Will JT hold it together? - Spoiler Warning

Of course he's going to do better next year. He won't spend time learning a track while others immediately get to work testing, which is what he's had to do at most venues this year. He's been strongest at tracks which have featured on WSB calendars in the past.

The results will all depend on the bike, though. You don't accidentally win 2 WSB championships or qualify 2nd in your first GP meeting if you are indeed "carp".

Quote from Rossi on MCN website: “With me Toseland was fair and it was a great battle. He rides like a devil, he rides like his life is depending on it. He wants to keep his position, that’s for sure but he was very fair with me."

Now there is some one's opinion I can take seriously.

Not seen the BBC coverage due to watching it on turkish TV but i should imagine Suzie Perry was flicking her bean at the prospect of JT coming on a podium finish.
How many more times do you have too hear he's still learning the circuits
FFS it's what he's paid to do at the end of the day.

Yeah he's a good rider but not up to GP standard IMHO

Yes Toseland is MotoGP standard.
No he will never win a race or a championship.
But the manner he raced yesterday was excellent.
The result is less important than the spirit he showed.
That spirit will take him a lot further than anything else.

He isn't one of the big talents but is good enough as a middle place man.

He is on the customer Yamaha so is always going to be behind the factory Hondas, Yams and Ducatis.

6th place is excellent considering the riders he is racing against and the machine he is riding.

Originally Posted by The Basket

Yes Toseland is MotoGP standard.
No he will never win a race or a championship.
But the manner he raced yesterday was excellent.
The result is less important than the spirit he showed.
That spirit will take him a lot further than anything else.

He isn't one of the big talents but is good enough as a middle place man.

He is on the customer Yamaha so is always going to be behind the factory Hondas, Yams and Ducatis.

6th place is excellent considering the riders he is racing against and the machine he is riding.

Sounds typical of the British mentallity when it comes to sportsmen/women, we love the underdog.Bruno/Jimmy White/Colin Montgomerie.
Seems the more these people can't establish themselves as the best in there proffesion the more we like them Why is that??
At the end of day we want a world champion not someone who tried sooo hard and looked good in the process.
Edwards showed that the Yam can get a podium finish.
Will the British public be happy with a "middle place man" ???

[dizzyblonde]

It seems me and Cuffy share similar thoughts.Are we the only ones that think that he just ain't that good, or should I say, just not as good as the rest of the GP riders.
I believe in what ever you do .. be it bike racing, horse riding, singing etc, if you are truely talented, you will exceed in whatever circumstances.
In this instance, I think if JT was any good, it wouldn't matter what track or bike he sat on, he'd still do well. I think he'll just be 'mediocre' in the GP. However, giving him the benefit of the doubt, i look forward to what he can offer next year, but won't be dissappointed if he doesn't get any better

But MotoGP is different.

JT can only ride the bike he is given and the tyres he has got.

Both not 1st class.

One point missing is that he held on Rossi on a lesser bike with lesser tyres.

That is a true achievement and Rossi wasn't hanging about.

To ride in MotoGP is an achievement itself.

Edwards podiums came from France when Nicky Hayden was nowhere and Stoner didn't finish and Assen when Haydens bike went Kaput and Rossi was nowhere and Lorenzo did his invisible act.

I am a fan of Edwards but he has all but disappeared.

Basically a Fully fit Stoner, Hayden, Rossi, Lorenzo and Pedrosa will fill the first 5 places and 6th is for the rest.

To put something else is Dovizioso who he beat at Philip Island has been given a factory ride with Honda.

Cuff, I think the British mentality is to always appreciate someone trying their damnest. I know I personally couldn't hold a candle to JT's skills and as such I was on the edge of my seat watching him spar with Rossi on a non-factory bike. I don't remember anyone (perhaps over the last couple of seasons) retaking Rossi twice. Once he's passed someone he normally just disappears into the distance.
If he was my lad I'd be bursting with pride, not writing him off as as "non winner"

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

I think if JT was any good, it wouldn't matter what track or bike he sat on,

Thing is you dont win WSB championships against the likes of Bayliss by being ****e...

Also MotoGP works differently, JT isnt on a full factory bike like Rossi, Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Dovi and Stoner are. So he doesnt get first pick from the parts bin or the tyres etc etc, He has to make do with what he's given. So to see him doing that on a 2nd string bike that hasnt alot of right to be battling for 3rd in the early stages of the race is a damn fine effort.

I think we need to give the guy some benefit of the doubt. Regular top 10 places on that bike is all we shoudl be expecting.

Apparantly Doviszio (however you spell it) has branded JT's riding dangerous now. Are they all soft these Moto GP riders or what! Press release from JT below:

“That was an unbelievable race. I got a really good start but Casey and Nicky were incredibly fast at the start. They really put the hammer down and I was wary that I needed to save my tyre for the last few laps, which are always difficult on this track with so much wear on the left side. I just wanted to stay out of trouble but I had some incredible battles out there. The one with Valentino was something special. When he passed me I knew I had to get straight back by him. If I had let him go I knew I’d have to push right at the limit and that would wear my tyre too quickly. The rear was already spinning at that point and I tried everything I could to keep him behind me. When he did pass me and he pulled a gap, I did push a bit too hard and that cost me towards the end of the race. But it was an honour to be racing with Valentino and passing him. In the last three laps I’d just lost a bit of grip and that was crucial because it probably cost me those two places. I knew fourth was up for grabs so I tried to pass Andrea at Honda Hairpin on the last lap. We ran a bit wide and Andrea seemed a bit upset but I passed him without touching him. I am sorry if he is upset, but he is upset for no reason. I was fighting for the best result of my MotoGP career so I had to try something. Shinya came by as I ran wide but I passed him back at Siberia, only for him to come right back underneath me because I ran a bit wide again. I am just happy with the way I rode. I rode hard and I am really pleased that on my birthday I put a good show on and I could enjoy it. I was riding my heart out and when I have a ride like that and I pass Valentino it encourages me even more.”