motoGP .... news and gossip [Archive]

Captain

31-01-2009, 06:37 AM

After meeting with the team managers in Bologna, Carmelo Ezpeleta headed to Borgo Panigale to talk with Ducati head honchos to see if they can put more bikes on the grid for the 2010 season.

Cirano Mularoni Team Scot’s manager is very interested in setting up a team in the future Moto2 and has bought two Honda CBR600rr and will probably test them this summer.

John Hopkins could join Sete Gibernau in Onde 2000 if the Nieto Brothers and Francisco Hernandez can convince Ducati to lease them another GP9.

Instead of 18 GP’s this year we may only get 17, the Hungarian Gp scheduled for the 20th of September may not happen, due to delays in the construction of the Balatonring circuit.

French engineering firm Solution F could be interested in helping Bartholomey with Kawasaki engines.

Suzuki will be testing in Sepang next week, but Paul Denning denies that Suzuki has definitely lost title sponsor Rizla for the 2009 world championship campaign.

The economic crisis has hit MotoGP even harder than expected, certain teams will now be flying economy instead of business class.

Valentino Rossi was spotted at Madonna del Campiglio with a new lady friend.

Marco Melandri won a race this year, not the GP rider, a horse named Marco Melandri won a race at the Montegiorgio race track.

James Toseland is staging another of his pre-season send-off parties ahead of his second assault on the MotoGP world championship.

Marco Melandri, the rider, has tried drumming up sponsors on Italian Radio DeeJay.

Meanwhile the financial crisis continues, and in an effort to reduce costs there will be some other changes .... as early as this year;

2009

Weekend practice sessions will be reduced by 15 minutes each to a total of 45 mins only
Warm-ups will be 10 mins only
No monday (post race) testing
Limit of 9 motors for the whole season per rider
Maximum 8 days of winter testing
No testing after Valencia until the start of the next season

2010

One less race (down to 17 GPs)
Only one bike per rider
No more carbon disks, back to stainless steel
Races will be a two-day affair, no riding on Fridays
Paddocks open to the public on Fridays
Each engine will have to last 3 races
Each team will have to sell their engines to another team at reduced prices

KTM_Paul

31-01-2009, 07:45 AM

Only one bike per rider

So back to the old Rain Rules? no more changing bikes - Stop race, change tyres, practice on wets, restart race. Boring! I liked the wet bike change when you want to rule!:ayyy:

Each team will have to sell their engines to another team at reduced prices

I can see Rossi running around on a Ducati powered Yamaha! :lmao:

clarkey

31-01-2009, 09:13 AM

year;

2009

Weekend practice sessions will be reduced by 15 minutes each to a total of 45 mins only
Warm-ups will be 10 mins only
No monday (post race) testing
Limit of 9 motors for the whole season per rider
Maximum 8 days of winter testing
No testing after Valencia until the start of the next season

2010

One less race (down to 17 GPs)
Only one bike per rider
No more carbon disks, back to stainless steel Races will be a two-day affair, no riding on Fridays
Paddocks open to the public on Fridays
Each engine will have to last 3 races
Each team will have to sell their engines to another team at reduced prices

Decreasing performance !!! , will this help :cursing:, geez first running 600,s instead of 250s and now detuning motors,reducin performane brakes- Is motogp turning into WSBK....?? Only one bike , Does this include Testing and Practice, ????? How can a rider push to the limit if he has to nurse the bike as there is only One in the shed ....... Reducing practice time...?? Will we see the first year of no laptimes dropping - I hope not, NONE OF IT :rules:

Lopeman

31-01-2009, 09:23 AM

all hype. I'll believe it once it happens.

The problem is alot of those things are not decied by dorna of the FIA but by the manufacturers.

Dennis Noyle on did a really good write up on the inter politics of motogp. i'll see if i can find it.

Captain

31-01-2009, 04:08 PM

all hype. I'll believe it once it happens.
Hmmmmm ..... I don't know Lopeman. My sources (Italian motorcycling media) are usually pretty spot on mate. Don't forget, this stuff is not wild imaginings, 'leaks' usually originate from the source and are very intentional; negative leaks 'soften' the blow when it finally arrives, and positive leaks build up the anticipation. Old but effective marketing / PR method.

Lopeman

31-01-2009, 06:24 PM

someof it i agree with. But so many of the decisions are in the hands of the manufacturers. Basically anything on development is in there hands.

I hope alot of it does happen, but look at the path they have led us on now. took away the best bikes for racing prob ever developed (990cc) and left us with these 800cc.

Grid has shrunk notably.

I prob should have been more tactful with my disagreement, i agree that manything that get leaked turn out, like the single tyre rule, but i just cant see the manufacturers giving up to much.

Cedric

31-01-2009, 06:34 PM

Dennis Noyle on did a really good write up on the inter politics of motogp. i'll see if i can find it.

Fascinating read about the political/sponsor related machinations in MotoGP! I'll post it up because I can't find it on the web anymore

Captain

31-01-2009, 08:04 PM

I prob should have been more tactful with my disagreement, i agree that manything that get leaked turn out, like the single tyre rule, but i just cant see the manufacturers giving up to much.

All good, I didn't take it any other way, just a discussion :ayyy:
I only posted up the highlights of the article I read, the rest of it explained how this is a result of a Jan 7 meeting between all those involved; Dorna, manufacturers, teams and techs, and nutting out a plan to cut costs.

I take your point re manufacturers, especially the bit about sharing technology (via 'cheap' engine sales) after all why would they want to do that? But maybe they themselves realise that it will limit development (read less cost), and it's costs that it worrying everyone.

Like the single tyre rule, it all leads to less benefits flowing down to our road bikes; look at the new R1 ... do you think it would have that motor if they had been sharing technology?

SIX36

01-02-2009, 08:29 PM

Instead of 18 GP’s this year we may only get 17, the Hungarian Gp scheduled for the 20th of September may not happen, due to delays in the construction of the Balatonring circuit.
[/LIST]

They should have a double header at Phillip island instead....??

Captain

01-02-2009, 09:04 PM

Let's just hope we don't lose it altogether ...

Mrs Mozz

01-02-2009, 09:33 PM

One at the Island and one at the Creek:ayyy: That would be awesome

Dr freedom

02-02-2009, 10:52 AM

Let's just hope we don't lose it altogether ...
its all about the gate receipts .. ie, the amount of tickets sold for the event.

It is a decent earning for MotoGP to come to PI as the gate recipets are huge & the Victorian government underwrites so much of it, that it would be a poor financial choice for MotoGP not to come.

Just to give a lamens example, Rugby league games at ANZ stadium would run at a loss for all the clubs that play there as 9/10's of fck all people turn up to watch a game (blame TV etc), so ANZ stadium underwrites the games for the teams & pays them more than the pittance they make in gate recipts, thus making it financially viable for those teams to play there.

Lopeman

02-02-2009, 11:44 AM

The biggest issue with philip island is its location and the pit facilities.

It costs a hell of a lot of money to get a moto gp team down here and then when they do get here they have substandard facilities.

Dave75

02-02-2009, 12:09 PM

will this make for better racing?

triumph

02-02-2009, 12:24 PM

One at the Island and one at the Creek:ayyy: That would be awesome one at bathurst would be good .

jasonbw

02-02-2009, 01:13 PM

Love it to go to the new circuit being made in NZ... Hampton Downs... they have the WSBK run from 2010 onwards so it'd make sence to run one there after PI.

Turtle

03-02-2009, 04:47 PM

Love it to go to the new circuit being made in NZ... Hampton Downs... they have the WSBK run from 2010 onwards so it'd make sence to run one there after PI.

+1...........:ayyy:

Captain

03-02-2009, 04:51 PM

They have no issues re timezones ... like F1 have?

Dunno

05-02-2009, 07:06 PM

Any news on todays testing at Sepang? I heard Rossi wouldnt be riding cos he fell through a glass table & home & has stitches in his hand & foot.

Captain? Your the man with his finger on the pulse :ayyy:

Captain

05-02-2009, 07:22 PM

The first Motogp test on the newly resurfaced Sepang circuit after the winter test ban started off with Ducati factory rider Casey Stoner quickly taking the top of the timesheets closely followed by Honda HRC rider Dani Pedrosa.

Valentino Rossi, took to the track just before midday and got off with a crash after four laps when his bike lost grip at turn 2 on the new asphalt, luckily this did cause any further problems to his foot and finger that he injured two days before in a bizarre home accident.

James Toseland crashed out at turn 5 while test rider Yoshikawa also crashed at the same turn as Rossi.

1. Stoner (Ducati) 2.02.724
2. Rossi (Yamaha) 2.02.786
3. Edwards (Yamaha) 2.03.254
4. Capirossi (Suzuki) 2.03.299
5. Dovizioso (Honda) 2.03.595
6. Elias (Honda) 2.03.687
7. Vermeulen (Suzuki) 2.03.728
8. Pedrosa (Honda) 2.03.749
9. Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2.03.894
10. Gibernau (Ducati) 2.04.305
11. De Angelis (Honda) 2.04.463
12. Toseland (Yamaha) 2.04.632
13. Hayden (Ducati) 2.04.662
14. Fujiwara (Yamaha) 2.05.140
15. Kallio (Ducati) 2.05.217
16. Yoshikawa (Yamaha) 2.06.217
17. De Puniet (Honda) 2.05.580
18. Canepa (Ducati) 2.06.306
19. Takahashi (Honda) 2.07.030

Dean93

05-02-2009, 07:57 PM

...........Marco Melandri won a race this year, not the GP rider, a horse named Marco Melandri won a race at the Montegiorgio race track.............
:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Slipped in a bit of humour, very good!!!!!!

clarkey

05-02-2009, 08:20 PM

Nice work Casey :ayyy:

not bad either Dovizioso flyin the Honda flag

Dunno

05-02-2009, 08:25 PM

Onya Cap. I knew you would come through with the goods :ayyy: Some interesting times there. Will have to wait & see how much they improve tomorrow.

Turtle

05-02-2009, 09:01 PM

Looks close.........

mag57l

05-02-2009, 09:32 PM

1 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA 2:01.869 - - 37
2 Casey STONER AUS 2:02.038 +0.169 +0.169 34
3 Valentino ROSSI ITA 2:02.324 +0.286 +0.455 31
4 Chris VERMEULEN AUS 2:02.803 +0.479 +0.934 55
5 Toni ELIAS SPA 2:02.886 +0.083 +1.017 52
6 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA 2:03.088 +0.202 +1.219 50
7 Colin EDWARDS USA 2:03.254 +0.166 +1.385 34
8 Dani PEDROSA SPA 2:03.312 +0.058 +1.443 44
9 Sete GIBERNAU SPA 2:03.750 +0.438 +1.881 54
10 Jorge LORENZO SPA 2:03.894 +0.144 +2.025 61
11 Nicky HAYDEN USA 2:04.002 +0.108 +2.133 60
12 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM 2:04.396 +0.394 +2.527 53
13 Mika KALLIO FIN 2:04.405 +0.009 +2.536 60
14 James TOSELAND GBR 2:04.502 +0.097 +2.633 34
15 Randy DE PUNIET FRA 2:04.882 +0.380 +3.013 61
16 Yamaha Test JPN 2:05.024 +0.142 +3.155 47
17 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN 2:05.098 +0.074 +3.229 73
18 Yamaha Test JPN 2:05.140 +0.042 +3.271 44
19 Niccolo CANEPA ITA 2:05.270 +0.130 +3.401 45

mag57l

05-02-2009, 10:39 PM

looks like no RIZLA for Suzuki. Traditional Suzuki leather colours for Capa.

http://www.gpone.com/DB/ILFATTO_G.jpg

Captain

05-02-2009, 10:43 PM

Uea, Rizla pulled out not long ago ... shortly after Alice

AG23

05-02-2009, 11:30 PM

Glad to see the Suzuki up there....hopefully this new engine will finally give CV a bike to run up front consistently on. MotoGP.com still refers to the team as Rizla Suzuki - apparently they are still in negotiations.

I don't have pictures here or don't know how to post them, but Hayden and Stoner look very similar with their gear and helmet combination on the Ducatis.

Bigdog

06-02-2009, 12:16 AM

Woo Hoo!! How good is it to see the boys out there again. Go Casey, looks like his wrist operation hasn't slown him down any.
It's good the see the Suzuki's up there this year. Hopefully Vermuelen can get a win or two this year.

Captain

06-02-2009, 08:09 AM

Italian Suzuki rider Loris Capirossi set the final fastest lap to top the timesheets at the end of the first day of testing at Sepang, and while he was at it he also broke Stoner’s exsisting lap record with a best lap time of 2.01.869, two tenths faster that the previous record.

Suzuki present with a new engine, chassis and carbon fibre fairing had a good day also with Chris Vermeulen coming in fourth, though a second slower than teammate Capirossi.

Casey Stoner was second fastest even if he stopped and hour and half before the end of the day with some pain and strength problems in his left wrist following his scaphoid bone graft surgery in November.

Valentino Rossi was third, three tenths slower than Stoner. Rossi suffered a fall earlier in the day, and completed only 31 laps due to pain from stitches in his foot and hand incurred before leaving for Sepang.

Toni Elias was the fastest Honda rider on the satellite San Carlo Gresini, ahead of HRC rider Andrea Dovizioso. Dani Pedrosa was eighth fastest 1.5 seconds behind Capirossi, just behind the leading Tech 3 Yamaha of Colin Edwards on the new M1.

Sete Gibernau with the Onde 2000 Ducati was fastest of the other Ducatis, 1.75 seconds behind Casey Stoner and faster that Marlboro Ducati Nicky Hayden, who finished 11th.

James Toseland clocked 14th after missing most of the day after a massive 125mph highside, in front of him Alex de Angelis and Mika Kallio, while Randy de Puniet was 15th, Yuki Takahashi 17th and Niccolo Canepa with his Pramac Ducati last behind Yamaha test rider Yoshikawa.

Testing continues on Friday and Saturday.

Some pics from Sepang

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/motogp-sepang-test-day-1/big_02_nicky_hayden_1.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/motogp-sepang-test-day-1/big_01_casey_stoner.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/motogp-sepang-test-day-1/big_Andrea_Dovizioso_02.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/motogp-sepang-test-day-1/big_valentino_rossi_01.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/motogp-sepang-test-day-1/big_jorge_lorenzo_01.jpg

Belinda

17-02-2009, 07:50 PM

I heard about this on the sport section of channel 10 news tonight-

Couriermail.com.au -

"FORMER world champion Casey Stoner has admitted his MotoGP season is in serious doubt due to continual pain in his wrist.

The 2007 world champion says that unless the wrist improves over the next fortnight his ability to contest the series will be under a cloud.

Stoner underwent an operation on his wrist last November to repair an old injury but he says his movement is still severely hampered.

Remarkably he set the fastest lap times in the first official test series at Sepang in Malaysia recently.

But it was done under duress and Stoner said that if the problem had not improved by the time of next month's test in Qatar there would be a question mark over his year.

Last year's surgery was supposed to have resolved an ongoing schapoid problem.

Stoner is pessimistic that his condition will improve before testing resumes on March 1.

"Three months have gone by and my wrist has little mobility and hurts badly," Stoner told Motosprint. "I don't like the way this story is going at all.

"I'll try not to think about it until the test in Qatar, then we'll see. If the situation in Qatar hasn't improved radically, then it means there will be plenty to worry about.

"I just think that three months have gone by and in my opinion the situation isn't good at all.

"I say that I shouldn't be in this situation, because the bone has healed, yet it hurts me badly. That's what I can't explain.

"It's been really disappointing finding out that after three months the wrist is a lot worse than I expected."

Stoner was unable to complete long runs at Sepang and was limited in his movement through some corners.

"I try to adapt, to change the way I sit on the bike," he said.

"I make some movements to make up for the fact that the wrist barely moves and most of all it hurts me a lot under braking.

"It feels almost unreal to me that I manage to be so quick. The situation is worse than I expected.

"I say it's not normal. I didn't expect to feel great, but not this bad either."

Big Lunt

17-02-2009, 08:04 PM

Excuses already :stirthepot::stirthepot::stirthepot:

I am waiting for the bomb of replies to hit any minute......:ayyy:

Captain

17-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Fark that's terrible ... I really feel for him. Hope it comes good, for himself if not for the sport, he's too young to be having such problems.

dazzler

17-02-2009, 08:15 PM

but it could also be mind games too

just imagine now all his rivals will be smiling
he said nothing of physiotherapy,
i think back to footy stars who get back out on the field as quick as because they have the best sports doctors and physio

and i dare say that on caseys' wage he would too have the best of the best

tazkenny

17-02-2009, 08:17 PM

Just playing games I reckon

ozimoto

17-02-2009, 08:28 PM

Early season psych out. I'm in so much pain but I'm only able to go the fastest. Just messing with their heads I reckon.

Captain

17-02-2009, 08:50 PM

As if he'd psych out Rossi that easily ...

ozimoto

17-02-2009, 08:53 PM

Not Rossi. He's the king of pysch out. Good to keep your team mate in his place. Just ask Colin Edwards.

Turtle

17-02-2009, 09:22 PM

Yep i spoke to Casey tonight and he told me its a trick..........but don't tell anyone.....

Captain

17-02-2009, 09:27 PM

I'm not buying it; in fact I have read of his problems two or three times already before this, I reckon he's genuinly hurting.

Turtle

17-02-2009, 09:28 PM

I'm not buying it; in fact I have read of his problems two or three times already before this, I reckon he's genuinly hurting.

Are you saying i'm lying ??? Do you think i made up the story ???

dazzler

17-02-2009, 09:30 PM

turtle you wouldn't know how to lie

you my good man, are a saint:lmao::lmao:

Captain

17-02-2009, 09:31 PM

Never!

Belinda

17-02-2009, 09:39 PM

I googled 'scaphoid' and its the same as a navicular bone in a horse. In the old days when a horse hurt its navicular it was bye bye pony :(

Might as well :beatdeadhorse:

Sorry to :stirthepot:

Does this mean I get :spank: now?

Turtle

17-02-2009, 09:50 PM

turtle you wouldn't know how to lie

you my good man, are a saint:lmao::lmao:

Thanx fir the support dude.....you know me toooooo well......:ayyy:

Turtle

17-02-2009, 09:51 PM

Never!

So do you Jules...:ayyy:

zRoYz

17-02-2009, 09:59 PM

I'm not buying it; in fact I have read of his problems two or three times already before this, I reckon he's genuinly hurting.

+1 the facts are simple, new 09 bike to sort out before season with limited testing time aval. So there is noway in hell he is going to only do the limited number of laps he is doing unless there is a major problem.

binking

17-02-2009, 10:20 PM

I'm not buying it; in fact I have read of his problems two or three times already before this, I reckon he's genuinly hurting.

I'd agree with that one as well. I think Stoner is one of the few GP riders that tells it like it is. He seems pretty straight up and not into all the mind games. Who needs mind games anyway when you're that damn quick!

Stu23

17-02-2009, 10:51 PM

Time will tell......... I have not heard of Casey doing a full race simulation, i stand to be corrected on that one :) Most other riders have, so I have read.

When I smashed my wrist the doctors doctors phrase was..its mush !! and yes it still hurts today, and thats a few years ago, so for me yes he will be in some pain , however you can be sure he is getting the very best medical attention, it will take time but im sure he will be fast as !! pain or no pain, the boy has guts ....

mag57l

18-02-2009, 11:07 AM

Rossi didn't do a race sim because of his injury's either.

Bigdog

18-02-2009, 12:08 PM

Bugger, I hope Casey can sort out his injury problems. He doesn't need to give Rossi any more advantage.

Irena

18-02-2009, 12:43 PM

Bugger, I hope Casey can sort out his injury problems. He doesn't need to give Rossi any more advantage.

Oh Rossi, this year again............... :rolleyes:...........:D

Bigdog

27-02-2009, 05:39 PM

Melandri to start 2009 season in one-rider Kawasaki team
Thursday, 26 February 2009

Kawasaki have announced that after constructive talks between themselves, Dorna and additional third parties, a new one-rider team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd137/Ballmead/Melandri.jpg

The decision was made after negotiations which followed Kawasaki’s January 2009 announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities, due to the global economic downturn.

The rider for the new MotoGP team will be the Italian 26 year-old Marco Melandri. The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials.

That Kawasaki has arrived at this new team approach is the result of both the need for a significant reduction of MotoGP racing investments and the simultaneous necessity to come to a constructive solution for all related parties.

The new team will disclose more details about its 2009 season plans shortly.

Captain

27-02-2009, 06:13 PM

Good. Poor Melandri, what a run of bad luck he's had lately.

Cedric

27-02-2009, 06:53 PM

Good. Poor Melandri, what a run of bad luck he's had lately.

True, but to me he looks set to continue his run of bad luck with an even lower level of support from Kawasaki than before...

Wonder what J. Hopkins is up to?

Mr.Ed

27-02-2009, 07:04 PM

True, but to me he looks set to continue his run of bad luck with an even lower level of support from Kawasaki than before...

You're probably right but I'd say it would have been worse if he didn't ride at all this year... also if he manages to somehow pull a miracle out of his helmet and put on a show with that Kawa on at least a couple of races (preferably towards the end of the season) that could set him up for next season. Maybe not a factory seat, but a better team...
He does seem to have the commitment part sorted out.

Cedric

27-02-2009, 07:16 PM

You're probably right but I'd say it would have been worse if he didn't ride at all this year... also if he manages to somehow pull a miracle out of his helmet and put on a show with that Kawa on at least a couple of races (preferably towards the end of the season) that could set him up for next season. Maybe not a factory seat, but a better team...
He does seem to have the commitment part sorted out.

I reckon you're right too. He's made the best of a bad situation and I think I'd be doing the same thing if I were him. At least this way he's still in MotoGP and maintaining his skill set even if it's on a largely uncompetitive package. Hopefully he'll impress and move to something a little more competitive next year. Or even better, by some miracle the Kwak is the best on the grid with the least backing and he wins the title.. :lmao: but seriously I'd love to see that!

Mr.Ed

27-02-2009, 08:57 PM

:lmao::lmao::lmao:
That would be cool indeed... but it would never happen. Not only because it won't (the bike was a loser last year, no improvements and then wins this year? Too unlikely) but also because if he had ANY chance at the tittle Kawasaki would jump back on the series faster than 12yo can download porn on website.

Cedric

27-02-2009, 09:02 PM

Hey Ed, we can dream can't we??? :D
All I can hope is that the increased revenue that Kawasaki saves from not participating in MotoGP is diverted into their Superbike program... Although by all accounts the CBR/R1 has more than the measure of the 10R this year. Have to wait until the big bang 10R comes out...

Turtle

27-02-2009, 09:06 PM

Turtle

27-02-2009, 09:12 PM

Seems to be the chassis that the Kwaks always struggle with, dating back to the 2-stroke triples up until the latest 10/6Rs. I think they just neglect their motorbike division; Kawasaki is a huge company as we all know, building space ships, bullet trains and the like.. If only they diverted more than a cursory amount of money to their bikes they could make them awesome.. but hopefully retain the rough edge they're known and loved for.

Yep, Ruprecht on here had an 06 which i used to ride a lot, it was one of the most FUN bikes i have ever ridden, SENSATIONAL engine......just shitty brakes and the fact that it didn't want to lay down in a corner....but loved it !!!!

Cedric

27-02-2009, 09:15 PM

The engine the 10 has now would be Hard to beat given a good chassis and Breaks......

You're right Turtle. It seems the Kwaks have always had a problem with the chassis dating back from the 2-stroke triples and Z1s through to the latest 10/6Rs (with the possible exception of the 7R which had a brilliant chassis). If only Kawasaki diverted a cursory amount of money from it's huge conglomerate (spaceships, bullet trains etc) toward it's motorcycle division we'd be set! Hopefully though they'd retain the rough edge that Kwaks are known and loved for.. :D

Cedric

27-02-2009, 09:18 PM

Yep, Ruprecht on here had an 06 which i used to ride a lot, it was one of the most FUN bikes i have ever ridden, SENSATIONAL engine......just shitty brakes and the fact that it didn't want to lay down in a corner....but loved it !!!!

Damn, thought my message didn't post..

You're spot on Turtle, hit the nail on the head why I love Kwaks. They aren't the easiest to ride but when you get them right it feels phenomenal.. They have the most character of the Jap bikes - the power delivery of the 05 10R for example - but still retain the reliability.

Plus, lime green is such an awesome colour the 600RR has a lime green variant now.. :lmao:

Turtle

27-02-2009, 11:03 PM

Damn, thought my message didn't post..

You're spot on Turtle, hit the nail on the head why I love Kwaks. They aren't the easiest to ride but when you get them right it feels phenomenal.. They have the most character of the Jap bikes - the power delivery of the 05 10R for example - but still retain the reliability.

Plus, lime green is such an awesome colour the 600RR has a lime green variant now.. :lmao:

:ayyy:

Captain

30-03-2009, 01:31 AM

MotoGP: New Rules for 2009 and 2010

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/20090328EzpeletaIppolito_M.jpg

In today’s press conference in Jerez, Vito Ippolito President of the FIM and Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta outlined the new rules that will be introduced for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

2009:

1) From the Czech Republic GP in Brno and for the final seven races of the season riders will be allowed to use only five engines.

2) Two post race sessions will remain, Barcellona and Brno where official riders can partecipate and not only test riders as previously announced.

2010:

1) The number of engines to be used for the entire 18 race season will be 6 and they will be sealed and a remote monitoring system system will be put into operation and engines checked as a rider leaves the pitlane.

2) A 10 point penalty will be applied if teams are forced to change engines and will be applied to a rider’s championship standings and 10 points will also be deducted from manufacturers standings, which includes satellite bikes.

3) Testing will be limited to a total of 8 days next year.

4) Only one bike per rider will be permitted. If a rider damages a chassis, a replacement chassis will have to be offered for technical inspection.

5) Only 5 technicians will be allowed to touch the bike during practice sessions.

6) The minimum weight will be increased by 2 kg to 150 kg for four-cylinder bikes.

7) No rookies will be allowed to go straight to a MotoGP factory team. They will have to go to a satellite team for at least one season, after which they will be allowed to join a factory team.

Discussion regarding dropping Friday afternoon practice sessions are still ongoing.

You can listened to part of the press conference in english here (http://www.gpone.com/news/ZoomMediaaudio.asp?file=Media_2009_03/20092803FIM.mp3&didaM=Vito%20Ippolito)

Lopeman

30-03-2009, 04:04 PM

MotoGP: New Rules for 2009 and 2010

7) No rookies will be allowed to go straight to a MotoGP factory team. They will have to go to a satellite team for at least one season, after which they will be allowed to join a factory team.

here (http://www.gpone.com/news/ZoomMediaaudio.asp?file=Media_2009_03/20092803FIM.mp3&didaM=Vito%20Ippolito)

that's ridiculous. Lorenzo was a rookie and he can def claim his place in the factory squad.

how does that help keep costs down?

gazujc

30-03-2009, 04:14 PM

that's ridiculous. Lorenzo was a rookie and he can def claim his place in the factory squad.

how does that help keep costs down?

It also now means that Spies (as an example) cannot go to the FIAT team (Repsol etc), so why would he want to to go to a satellite team?

IMO, just another idiotic decision that will lessen or cheapen the sport.

Garry

noz

30-03-2009, 05:09 PM

Last I read the Hungarian GP had been cancelled and a substitute round had been officially ruled out.

Captain

30-03-2009, 06:44 PM

that's ridiculous. Lorenzo was a rookie and he can def claim his place in the factory squad.

how does that help keep costs down?

I imagine this will appeal to the existing motoGP riders. Compensation to get them onside with the other changes perhaps? :confused1:

Turtle

30-03-2009, 07:36 PM

Where do they get these ideas from ??

Birdman45

31-03-2009, 10:52 AM

The only way I can see it keeping costs down is that satellite teams won't have to offer/pay new riders as much to ride coz they have no chance of losing them to or won't be bidding for riders against factory teams. I can see that making it cheaper for the sat teams.

Dr freedom

31-03-2009, 11:33 AM

that's ridiculous. Lorenzo was a rookie and he can def claim his place in the factory squad.

how does that help keep costs down?
Its a way of sharing talent.
Its a way of boosting smaller teams standings, confidence & profile
The reasons are many, but its a good move imo.

Some sports have salary capping to spread the talent ..ie: AFL, NRL, NFL (American Footy) etc, it would be very difficult to cap salaries in motorsport teams, so they introduce a rule like this which helps spread the talent load across the park instead of the usual Ducati's & Yamaha teams all getting it.

The MotoGP body has to appease crowds & viewers & make the racing more exciting to watch, this helps that as well.