Jerez MotoGP *** Spoilers ***

[spotcom]

Looks like we could have an interesting battle on our hands. Rossi has done very well at Jerez in the past, but maybe he's suffering a bit more from that motorcross accident than he's been letting on.

Stoner's been blitzing them, but low-sided at the end of the first session. Hopefully he's got that out of his system, and won't chuck a repeat of Qatar! Other good news for Ducati is that Hayden's finally worked out how to ride them, and racked up the third-fastest time.

I'd watch out for Lorenzo though - Spanish race, Spanish rider, Spanish pride. If he doesn't get that Spanish rush of blood to the head, he could take the top spot on the day. Pedrosa could also be worth an each-way bet. Looks like the new frame might be doing the trick.

http://www.motomatters.com/results/2010/04/30/2010_jerez_motogp_result_stoner_leads_de.html

Results:

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Diff Previous
1 27 Casey STONER DUCATI 1'39.731
2 99 Jorge LORENZO YAMAHA 1'39.875 0.144 0.144
3 69 Nicky HAYDEN DUCATI 1'40.148 0.417 0.273
4 26 Dani PEDROSA HONDA 1'40.200 0.469 0.052
5 46 Valentino ROSSI YAMAHA 1'40.359 0.628 0.159
6 65 Loris CAPIROSSI SUZUKI 1'40.716 0.985 0.357
7 5 Colin EDWARDS YAMAHA 1'40.913 1.182 0.197
8 40 Hector BARBERA DUCATI 1'41.034 1.303 0.121
9 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SUZUKI 1'41.093 1.362 0.059
10 33 Marco MELANDRI HONDA 1'41.190 1.459 0.097
11 11 Ben SPIES YAMAHA 1'41.200 1.469 0.010
12 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO HONDA 1'41.277 1.546 0.077
13 14 Randy DE PUNIET HONDA 1'41.293 1.562 0.016
14 36 Mika KALLIO DUCATI 1'41.297 1.566 0.004
15 58 Marco SIMONCELLI HONDA 1'41.533 1.802 0.236
16 41 Aleix ESPARGARO DUCATI 1'41.742 2.011 0.209
17 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA HONDA 1'41.837 2.106 0.095

[mrkotter]

Stoner's always quick from the get go. Rossi does his usual quali/race day performance thing.

Interesting that Pedrosa has rocketed up the sheets and Dovi is so far back.

[Mr.Ed]

Go Hayden!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Captain]

I don't think he hurt himself, at least. Maybe he's getting used to it .... :lmao:
Spies didn't practice?

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/casey-stoner-fp1-jerez/big_stoner1.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/casey-stoner-fp1-jerez/big_stoner2.jpg

[spotcom]

Looks like the Spaniards are being spurred on by the home crowd. Lorenzo's now leading the charge by a massive 1/2 a second, with Pedrosa 2nd, and Stoner about the same pace as the first session. Hayden's dropped off.

I'm hoping that there'll be a rush of blood to the head for the Spaniards, and that Stoner keeps his cool for the big race.

http://www.motomatters.com/results/2010/05/01/2010_jerez_motogp_fp2_result_lorenzo_blo.html

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Diff Previous
1 99 Jorge LORENZO YAMAHA 1'39.089
2 26 Dani PEDROSA HONDA 1'39.549 0.460 0.460
3 27 Casey STONER DUCATI 1'39.719 0.630 0.170
4 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO HONDA 1'39.917 0.828 0.198
5 46 Valentino ROSSI YAMAHA 1'39.982 0.893 0.065
6 11 Ben SPIES YAMAHA 1'40.012 0.923 0.030
7 14 Randy DE PUNIET HONDA 1'40.092 1.003 0.080
8 69 Nicky HAYDEN DUCATI 1'40.246 1.157 0.154
9 33 Marco MELANDRI HONDA 1'40.370 1.281 0.124
10 65 Loris CAPIROSSI SUZUKI 1'40.413 1.324 0.043
11 5 Colin EDWARDS YAMAHA 1'40.588 1.499 0.175
12 40 Hector BARBERA DUCATI 1'40.741 1.652 0.153
13 58 Marco SIMONCELLI HONDA 1'40.836 1.747 0.095
14 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA HONDA 1'40.846 1.757 0.010
15 41 Aleix ESPARGARO DUCATI 1'40.925 1.836 0.079
16 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SUZUKI 1'41.065 1.976 0.140
17 36 Mika KALLIO DUCATI 1'41.223 2.134 0.158

[Bigdog]

Don't forget that qualifying is on tonight at 10:30 pm on ONEHD

[nutsa]

Spies is doing well already! also good to see melandri back in the top 10 again. Still think the smart money is on stoner for sunday!

[Captain]

Thanks, awesome :ayyy:

[Captain]

Pedrosa takes the pole

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/pedrosa_06.jpg

1 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 278,8 1′39.202
2 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 277,2 1′39.487 0.285 / 0.285
3 27 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 276,6 1′39.511 0.309 / 0.024
4 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 276,8 1′39.558 0.356 / 0.047
5 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 280,2 1′39.560 0.358 / 0.002
6 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 276,2 1′39.591 0.389 / 0.031
7 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 277,0 1′39.970 0.768 / 0.379
8 11 Ben SPIES USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 280,3 1′39.989 0.787 / 0.019
9 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 277,5 1′40.021 0.819 / 0.032
10 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 281,0 1′40.027 0.825 / 0.006
11 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 275,6 1′40.206 1.004 / 0.179
12 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 275,8 1′40.322 1.120 / 0.116
13 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 278,1 1′40.416 1.214 / 0.094
14 40 Hector BARBERA SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 275,7 1′40.482 1.280 / 0.066
15 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 271,0 1′40.555 1.353 / 0.073
16 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 273,4 1′40.586 1.384 / 0.031
17 36 Mika KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 277,7 1′40.803 1.601 / 0.217

The top 6 are within 1/2 second of each other, and check out Spies' top speed :ayyy:

[Johnny]

Pedrosa takes the pole
Wasnt too happy about it though, and rightly so, bike was all over the shot on "that lap"...

[Linden]

Wasnt too happy about it though, and rightly so, bike was all over the shot on "that lap"...



Agreed about the lap (actually last 2) BUT he NEVER smiles ... MR Grumpy

[OutOfControl]

Lovin' the break in the picture..

[Big Lunt]

How frikin annoying!!!!

[Jacs]

Very suspenseful:(

[Krack]

Motogp w/u times were ineresting. Rossi 14th. Stoner 6th, Hayden 3rd, Spies 4th.

[koldor]

125 are on ONE right Now

[*Oggy*]

First Moto2 race to watch for me... good to see Harris in 10th place

[Cedric]

I'm getting a bit of deja vu watching these Moto2s with the old 990's.. love watching the rear end stepping out into corners..

[jasonbw]

Ant West is riding in the moto2 !!!!!!!! It's on right now !!!

[Dunno]

Wtf?

That had to be oil didn't it?

Awesome 2 laps though. That looked more like a brawl than a bike race.

[jasonbw]

MASSIVE PILE UP!!!!!!!! Red flag


Seemingly 10 riders went down, they all get to restart, no injuries by the looks of it... Westy was 12th (out of 40 riders!)

[nutsa]

yeah you can see the oil pour out of corsi's bike when it bounces. Anyone notice elias fall over running towards his bike? bahahahah

[Dunno]

A great moment in television right there.

Reporter : Fonzi what happened there?

Fonzi: Somebody drop fuel or oil or sumtink & everybody crash.

No shit hey Fonzi :lmao:

[Falco]

17 lap sprint....look out!

[jasonbw]

Yes Nutsa, my kids laughed their arses off, he fell on his face! He can handle 200kph but not just a jog!

[Jacs]

:pisslaugh:

[RUSSELL]

thought i was watching ten pin bowling for a bit

[oldblade]

love the name of the off corner "dry sack"

[Cedric]

I think I'm a convert - what a race this is.. :ayyy:

[Dunno]

I think I'm a convert - what a race this is.. :ayyy:

+1. Hail Moto2. What a freakin great race!

[*Oggy*]

Noyce 7th in the end.. Thought it might be a win at one stage, but Bazza still holds that one still.... sigh... Its gonna be the backing it in series..... Elias is the man though..... Grea racing...

[nutsa]

Brilliant racing! First 8 bikes all close together with 4 guys able to win! Sliding everywhere too! haha

[dave hirst]

that rocked

[Falco]

Just watched my first Moto2 race.....what an introduction!

[OutOfControl]

Just watched my first Moto2 race.....what an introduction!

Same here, great to watch.

[koldor]

Yes Nutsa, my kids laughed their arses off, he fell on his face! He can handle 200kph but not just a jog!

:pisslaugh:

[Cedric]

Noyce 7th in the end.. Thought it might be a win at one stage, but Bazza still holds that one still.... sigh... Its gonna be the backing it in series..... Elias is the man though..... Grea racing...

Noyes is a Spainiard born to American parents Ogg..

Fuckin awesome racing.. I thoroughly enjoyed that.

[*Oggy*]

Noyes is a Spainiard born to American parents Ogg..

Fuckin awesome racing.. I thoroughly enjoyed that.

In reference to riding a Harris Framed Motorcycle I meant....


I see the lovely Lauren is brolly dolly for Randy.....

[Cedric]

In reference to riding a Harris Framed Motorcycle I meant....


I see the lovely Lauren is brolly dolly for Randy.....

Whoops! Gotcha :ayyy:

[Penko]

Hahahahaha

[OutOfControl]

Can ride the bike but can't hold his alcohol.

[SIX36]

How hard would it be swimming in full leathers boots and a lid....

[tazkenny]

How hard would it be swimming in full leathers boots and a lid....

I thought we were about to witness one of those unfortunate accidents at that point.

[john_char]

I think the fact that his airbag system deployed saved him.

all in all, was not nearly as interesting as the moto2 race, except for maybe the last 2 laps.

Stoner came back in the end didn't he, pity he lost traction on that last corner.

[nutsa]

dammit i went too bed with 5 laps to go cause it was getting boring! What did i miss? Who went swimming? Huh?

[*Oggy*]

How hard would it be swimming in full leathers boots and a lid....
Now if he rode the yam into the pond, that would of been legendary.... But stll a classic moment.

[john_char]

Lorenzo went a wee bit OTT with his winning celbrations.

He did the usual get off his bike and run to the crowd etc.

Then half way around it was looking like he was gonna do the same, but instead did a run and jump into a dam. Was pretty funny, the first word that came to mind was w@nker.

Took him a bit of swimming to get out, also, the sides of the dam was covered in that heavy duty plastic, so would have taken some doing to get out. Last image of him in the dam was someone else in there trying to get him out.

could have really ended up in tears.

[Foghorn]

Just a shame they didn't have a big salty in there - certainly would have added to the entertainment value.

Good racing though - I'm no fan of Whoregay but today he had the mental edge

[Andre]

Have to agree with the previous posts on Moto2, freakin awsome, I was glued to the TV. Looking forward to the next one!

[Captain]

I don't like that whoregay one bit. Did he think he won the championship or something? His riding skills are awesome, but he comes across as a bit of a .... you know.
I'm also not convinced by moto2. Sure it was close racing, but half the manufacturers have gone. If you just want close racing, put them all on exactly the same bike. Big deal.
And I don't like the OneHD coverage, Fox was much better, this has been dumbed down.

I must come across as a real grump this morning :lmao:

[nutsa]

Yeah but look how many chassis makers are in moto2 cap, i think its better than having what was essentially an aprillia cup class! So did Whoregay win?

[nutsa]

Yeah but look how many chassis makers are in moto2 cap, i think its better than having what was essentially an aprillia cup class! So did Whoregay win?

[The Outsider]

wonder if there is still any doubter about who is going to be the 'next big thing' after rossi retires :blumsmiley:

whoregay, love him or hate him, the kid can certainly ride.

i for one am convinced he is the real thing. stoner is just a pretender.

even got outrridden by hayden who im surprised still rememembers how to put in a decent laptime after spending so much time in the wildrness the last few seasons.

fiat yamaha one two for the championship. no doubt about it :ayyy:

[Captain]

blessed are the cheese makers, I guess :lmao:

Just stirring mate. Dorna (probably correctly) reckons all people are interested in is the close racing, that it's all about the entertainment but I want to see yes the racing but alos the bike's development, competition between tyres etc. I'm all for limiting the expenses, but all these rules just to bring about closer racing is a sell out.

[holdontight]

I don't like that whoregay one bit. Did he think he won the championship or something? His riding skills are awesome, but he comes across as a bit of a .... you know.

He's a smart boy Captain. Riding skills alone don't get you into Moto GP these days you have to be marketable and hes working on his "product" with the show boating. The fans loved it and thats where the money comes from. If he can keep up his form its Moto GP for him very soon.

[The Outsider]

He's a smart boy Captain. Riding skills alone don't get you into Moto GP these days you have to be marketable and hes working on his "product" with the show boating. The fans loved it and thats where the money comes from. If he can keep up his form its Moto GP for him very soon.

but he is ALREADY in motoGP?:confused:

[Captain]

And that's another thing that shits me. Is this an international competition or the Spanish league? I know that Dorna is Spanish, and Spain is a big market, but now riders are being selected on nationality (and how valuable they will be to the sponsors) over talent. Clearly that's not the case with whoregay, nodoby can question his talent, but I have heard enough reports about sponsors wanting a spaniard as they know this will maximise the number of fans they can count on.
Just like the showmanship, it's the way the world works I guess.

[Johnny]

I see the lovely Lauren is brolly dolly for Randy.....
Yeah, a few of her pics in the "ugly bikes" thread too, dont point out which though, enjoy seeing them, lol..


Fair go on Lorenzo's jumping into the pond though, after all he is team mates with the worlds biggest showman, who never seems to give a flying fuck about the rest of the competitors who have yet to complete race, when doing his "pre planned shows".. atleast Lorenzo only went for a dip to cool down :lmao:

[Captain]

Yea, but with Rossi it's almost natural, it suits his personality. With whoregay, you can just tell how fake it all is.

PS. Is the "only Stoner can ride the Ducati" reign over?

[holdontight]

but he is ALREADY in motoGP?:confused:

Im a dick head.

[The Outsider]

Im a dick head.

:lmao:

not often someone will admit it, kudos to you.

and to the mullet man, how dare you speak of rossi in such a manner.
dont you get an automatic membership to his fanclub when you buy a yamaha? :blumsmiley:

[nutsa]

stupid phone posted the same thing a heap of times too make me look stupid! Or something like that. Maby i should get back to work.

[The Outsider]

stupid phone posted the same thing a heap of times too make me look stupid! Or something like that. Maby i should get back to work.

i was getting dejavu :lmao:
















and yes whoregay won :ayyy:

[Johnny]

I lost my bet in thinking Stoner wouldnt last 4 laps..:lmao:

[RIPPERTON]

How good is Moto2 with 40 bikes on the grid.
doesnt matter if you loose 9 bikes in 1 corner cause of a fuel spill, theres plenty bikes left

[ottospunkmeister]

Jorge definitely is the real deal buts lets not jump to conclusions, we just had a GP in Spain with all the local boys wanting to showcase how good and manly they are etc. Lorenzo and Pedrosa couldn't let one beat the other

[WET4URacing]

MOTO 2 has saved dornas arse, best racin in yrs

fuel spill ripper. it didnt evaporate . looked like the bike broke open the alt cover (if thats what it still is) when it pounded it

[SIX36]

And the talk of getting another 15hp from the Honda engines will only make for more sideways action.

[Captain]

Im a dick head.
Nah, that spot's already taken:
http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/jorge-lorenzo-jerez-01/big_00.jpg

He should have got his arse kicked for this too:

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/jorge-lorenzo-jerez-01/big_n509306_lorenzo.pedrosa_2.slideshow.jpg

[Johnny]

Your kidding right ?

maybe he shouldve had a set of ten pin bowls set up trackside while race still under way to get a laugh ?, and there is no close passing rules in racing, so what for ? trying to win ? please.

[Mr.Ed]

Your kidding right ?

maybe he shouldve had a set of ten pin bowls set up trackside while race still under way to get a laugh ?

+1! Loved every sec of both!! About time we had some close racing without someone (i.e. Stoner) going home crying about it.

[Mr.Ed]

PS. Is the "only Stoner can ride the Ducati" reign over?


I'm happy for Hayden and all but I wouldn't go that far... Last year in Laguna Seca they finished 4th/5th as well only it was Stoner who finished ahead. A lot was said about Hayden finally mastering the Ducati and then... well, we all know how that turned out.
I'll wait a few more rounds to fully agree about Hayden. I really want him to do well and the new Duc seems to be more tame but Stoner has only finished one race so far, so it's too early to tell IMO.

[Cedric]

but all these rules just to bring about closer racing is a sell out.

I disagree. Ideally both development and close racing could be aligned but this is simply not the case at this juncture...

Depends what you watch racing for doesn't it. Admittedly Moto2 makes it more a 'Cup' type of series but I love watching close racing, dicey overtaking and hard passing. The fact that they've got the same powerplants isn't ideal but as far as spectator sport goes it's a boon. I've been by and large disappointed with the processional nature of MotoGP since the 800's came to the fore, and I doubt that I'm the only one. So much so that occasionally I wouldn't even bother to watch or tape a race and was becoming more of a WSBK fan. Moto2 is just what we need in the premier class to add some pizzazz I feel and that race last night was absolutely electrifying!

[Captain]

I'm happy for Hayden and all but I wouldn't go that far... Last year in Laguna Seca they finished 4th/5th as well only it was Stoner who finished ahead. A lot was said about Hayden finally mastering the Ducati and then... well, we all know how that turned out.
I'll wait a few more rounds to fully agree about Hayden. I really want him to do well and the new Duc seems to be more tame but Stoner has only finished one race so far, so it's too early to tell IMO.

Hayden said:
"I don't want to make a whole deal of beating Casey, because we know this isn't exactly Casey's best track, it's not like we're beating him at Phillip Island. But just out of respect for Casey, I'm proud to beat him. I know how strong he is on that bike, Casey set the bar on that bike. I think it's a credit to my side of the garage just to be able to hold him off when he's coming at me that hard. I mean, he came over in the box and congratulated me and we shook hands. We're not going to have to have a wall down the middle of the box or none of that stuff!"

Stoner said:
"For me, it's an advantage to have Nicky fast. We get reasonable data coming in now. When he was a second or more behind, there was no real data coming in to the team. Now that it's coming in from a different direction, it's a lot better. When we have more people putting good data into the bike, that helps us throughout the season."

Certainly it sounds like they have a better relationship than Rossi / Lorenzo.

Close racing makes it all the more entertaining, sure, but I want to see a more 'complete' battle; the bikes, the tyres, the riders. This fiddling with the rules just to make it more exciting to watch is a sell out to the advertisers. That's when we move from sport to entertainment, the next step is to find pretty riders who look best on camera, or those that come from the countries with more sponsors (we see that already) etc etc etc.

[ottospunkmeister]

+1 Cedric but WSBK isn't exactly boring (go Leon on the Suzuki)

Captain I know you don't have a fondness for Jorge's social habits :lmao: but he can ride and he did so bloody well in front of his home crowd to claim his first home win. He acknowledges jumping in the lake was fun but ....

"Those celebrations included diving fully leathered and with helmet into the lake at the circuit after the race. He added: “I saw the lake on Thursday and thought it would be funny to jump in and I think the fans liked it, but I didn't really think about how heavy I'd be with wet leathers and for a minute I thought I wasn't going to get out!”

[wade193]

And I don't like the OneHD coverage, Fox was much better, this has been dumbed down.

It was rubbish, and the signal kept getting interrupted. Why wasn't it on FOX?

[Captain]

+1, I'm the first to agree that he's an awesome rider, I have no issue with that whatsoever. That his personality and antics annoy me is purely the stuff of gossip, it makes for fun debating but it's neither here nor there. If I was a motoGP team manager I'd probably happily give him a ride ... he certainly has a bright future.

Re the overtake, I've been looking for the regulations but there's too much stuff to go through. That it was a foolish pass there's little doubt, but if it had led to Pedrosa crashing I'm wondering how the rule book would interpret it. Surely you are at fault if you cause an accident? I don't know, but it seems to me that there should be some comback if somone makes you crash. Shit happens, sure, but if someone takes you out and goes on to win, that can't be right. Does anyone know?

[Mr.Ed]

I have no idea about the rules but on the overtaking on that pic if Pedrosa had crashed, Lorenzo would have followed 99% of the times... On the one he actually made stick (and got him the race) would be a different story though.

[Captain]

I found the rule (maybe):

1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race
Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause
danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in
the pit-lane. Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of
the following penalties: time penalty – fine – ride through -
disqualification - withdrawal of Championship points - suspension.

[Mr.Ed]

Subjective to say the least...

[Cedric]

Close racing makes it all the more entertaining, sure, but I want to see a more 'complete' battle; the bikes, the tyres, the riders. This fiddling with the rules just to make it more exciting to watch is a sell out to the advertisers. That's when we move from sport to entertainment, the next step is to find pretty riders who look best on camera, or those that come from the countries with more sponsors (we see that already) etc etc etc.

What; so you're happy with the procession we've had in MotoGP circa 2008 with (for example) Michelin under-performing? Sport IS entertainment: that's why we watch it. Call me cynical but unless there are advertisers (and hence necessitating an audience to warrant sponsorship) then where's the money going to come from? Who's going to watch something on it's technical merits alone and zero entertainment?

Otto, I'm traditionally a GP fan but I do enjoy WSBK for it's relevance to bikes we ride, regardless of the differences betweens production models and WSBK machines.

[Captain]

Why is it that because I reject one formula that it must automatically mean that I support the other?
How do you judge if the changes have been successful? by the number of TV viewers? Because that's what how it works now.

Sport should be sport first; that's why we started watching it to begin with. That the bar needs to keep rising, that it must entertain to be worthwhile .... making a mockery of the sport is a problem, not something to be welcomed.


Subjective to say the least...
That's what I thought too

[clarkey]

+1, I'm the first to agree that he's an awesome rider, I have no issue with that whatsoever. That his personality and antics annoy me is purely the stuff of gossip, it makes for fun debating but it's neither here nor there. If I was a motoGP team manager I'd probably happily give him a ride ... he certainly has a bright future.

Re the overtake, I've been looking for the regulations but there's too much stuff to go through. That it was a foolish pass there's little doubt, but if it had led to Pedrosa crashing I'm wondering how the rule book would interpret it. Surely you are at fault if you cause an accident? I don't know, but it seems to me that there should be some comback if somone makes you crash. Shit happens, sure, but if someone takes you out and goes on to win, that can't be right. Does anyone know?


Haha loved every minute of the scrapping ( Ala Gardner, Eddie , Rainey days) , If Danny had got outta the way in and mid corner there wouldnt have been an issue-Lorenzo corner speed was un real and was smokin him

[WET4URacing]

what do you lot want em to pull over so they can make a clean pass? the best part of the race was the 1st few laps and the last few

[ottospunkmeister]

Jorge looks like he is on the pace and just fully into it and Danny looks like he just got a fright at a very close (ok touching:rolleyes:) pass from a faster rider.

[mrkotter]

Why is it that because I reject one formula that it must automatically mean that I support the other?
How do you judge if the changes have been successful? by the number of TV viewers? Because that's what how it works now.

Sport should be sport first; that's why we started watching it to begin with. That the bar needs to keep rising, that it must entertain to be worthwhile .... making a mockery of the sport is a problem, not something to be welcomed.


That's what I thought too

I've got to disagree Captain. Look at the problems F1 have encounted over the last decade. The burdensome passing rules (strike anything during a move and basically you're going through the pit lane) and technology (that made it close to impossible to pass) made it extremely boring to watch - a procession. It is only recently with changes that it is getting better.

Motorbikes OTOH have always had more "relaxed" passing rules. The number of examples for downright crazy passes in the sport are endless (superbikes on any given weekend etc). And that's what makes it fun. While speculation I reckon I would be hard pressed to find a rider that intentionally bumps another off as that rider is probably going to crash as well.

I think motorsport should be by far be dominated by the skill of the driver/rider rather than how good your mechanics are.

[2ndclasscitizen]

blessed are the cheese makers, I guess :lmao:

Just stirring mate. Dorna (probably correctly) reckons all people are interested in is the close racing, that it's all about the entertainment but I want to see yes the racing but alos the bike's development, competition between tyres etc. I'm all for limiting the expenses, but all these rules just to bring about closer racing is a sell out.

Because development of 250 2 strokes from one manufacturer is soooooo important to the development of current generation road bikes.

[Cedric]

Let's face it. If qualifying positions dictated how the race would finish we'd all go home after qualifying. We need passing and competitive machinery to maintain interest. Moto2 is the best example of this in recent years sans the WSBK series.

[mrkotter]

Because development of 250 2 strokes from one manufacturer is soooooo important to the development of current generation road bikes.

to be a smart arse aren't Aprilia doing some funky things with direct injection?

To get in before anyone else I blame Honda for the death of two strokes it had nothing to do with noise/pollution/fuel economy or anything else it was solely Honda's fault :D

[binking]

He should have got his arse kicked for this too:

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/jorge-lorenzo-jerez-01/big_n509306_lorenzo.pedrosa_2.slideshow.jpg

It was actually Pedrosa stuffing it back under Lorenzo in that picture. Lorenzo had outbraked him on the outside into the corner and Pedrosa went back under him to the apex.

[Cedric]

To get in before anyone else I blame Honda for the death of two strokes it had nothing to do with noise/pollution/fuel economy or anything else it was solely Honda's fault :D

I wonder who's been reading the MotoGP-harbinger of doom Michael Scott? You think because Soichiro Honda detested two-stroke technology this is how we've arrived at Moto2? Explain..

[mrkotter]

I wonder who's been reading the MotoGP-harbinger of doom Michael Scott? You think because Soichiro Honda detested two-stroke technology this is how we've arrived at Moto2? Explain..

I'm having a laugh :lmao:

I couldn't care what their riding...as long as it has two wheels and goes fast

[ottospunkmeister]

I wonder who's been reading the MotoGP-harbinger of doom Michael Scott? You think because Soichiro Honda detested two-stroke technology this is how we've arrived at Moto2? Explain..

The school of thought goes:

Honda not like 2 smokes
Persist for long time with complicated high revving 4 strokes and gradually emissions problems mean what races best cannot be sold on the street. What exactly do you buy on Monday if you win on Sunday?
Being biggest motorcycle company of big four means lots of respect must be shown and opinion about where racing should go open to big influence.

Beyond that it could be a conspiracy and they are all coming to get us in our beds tonight :lmao:

[spotcom]

Loved the racing this weekend. Sure, would have liked it a bit closer for longer in MotoGP, but the last few laps were excellent (and it's the last few laps that count in the end)! Loved Lorenzo's riding style. Looking forward to more of the same in the coming weeks!

[2ndclasscitizen]

to be a smart arse aren't Aprilia doing some funky things with direct injection?

They have been with their scooters, but that's with tech bought from Orbital if memory serves. I don't think the race bikes would have been DI though.

But Honda's definitely going to get a development boost on the CBR engine from Moto2.

[Captain]

I see. So on the one hand, I'm a spoil sport for asking for rules, but on the other hand, Dorna can manipulate all the rules they want. Nice.

By all means, let one rider endanger the other. What if he gets hurt? Who cares, it makes for good TV.
One bike is getting too fast? Let's make them all the same. Not good for bike development? Who cares, it makes for good TV :ayyy:

[Johnny]

By all means, let one rider endanger the other. What if he gets hurt? Who cares, it makes for good TV.

How exactly was he being endangered ?, by being overtaken by a faster better rider who he tried to block while being overtaken ?

your going to be in for one rude shock when you step up to red and perhaps later racing if this is how you think about close passing lol.

[Cedric]

I see. So on the one hand, I'm a spoil sport for asking for rules, but on the other hand, Dorna can manipulate all the rules they want. Nice.

By all means, let one rider endanger the other. What if he gets hurt? Who cares, it makes for good TV.
One bike is getting too fast? Let's make them all the same. Not good for bike development? Who cares, it makes for good TV :ayyy:

Think you're missing the point Julian. I - and I'm sure a few will support me - am not for inconsiderate riding. Safety is paramount and must be in a sport as dangerous as motorcycle racing is.

However IMO something must be done with regard to the boring nature of the premier class as it currently stands. You clearly prefer development over close racing and I understand this. Regrettably, it doesn't make for any spectacle and it doesn't encourage more enthusiasts to the sport. I and many others like me would like to see closely fought battles which remain sportsmanlike and with clean passing.

Dorna has a responsibility and obligation to sponsors to ensure maximum audience viewing to maintain the integrity and profitability of the sport. The way they can achieve this is by engineering racing which is exciting and enjoyable. I for one do not want to see one manufacturer romp away with every victory due to their technical excellence and development potential. What's the point in watching racing if you know who's going to win from the get go?

[Cedric]

step up to red and perhaps later racing if this is how you think about close passing lol.

Agreed. Close passing isn't scary if it's respectfully done and safe. I get passed all the time in A; and the passing is far cleaner than in B1

[Captain]

Dorna has a responsibility and obligation to sponsors to ensure maximum audience viewing to maintain the integrity and profitability of the sport. The way they can achieve this is by engineering racing which is exciting and enjoyable. I for one do not want to see one manufacturer romp away with every victory due to their technical excellence and development potential. What's the point in watching racing if you know who's going to win from the get go?
Responsibility and obligation to sponsors. It used to be called corporate greed Cedric :lmao: Once upon a time we'd rebel at being manipulated like this. Have we all been brianwashed, or is it a matter of 'as long as it's entertaining, I don't care'?
You make it sound like I have something against close racing. Yet WSS races are exactly like that ... and guess what? Different bikes, different engines. And good bike development for us all.


Perhaps you should watch that pass again. It wasn't a safe pass, Lorenzo left him no room, Pedrosa had no-where to go but on top of him. If hitting one another at full lean is called a 'safe pass' then you're right, I certainly don't belong in racing.

Johnny, you're a flaggie aren't you? At every single TD we hear the following "This is a track day, it is not a race day, it is not a race practice day. You can pass anywhere, but you need to leave 2 meters between yourself and the other rider ... even right in the middle of the turn". I'm not naive enough to believe nobody ever passes closer ... but it's an 'illegal' pass, just like the motoGP one was.

[mrkotter]

Johnny, you're a flaggie aren't you? At every single TD we hear the following "This is a track day, it is not a race day, it is not a race practice day. You can pass anywhere, but you need to leave 2 meters between yourself and the other rider ... even right in the middle of the turn". I'm not naive enough to believe nobody ever passes closer ... but it's an 'illegal' pass, just like the motoGP one was.

I can see your point but a track day is very different to premier motorcycle racing. I think if we go down the path of deciding if a pass or dangerous or not we end up in F1 territory where a mistake in a pass is heavily penalised (when its racing - there is always going to be hard passes). Riders/drivers doing their job (it's not really a job is it!) start to second guess themselves (am I going to make it or get penalised?) and the races become shit. If its a block pass (as was Lorenzo's pass of Pedro at the dry sack) well Dani will have to sit up - he should have covered his line better! Oh and you can see on the replay Dani saw Lorenzo ans tried to turn in on him to get Lorenzo to bail out of the pass. Who is at fault there?

I just can't see riders at that level making intentional dangerous passes. Why? They are just as likely to crash as the person they are trying to pass. Yes riders still make mistakes (Tomiwa.. in moto2 at the dry sack - got in too deep tried to pull up and crashed - I can't see that was intentional). On the whole all riders will want to prevent crashing mainly to get points and not injure themselves.

All the classes have rules. WSS have some of the strictest rules in terms of development. Is there too many rules yes probably. But motorcycles don't attract sponsorship like cars do so costs have to be contained otherwise it would be 2 hondas 2 ducati's and 2 yamahas every moto gp race. Could they do a better job in moto gp by not changing the rules every 2 secs? Yes.

And you have to ask how much development was Aprilia doing to those 250's? The honda was a dog and that was the only competitor.

[Johnny]

Perhaps you should watch that pass again. It wasn't a safe pass, Lorenzo left him no room, Pedrosa had no-where to go but on top of him. If hitting one another at full lean is called a 'safe pass' then you're right, I certainly don't belong in racing.

Johnny, you're a flaggie aren't you? At every single TD we hear the following "This is a track day, it is not a race day, it is not a race practice day. You can pass anywhere, but you need to leave 2 meters between yourself and the other rider ... even right in the middle of the turn". I'm not naive enough to believe nobody ever passes closer ... but it's an 'illegal' pass, just like the motoGP one was.
Yup I's a flaggie and has been for some time, I make a pretty bloody good one too I'm told :P

Yeap, close passing rules apply to all trackdays at the creek anyway, but to date Im yet to call in a close pass in red group cause if they cant handle it then they shouldnt be in red to begin with.
Racedays, no passing rules apply and its how it should be..

Nothing illegal about that pass mate, its called racing lol..

[OutOfControl]

You don't win races by riding like a pussy, especially at the highest level.......if you did then it wouldn't be a race that I'd be watching :)

[The Outsider]

You don't win races by riding like a pussy, especially at the highest level.......if you did then it wouldn't be a race that I'd be watching :)

why not?

nicky hayden won a whole championship riding like a pussy :blumsmiley:

[OutOfControl]

why not?

nicky hayden won a whole championship riding like a pussy :blumsmiley:

....it's a good thing I didn't see it then :D

[Falco]

Here you go Cappy.....check this out.

The old saying.....Rubbing is racing.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m35LqM3kto


From memory, that pass was on the last lap at Jerez 2005, in which Rossi won the race.(can someone correct me if im wrong)

[Foghorn]

It may have been mentioned but where do you draw the line - ie Rossi's blocking of Stoner in the Cork Screw at LS in Rossi's opinion he put it down to racing, Stoner on the other hand viewed his actions as diliberate and dangerous. Mentallly it did seem to unhinge the young Stoner at the time. As in any sport mental toughness plays it's part - it's called, "The ability to impose your will on your opponent". I would wager that a guy like Bayliss had it in spades, where as Nitro Nori in reality probably doesn't,

[Krack]

Pedrobot didn't find any reason to bitch about the pass and nor do I. It's just cause you don't like Whoregay Cap. If Monkey Boy made the pass you'd be creamin' about how the GOAT rode a masterful race and timed his run to perfection.

[Captain]

Pedrosa didn't complain because he knew that he'd never win in the court of public opinion. Stoner is less experienced, and a bit of a winger, and didn't hold his tongue.
(plenty of experienced journalists later conceded that the Lagina Seca pass was too much ... as they no doubt believe with Lorenzo's).

I love the close passing, I wish it was written in the rules that you can do that. All I am saying is that IMO - according to the rules - that pass is classed as dangerous. Perhaps this is too complicated a point?

Go Lorenzo, oi, oi oi :ayyy:

[WET4URacing]

Pedrosa didn't complain because he knew that he'd never win in the court of public opinion. Stoner is less experienced, and a bit of a winger, and didn't hold his tongue.
(plenty of experienced journalists later conceded that the Lagina Seca pass was too much ... as they no doubt believe with Lorenzo's).

I love the close passing, I wish it was written in the rules that you can do that. All I am saying is that IMO - according to the rules - that pass is classed as dangerous. Perhaps this is too complicated a point?

Go Lorenzo, oi, oi oi :ayyy:


BULLSHIT. why the fuk arent you slaggin off the Moto 2 boys then. there is loads of "close passing" you dont want. Cap dont watch BSB then youy may ring hadley and cry on the radio

[Foghorn]

BULLSHIT. why the fuk arent you slaggin off the Moto 2 boys then. there is loads of "close passing" you dont want. Cap dont watch BSB then youy may ring hadley and cry on the radio
Unless it was league Hadley wouldn't know what he was talking about.
Besides Cappy would call Will Hagan

[WET4URacing]

Unless it was league Hadley wouldn't know what he was talking about.
Besides Cappy would call Will Hagan

yes but you get it . Will calling Will

[veitch-y]

Personally i love the close passing in whatever class , it is a race after all . The duel in Moto2 was great .

And Cappy you don't mind getting friendly up the inside at MG now do you . Note I am not complaining at all , I felt safe and had a ball but if we got a tape measure out would you have been 2 mtrs ? I think on a ride day if you a comfortable with those you are riding with then 2mtr rule isn't something that is of concern .... to me anyway , i loved the battle with the Cap .

[Mr.Ed]

I think the 2m rule is like the expire date on dairy products... just a guideline. When the moment comes you 'smell it' and then choose if it's safe or not to do it. Some ppl are more conservative and will adhere to it full stop (i.e. women :p) others will be idiots and will chew on whatever come out of the carton regardless of how long it's been since it was milk and then have to face the consequences (newbies/wannabe racers with no talent).
The problem is that on the track, the consequences can affect more than just him/herself... and with no 'at fault' to cover my arse I prefer to ride with those that will challenge the expire date but with a hint of common sense to help with their judgment.
Much like the MotoGP ruling it is highly subjective.

[Captain]

BULLSHIT. why the fuk arent you slaggin off the Moto 2 boys then. there is loads of "close passing" you dont want. Cap dont watch BSB then youy may ring hadley and cry on the radio
Gee, look at how quickly we moved from a difference of opinion to this. Nice :ayyy: the 'bullshit' and 'fuck' make all the difference, it really gives your point of view that extra punch :lmao:

Who's slagging off the moto2 boys? Who doesn't like close passing? Where do you get all this from? I will not reply to stuff you have imagined.

Who's hadley? Some tabloid shockjock, by the sound of it. That explains a lot.

Veitch, I kinda gave an apology to my close passing in another thread. FWIW, I only passed that close because I knew it was you, and I've seen you ride (better than me), fully confident that it would not faze you ... and that you would pass me soon enough again. I wouldn't do that to a less experienced rider, although I am human and make mistakes too.
I think you have missed the point though; I have never claimed to be faultless, yes that pass (and probably others) are 'illegal' - for want of a better word. Just like the the Lorenzo pass, if you read the rule. By all means, dispute the interpretation of the rule if you want, but where's the rest of this coming from? What relevance does it have to Lorenzo's pass?

[veitch-y]

Veitch, I kinda gave an apology to my close passing in another thread. FWIW, I only passed that close because I knew it was you, and I've seen you ride (better than me), fully confident that it would not faze you ... and that you would pass me soon enough again. I wouldn't do that to a less experienced rider, although I am human and make mistakes too.
I think you have missed the point though; I have never claimed to be faultless, yes that pass (and probably others) are 'illegal' - for want of a better word. Just like the the Lorenzo pass, if you read the rule. By all means, dispute the interpretation of the rule if you want, but where's the rest of this coming from? What relevance does it have to Lorenzo's pass?

No need to apologies on the passes Cap , as I already stated I hadn't nor will ever have an issue riding , passing or being passed by competent riders close and I felt safe around you and always expect to see you up the inside of me whether it be MG and T9 at EC . It has happened before and will happen again and I am all good with it .
The only relevence it has is the interpretations of the rules we are discussing whether it be ECRD rules or FIM rules , they seem to be highly subjective and if no one is upset no rule has been broken . I am sure if someone didn't like a pass someone did at EC and complained about the rule might come into play the same as if Pedrosa had a problem with Lorenzo's pass and it caused an fall or injury it would come into play but NO HARM NO FOUL in my opinion .
And I am not having a go Cap , maybe I misunderstood something you wrote earlier in this thread but i obviously thought what I wrote was relevent to your thoughts on rules for ride days . Forgive me if i got off track . One other thing , was there any complaint for Pedrosa ?

[Captain]

No worries at all veichy, I was enjoying the debate until wet4you started with the language, sorry if I sounded alittle annoyed, it was not directed at you. I also enjoy riding with you mate, and would hate to have done something wrong out there.

No, the comment re track day rules was a response to Johnny, along the lines that there are rules. As far as I know no complaint was made by Pedrosa. I wouldn't expect one, but like Ed said, dod you think it would have been different IF Lorenzo took him out? Maybe the PR damage makes it pointless? Look at the response at me hinting that the pass might have been illegal :lmao:

[WET4URacing]

Nah, that spot's already taken:
http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/jorge-lorenzo-jerez-01/big_00.jpg

He should have got his arse kicked for this too:

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/jorge-lorenzo-jerez-01/big_n509306_lorenzo.pedrosa_2.slideshow.jpg

think it started from here with your comment to foto #2 cap

[Cedric]

I felt safe around you and always expect to see you up the inside of me

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4578097960_d1dfa92286_o.jpg

[Captain]

A few pics from the race

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_4rossi_lorenzo_16.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_9stoner_hayden_14.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_1melandri_simoncelli_29.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_capirossi_bautista_25.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_3Aleix_Espargaro_1.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_rossi_lorenzo_10.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_edwards_spies_07.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/motogp-jerez-2010-pics/big_spies_edwards6.jpg

[WET4URacing]

the marcos are a bit close together. Will , Will are you there. rule book

[Cedric]

the marcos are a bit close together. Will , Will are you there. rule book

WTF are you talking about?

[WET4URacing]

caps goin on

1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race
Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause
danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in
the pit-lane. Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of
the following penalties: time penalty – fine – ride through -
disqualification - withdrawal of Championship points - suspension.
Last edited by Captain; 03-05-2010 at 06:42 PM.

[Foghorn]

caps goin on

1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race
Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause
danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in
the pit-lane. Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of
the following penalties: time penalty – fine – ride through -
disqualification - withdrawal of Championship points - suspension.
Last edited by Captain; 03-05-2010 at 06:42 PM.
Wetty.....from the ridiculous to the absolute sublime

Mate the above information is the stuff we crave from you

[WET4URacing]

its not me thats postin it i just cut it from cappy.

DID WE ALL WATCH THE LAST 2 LAPS AGAIN LAST NITE? rubbins racin and the A group at ride days live for it

[Naked Twin]

I watched it again last night, where was the problem? If anything Loreonzo should be saying to Pedrosa thanks for running me wide on the right hander the lap preceding when I got my elbow down on your gear shifter, sorry about changing up for you.

The pass by Lorenzo was to me just being committed. I have had closer passes in B1 and B2 at EC in turns 9 and 10.

Nick

[philvell]

I'm not sure that i'm the only one after talking to some of the guys at work today.

But i actually found watching the Moto2 racing more satisfying than watching the GP race.

It might only be me, but i rather the closeness and tenseness of that class of racing.
I'm surprised no one has made a contract time comment around Tony Elias yet though :blumsmiley::blumsmiley::blumsmiley:

[Cedric]

I'm surprised no one has made a contract time comment around Tony Elias yet though :blumsmiley::blumsmiley::blumsmiley:

Didn't say it but was thinking if this is what he's capable of now, imagine what he'll do mid year!

[WET4URacing]

imagine how danny or horegay wood go on em. rossi may have to have a go so he can win all classes

[philvell]

It'd be great to see those guys on these types of Bikes !!!

I just like how much closer and tense that racing is, there were some great passes (and some not so great).

Loved watching some of the guys start to back it in towards the end !!!

How does it compare to World Supersport ?

[nutsa]

It'd be great to see those guys on these types of Bikes !!!

I just like how much closer and tense that racing is, there were some great passes (and some not so great).

Loved watching some of the guys start to back it in towards the end !!!

How does it compare to World Supersport ?

It seems too of stolen some of the thunder of supersport this year as there was only 17 riders on the grid of wss at the last round with only maby 5 that are capable of winning races. Pity because last year it was one of the best classes ive ever watched!

[Mr.Ed]

Yamaha pulling out didn't help them either...