), he's just in a different class
A couple of podiums from Vermulen as he struggles in his first year of GP
Pedrosa will get a few podiums but will definately be trying to hard
Caporossi will give Rossi a run for his money, but I reckon it will be sorted with 2 races to spare
Rossi, will have a couple of DNF's as the other get wise to the way he likes to come from the back.

.