Ducati Monster Forum

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty%20An%20opportunity%20I%20have%20been%20waiting%20a%20long%20time%20for (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty%20An%20opportunity%20I%20have%20been%20waiting%20a%20long%20time%20for)




http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Changes+for+the+FIM+CEV+Repsol+2015 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Changes+for+the+FIM+CEV+Repsol+2015)





http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Hayden+My+objective+for+2015+is+to+enjoy+riding+again (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Hayden+My+objective+for+2015+is+to+enjoy+riding+again)

Hope to see the little Honda being more competitive.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty+An+opportunity+I+have+been+waiting+a+long+time+for (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty+An+opportunity+I+have+been+waiting+a+long+time+for)



http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rookies+set+to+thrill+and+learn+again+in+2015 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rookies+set+to+thrill+and+learn+again+in+2015)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Dunlop+extends+renews+contract+as+Official+Tyre+Supplier+to+Moto2+and+Moto3 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Dunlop+extends+renews+contract+as+Official+Tyre+Supplier+to+Moto2+and+Moto3)

This has been "news" for a couple of weeks, but noteworthy nonetheless - Guy Martin will be aboard a BMW for the coming season:

http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/212640/1/guy-martin-tyco-bmw-deal-stopped-me-from-retiring.html (http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/212640/1/guy-martin-tyco-bmw-deal-stopped-me-from-retiring.html)

 [evil] Very cool

Interesting.  Guy commented a year ago or so that he was riding
As fast at the TT as he felt comfortable ... And that he thought
Dunlop was riding in the red zone.  Not sure how a faster bike
Is going to change that.  Id sure like to see him take a win though.

The Power of Orange compelled him.  ;)



http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pedrosas+exCrew+Chief+Mike+Leitner+joins+KTM (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pedrosas+exCrew+Chief+Mike+Leitner+joins+KTM)

...a steel trellis frame... [bang] [bang] [bang] [bang] [bang] [laugh]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+to+bring+GP143+to+Sepang+1+1 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+to+bring+GP143+to+Sepang+1+1)

I say it again, bring back the trellis. ;D

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Guidotti%20on%20Yonny%20Hernandez (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Guidotti%20on%20Yonny%20Hernandez)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rainey%20The%20best%20riders%20will%20always%20win (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rainey%20The%20best%20riders%20will%20always%20win)

 8)


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Melandri+on+returning+to+MotoGP (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Melandri+on+returning+to+MotoGP)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Lorenzo+on+2015+title+Marquez+should+be+the+favourite (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Lorenzo+on+2015+title+Marquez+should+be+the+favourite)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/2015+MotoGP+Entry+List+confirmed (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/2015+MotoGP+Entry+List+confirmed)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto2+Entry+List+for+2015+finalised (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto2+Entry+List+for+2015+finalised)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Final+Moto3+2015+Entry+List+is+published (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Final+Moto3+2015+Entry+List+is+published)

25 entries, not bad. Six Ducatis. Great to have Suzuki back. The young fellas on the Suzukis will be exciting to watch (one way or the other). ;)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/MotoGP+2015+field+gathers+for+Sepang+1+test (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/MotoGP+2015+field+gathers+for+Sepang+1+test)

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/DallIgna+We+are+confident+on+a+strong+2015+season (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/DallIgna+We+are+confident+on+a+strong+2015+season)

The rule changes should allow Ducati to be competitive at least in the short term.

No surprise here...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Marquez%20tops%20timesheet%20on%20opening%20day%20of%202015%20testing (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Marquez%20tops%20timesheet%20on%20opening%20day%20of%202015%20testing)

Both VR an JL seemed very happy with this year setup, and VR was ahead the whole day, besides  the 62nd lap.
Considering Sepang not being the best track for the M1, I predict this year will be much more fun than the last.

Poor little Turd, HRC is probably taking any of his feedback into consideration. Where JLO and Vale have more similar riding, the Turd simply can't handle bullying the bike around like MM.

It is definitely good to see that the Duc made up 2 seconds compared to last year's Sepang test. That is an eternity, but I think we all know that the Duc has the potential to go really fast for 1 lap. The problem is putting together a full race.

One more observation... we seem to be heading back to the old days of bike allotment. The factories teams get the real prototypes, satellites use the slightly downgraded prototype and the rest get last year's bike. All this BS of having the Open class has been worthless, except that now the old bikes are not ludicrously expensive.

I think the Open class was just Dorna's way of letting the factories know change was coming, and I agree otherwise a bunch of nothing besides keeping most of the field uncompetitive.

Next year when the spec ecu becomes mandatory, and years following, last years bike won't be very different without a major re-design.

The whole thing is is the big boys will do the re-design so how Dorna thought money would be saved still escapes me.

Spec tire. That's it. The redesign will be driven solely by Michelin. The electronics are impacting, but you're basically throwing away 7 years on development around the Stones.

I think you're under valuing the electronics impact. The factory teams shouldn't have much advantage due to spending power any longer.

The tires will obviously have a huge impact.

Apparently the factory teams budgets for electronics are huge, so it should help even things out a little (hopefully).

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati%20Team%20Sepang1%20Day1 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati%20Team%20Sepang1%20Day1)




http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pirro+and+Petrucci+12th+and+13th+respectively (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pirro+and+Petrucci+12th+and+13th+respectively)

I'm not saying that it won't have an impact, but I doubt it will be as dramatic as the tires. Once the HRC and Yamaha engineers get a hold of the software, they will hack it to the point where they will squeeze at least 80% of what they get out of their own software. It really is about finding was to compensate. The engineers really don't have a way to understand the tires without the riders' input. That's where they will fall flat, at least at the beginning. MM will ride the shit out of any bike, but will he be able to provide the right info to really develop it quickly? We know Vale can speak engineer, but will he want to stick around and help develop the new bike?

Dovi did a 16 lap run at the end of yesterday's testing, at a better pace than what MM won the race at last year.

Finally some progress, real progress.

That was on the GP14.3 as well.

They'll have the GP15 for testing 23-25 Feb

Hopefully it's as good.

They both sounded pretty positive.

Have they thrown a leg over the 15?

From what I read, just gathering information that will be tapped into the 15. (?)

I've not seen anything where they've admitted to it.
Hopefully Iannone's sat on it, they've got some of the biggest boys in the paddock on their bikes.

It's encouraging that he could string that together, granted it's not 400 degF inn the shade like at the race last year.
Still, a good pace, and most importantly, consistent, not smoking the tire off in ten laps.

If the 14.3 is indeed a step from the 14.2 toward the 15, that's definitely good news.

I guess what I'm getting at is we don't know how different the 15 is.

It could very well be so totally different this test has no bearing...regardless of the hype...

or it could be pretty similar.

Time will tell.

True

The good news is, that even if the 15 is a steaming POS, the 14.3 seems to be much better than the 14.2.

Send me one of the poo bikes, I'll be a happy camper on it.

I refuse to hope. They have destroyed all hope the past few years.

Certainly hope the GP15 is a progression, and not so different that it takes all season to develop....
But different enough that they can make it work.....

Iannone quickest on Duc.


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+Team+Sepang1+Day3 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+Team+Sepang1+Day3)




(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/16276124110_38645ae40f_c.jpg)

They both seemed pretty happy with the new setup. But until the 1st GP, it's all up in the air.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Top+ten+test+result+pleases+Bradl+and+Forward+Racing (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Top+ten+test+result+pleases+Bradl+and+Forward+Racing)

Bradl, Baustista, Dovi and so many others are onn the same level. They will never be the Aliens. They will forever fight for around 5th place and will be excellent to develop bikes. The kids coming from Moto2 and 3 will be the next Aliens as the older guys, Val, The Turd and Jorghey, retire.

Melandri reportedly asking to swap with Jordi Torres in WSBK:
http://t.co/u0teMNK0XD (http://t.co/u0teMNK0XD)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Negotiations between CoW and Donington Park collapse, regarding 2015 MotoGP event at Donington.
A report of 'handbags at dawn' has been proven false, as weapons have already been drawn.
Purportedly Silverstone will hold the event.

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/02/10/donington_park_renounces_partnership_wit.html#new (https://motomatters.com/news/2015/02/10/donington_park_renounces_partnership_wit.html#new)
https://motomatters.com/news/2015/02/10/circuit_of_wales_denies_funding_issues_c.html (https://motomatters.com/news/2015/02/10/circuit_of_wales_denies_funding_issues_c.html)

Passionate pleas to hold the MotoGP race at Cadwell Park or IoM have apparently been ignored.

Quitter.

Wish I could figure out an English link to that page.

I did a Google Translate on it, but the results were really bad.

I've not been able to figure out how to get the 'superbikes' section in their english version.

I used a google search to translate the main page, but no luck on that one.

I'll paste into translate and translate from pigeon English in my head. ;D

It was in spanish. Basically he's pissed off that he's so far behind, even compared to Bautista. He wants out and he wants out now. He's trying to dump it on Jordi Torres and take his spot back in WSBK for a pay cut.

I knew it was Spanish.

Google did a good enough job. I was just trying to find a link to a translated page.

Is it safe if I quote the article and translate it?


Milandri does not want to run in MotoGP and does in Superbikes. The italian has spent months trying to get Aprilia to allow him to opt-out of the tilte with the RSV4 with which in 2014 Guintoli won the championship y he won six races.

I'll send all my Spanish translations to you... ;D

The disastrous test in Sepang - he was last 4.7 seconds behind MM and 1.7 seconds behind his teammate Bautista - has caused his insistence in pleads to those in Noale.

I do a fair job at it.

Can you tell him he's a baby in Italian? ;D

Sei un bambino


So, he has asked the factory, which he has a year contract, to switch rides with Jordi Torres. This would allow the Catalan to go to MotoGP and him to Superbikes. He would even accept a reduced salary or reattach to the second appointment, Thailand (whatever that means). Aprilia is not interested.

From Torres' side, their not aware of Melandri's atempts and he's planning the season with the mentality of SBK. The MotoGP option is not on the table.

Pretty much this:

Spanish:
Yo no quiero montar el burro.

Italian:
Non voglio cavalcare l'asino.

Marco ... sei un bambino

I assume Aprilia are using him as a sacrificial lamb this ywar to help develop the bike. Them hoping he was capable of that.
Appears that may not end well for them.

I am a little surprised at just how far off the pace they are.
thought they would be closer to Suzuki at this stage.

It's a completely new engine that they pretty much pulled out of their ass.

I assumed they had a starting point for testing ready.
I am often wrong  ;D

Melandri's previous record in MotoGP wasn't all that red hot either. He had much more success in WSBK. Can't blame him for wanting a competitive bike.

Yeah, but he was on the unrideable Duc. It's his first time on a MotoGP bike in years. The jump from WSBK to MotoGP these days is huge, much worse than from Moto2 since the bikes handle similarly.

Aprilia took their "open" bike and put pneumatic springs. Ducati has been trying for the better part of a year and a half to rework their bike.

The Ape is a work in progress, no doubt, but it's not just the bike -- Melandri was down nearly two seconds on Bautista on the same bike. He left folks in his pits wondering just what the hell it was they were watching:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/214542/1/aprilia-we-didnt-see-the-real-marco-melandri.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/214542/1/aprilia-we-didnt-see-the-real-marco-melandri.html)

Silverstone


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/British+Grand+Prix+to+run+at+Silverstone (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/British+Grand+Prix+to+run+at+Silverstone)

GP15 out Monday according to motomatters.com:

New Ducati Desmosedici GP15 to be presented next Monday

The Ducati Team to take part in the 2015 MotoGP World Championship will be presented on Monday 16 February at 11am at the Ducati Auditorium in Borgo Panigale.

During the event, which has been organized in collaboration with Telecom Italia, the 2015 sporting activities will be presented and the team’s official riders Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone will pull the wraps off the highly-awaited Desmosedici GP15.

The entire presentation can be viewed in live streaming on the Ducati website (www.ducati.com (http://)), on the mobile phone platform www.timrace.it (http://) and on TIM’s Facebook pages. The event can also be followed on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #TIMDucati.

Don’t miss this appointment with the passion and excitement of the world of Ducati, in anticipation of seeing the new GP15 for the first time in action during the next official MotoGP test session, scheduled for Sepang from 23 to 26 February.

 [popcorn]


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+Desmosedici+GP15+to+be+presented+in+Italy (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+Desmosedici+GP15+to+be+presented+in+Italy)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/BMW+M4+Coup+to+head+MotoGP+Safety+Car+fleet (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/BMW+M4+Coup+to+head+MotoGP+Safety+Car+fleet)

I'd count this as good news for American motorcycle racing; Mike Lock seems to have a good track record of resurrecting badly faded motorsport brands:

http://superbikeplanet.com/2015/Feb/150213lock.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2015/Feb/150213lock.htm)

And right next to it, Soup links back to a fascinating interview they did with him back when he was CEO of Ducati North America - too much good stuff in there to pick just one thing:

]http://superbikeplanet.com/2007/Aug/070808-f13.htm[url] (http://superbikeplanet.com/2007/Aug/070808-f13.htm[url)[/url]

GP15


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/16555061582_10f3e3b8be_c.jpg)
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati%20introduces%20Desmosedici%20GP15%20model (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati%20introduces%20Desmosedici%20GP15%20model)

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/214699/1/ducati-completely-new-gp15-can-win.html (http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/214699/1/ducati-completely-new-gp15-can-win.html)

http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sport/moto-gp/ducatis-new-motogp-bike-revealed-desmosedici-gp15-set-to-start-testing-in-malaysia-this-week/story-fn2ms4i4-1227222329674 (http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sport/moto-gp/ducatis-new-motogp-bike-revealed-desmosedici-gp15-set-to-start-testing-in-malaysia-this-week/story-fn2ms4i4-1227222329674)

Lotta nice pics here:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+bikeinsurer/posts/CtqH8YKDEbB?pid=6116435204466045362&oid=103103625251965719522

This may have been covered bot that looks like avery traditional twin spar frame, no?

I'd like the believe there is more engineering than tradition in that frame.

I could be wrong.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Paddock+gears+up+for+Sepang+2+Test (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Paddock+gears+up+for+Sepang+2+Test)

MotoGP Sepang Test2 2015
Session 3 as of 12:03 - 25/02/2015 - Local Time
Pos       Rider   Team   Fastest lap   Lead. Gap   Prev. Gap   Laps   Last lap
1      MARQUEZ, Marc   Repsol Honda Team   1:59.115         13 / 30   1:07.048
2      LORENZO, Jorge   Movistar Yamaha MotoGP   1:59.437   0.322   0.322   19 / 32   1:12.611
3      CRUTCHLOW, Cal   CWM LCR Honda   1:59.658   0.543   0.221   6 / 25   1:15.128
4      IANNONE, Andrea   Ducati Team   1:59.722   0.607   0.064   10 / 23   2:01.402
5      ROSSI, Valentino   Movistar Yamaha MotoGP   1:59.833   0.718   0.111   19 / 25   2:28.501
6      SMITH, Bradley   Monster Yamaha Tech 3   1:59.883   0.768   0.050   9 / 22   2:01.549
7      PEDROSA, Dani   Repsol Honda Team   2:00.048   0.933   0.165   9 / 22   2:00.790
8      BARBERA, Hector   Avintia Racing   2:00.244   1.129   0.196   8 / 21   1:03.155
9      ESPARGARO, Aleix   Team Suzuki MotoGP   2:00.275   1.160   0.031   6 / 25   1:07.961
10      DOVIZIOSO, Andrea   Ducati Team   2:00.468   1.353   0.193   10 / 21   1:06.728
11      ESPARGARO, Pol   Monster Yamaha Tech 3   2:00.490   1.375   0.022   13 / 20   1:09.675
12      PETRUCCI, Danilo   Pramac Racing   2:00.556   1.441   0.066   12 / 21   1:04.350
13      VIÑALES, Maverick   Team Suzuki MotoGP   2:00.604   1.489   0.048   11 / 26   1:12.103
14      BRADL, Stefan   Forward Racing Team   2:00.685   1.570   0.081   10 / 18   18:13.967
15      REDDING, Scott   Estrella Galicia 0.0 Marc VDS   2:00.695   1.580   0.010   7 / 28   1:10.392
16      HAYDEN, Nicky   Drive M7 Aspar   2:00.813   1.698   0.118   15 / 18   1:12.949
17      PIRRO, Michele   Ducati Test Team   2:00.875   1.760   0.062   8 / 17   49:34.474
18      HERNANDEZ, Yonny   Pramac Racing   2:01.159   2.044   0.284   7 / 22   1:19.273
19      BAUTISTA, Alvaro   Aprilia Racing Team Gresini   2:01.310   2.195   0.151   7 / 19   1:09.115
20      DI MEGLIO, Mike   Avintia Racing   2:01.487   2.372   0.177   8 / 16   1:07.512
21      ABRAHAM, Karel   AB Motoracing   2:01.536   2.421   0.049   20 / 21   1:07.728
22      MILLER, Jack   CWM LCR Honda   2:01.593   2.478   0.057   9 / 22   1:14.246
23      LAVERTY, Eugene   Drive M7 Aspar   2:01.815   2.700   0.222   16 / 22   1:16.705
24      BAZ, Loris   Forward Racing Team   2:02.587   3.472   0.772   11 / 14   1:12.881
25      DE ANGELIS, Alex   Octo Ioda Racing Team   2:03.300   4.185   0.713   8 / 15   1:24.483
26      NAKASUGA, Katsuyuki   Yamaha Factory Test Team   2:03.448   4.333   0.148   3 / 17   1:11.982
27      MELANDRI, Marco   Aprilia Racing Team Gresini   2:03.569   4.454   0.121   4 / 11   1:14.676

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pramac+Ducati+end+of+day+report+sepang+2 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pramac+Ducati+end+of+day+report+sepang+2)

it might turn into an interesting season. I'm sure that the Aliens will be the most consistent, but I don't doubt that the others will podium more consistently.

I sure hope so.

Danilo Petrucci - Pramac Racing Team #9 - 2'00''713 (11°)
"A good day for me. I'm a little disappointed for missing out on the Top 10 at the chequered flag but Smith was lapping stronger and he deserved it. Maybe I could have done a little better trying to set my fastest lap but the telemetry showed that I made a mistake in the last corner. The position in the standings is less important than the laptime today. I could have ended 9th just by being two tenths faster: 14 riders are within a second of each other. I thank the team that has put me in the position to do a good job. Tomorrow we will go early on the track in qualifying conditions. My goal is the top 10 but I'd be happy to come back home with the same feelings I have now".

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Sepang+Test+Day+3+Final+Report (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Sepang+Test+Day+3+Final+Report)

It sounds like MM is still the rider to beat, but I have my hopes for the season.

Michelins seem to be a bit different from the 'Stones.

Aleix and Jack have both tossed bikes, and Karel ran wide on final turn, then directly into the pits.

Those up at the top of the food chain are running ~ 2 sec slower on the Michelins.

Honestly, doesn't seem bad, straight out of the box on new rubber.

Aleix, Jack, and Karel are on unfamiliar bikes, so no big surprise they're having difficulties.

That's just when they are testing for Michelin. They're still using Bridgestones for the races this year, yes?

Yes

Aaaaand...JLo and Dovi both go down at high speed on the Michis.

The little info that I've found says they're losing the front.

A comprehensive analysis of the Michis here:
https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/02/26/analyzing_the_michelin_tire_test_despite.html

Story on Crash.net on the Michelin test - they called it "a difference in grip balance between front and rear":

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215050/1/incidents-mar-michelin-motogp-test.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215050/1/incidents-mar-michelin-motogp-test.html)

(And Speeddog beat me by seconds with the link to the Emmett article - but here's the link to pictures of a big pile of $$$ worth of broken motorcycles: http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/michelin-motogp-test-ends-in-crash-fest-at-sepang (http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/michelin-motogp-test-ends-in-crash-fest-at-sepang))

I hope Dovi dumped the 14.3 and not the 15.

I feel vindicated:

Doesn't sound that way.

It was the GP15:

https://twitter.com/motomatters/status/570916839041183744 (https://twitter.com/motomatters/status/570916839041183744)

I understand them wanted to fully test the tires, but Ducati has invested a ton on the 15. Why would you allow them to try a completely unknown tire on what amounts to their salvation?

Given that their long-term salvation depends on the new bike getting along well with the Michelins, I'd say yes, especially since it was the last day of testing. It would have been a bigger disaster to bin one or both of the 15s on day one. Sure, they invested a lot in that bike, but they fully expect to send a couple this year to the scrap yard, and I'd imagine the data they got on the bike on next year's tires is worth the price.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+end+of+day+3+report+Sepang+2 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+end+of+day+3+report+Sepang+2)

The 14 is probably too long to fit in that trailer

Not news per se, pulled from the (beta MotoGP site). [evil]



(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8632/16698682165_dd5f166974_c.jpg)

 [drool]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Barcelona+inaugura+Catalunya+Moto (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Barcelona+inaugura+Catalunya+Moto)

In other news...

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215219/1/rossi-new-ducati-fast-tyre-rule-unfair.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215219/1/rossi-new-ducati-fast-tyre-rule-unfair.html)

Funny, he didn't have any objections when the Duc was slow.  [roll]

+1
He's worried about Crazy Joe. He's not worried about Dovi, he's got it over him. But Crazy Joe is crazy enough to believe he can win, or take Rossi out trying. [evil]

I can't find a cite right off, but I think he actually did. What I find most interesting in that interview is how little Rossi knew about the rules and benchmarks by which Ducati (or the other manufacturers with concessions) would lose the various benefits they currently enjoy. Probably he heard the words "Ducati" and "podium" and tuned it out as unimportant...

Very likely he did, I couldn't remember Rossi having any objections, but that's relying on my dodgy memory.  [laugh]

Interesting interview with Michelin's Racing Technical Director on the MotoGP tests at Sepang and the various tire options they're exploring:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215239/1/michelin-elbow-style-to-stay-in-2016.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/215239/1/michelin-elbow-style-to-stay-in-2016.html)

He doesn't shed any more light on the big crashes (I suspect questions on that were ruled out before granting the interview), but it's interesting to see the avenues they're exploring regarding compounds and profiles, and what different riders are gravitating toward.

Sky Racing

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Sky%20Racing%20VR46%202015%20team%20launch (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Sky%20Racing%20VR46%202015%20team%20launch)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pramac+Racing+Guidotti+on+Hernandez+Petrucci (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pramac+Racing+Guidotti+on+Hernandez+Petrucci)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/16728304245_19c6d2d754_c.jpg)


(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/16702396996_dc5fb3f108_c.jpg)


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Aprilia+Racing+Gresini+2015+Launch (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Aprilia+Racing+Gresini+2015+Launch)

I hope Aprilia can pick themselves off the floor this year, Im a big fan

This is gonna be a 'test' year, they weren't gonna come back till 16.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8574/16707620646_b802bc74f0_c.jpg)




http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Suzuki+MotoGP+team+to+be+known+as+Suzuki+Ecstar (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Suzuki+MotoGP+team+to+be+known+as+Suzuki+Ecstar)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Yamaha+officially+announces+full+seamless+gearbox+for+2015 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Yamaha+officially+announces+full+seamless+gearbox+for+2015)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/10/motogp-paddock-heads-to-losail-for-final-test/171583 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/10/motogp-paddock-heads-to-losail-for-final-test/171583)

Haven't followed this technology much....does this mean all the rider has to do now is twist the throttle, steer the motorcycle, and avoid falling off?

No. They just don't have to use the clutch on downshift anymore.

Yep, they're basically just out there riding around.  :P

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/12/is-fabio-quartararo-the-next-marquez/171628 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/12/is-fabio-quartararo-the-next-marquez/171628)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/16610118438_c6f4d4294e_c.jpg)


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/11/pramac-racing-team-unveil-new-livery/171597 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/11/pramac-racing-team-unveil-new-livery/171597)

That's what I thought..... ;)

"We're ready to complete the preseason!"

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/16616286299_34ba2b9839_c.jpg)

 [thumbsup]

I will really enjoy listening to a condescending french teenager explain exactly how he dominated the rest of the field.

Dovi's ready for Qatar.  8)


(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8721/16598841467_9215f21ece_c.jpg)

Hector's new Ducati.


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16627614899_a366402236_c.jpg)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/14/ducati-end-day-one-of-qatar-test-on-top/171708 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/14/ducati-end-day-one-of-qatar-test-on-top/171708)

 [coffee]

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16193533314_dabe7fdb91_c.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7605/16628735400_8105d18a0a_c.jpg)

What tires were Dovi and Crazy Joe running?

They were on the softs for those lap times. (Bridgestone)

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/215547/1/ducati-dazzles-on-opening-night-of-qatar-test.html (http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/215547/1/ducati-dazzles-on-opening-night-of-qatar-test.html)

According to the article, Dovi insisted the fastest times were set in their hard tire which is the factory's soft option and preferred tire for the race.

I don't have the pass to watch it though so I couldn't see what they were running.

Ok then, they were on the 'soft' hard tires.  :D




(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/16629269938_878e6d7584_c.jpg)

Win win situations are cool  ;D

 8) [thumbsup]

It's just way cooler under the lights.



(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8690/16629884408_b5e26384a5_c.jpg)

Does this play for you guys?


http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2015/03/15/riders-take-to-the-track-on-day-2-in-qatar/171835 (http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2015/03/15/riders-take-to-the-track-on-day-2-in-qatar/171835)

Not a free video.

Rats. It's practice 2 footage, with no announcers. The way I like to watch races.

Dovi on top today. They're running the 'winglets'


(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/16800595056_3b18b67c80_c.jpg)




(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16206526823_cf931be7c8_c.jpg)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/15/marquez-discusses-ducati-performance/171880 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/15/marquez-discusses-ducati-performance/171880)

I can't blame the little shit for having so much confidence.

I hope this test isn't as misleading as I think it is.

Ducati is looking a genuine threat.
All reports say no soft tires used today.

Looking at those who did times today under 1m56s...
Dovi did 15, out of 20 hot laps.
MM did 20, but took 33 hot laps to do it.
AI did 11/30.
JL 10/34.
VR 8/41.
Dani 6/27.

If you want to get a good feel for the 'cat who swallowed the canary' look, that'd be Gigi in that video.

I think MM may be a bit pleased with this.

Dovi is not an easy man to pass.
Iannone isn't afraid of anybody, and passes don't stick very well on him, if he can even remotely strike back on the next corner, he does it.
More riders for MM to race with, which is what he wants.
And more riders to impede and harass Rossi, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa, also what he wants.

Sounds right.
Should be a good season.

I hope the day spread of 4 x manufacturers close to the money continues.

If I were Honda and Yamaha I would be concerned with Ducati being able to test and make changes while they have their engines locked. This small advantage might help Ducati at first, but I believe the rest of the Aliens will pick up the pace to the point where Ducati will be fighting for 5th soon after.

MM always seems to have some pace in reserve.
First 5 races will be very interesting. I would love to see Crazy Joe and MM duke it out a bit.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/16/ducati-ends-qatar-test-on-top-after-rain-washes-out-last-day/171934 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/16/ducati-ends-qatar-test-on-top-after-rain-washes-out-last-day/171934)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/16840627655_5a87c90c01_c.jpg)

I was wondering why teams didn't take the opportunity to test rain set-ups on the last, wet day of testing; apparently, running the Qatar circuit in the wet is so treacherous that Bridgestone didn't even bring rain tires to the test:

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/03/16/rain_stops_qatar_motogp_test_last_day_co.html (https://motomatters.com/news/2015/03/16/rain_stops_qatar_motogp_test_last_day_co.html)

When it is so rare that it rains in a specific circuit, there is no gain testing in the rain.

That isn't the reason they cancelled the test at Qatar, or didn't bring wet tires. The lights glare off the wet surface so bad the track isn't safe. They can't race in the rain there.

I didn't think of that  [thumbsup]

I think we'll start hearing of tracks being Honda, Yamaha or Ducati. Apparently the issue which they will need to focus now will be stability under braking. Isn't this where the Honda had the advantage last year with their seamless gearbox? Now that Yamaha can downshift without using the clutch with their gearbox, sounds like Ducati now has to keep up.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/18/michelin-continues-2016-preparation-in-qatar/171995 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/18/michelin-continues-2016-preparation-in-qatar/171995)

Any idea why the Michelin test in Qatar is just a Honda & Ducati deal? I would have thought it was worth Yamaha's time at least to participate to get some baseline data, if not all of the manufacturers who will have to be on those tires next year. And I also wonder if Pirro is rolling the Michelins on a GP15 or GP14.x chassis.

I believe they mention on the article that they have a bunch more tests and that they span across multiple teams. They'll probably have a Yamaha/Suk/Ape test later.

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/216653/1/the-gp15-is-a-real-ducati.html (http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/216653/1/the-gp15-is-a-real-ducati.html)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/17/yamaha-and-honda-react-to-ducati-pace-in-qatar/171989 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/17/yamaha-and-honda-react-to-ducati-pace-in-qatar/171989)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/16275074864_551a9ff1ae_c.jpg)

can't wait until this weekend - http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/216863/1/rivals-talk-ducati-gp15.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/216863/1/rivals-talk-ducati-gp15.html)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16744810198_15bd845b18.jpg)

Can't wait until tomorrow!!!

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/26/marquez-lays-down-the-gauntlet-to-rivals-in-qatar/172413 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/26/marquez-lays-down-the-gauntlet-to-rivals-in-qatar/172413)

The kid continues to impress.

Now that the season has started it's time to add all this stuff to the threads relating to the race weekends.

No  :-*

We'll see. ;D

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/28/kunimine-wins-on-the-line/172707 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/28/kunimine-wins-on-the-line/172707)

Casey Stoner will return to motorcycle racing with the Suzuka 8 Hour:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/216932/1/casey-stoner-to-make-motorcycle-racing-comeback.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/216932/1/casey-stoner-to-make-motorcycle-racing-comeback.html)

Much as he seems to hate the grind of the MotoGP circuit, I don't imagine a return trip is in the cards (though it'd be big fun to see him and Marquez go at it), but he might be able to do some interesting things from here on out - maybe line up at the Springfield Mile, the IOMTT, Daytona, all the interesting stuff that isn't an option for a MotoGP professional.

I don't think Casey has the balls correct frame of mind to do the IOM.

Real or excuse?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/29/pedrosa-a-doubt-for-the-next-race/172946 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/29/pedrosa-a-doubt-for-the-next-race/172946)

Why would he make an excuse like that?

It's plagued him for years if the rumours are true and really became a problem in the big class. Sounds like he's had a gut full of it and being bridesmaid. He might take the surgery risk now as in his own mind, his career may be on the line.

Well, Pedro is most likely to call himself out, by latest news.
Let's see if PussyStoner will stick his head out, with the bike still overall best of the GP, or if he will still hide behind a reputation much higher than his wins.

Let's see if PussyStoner will stick his head out, with the bike still overall best of the GP, or if he will still hide behind a reputation much higher than his wins.
[/quote]
really???
Stoner will be riding in the Suzuka 8hr this year

Stoner just cares about spending as much time in Australia as possible. I doubt he will be rejoining MotoGP any time soon.

I'd love it, but I don't see him filling in for Pedrobot. It's a no win for him...unless he absolutely crushes the field, which isn't likely or even reasonable to expect, then the haters will hate even more.

agreed

Certainly nothing at all to gain. Is a lose lose.
would take longer to get back up to speed than the 1 or 2 races. Most likely mid pack.

Only Honda may gain from some data or maybe a crash with VR.

Still be fun to see Mm and Stoner at the top of their game on the same bike.

Latest news is 4..6 weeks stop, with Aoyama covering for him.

Link?

In Italian:

http://www.gazzetta.it/Moto/moto-GP/02-04-2015/pedrosa-nuovo-intervento-braccio-110318657726.shtml (http://www.gazzetta.it/Moto/moto-GP/02-04-2015/pedrosa-nuovo-intervento-braccio-110318657726.shtml)

MCN

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2015/april/pedrosa-to-undergo-surgery-tomorrow-aoyama-to-stand-in/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2015/april/pedrosa-to-undergo-surgery-tomorrow-aoyama-to-stand-in/)

Thanks

Apparently Stoner offered himself to replace Pedro, but Honda preferred other venues. Sorry, still in Italian ...

http://www.gazzetta.it/Moto/moto-GP/03-04-2015/motogp-stoner-offerto-pedrosa-honda-110329623815.shtml (http://www.gazzetta.it/Moto/moto-GP/03-04-2015/motogp-stoner-offerto-pedrosa-honda-110329623815.shtml)

I call media BS, I just can't see Stoner going back.

Yep, and no way HRC would say no IMO.

Tweet from Stoner:

Sorry to everyone but I am not racing @circuitamericas next weekend, it would have been an honour to ride for @26_DaniPedrosa #NotMeantToBe

And:

http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/stoner-sorry-that-he-wont-be-replacing-pedrosa/?v=2&s=1 (http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/stoner-sorry-that-he-wont-be-replacing-pedrosa/?v=2&s=1)

Honda's best bet is to use a rider that gets them the most bike-development information, and that's not Stoner at this point in time.

If that's the case, why does HRC use stoner to test MM and Pedrosa bike in preparation for this year

I think they're crazy not to use Stoner if he's willing. I didn't think he would want to, but seems he does.  :o

I don't know how quickly he would be able to get back up to speed, but I'm pretty sure he'd be in the top 5 in the 1st race. Probably harassing for the win in the second race. No way Aoyama does either.

From Livio's mouth

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118370 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118370)

Translation...we don't want Stoner to potentially take points away from MM. Aoyama isn't capable of doing that.

Comparing Stoner to Bayliss is stupid. Bayliss had been out of the sport for like 8 years, and is much older. He also never rode a race-prepped 1199. One could also argue that the 1199 isn't even capable of winning...it has yet to do so with anyone on it. Stoner on the other and has only been out a couple years, is still young, has ridden the Honda, and the Honda is a good bike.

Same goes with comparisons to Schumaker. When he came back, his Mercedes didn't have any chance of winning no matter who was driving it.

+1

Yamaha is struggling with this since there is no clear #1 rider, they steal valuable championship points from one another. Livio did mentions "cons" which would include the "what if Stoner is faster than MM?"

The Turd knows exactly his place on the team. Imagine if Stoner were at least very competitive, do you not see MM willing to plow him over to get to the front?

I think Pedrosa would not want Stoner there especially if hw was quicker and may be softening on the never return statement.
Wonder if MM also was asked?
Woukd love to see the test data on his testing.

I would think Honda would want a better rider to collect points for the manufacturer's title.

Tough to say at this point but it might be a close race between 3 manufacturers.

Ducati should grovel to Stoner with big $$$$ and an apology, flowers for the GLW (and an all paid shopping trip to Milano), and a nanny for the kids. Ducati have the bike now, but need a true alien.
There I said it ;D

Ducati would be more thn willing to beg, but Stoner will never go back. HRC probably has asked him a few times to return and he actually like them. No apologies will ever make up for the way that Ducati treated him.

True.

He could win on that bike.

Stoner at his peak could win on any bike, but if he would have stayed at Ducati, they would have not improved the bike as they have done since Gigi joined them.

Are you saying that Preziosi would still be there managing a losing program if Stoner had stayed ?

He'd be engineering Scramblers because Phillip Morris would have bailed long ago and Ducati would not be racing in GP.

Stoner would have moved to another manufacturer regardless. He wasn't going to fight the battle with his own team.

They finally fixed it after all these years (the best years of his racing life).
Probably finally the bike he asked for, or close to it.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2015/Apr/150406273.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2015/Apr/150406273.htm)

Very interesting. It's up to Ducati now to heal the wounds if we are ever to see Stoner ride Moto GP again. Or maybe Yamaha?

Ducati would have won and no one would have blamed Preziosi. Stoner would have complained and everyone would have kept calling him a whiner. Rossi would have stayed in Yamaha.

The past years of progress were all due to Rossi not able to win on the POS, plain and simple. Prior to Rossi moving to Ducati, the riders were just crybabies.

Yep. I'd agree with that.
Added to that is that Burgess couldn't adjust the bike to win either, further supporting the idea that the bike was outside the circle of acceptable handling. It wouldn't turn so Stoner turned it the dirt track way which hid the problem and Ducati blamed the riders. Old news I know. Stoner also did strange dark arts stuff Nicky Hayden has mentioned like loading the front with the brakes at times that would make other riders crash.

I disagree. Stoner wouldn't be able to continue winning on that bike.

The rest might have played out the same or differently eventually because Stoner wasn't gonna stay and ride it much longer whether Ducati mistreated him or not.

...and I agree with Suppo. The risk of Casey coming back, for any team, is too high...for Casey.

He still won races, but crashed a lot accessing that speed with the bike the way it was. Championships were out of the question and other riders struggled to podium. Imagine where Melandri's career would be now if he hadn't gone to Ducati. He was a contender on the Honda.

IMO you can't count Melandri.

Everything needs to be perfect for him to go fast.

There's no reason he should be absolutely last on the APE this year...seconds behind his team mate.

I don't think he's ever been the same since the Ducati. It changed the trajectory of his career. Crusty got out just in time.

Agreed. The bike just wasn't capable of winning. Stoner would have done better than anyone else, but not well enough to make himself or Marlboro happy.


Nah...Melandri is just a crybaby, and needs a perfect bike. Even in WSBK, if the bike wasn't perfect, then he was somewhere in the back. Meanwhile, his teammates won the championship.

I guarantee Cal regrets his move away from Ducati. With the GP15 showing signs of serious life, he would have had a shot at a championship. It's why he went to Ducati in the 1st place...in hopes they could fix it. He just couldn't wait. Now, he has exactly zero shot at a championship.

They're all excitable boys with little patience.

Yeah, all about timing ay? He would have regretted going and leaving.

Cal handled that whole situation really badly. IMHO he has just about the same level of talent as Dovi. I think he decided on the devil he knew. Now he's stuck in satellite limbo unless the Turd retires at the end of the year. Then HRC will need to debate who will be blocking for MM.

BTW, Stoner would not have won the championship, but he always had the potential to win. I'm sure that he would have won at least a couple of races on the POS. Now he's too much of a wildcard for HRC to consider and he will never go back to Ducati. He scorched pretty much all bridges as he closed the door.

Cal won't get the Factory Honda ride for more than a year at a time.

Alex Marquez or Jack Miller will get that sooner than later.

+1

As soon as Miller starts living up to his potential he will leapfrog any other satellite rider. HRC is really investing on the young guys. Yamaha on the other hand still has the issue of trying to replace Rossi when he decides to retire.

Those two should be the factory riders one day. Depends how long MM can stay interested. Shit he's young. (I keep having to remind myself).

Maybe Miller and AM could end up with Yamaha and Ducati or Suzuki as factory riders. I'd like to see Miller on a Ducati. Aussies and Ducatis go well together. He's a lot harder than Stoner mentally and will punch someone out rather than whine. He'll be the bad boy of Moto GP. Imagine Miller and Crazy Joe on the same team! [laugh] Honda own him though ay?

The next generation.

Yep, HRC jumped on him before any other factory could. They have always been able to identify talent. The jumped on Rossi, the Turd has always been fast and MM has been untouchable.

Given time these other riders will end up racing on the Suk or the Ape as well. Depending on the level of interest they could be competitive in a few years. All it takes is a young talent to comes along to knows how to make your POS go fast (like Stoner on the Duc).

Suzuki and Aprilia still have to make the fast bike.

Don't forget the Duc was the fastest bike on the grid in '07, and was miles ahead of the Hondas and Yammies not taking anything away from Casey.

I think Casey believed in the Ducati electronics, and was able to ignore what no one else could ignore about the way the thing handled. That allowed him to win.

True but it was only fastest in a straight line. It was still struggling to get the power down and flexed under braking. The grip riders found it unstable on the gas, but Stoner solved that by letting the rear tyre break free. I really thought Nicky was going to be good on it with his dirt background (similar to Stoner). Shows how much I know.

Yeah the young'uns seem to trust and understand how to work with the electronics. Stoner must have been good at Xbox. ;D

I think Nicky wanted too much control.

Casey believed the electronics would control it so he pinned it and pointed it.

Yeah the faith of the young in technology. I 'spose Nicky was from the Gameboy generation, not Xbox.
We're from the pinball generation. ;)

Nicky is my favorite rider...but Stoner is just a better rider than him. It's that simple. They both have dirt backgrounds, and they both can handle a bike moving and bucking...Stoner can just do it a bit better. Everyone says Stoner relied on the electronics...but they all do now. Stoner rode at a very low TC level, and was super smooth on the throttle (that's out of Nicky's mouth in an interview a few years ago). He's just a special rider, as is MM.

Put them in a dirt track race, and I'm not sure. I still think Stoner might take him though. Hayden has had wrist problems for a few years now too, so that is limiting his current potential. Still, I think Stoner is just a bit better.

Take away the electronics, and I think the fast guys would still be the fast guys. I suspect Pedro and JLo wouldn't be quite as quick, but still up there. Cal would kill himself. Rossi, MM, and Stoner would look the same in relation to every one else IMO.

When I say Stoner believed in the electronics it isn't saying he relied on them.

It was his talent, which included his mindset regarding the bike and it's package, that made Casey fast.

Yeah I reckon that's true, thus my Xbox comments. You gotta be able to work with the technology and manipulate it. He reportedly had the TC turned down, but he manipulated it and exploited it. That takes a lot of feel or kinesthsetic (spelling) perception, which I think made up for the lack of feel on the Ducati. It reminds me of MM, and their styles are most similar imo. MM is just more of a killer. ;D

HRC definitely have their succession plans in place...
They are pinning their hopes on Miller, and then Alex Marquez.
Miller already showed he can be fast by getting to 11th.

He just needs to learn patience and a little more control.
The next race will be interesting. Certainly looking to see where he is relative to Nicky.

Maybe Stoner to Suzuki (once they get the power deficit solved)....
They seem to have a good handling chassis.
Or Aprilia, if the jump the power up  ;D
 

Apparently, Rossi is simply incapable of resisting the urge to mess with Casey Stoner's head:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/217338/1/rossi-lorenzo-respond-to-suzuka-rumours.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/217338/1/rossi-lorenzo-respond-to-suzuka-rumours.html)

How did you get that idea from reading the crasnet post? Did I miss something

With Stoner making a return to two-wheeled competition at Suzuka (which makes me happy - I've always loved watching what he can do on a bike), it seems a mighty odd coincidence that Rossi starts floating (and rejecting) the idea that he & Lorenzo just might show up with the M1* and spoil everybody's fun.

*I'd hazard a guess that the demands of MotoGP and endurance racing - not to mention the Dorna engine allotment & testing restrictions, yada yada yada - are so radically different that the M1 would make a pretty poor choice for Suzuka...

He did say R1 for Suzuka.

Oops; you're right - I misread that.

And he was responding to a question about rumors. Nothing to do with Stoner.

Yeah but what's up with this Vale/Jorge bromance  [evil]?

They have to play the happy teammate card. When Vale returned to Yamaha, they plainly said that Jorghey was the #1 rider. That is probably not the case today.

And EBR is gone...
http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing-closes-files-for-receivership-b99481936z1-299863281.html (http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing-closes-files-for-receivership-b99481936z1-299863281.html)

^^^ that truly is a shame, I had hoped he could take on some of the established manufactures, I love a underdog.

Can't say I'm surprised. Something to be said about dreaming big.

He should sell the biz to Elon Musk...the "Tesla Stretta" (oh, wait, someone already has a name like that [laugh])

Pegram speaks...

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Team+Hero+EBR+statement+following+EBR+closure (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Team+Hero+EBR+statement+following+EBR+closure)

I want whatever he's smoking. I can see being able to run a few more races, but the money will soon run out.

Apparently, Marquez has decided to make this season even more interesting:

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/04/25/marc_marquez_breaks_little_finger_in_tra.html (https://motomatters.com/news/2015/04/25/marc_marquez_breaks_little_finger_in_tra.html)

Does that bring the Stoner discussion back to life?  ;D

The little finger of the left hand is about as used as the alcoholics anonymous membership card at the oktoberfest :D

...or DIMBY. [thumbsup]

He'll probably lose a second every time he uses the clutch...right? ;D

I'd be surprised if he sat it out. He's a tough little bugger. Mind you, sometimes those niggling injuries hamper more than a straight out big break. He bounced back from his broken leg, so seems a good healer with a high pain threshold.
If Rossi wants a tenth title, this is it.

Marc is 21 years old. Of course he heals quick.

Of course, being young helps.
He also has a strong attitude to recovering and is physically robust. Despite the baby face, very tough mindset. I would guess someone like Pedrosa wouldn't have bounced as well even when he was young.

Yes he does. He's a racer.

Hard saying about Dani. Seems he's been 'broken' for some time. If he really waits until he's recovered to come back it will be interesting to see where he lands in the results.

Marc won't crash often I don't think, and needs to win some races for his championship to be alive.

We'll talk again in a week or so. ;D

I'm pro-Rossi so nothing would make me happier than another title.   Buuuuutttt...

...Marquez will no doubt have some 3-or-so race stretch this spring/summer where he dominates the field. Then, the championship will be his to lose.

Well, this is interesting

http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-breaks-finger-in-dirt-bike-crash (http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-breaks-finger-in-dirt-bike-crash)

 ;D

If he's out then the two factory test riders should race for mfr points. ;)

pssst...top of the page...

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69757.msg1307379#msg1307379 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69757.msg1307379#msg1307379)

I was stuck on this one page all morning...kept going from the previous message back to the top..couldn't stop myself from clicking on the link!

A Groundhog Day nightmare....a virtual Hall of Mirrors

When's the next race?  [drink]

This coming weekend in Spain..

This also feeds into Ducati. With both HRC guys out and Lorenzo having his issues, they should be able to pull in even more points. Lorenzo always comes back strong and healthy riders on Hondas are a nightmare.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDgoPXSWMAAIRIU.jpg)

Pedrosa always has been injury prone. That isn't his fault, it's just his luck, and/or the way his body works. He's a tough dude though, and has ridden many times with injuries.

Yeah, he's willing, but his body lets him down.

Bet money he'll race this week.

Without question he'll race.

They will modify his clutch lever to have him better get a hold on it  ;D

Thumb switch....

Didn't Bayliss (?) ride WSBK with "finger controls" part of one season?

He really only needs the clutch at the race start.

Yeah, not likely that a Spanish rider would miss a race at Jerez.   Which brings up a question I've always had,  anybody know what type of pain medication that these top performing athletes use on game day? I recall an older NFL documentary where they went from treating injuries with injections, to preemptively getting the injections and starting the game knowing that they were invincible; and no, it wasn't cocaine... 

Mine was a joke, about the clutch, but it seems I missed a point.
Reading an interview to Dovi, he is saying that the little finger is very important at holding the bike while at (around) maximum lean position, and he thinks this will affect MM.
But I think he is right. When leaning on the opposite side of the broken hand, such hand (and in particular the furthest fingers - like the little and ring ones) is subject to some load.
Never thought about that.

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/04/28/dani_pedrosa_to_miss_jerez_aims_for_le_m.html

Dani out for Jerez

And, no surprise, Marquez is in: http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/218167/1/marc-marquez-confirmed-for-jerez.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/218167/1/marc-marquez-confirmed-for-jerez.html)

Ya, I don't know. It'd surely be an issue for me, but for a top level rider like the GP guys? Hell, Bayliss had the end of his pinkie cut off so he could continue racing instead of letting it heal which would have made him miss several races that season.  [bow_down] We'll see how it affects him either way.

I wonder if he was forced to do push ups

I bet whoever ran over his hand got pregnant dog slapped real good

I thought he just had a hard crash.

Copied from Crash.net

"Marc crashed on Saturday while he was practicing dirt track. Unfortunately the rider just behind him hit his hand,” Dr Mir told MotoGP.com. “This caused a severe displacement of the fifth [little] finger of the left hand."

Ouch. That guy is probably feeling really guilty right about now unless his last name is Lorenzo.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Team+Hero+EBR+to+withdrawal+from+World+Superbike (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Team+Hero+EBR+to+withdrawal+from+World+Superbike)

Told you so. It makes no sense that they would have budget to race.

From Motogp site:


I don't want to pile it on Jorge here, since we do enough of that as a group, but "helmet" issues??  I seemed to miss this excuse when it was given.  Anyone want to fill me in.

You'reghey said that the reason he did so poorly at Qatar was 'someone' made a mistake installing the padding in his helmet and claimed it came loose and was obstructing his vision.

 [roll]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/05/01/nakamoto-if-we-need-him-casey-comes-back-next-season/174841 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/05/01/nakamoto-if-we-need-him-casey-comes-back-next-season/174841)

Made me smile that....

Get the feeling they are trying to stop him from signing elsewhere.....

I do not think Pedro will be going anywhere, and will still be there next season as a Marquez support.
Honda are really hoping Miller lives up to his potential, so they have some extra future proofing.

Would love to see Stoner v Marquez v Rossi though...
Stoner clearing out early, and then the other two hunting him down. 2016 Aus GP would be fun then, he would be used to the bike again by the time he hits his favourite track....

Interested to see how the Suzuka 8 hr ride goes....

MSMA looking at changes that would remove Ducati's concessions for 2016, dry wins or no:

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/05/04/msma_proposes_introducing_concession_poi.html (https://motomatters.com/news/2015/05/04/msma_proposes_introducing_concession_poi.html)

I've got mixed feelings -- clearly the GP15 is a competitive bike and it's appropriate to pull the concessions at some point soon, but personally I think I'd rather see the restrictions on testing & in-season engine changes become a bit looser for all the manufacturers. And, quite appropriately, I bet Ducati will argue that there is a set of agreed upon and recently-updated rules, they've been playing under them, so it's not good for them or any other "upcoming" manufacturers to change them several times a year.

What Livio fails to discern is the true meaning of the word competitive.

Until a bike is capable of winning races like the Honda and the Yamaha then it isn't truly competitive.

Seems like Gigi has gotten close enough to worry them and they just want to put a stop to the bikes development.

^  This. It almost sounds like sour grapes to me.

Seems the bike is capable of winning races, just maybe not the current riders. It sure looked competitive in the first 3 rounds. Dovi in 2nd, and Ianonne in 5th overall.

I don't think either of Ducati's riders are second class J.

I think the bike needs to take another step or two.

Seamless tranny? Gigi and the riders agree that they can now focus on the small items that win races. I think they should also start looking at riders that can consistently win (beating that dead horse).

Dovi and Crazy Joe are not Rossi or Marquez, but they're capable of winning races.

Three second places in the first three races indicate the bike is capable too. Put Rossi or MM on the bike now, and I'd bet they win races. That doesn't mean they don't have room for improvement, but the bike excuse should be gone. Even Honda needs to improve some.

Dovi is proving me wrong this season about his ability. I wouldn't call him second class, but I wouldn't yet call him an alien either...but he's close. He could easily win the championship if he gets back to regular podiums, and MM, Rossi, JLo, and Pedro all rotate wins.

Ianonne has yet to prove that he can consistently lay down fast laps for an entire race. I like him a lot, but he needs more experience. Apparently he is having trouble working the electronics to get the most out of the bike. At the moment he is second class, and the bike has more ability than him. I don't expect him to stay that way though.

+1 I see more potential with Crazy Joe than with Dovi, who at this point in his career is more set in his ways. The problem with being consistent, but not aggressive is that the Aliens are both consistent AND aggressive. Jorghey has issues racing others, but once he's in the lead, he's pretty much untouchable. MM and Rossi have the potential to win on any given Sunday (or the one Saturday). I see this in Iannone. He definitely has the aggression, but desperately needs the consistency.

I'm not sure about that... I think the bike is def competitive at this point and it just might be missing that missing X factor from one of the alien riders.  The reason I say this is because of that year Dovi has as a factory honda.  He had basically the same bike as Dani/Stoner but always just placed 3rd in the standings.  He's fast, hard to get past... but missing that last little 10th to get that first place finish.

I'd say that by the end of this year's development the bike should be pretty well sorted out.  Giving them a whole nother year to develop unrestricted might be a bit much to me.  I feel Duc should have the rest of 2015 to develop but that should end with the start of the 2016 season.

I guess you all have a point...and you're entitled to be wrong. ;D

I still don't think they should change the rules they all agreed to because the unibrow Duc is scaring them.

Agree 11ty billion percent.

Ducati played by the rules. Everybody else can make the beast with two backs off  8)

(The manufacturers can make the beast with two backs off. Not you guys. I like most of you)

 [laugh]

Livio knows exactly what competitive means...he just doesn't care. If he could get away with it, he'd hang lead weights on all the other bikes - just to be sure  [evil]

WRT Dovi and other riders challenging for the title; it's very rare in the history of "MotoGP" for a champion to not have a blue-ribbon pedigree.  From old-man Rossi on down, they've all been champions at all levels of their careers - even Nicky Hayden.  Only 'oddity' I can think of is KR, Jr. in 2000.

So, I wouldn't expect the MotoGP Champion to come from outside the group of aliens under normal circumstances; that is, barring season-ending injuries, Ben-type mechanical nightmares, etc.

Dovi and Iannone might win an occasional race or two, but I would think Ducati wants to do more...

Speaking of Ben, I wonder if he'll ever come back?

Maybe now that the Duc is getting closer to the sharp end they'll be able to lure someone else...

but who?

I think the next Alien might be Quatararo, but I think Honda has him sewn up already.

I would have put my money on Vinales 2 years ago. Kent is completely dominating Moto3 this year. There are not enough Hondas out there so good riders need to trickle down to the other manufacturers. With Vale looking like he will never retire and Jorghey still in the mix, Ducati should have enough choices now that they have a competitive bike.

I dont think there has been any word of Ben since the retirement... I truly think he's just out of it for good and happy to be just riding bicycles.  His last couple of years in MotoGP would sour anyone from stepping back in I think.

I would have thought he might have been involved with the MotoAmerica series, maybe as an announcer or coach.  Offhand... I was also expecting CEII to be a lot more interesting to watch as an announcer.  Saw in when those races played... just seems like he was told to read the lines and nothing more.

I think the young riders need to work their way through Moto 3 and 2 before getting into Motogp.  There is so much they need to learn.  Interesting to see how Jack Miller progresses.

Rules stability concerning subsidies and bike pricing from 2017 on:

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/05/11/motogp_in_2017_and_beyond_towards_a_brig.html

They all sound pretty good to me and I have to say that I'm impressed from where these rule changes started with CRT to the kind of racing we're seeing today.

CRT simply allowed Dorna a way to fight back against the MSA. During the 800 era the manufacturers were basically handed a blank check and they took full advantage. We all know that MotoGP would not have survived without the manufacturers, but behind close doors I'm sure that Dorna was basically telling the MSA that they were moving forward with the rules changes with or without them.

This is actually a very interesting move. The R&D depts hate instability. They must still be going bonkers over the switch to new rubber. I can see Dorna switching rules on them every other month just to make the beast with two backs with their minds.

Did we read the same article?  ???

I read a rules freeze from 2017 for a period of 5 years.

Yep, as long as Dorna doesn't need to bankroll the teams any longer.

They're still making quite a contribution.

Yeah, still providing tires and 2Mill Euros for each team. And now the factories need to provide cheaper equipment.

The new rules actually sound really good to me. Fingers crossed!

I don't see the benefit of limiting the grid to 24 riders though, other than to keep Dorna's contribution to a known quantity.

When (if ever) would you say is too many riders too much congestion on a track?  And at what point is the quality of rider talent severely diluted?

It revolves around the budget. Between the 2 million per team and the tires, Dorna is probably looking at having consistent costs.

A lot more than 24...likely in the 40-50 range IMO. Hell, we've had well over 30 on our shitty local tracks!


I think so as well. 40 teams, and Dorna might run out of money!

They're also covering the travel cost right now. Like any big corporation these days, they're trying to get control of their budget. I'm sure that they would get rid of all aid to the teams if they could. This is just the easiest sale to the MSA.

Sounds like Iannone had a get-off today toward the end of the private test at Mugello. He was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder, but is still planning on racing at LeMans:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/218744/1/iannone-heads-for-le-mans-despite-dislocated-shoulder.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/218744/1/iannone-heads-for-le-mans-despite-dislocated-shoulder.html)

;D

IMO, the key (negative) factor would be dueling race-leaders lapping the pokey riders.  Seem to recall Ben and Mladin having that issue at Barber one year (when AMA races started with 30+ riders, the good-old days). They were wheel-to-wheel for what seemed like several laps, swapping positions, when the leader (I forget who won) got past a marker but the other didn't for several seconds...

Some of the tweets being shown on the motogp site are interesting.....

Stoner congratulating the Ducati team on getting the Andreas near the pointy end....

Miller - shouting out to Nicky, after he loaned him his car, and he left him a banner....
Paddock must be closer than I thought they would be....especially with Nicky being Millers benchmark right now......

This

I would love to see a reconciliation between Stoner and Ducati. 

http://www.motogp.com/en/facebook_update/2015/05/21/ok-let-s-go-ai29-on-the-road/176238 (http://www.motogp.com/en/facebook_update/2015/05/21/ok-let-s-go-ai29-on-the-road/176238)

While I don't think it's going to happen (even as I'm with you in hoping it might), I'm pretty sure that everyone who crossed Casey back then has since been shown the door, and the new bike is a real vindication of a lot of his largely-ignored complaints about the old one.

Two-way street -- Casey didn't appear to be the ideal employee, either, and corporations never forget.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/01/factory-motogp-riders-remain-in-mugello-for-michelin-test/177193 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/01/factory-motogp-riders-remain-in-mugello-for-michelin-test/177193)

I cant see Casey ever going back to Ducati as he seems to be pretty happy with Honda.  Honda also seems to be very protective of him as seen by how they kept him from replacing Pedrosa when he was out.

Max with wild cards   http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wsbk/max-biaggi-wsbk-wild-card/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wsbk/max-biaggi-wsbk-wild-card/)

Is that interesting?

His GF/wife is probably sick of him being around the house all the time  ;D

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/23/melandri-i-see-the-glass-as-half-full/178328 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/23/melandri-i-see-the-glass-as-half-full/178328)

Half full? Closer to a tenth.

Review of Vale's issues while qualifying:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/24/rossi-the-qualifying-conundrum/178387 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/06/24/rossi-the-qualifying-conundrum/178387)

France family in the running to take over operations at Laguna Seca...ick!

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/stock-car-firm-takeover-laguna-seca/#more-89941 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/stock-car-firm-takeover-laguna-seca/#more-89941)

Look at all they've done for road racing in general... [puke]

Money talks and bullshit walks.  :D

I understand that...but the way they ran AMA Pro Racing did what for the sport in the US? Daytona moto races are a joke.

They should stick to the roundy round bullshit and stay out of roadracing.

My only hope is that Rainey gets involved.

All square for 2016. Ducati better get all the testing done they can cause next year the MSMA pregnant doged enough so no more season long engine test....

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/06/27/ducati_lose_concessions_for_2016_will_ra.html

I agree with that move.  The bike is competitive, they just need some more baseline settings and a alien on it now.

+1

 [wasn't] Marco Melandri splits with the Ape..... [coffee] Nothing surprising with that announcement courtesy of Crash.net

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^6

linky... http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/220891/1/official-marco-melandri-splits-from-aprilia.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/220891/1/official-marco-melandri-splits-from-aprilia.html)

Better luck next year Marco!

Good story.....andl will someone please tell the automated/PC expletive fixer that it misspelled "Pregnant DogGed"  [popcorn]

If MM has a lot to learn.  Last year 10 in a row.  I guess you would like for him to just follow like many of the others.  Something else, 3 Spaniards on the qualifying podium.  We have one American racing, why no USA guys.  Look at Formula One racing, no Americans.  What's up.
Sterling

Not popular in the States.

Not to mention AMA going to hell in a handbasket when DMG was in charge.  I've been watching some of the MotoAmerica races and it seems to be better than before.  It's just going to take a while before I can picture it getting enough traction to grow as a sport in US after so many years of neglect.  It didn't help at all that the last US rider that went to Moto2 (Josh Herrin) pretty much bombed.

But yeah... no real support system for that kind of racing in the US.  It's like asking why aren't there more Euro drivers in Nascar.

Even when King Kenny, Scwantz Rainey Lawson and Spencer were big in GP, motorcycle road racing was not very popular in the US. It didn't help that the technology at the time was stone age and we couldn't see what they were doing.

While perhaps not the prime reason, it is worth noting that we (USA) are also not a motorcycle culture---present company and related friends excluded of course.  Virtually every European I know owned a bike or scooter at some point, even if they don't now or ever plan to again.  It's just a big part of the culture.  Meanwhile, maybe 3% of the people I knew before I got into riding had owned a motorbike.   It's largely a subculture here.  That being said, a subculture of a country with 300+ million citizens is still pretty big, but that in part explains why it is not such a big thing compared to Europe.

The reason there are more moto drivers in Europe is simply a matter of economics.

This is true percentage wise...

and also pure numbers wise.

There are over twice as many of them after all. ;D

 :D

Doesn't help that the races are televised days after the event, either...

Watched the Miller Motorsport races and, looked like the stands were empty....anyone here go?

Barber is always 'popular' so will gauge the popularity based on the density of picnicers visible on the knolls..

Forward Racing looks to be in pretty big trouble.  Boss/Owner arrested on corruption charges:

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/07/16/forward_racing_boss_cuzari_arrested_on_c.html

Unsure if they are going to be able to make it to the next round if they can't free up the funding.

They've seemed a bit dodgy since last season and the 'difference of opinion' with FTR.

I'm hoping that Bradl and Baz don't end up on the street-corner selling pencils.

Shit...


http://m.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/update-two-riders-dead-in-chaotic-crash-at-world-superbike/article_1078990c-2e8a-11e5-9304-63351bb5db43.html?mode=jqm (http://m.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/update-two-riders-dead-in-chaotic-crash-at-world-superbike/article_1078990c-2e8a-11e5-9304-63351bb5db43.html?mode=jqm)

Terrible news.

Wow, that is terrible!

Yeah, always horrible to hear something like this.

Don't know if anyone else caught it, but during WSBK Superpole the commentators were talking alot about Nicky moving to WSBK next year.

I'd like to see him at least have a chance at being competitive again.

I've been saying that he should move to WSBK for years. The diehard Nicky fans that will remain nameless continue to believe that he can be competitive in MotoGP.

I did, but it seemed like total speculation...

until Ernie Marinelli went over and gave him a big hug. ;)

He'll never be competitive in GP on that turd of a Honda. :-*

I think that Mr. Kent could be the next MM and I would suggest to any manufacturers to jump on him quickly (are you listening Ducati?):

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/07/22/consistency-becomes-domination/180129 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/07/22/consistency-becomes-domination/180129)

I agree.  Ducati should grab him. But I also feel he needs more time to develop.  He has to run in moto2 at least one season.

"....arrested by the Swiss authorities on charges of suspected corruption of a public official, and money laundering through sponsorship activities."

He's confused, these are Swiss banking national pastimes.


Also....Guy Martin's need for speed...

http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/triumph-rocket-bonneville-racer-has-airplane-controls-1718345893 (http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/triumph-rocket-bonneville-racer-has-airplane-controls-1718345893)

I would agree that his best path for his career would be to not skip Moto2, but Ducati needs to take a gamble on young talent at some point. Crazy Joe is showing that he's developing into a solid rider, but I don't think you can be compared to MM for example. If Kent moves to Moto2, the chances increase of losing Kent to Yamaha or HRC. Both manufacturers have some connection with Moto2 teams, which gives them a huge advantage when attracting the best talent.

Kent rides a Honda.

You think HRC isn't already all over it?

Everyone in Moto3 rides either a Honda or a KTM. If he was riding for the Repsol team, then I would think that it was a lost cause. Ducati will have a chance to give him a decent ride and probably a boat load of money. I would bring him up to Pramac.

I'm sure Honda has their eye on him.  They're probably betting it will all work out.  They'll have Pedrossa long enough to allow Kent to get some more experience and when Pedrossa retires, Kent will step right in.

SHOW ME THE MONEY!  That seems to work to help getting people on board with your team.  But Ducati would have to offer the factory ride.  I don't think Honda would offer less. 

Honda is not providing Jack Miller a factory bike and with the rule changes, I'm not sure that it would be even possible. The most they can do is give him a satellite bike, which means that he would be in line for a factory spot behind MM, The Turd and Crusty, assuming that they get rid of Miller. Yamaha has a similar situation with Vale, Jorghey, Pol and Smith. Ducati can easily get rid of pretty much all their riders, with the possible exception of Crazy Joe.

I'm wondering if Yonny is worth keeping... he's shown some flashes of speed and he's still on the old GP14.2 I believe.  I'd like to see what he can do on a GP15 before writing him off.

But yeah, I'd say that Yam/Honda has lined up their grid pretty well with replacements but Ducati doesnt have their next gen in line yet.  Ape and maybe KTM might muddle the waters too since I'm sure they'll be scouting talent too.  Not sure if anyone is willing to go with a Ape factory ride over a sattelite but a factory ride isn't something to overlook.  Especially if they can be as competitive as Suzuki has been this year off the bat.

You can't really compare Suzuki and the Ape. Suzuki took a few years to develop their new bike. The Ape, under the magic unibrow, was running an open bike that they decided to move over to factory by just changing the valves. I will be very interested in seeing the KTM.

Yonny definitely deserves a ride. He qualified 5th last race!

On the American series issue, i have a friend who's grandson is a phenom at 7 on the dirt. I encouraged him to think about road as he grows. He basically said i was stupid that the family, money and fame is in motocross.

Well, he's not wrong. Names like Carmichael, McGrath and Pastrana ring a bell more than the guys from AMA that did not make it to WSBK or MotoGP.

But thats my point. If the american dads would start early towards the motogp path we americans could make a splash in the international circuit. There are more bikes in america than anywhere else... Offeoad.

Offroad bikes are more appealing to kids, not to mention cheaper, compared to road bikes. As a kid I much preferred to watch some guys flying through jumps to watching dudes go around a street circuit. To make it economically possible for families to encourage their children to try a road circuit, you need to attract real sponsors that will take on the financial burden.

Here in okc there is a small supermoto track ive seen the kids race on, fantastic but you're right between that and motoamerica there is no sponsor interest to take things international. Maybe its time for dorna to step up in america for a junior cup series on american tracks like they did in asia

I think American racing will take-off in the next few years...or at least I hope so. Dorna sees the US as a vital market, and their link to MotoAmerica is encouraging.

That said, right now it is tough to advance to the world stage from the US. Limited sponsorship makes it expensive and a high risk gamble (for the parents). Sponsorship currently resides with the ball sports, and motocross.

Just an observation: there is nearly an information vacuum regarding the accident at Laguna. In all fairness I have not dug around the internet for information but my regular source for news (Cycle News) has said next to nothing. In last weeks edition there was only the same small article that was passed around to everyone, and this week all they said is that the Sherriff's office deemed it a "racing incident"  and they will not be investigating further.

I am no morbid weirdo that wants to see video or anything like that, I am just curious what happened and where on the track. I just find it strange that it is not a bigger story.

I watched the MotoAmerica coverage over the weekend and it is flat-out terrible. I understand editing the races for time, but how about a lap counter!? And I actually think it is cool running two classes at once, but how about a position chart on the side of the screen showing EVERYONES position relative to each other with the Superbikes a different color or something like that? It was just horrible.

Mark

Info on where/what happened is around, here is one link:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/two-riders-killed-in-motoamerica-event-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/ (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/two-riders-killed-in-motoamerica-event-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/)

Bike stalled at the start line causing a collision and another ride hit the stalled rider.  Other riders also collided and caused the other fatality.

Sad to say but moto racing deaths aren't really covered that well beyond a blurb or two in general.  The only one that I can remember that had larger coverage was Simocelli's.  And, tbh, I don't think more coverage would be a good thing.  If something like that happened to me/my family I would rather less attention than having it splashed around everywhere.

The best video I've seen is below. It happened at Turn 1 right after the start. Basically, Dani lost power for some reason, someone hit him from behind (my guess is Bernat, and it depressed his brake lever causing him to flip?). Dani was run over by someone, sounds like Cory, who is a very good AFM racer and really upset over the accident.

A few others involved. I race with Kevin Pinkstaff (OMRRA guy who races with us too), who got a concussion, but was otherwise OK. Devon McDonough is an ex-OMRRA racer who I talked with when his MotoA HSBK Aprilia team was testing during our endurance race this past May. Not sure of his injuries, but his dad said he was released from the hospital the following day and will fully recover.

Very sad accident.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/two-riders-killed-in-motoamerica-event-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/ (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/two-riders-killed-in-motoamerica-event-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/)

crash wsbk 2015 laguna seca - MOTOAMERICA MOURNS RACING TRAGEDY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyhs7SpL8lo#)

Bradl pulls the ripcord:
http://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/79061/Stefan-Bradl-Vertrag-mit-Forward-Team-gekuendigt.html (http://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/79061/Stefan-Bradl-Vertrag-mit-Forward-Team-gekuendigt.html)

No entiendo aleman!

Will you two please stop babbling  ;D

So I read through the translated version, but only had the patience to read through the part where he resigns. It sounds like Pramac was looking to hire him over and move Yonny down to the Avintia. I don't particularly think that Bradl is better than Yonny, but I guess it helps sell Ducatis in Germany.

Emmet says the same about Yonny moving down to Avintia

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/07/30/deciphering_the_inscrutable_motogp_silly.html

While the combinations of Hondas and teams are pretty endless, the satellite Ducati teams look pretty well sorted. Pramac will continue to act as the Ducati junior team, and will get the bikes from this year's factory team for 2016. Having a GP15 will be a big step forward for Danilo Petrucci, who has a two-year deal with Pramac. The second seat is still open, with Yonny Hernandez, Stefan Bradl and perhaps even Eugene Laverty a possibility. This is perhaps the most highly prized seat available in MotoGP, all the more so because the bike will be a GP15. Bradl, Tito Rabat and more are looking at this bike, and team manager Francesco Guidotti can almost take his pick.

As much as Yonny Hernandez would like to get his hands on a Ducati Desmosedici GP15, it is not looking likely to happen. There are strong indications that Hernandez will move back to Avintia, as the Colombian has good ties with his former team. That would mean racing a GP14.2, basically the same bike he is on now. As the third-ranked Ducati team, Avintia are last in line, and will be racing the GP14.2 in 2016. The other seat at Avintia will almost certainly be taken by Hector Barbera, as the Spanish rider brings both money and results to the squad.

Appears the divorce is final, and Bradl *may* be on the Priller at Indy:

http://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/79132/Forward-gibt-nach-Stefan-Bradl-in-Indy-auf-Aprilia.html (http://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/79132/Forward-gibt-nach-Stefan-Bradl-in-Indy-auf-Aprilia.html)

Well, that sucks - Giugliano is out for the rest of the season with an injured back:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/221353/1/giugliano-out-for-remainder-of-2015-wsbk-season.html (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/221353/1/giugliano-out-for-remainder-of-2015-wsbk-season.html)

I was going to say that this was a derby, but I could not find it on here. I had seen the news on the interwebz. It does suck, but hopefully he'll come back stronger next year.

Bradl looking to be confirmed as off Forward and prob onto the Ape.

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/07/31/stefan_bradl_released_by_forward_aprilia.html

Will be interesting to see if the bike is competitive at all and I can see Bradl being a good rider to help develop it.  He's had xp on the Hondas and Yams now so that will prob help.  Only one I can think of that's ridden more bikes is Cal.

Feel sorry for Yonny. Sorry mate wrong passport. :P

Officially official

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/01/bradl-signs-for-aprilia-racing-team-gresini/180600 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/01/bradl-signs-for-aprilia-racing-team-gresini/180600)

What's going on with the other riders on the Forward team?

Any word?

Not really. Bradl was lucky that there was a seat at Aprilia.

That's an understatement.

Baldassari, Corsi, and Baz are left sucking blueberries.

Baz has tweeted he will be back with the team in Brno.....

Lets see what happens....

MotoGP is not sweating it either. Those backmarkers where just screwing up their "perfect field".

Guy Martin has a wicked highside & winds up with some serious breaks:

http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/221759/1/ulster-gp-guy-martin-ruled-out-through-injury.html (http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/221759/1/ulster-gp-guy-martin-ruled-out-through-injury.html)

Though if it was me with the cracked vertebrae and broken sternum, I'd probably be calling in sick to my job at the diesel shop:

http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/221766/1/ulster-gp-guy-martin-already-talking-about-work-on-monday.html (http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/221766/1/ulster-gp-guy-martin-already-talking-about-work-on-monday.html)

Wasn't Michael Laverty signed to aprilia as Marco's replacement for like 20 minutes?

He's one of their test riders.

But he's 5th in BSB 2/3 of the way through the season, and IIRC is going to be in WSBK next year.
 

He replaced Marco in 1 race. They were hesitant to call him a replacement since they were concerned that there was a conflict with 1 race. Bradl, like Bautista, are very experienced in MotoGP. They have both showed that they can be fast, so now the Ape has 2 riders that can help them test next year's bike, which apparently is all new.

Cuzari released from the pokey:
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedweek.com%2Fmotogp%2Fnews%2F79749%2FGiovanni-Cuzari-Nach-30-Tagen-Haftentlassung.html&edit-text= (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedweek.com%2Fmotogp%2Fnews%2F79749%2FGiovanni-Cuzari-Nach-30-Tagen-Haftentlassung.html&edit-text=)

Apparently I'm not completely crazy!

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2015/august/kent-weighing-up-motogp-option-for-2016/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2015/august/kent-weighing-up-motogp-option-for-2016/)

Pramac making a move is great to see. Ducati has gone tried and true and has a solid bike to show for it, but now they really need to go out on a limb. With the 4 Aliens solidly entrenched in Yamaha and HRC, they need gamble on young talent.

Interesting... that's a tough call for Kent.  Wasn't too hot in Moto2 the first time around but looks to be a different rider now... and seeing what happened to Miller's progress from skipping moto2 is rough.

I have a funny feeling he'll take it though.  I mean, that's a hard opportunity to pass up.

Miller was never this dominant in Moto3 and he's actually been doing relatively well considering his position in the open class. His still leading all other open Hondas as well.

The new part of that rumor is 1 yr pramac after that possible factory. A 3 yr deal.

And pramac is not a satellite anymore next yr. Fact spec or near fact spec bikes

Near factory since next year they're all on spec electronics.

Looks nearly official that LCR's dodgy sponsorship from CWM is finished:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/222046/1/lcr-talks-castrol-crutchlow-2016.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/222046/1/lcr-talks-castrol-crutchlow-2016.html)

Notice that they went on to talk about extending Cal to a multi-year deal, but possibly dropping Miller. Not sure if Cal reverted back to the 2014 chassis like MM and the Turd, but I'm sure he's not happy with the way this year has gone. He's running 9th overall behind the 3 primary factory riders, Ducati included, and the Tech3 boys.

AFAIK, MM is the only rider on the 2014 chassis.

I'm pretty sure all of the Hondas on the grid, including the open bikes, got the 2015 frame.
Everybody's struggled with it.
I think it's especially true for the guys that came off of the production Hondas, way more power of an unfriendly type with the pneumatic valve spring engine, in a chassis not well matched to the engine.

Comparing standings at this point in the season, 2014 to 2015:
The top 8 riders are the same guys, except for 2.
Bradley Smith got his shit together this year (from 10th to 5th), and Aleix Espargaro jumped from the Forward Yamaha to the Suzuki (from 6th to 12th).

2014, the non-Repsol Hondas were placed 9,11,12,13,15,17.
2015, the non-Repsol Hondas are placed 9,14,18,21,22, equal last no points.

Scott Redding is 2 places further back, Nicky 6 places.
Karel 7 places, granted he's been hurt, but one could lobby that he got hurt by a worse bike.

If he decides to stay with LCR it will be because he believes that HRC will right the ship or because he's offered a shitload of money. It must frustrate him to see Smith up there.

http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/motogp-scott-redding-eyes-switch-to-pramac-ducati-2016-season-danny-kent-081815 (http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/motogp-scott-redding-eyes-switch-to-pramac-ducati-2016-season-danny-kent-081815)

That Pramac seat seems to be the hot seat.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/august/video-hitting-the-apex/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/august/video-hitting-the-apex/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLnNMcvkAqc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLnNMcvkAqc)

I watched both Faster and Fastest on Netflix. I can't wait for it to be released there!

Looks good but I liked ewan's narration a bit better than Pitts... At least from the trailer.

If anyone sees any news about US release, please post.  From duccarlos's link, it appear to only be coming out in the UK for now.

Just like "Why We Ride" & "On Any Sunday 2" it might only show up in some local theaters for a blink of an eye.  Sorry guys, the potential audience is too small.  Now, if it was a film about Harley riders then............

Will definitely have to watch that on mute.  Pitt's narrating skills.. [thumbsdown]

Redding to Pramac

As good rundown on the spec ECU for 2016:

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/wanted-motogps-2016-unified-softwareafraid/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/wanted-motogps-2016-unified-softwareafraid/)

No more Indy...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/motogp-will-not-return-to-indianapolis-in-2016/183912 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/motogp-will-not-return-to-indianapolis-in-2016/183912)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/2016-provisional-motogp-calendar-announced/183920 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/2016-provisional-motogp-calendar-announced/183920)

In other words, flying everyone out to Indy to then have to fly them back that same week for Brno was a pain in the ass. I personally never liked Indy as a MotoGP venue. Wasn't it better to schedule 2 US races back-to-back?

Agreed that course sucked balls and it was as flat as Kiera Knightly. Sure it's an iconic track but it is simply mere nostalgic. I just wish we could get Laguna back

I don't see that happening for several reasons.

you're a real confidence booster DP thanks  [bang]

If they move the track out of Monterrey I bet it could happen...better? ;D

+1 There was a nice, but loooong, article that explained the issues with Laguna. But it would open up the schedule since they would not face the same weather concerns they face with COTA being good, but Indy being frozen in April while Indy being good in August and COTA being hellish in August.

Where else in the US could they potentially ride? I've always liked Road Atlanta, but it doesn't have enough turns. Barber is gorgeous, but too small for MotoGP. Moving west you have Miller and Laguna. As you go farther north or east, you run into the same concerns with weather and schedule as Indy.

I know that Chile was building a really nice track while I was down there and they're supposed to be complete by next year, not enough time for them to certify it, but could potentially make it another stop in South America.

Moto3 would be awesome at Barber.

Mexico has that new F1 track that could possibly lend itself to motoGP. Don't throw stones at me since I haven't seen the track yet.

BTW kopfjager liken' the new avatar

Could VIR host a motogp/motoamerica event. Course looks awesome and ama raced there... How are the facilites.  Middle of the east coast for ease of visitors and far enough south for decent weather after the cota event?

Not no, but hell no.

Do you think Panoz would upgrade Road Atlanta to host the event?

Road Atlanta does not have the corners. They would practically need to build a whole new track.


make the beast with two backs yeah!

Mika Kallio seems to be done for the season... :-\

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/italtrans-kallio-part-ways/184324 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/italtrans-kallio-part-ways/184324)

Saw that this morning, sucks.

Hopefully he'll get picked up by another team. He's a good rider.

Interesting take from Tony Goldsmith article, albeit with some hyperbole in the conclusion:


So, you're saying that horsepower isn't the be-all-end-all?  ;D



article here: http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/summary-saturday-san-marino-gp-2015/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/summary-saturday-san-marino-gp-2015/)

That article is by David Emmett, originally appearing on his motomatters.com website.

I swear it said it was by Goldsmith when I read it.  Either they made a mistake and corrected it, or I am getting too old too fast.  :(

Goldsmith pics, article by Emmett. Good stuff as usual.

Don't know if you'll be able to see it ..... (if not, you'll have something quite great to look forward to)

http://sefilmdk.com/se/hitting-the-apex_t6006/ (http://sefilmdk.com/se/hitting-the-apex_t6006/)

I watched for a couple of hours until the video froze.

Thanks for posting. [thumbsup]

I got through the whole thing with only a few internet hipccups.

Reaction:
Really just focuses on MotoGP from the end of Faster to 2013 (MM's first season).  Seems to emphasize the danger of the sport (see: Simoncelli).  Brad Pitt is a much less interesting narrator than Ewan, but he doesn't seem to have as many lines of narrative as Ewan, so it's not that bad.  If you follow MotogGP relatively regularly, then it's not anything particular intriguing, since you followed the characters and the stories in real time.  That said, I always enjoy hearing the interviews and watching highlights and crazy passes.

Showed a completely different movie.  :-\

Probably somewhat pirat'y and removed/replaced/gone...

Play it from the English server... ;)

Pirro will take Giugliano's seat on the Aruba.it Ducati for Jerez and possibly more:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223060/1/pirro-confirmed-as-giugliano-replacement-for-jerez.html (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223060/1/pirro-confirmed-as-giugliano-replacement-for-jerez.html)

Well deserved!

While I'd agree to some extent, it sucks to see Giugliano sidelined by such a serious injury just as the Panigale was coming around. Ducati did just announce that he and Davies are the WSBK riders for 2016, so I'm hopeful he's recovering well:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223099/1/ducati-confirms-davies-giugliano-for-wsbk-2016.html (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223099/1/ducati-confirms-davies-giugliano-for-wsbk-2016.html)

In other fragile-Duc-rider news, Iannone has dislocated his shoulder again, this time by falling while running:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223103/1/iannone-dislocates-shoulder-again.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223103/1/iannone-dislocates-shoulder-again.html)

Davide is fast...he needs to stop crashing.

I guess the Maniac should stop falling down. ;D So he's like 20 something and can't tip over and not break?

What's he gonna do when he gets old?

When he gets old, he will become Pedrosa.

Something tells me these guys don't spend a lot of time thinking about what it's going to be like when they get to be our age...

That's one of the nasty things about shoulder dislocations - do it once, and popping it out a second (third, fourth, etc.) time is a whole lot easier.

Basically that's what took out Spies in the end wasn't it?

A couple of articles about Rossi's legendary status in MotoGP :

http://trunkman.co.uk/blog/doctored-motogps-obsession-with-valentino-rossi/ (http://trunkman.co.uk/blog/doctored-motogps-obsession-with-valentino-rossi/)
http://trunkman.co.uk/blog/doctored-motogps-obsession-with-valentino-rossi-part-2/ (http://trunkman.co.uk/blog/doctored-motogps-obsession-with-valentino-rossi-part-2/)

Hopefully part 3 will arrive soon.

^ Blasphemy

Interesting, but I got interrupted by work before I got much into it.  Will read the rest when I get home.

Does it mention anything about how Rossi actually smiles?  I don't think I've ever seen a picture of Biaggi smiling and JLo is usually serious in interviews.  Pedro is also decidedly poker faced most of the time.

Human nature is to be drawn to people that are happy.  I mean, why is everyone pulling so hard for Guy Martin all the time?  He's good, but not an alien.  But he seems to enjoy himself and is entertaining, if incomprehensible.

Anyway, Rossi always seems to be enjoying life more than most of his peers, and I think that charisma makes him more attractive to people new to the sport looking for their horse.  Don't get me wrong, winning helps attract fans, but if you had to chose between an unknown winner that seems angry and one that seems happy, who'd you root for?

I've seen Pedro smiling several times so far this season.  [laugh]
I was shocked last season when he actually reacted on-camera to video of his epic stoppie at Motegi last year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZTS7foJQf8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZTS7foJQf8)

I think JLo has to be really focused to execute his 'riding on a rail as thin as a razor blade' style, hence no pit box jocularity.

I think it's much the same for MM, he's doing his job.

Rossi's on a freaking vacation, flying around the world racing for a living, being a rockstar.
He doesn't need the money, IMO he doesn't even GAF about that.
In his book, he whinges about how he can't go anywhere without being mobbed.
The rockstar doth protest too much.

Yeah, Rossi loves it, or is great at marketing. I always liked Hayden and was planning on him marrying one of my daughters, but it didn't work out.
Pedro has actually smiled this season, OMG! The meds must be working.. ;D

Nicky's not married yet, right? Still hope!

Sylvain must've struck a plea bargain, he's only served a year of hard labor on the Fireblade, and now he's free.
http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223325/1/yamaha-confirms-crescent-lowes-guintoli-for-wsbk-return.html (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223325/1/yamaha-confirms-crescent-lowes-guintoli-for-wsbk-return.html)

And maybe this isn't quite the right thread, but a big 'make the beast with two backs YEAH!' to Jonathan Rea.  [thumbsup]  [clap]
He's served a 10 year sentence on the Fireblade, survived, and climbed on a competitive ride and kicked ass.

More like a treatise on sociology. I can't get through the first one. :-\

I'm sure that Guintoli took the 1 year pay day and ran as soon as something else came up. With the new rules, the R1 should be very competitive on day one.

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/09/23/yamaha_return_to_wsbk_with_alex_lowes_an.html

Poor Nicky. I'd hate to see him on the fireblade. Ducati should have offered him a spot on the WSBK team instead of letting him go

I thought they did but he turned it down to stay in GP?

Agreed though, he has no chance on the CBR.

I might be wrong. I just don't remember them giving him a real offer.

He should go home, heal up, train hard and go get that Mile win.

No 4-cylinder Ducati SBK:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/september/ducati-boss-rubbishes-rumours-of-four-cylinder-sportsbike/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/september/ducati-boss-rubbishes-rumours-of-four-cylinder-sportsbike/)

As a public affairs person, that doesnt squash the rumors... just says, nothing for 2017 and nothing approved beyond that, but 2018 and unapproved projects are possible at this point. I can neither confirm nor deny officially....

I can't see a future where they don't go to a 4 cylinder superbike unless they decide to drop out of WSBK. What's the point of having a MotofGP bike (prototype) and not apply what you've learned from it to a street bike?

If the dont go 4 cyl they will continue to be mid pack. Unless they again push for rule changes

What tech has Honda transferred from their MotoGP bikes to their street bikes?

What have they transferred to their WSBK?

AFAIK, it's zip squat on both counts.

The Fireblade is legal for Vintage Class now.

I'm not following your argument or Raux's - If you're talking about the Panigale in WSBK, the bike has won four of the last six WSBK races, is second in both the individual and manufacturer's championship point tallies this season and has been on the pole & the podium with a lot of consistency, so is doing just fine with two cylinders. Or you're saying that the rules in MotoGP that pretty much force every manufacturer into some configuration of four cylinders mean that Ducati is also forced to offer a street bike in the same layout.  

It's perfectly possible to build a racing twin (or for that matter, a street-going one)  that can make more power than any existing motorcycle chassis & electronics package can handle - yes, it's going to have a higher displacement than a 4-cylinder motor that makes the same power, but all that really means is that an arbitrary rule limit on displacement will force racing manufacturers toward 4-cyl., which is exactly what's happened in MotoGP.

For what it's worth, Preziosi* always said that Ducati would have preferred to race a twin in MotoGP, but that the rules - particularly the displacement limits - forced them to run four cylinders.

I'm not saying Ducati won't ever offer a V-4 superbike to the public (which they already do, albeit in small, exclusive numbers). As a V-4 fan, I'd love it if they had one in the heart of the model lineup - and a superlight single, while we're making up a wish list. I'm just saying that they don't need to do so in order to make money as a company or to win races in WSBK.

*Yeah, yeah, I know... But despite his shortcomings as a team director, I think we can posit that the guy knew more about the engineering side of a racing motorcycle than anyone commenting on this thread.

Preziosi's engineering failures is what led to motogp failure and the lack of championship since the last gen 1098r. So I dont put too much intomhis engineering skills compared to other manufacturers' leads or even previous Ducati leads. I would even go as far as calling him the Italian Erik Buell.

So, how do you explain the improvement in MotoGP results acheived by Dall'igna prior to any changes being made to the bike?

What improvements?

Preziosis was not designer of Al frame, they subcontracted that out.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/iannone-i-thought-i-had-their-pace/185821 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/iannone-i-thought-i-had-their-pace/185821)

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/redding-it-wasn-t-a-great-day/185765 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/redding-it-wasn-t-a-great-day/185765)

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2015/09/28/rabat-tests-a-motogp-bike-in-aragon/185882 (http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2015/09/28/rabat-tests-a-motogp-bike-in-aragon/185882)

I think you're mis-understanding; as I read it, Speeddog is talking about the fact that the GP14 (a Preziosi designed bike) went faster and achieved better results when Dall'igna took over the team. Which is to say that there was speed in the bike that Preziosi - or for that matter, Valentino Rossi and Jeremy Burgess - never found.

In my opinion, the engineers who work at bikes on this level are trying to do an incredibly difficult thing in a field where getting it 98% right means you'll almost never see the podium. The fact that Preziosi, Buell, Dall'igna or the Honda engineers who put Marquez on a nearly unrideable bike this year didn't get to 100% doesn't lead me to the conclusion that I know more than they do about motorcycle design and I can discount everything they've ever said on the subject.

It's worth noting at this juncture that the monocoque frameless design that was not ready for prime time in 2011 is doing just fine in WSBK now that it's out of its infancy in MotoGP. Sometimes ideas aren't wrong, but it takes a while to get them right.

Dovi ranked 5th in points, with 2 podiums, 13 rounds into the 2014 season, just prior to the introduction of the GP14.2 at round 14.

Dovi was ranked 8th, with a best finish of 4th, at the same point in 2013.

No one can ever convince me Preziosi was right for the program. He put Ducati too far down the development curve to be competitive. Only Stoner made a difference.

Ok bro, that's enough of you running your soup cooler. I tried to steer this back with three separate 'News' articles, but you just want to pregnant dog. Let it rest, or start your own pregnant doging thread.

Interesting link on Iannone Kopf.
Crazy Andrew has had some good results with his crook shoulder. He's outshining Dovi by a fair margin imo. I wonder who Ducati can lure to ride for them in the next few years?

We'll see how far they've come next year when most of the big contracts are up.

Do you mean based on who stays put?

Maybe they can lure Crusty back with big $$. Or Pedro?

Yamaha will extend Jorghey and Rossi. HRC will keep MM as long as he's still alive. The Turd's number might be up with HRC. He showed he still has some gusto left in the tank. On a competitive Duc, I see him winning a race or 2.

I want to see the Turd on a Duc come 2017. There, I said it!

Interesting detailed discussion by Dovi on the current shortcomings of the GP15, and why they impact his riding style more directly than Iannone's:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223626/1/gp15s-braking-characteristics-holding-dovizioso-back.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223626/1/gp15s-braking-characteristics-holding-dovizioso-back.html)

Very  interesting article thanks.
I wonder who else the bike suits?

I want to see Stoner on the improved Duc in 2017. There I said it in a dreamy state.....

From what I am seeing Crusty is not worth big $$$.
I hope one of the young ones improves to be really really good...

Dreamy state.. [laugh]

Give Miller a go on the Duck. Aussies and Ducatis gel.

Hey crowd: I'm neglected Moto2 and Moto3 so far this season, saving it for the dog days of fall to blast through a bunch of races.  Any recommendation on which of the two to start with?  Any one particularly exciting this year?

Moto3 is the 'nads.

Moto2 has been dominated by one rider. The one's that are close are starting to make him feel the pressure.

Can't go wrong with either.

Moto3, any and all races.  [thumbsup]

Moto3 it is.  Thanks. [beer]

Agree moto3 is great

I have watched almost every Moto3 race this year, they are fun as shit.

I have watched VERY few Moto2, they just don't grab me. Maybe it is the whole idea of a spec engine that I don't like, but for whatever reason I just don't care enough to watch.

Mark

Mountain bike accident sends MM to surgery to fix a broken left hand:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223645/1/hand-fracture-means-surgery-for-marc-marquez.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223645/1/hand-fracture-means-surgery-for-marc-marquez.html)

Jeez, between Demented Andrew and MM.

Flying through the air in excess of 150 mph? No problem. Running and mountain biking, though, that stuff will kill ya.

Less armor. They should train full armored up

Dang.  MM is essential to prevent JLo from running away with warm, sunny races.  I think this hurts VR's prospects of holding on to the lead through the final 4 races.  :-[

Is mm out out or just hurt? Could actually calm him down if just hurt... Look at hayfen this week did pretty well in open dispite that nasty hand

Dr. Mir went down to Home Depot and got some wood screws and plumber's tape, so the word is MM will be ready to go for Motegi.

Yonny Hernandez to Aspar in 2016, which does nothing to quell conjecture that Aspar will switch from Open Class Honda to Ducati:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223656/1/aspar-signs-yonny-hernandez.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223656/1/aspar-signs-yonny-hernandez.html)

And the Yamaha team laughed at Jorge for making the Marquez voodoo doll.   ;D

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/01/rabat-moves-to-motogp-with-estrella-galicia-0-0-marc-vds/186012 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/01/rabat-moves-to-motogp-with-estrella-galicia-0-0-marc-vds/186012)


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/02/predator-pedrosa-gives-rossi-taste-of-own-medicine/185983 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/02/predator-pedrosa-gives-rossi-taste-of-own-medicine/185983)

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/10/04/jorge_lorenzo_sprains_shoulder_training_.html

JLo sprains shoulder but it's not a big deal.

Doesnt seem like it's bad enough to affect him but maybe Rossi might get another lucky break.

These kids today - MM, Rory McIlroy, etc.  ;D

They need to be packed in styrofoam between races/events......

A real man....KS....http://uk.complex.com/sports/2012/01/25-racers-who-overcame-gnarly-injuries/24# (http://uk.complex.com/sports/2012/01/25-racers-who-overcame-gnarly-injuries/24#)!

Zarco ready to take title in JapaneseGP - Superbike News
https://apple.news/AuRBF0PoLOWaY1eQ3TDE1IQ

...and it's official...

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Haydens+first+words+about+WorldSBK+move (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2015/Haydens+first+words+about+WorldSBK+move)

Wish he was not heading to the Dog Honda.....
Unless they will have a new bike out before the season begins..

Supposed to be a new bike next year.

Question will be is it going to be competitive out of the box or will it be a development year.

What are the rules around putting the RC213V-S on the grid?

There are homologation rules, but I'm not sure what configuration rules there are in SBK.

Just finished, or rather caught up on, the Moto3 season.  Wow. :o Other than Indy, every race has been fantastic.  Never a dull moment.  If only MotoGP had that level of parity.

Mostly an article about Hayden's move, but they mention another American's move for next year.


https://motomatters.com/news/2015/10/08/nicky_hayden_switches_to_wsbk_in_2016_jo.html

Correction...

according to BD's link new bike in 2017. :-\

Minimum production quantity of 1000 units, maximum price of 40k Euro, available for sale to the general public.

That's too damn bad. Honda desperately needs something fresh & competitive this coming year. They, along with Suzuki, are practically a joke in WSBK and Nicky will likely be getting the same results he's been getting in MotoGP. Way bad. Yamaha is back and looking to kick serious butt. Honda no longer has the fire and Soichiro should be rolling in his grave.

Curious, as I don't know the/an answer.

The whole production-bike-based WSBK series begs a question from me -- ten to 15 years ago Ducati was winning titles with 998s, 999s and their successors, that seems to have been in the spirit of the series; bikes that I could see and test-ride at dealerships (some of you could even afford them  [laugh]). Have the recent and current WSBK-title winners (e.g., Aprilia) been as accessible/affordable, or has WSBK evolved away from its roots into a quasi-developmental series?

I was really hoping to see bimota for 2015 since they didn't meet homoligation last year.

They never were racing the exact bike you bought off the showroom floor so in that regard they are still accessible/affordable.  Run on down to your dealer and grab a Panigale 1299R or an Aprilia RSV4 Factory. You'll have fun!   [evil] [evil]

The new rules actually bring them closer to streetbike spec. I know they curtailed a lot of the engine mods to make the racing cheaper and more parts are based on production spec. Previously those bikes were making ridiculous numbers on highly modified machines.

Super stock is probably close to street bikes

I'm not the only one...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/14/sometimes-being-the-fastest-rider-on-the-planet-isn-t-enough/187059 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/14/sometimes-being-the-fastest-rider-on-the-planet-isn-t-enough/187059)

Right now, I’ve got Rossi as a marginal favourite, simply because we have seen that being the most explosively fast rider on the planet sometimes isn’t enough.

Lorenzo is the fastest rider in MotoGP in 2015. Ask Rossi and he will tell you that. Ask Marc Marquez and he will tell you that.

But racing isn’t just about raw speed and consistency. You have to be prepared for whatever circumstances get thrown at you.

Yet more proof that mountain bikes are dangerous:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/224146/1/biaggi-ruled-out-of-qatar-by-injury.html (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/224146/1/biaggi-ruled-out-of-qatar-by-injury.html)

Good news Alex de angelis alert and conscious

http://m.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121312 (http://m.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121312)

Someone's been busy.

https://twitter.com/BenSpies11/status/656933344295256068

Pipe dream, but keeping my fingers crossed...

http://gpxtra.com/2015/10/27/casey-stoner-back-to-ducati-in-2017/ (http://gpxtra.com/2015/10/27/casey-stoner-back-to-ducati-in-2017/)

I have $25 to the AFF that says you...or whoever smoked that bowl...are wrong.

We on?

Watch him Carlos, he's in a betting mood   ;D

Clearly the shoulder isnt hampering him. ;D

I don't bet on pipe dreams. I actually think that if hes relationship with HRC is truly cooked, there would be no reason for him to even contemplate coming back to MotoGP. Another dream would be for him to decide to go with Suzuki and get them competitive real quick.

Is it possible that HRC blames Stoner for the shitty bike?

For the turd customer bike?

Maybe the fact that Casey could make it look acceptable clouded their judgement. Remember this is the same outfit that said Rossi had nothing to do with winning the championship...it's all the bike.

I thought the link that said Marquez blamed Stoner for the bike being the way it is...
Stoner saying he knew what the problem was...All a bit odd. I had missed that dialogue.....

Ducati running 3 x factory bikes for 2016 would be fun ;-)
I cannot see Casey coming back until after Rossi retires. Who knows it may happen after Valencia....
Casey and Jorgey at Yamaha (as that would be the only real seat available for 2016)...

Stoner, three championships with three manufacturers?

Technically the factories can't run a 3 rider team, ala Stoner, Dani and Dovi. They would need to demote someone to Pramac.

If I were Ducati and I'm biased here, Dovi would be out and I'd keep Iannone. 

Can you imagine the speeds Dani would hit on the Duc? 

That's exactly the speculation. Dovi is still under contract for 2016. Those contracts are generally bulletproof. Come silly season 2016 we will see who will go for that second seat now that the Duc is not horrendous. I can't see any of the Aliens moving, but Dovi's seat is definitely in peril.

I've found the replacement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4asCK8yamb0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4asCK8yamb0)

No more pregnant doging and moaning.  No more finger wagging. 

They already have a robot called Jorghey, but his programming included the pregnant doging and moaning

And there seems to be a glitch in the rain mode or the transition from rain mode to dry mode. 

He is a very defective model.

Def a pipe dream especially after the diesel drama for the VW group... I'm actually wondering how their new austerity measures are going to affect ducati.

Previous to that I could see them possibly having enough free cash to tempt Stoner back.

KTM hardware hits the track:
https://motomatters.com/news/2015/10/30/ktm_rc16_motogp_bike_has_first_successfu.html

Sounds bad ass!!  [bow_down]

Looks like a Honda.  :-\

Other teams should be worried with Red Bull as their title sponsor IMO.

Will be interesting. ..

Sounds like they may not suffer from a power deficit..

I thought they were building customer bikes only?

With Mika Kallio as test rider next year. I wonder if he'll get a shot at a seat in GP?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/27/mika-kallio-to-be-ktm-s-motogp-test-rider/187882 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/27/mika-kallio-to-be-ktm-s-motogp-test-rider/187882)

Screamer engine an interesting choice.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/ktm-rc16-motogp-race-bike-photos/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/ktm-rc16-motogp-race-bike-photos/)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENOHwdctsOU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENOHwdctsOU)

That thing must be really small, Hoffman ain't *that* big.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSmhyOlWEAArvCK.jpg:large)

I keep hoping that Red Bull walks away from F1 and dedicates 10% of the intended 2016 F1 budget to development of this bike.

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/D30A9609-EBA8-4A66-B13E-E3504BF1E076.jpg) (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/D30A9609-EBA8-4A66-B13E-E3504BF1E076.jpg.html)

Steel trellis frame?

Yep...

Holy shit that sound!



Yesyesyesyes.

 [evil]

http://youtu.be/yDOhv0dsE_Y (http://youtu.be/yDOhv0dsE_Y)

I could see KTM being the crazy brand that could justify bringing a detuned version of that engine to the streetbike world.

I basically only say this because I really really want a 90 degree V4 available to buy one day for a sane price.

Why 90*? Their current twins aren't 90*.

Go buy an Aprilia. Great V4 motor, and you can get great deals on them.

Again +1!! The RSV4 is a great bike at a decent price range.

I read one article talking €140k for the replica version.

I like the RSV4 but I don't fit it right for some reason. The RC8 however had some great ergos for me. Only other ding I that I didnt like about the RSV4 was how high the fuel consumption was. Minor thing, but it annoyed me.

RC8s are cool for sure. I'd love to try one out. RSV4s eat fuel, no doubt!

Suzuki, Aprilia, now KTM...

Considering Repsol's threats to take its oil money and leave, VR's impending retirement, and JLo's impending Biaggi-like pariah status... maybe it won't be just Blue or Red vying for MotoGP wins soon.

A boy can dream, anyway.

So honda ducati yamaha suzuki aprilia ktm.  Thats a grid of 12 factory riders alone.  Cool. Who else is there to jump in?

No, only 10, KTM is customer bikes only.

With the Red Bull branding on the Development bike, I am wondering if that will remain the case....

If RB bails out of F1, it could be a really good 'non-factory' team.

Not being an F1 follower...

how likely are they to bail?

Hard to tell, the back-room politics are powerful.

RB has been running Renault power units, and since the major rules changes starting with the 2014 season, Renault has not produced a competitive unit.
RB has told Renault to shove off, but as yet they do not have a power unit supplier for 2016.
RB owner is pissed, does not like to spend gigabucks to finish 4th.
Their only power unit *possibility* is Honda, which has been even worse than the Renault.

I'm not a F1 follower but I've seen rumors that RB was looking to use VW/Audi engines to replace Renault.  But then the whole VW diesel fiasco happened and any kind of extracurricular funding has gone the way of the dodo.

I'd love to see another big sponsor step into the MotoGP ring though.  Would be great for the sport and RB is really good with promoting everything.  In fact, I'm a bit surprised that they aren't in there already.

Aston Martin is looking to sponsor team force India I believe. It could bring developments into a new engine perhaps. This news broke this past weekend at the Mexican GP so it's still talks

Monster wouldn't like that.  Would either have to pony up money to keep Red Bull out or bow out themselves.

Doesn't RB already sponsor the Rookies Cup?

Yep.

Numerous riders too.

And title sponsor of the MotoGP events at COTA, Argentina, and Indy this year.

Doh, you guys are right... def a lot more involvement than I realized:

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/motorsports/motogp/riders-and-teams (http://www.redbull.com/us/en/motorsports/motogp/riders-and-teams)

And I'm not sure if Monster could do anything if RB became the main sponsor to a team.

Interesting that both Monster and RB seem to sponsor the Yammy team.

I think Monster sponsors the riders and RB sponsors Yamaha.

That website page is a bit unclear.

AFAIK, the riders they show are the ones they sponsor.

They show all 14 MotoGP teams, irrespective of sponsorship.

The pics of the Yamaha factory team include a photo of JLo on the bike, 3 Monster logos are visible.
And both Rossi and JLo are wearing Monster hats in their pics.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 wouldn't get any RB money.

Pretty sure that's backward... Monster Yamaha team and RB sponsors some riders. No team support cept for the lower classes and I guess KTM now.

Like Speeddog said Monster Yamaha is Tech 3.

Factory Yamaha is Moviestar. Rossi and Lorenzo personally sponsored by Monster with RB kicking in to the team...according to RB.

IIRC Tech3 has been sponsored by Monster for a long time. The factory Yamaha riders had different personal sponsors. Then this happened:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/01/09/monster-energy-sponsors-yamaha-factory-racing-team/160407 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/01/09/monster-energy-sponsors-yamaha-factory-racing-team/160407)

At least one of the riders had to drop their personal sponsors.

JLo's Italian watch sponsor just dropped him

https://www.reddit.com/r/motogp/comments/3rmdro/motogp_sector_drops_lorenzo_sponsorship_ita/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/motogp/comments/3rmdro/motogp_sector_drops_lorenzo_sponsorship_ita/)

So how does RedBull fit in?

They lost one of the riders. They went to the Honda boys. If they become the main sponsor for any specific team, then the personal sponsorship might be an issue, but I doubt it since Monster continues to sponsor multiple teams and riders.

I guess I meant the claim on the RedBull website that they sponsor Team Yamaha.

Really? I just had a good look at the Yamaha bike in the pit (watching FP1) and it clearly shows Movistar and right underneath it Monster Energy. No RB at all on the wall or the bike that I can see.

Nicky Hayden's MotoGP career infographic bonanza:
https://nichelob.smugmug.com/Artesian-Analytics/i-jtpBphX/1/O/NickyHayden.png

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/63E38F78-708B-4F3B-B0BE-244AD0ED67B2.jpg) (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/63E38F78-708B-4F3B-B0BE-244AD0ED67B2.jpg.html)


(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/4C8354DC-281B-4A69-AEB5-D056199517DA.jpg) (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/4C8354DC-281B-4A69-AEB5-D056199517DA.jpg.html)

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/225063/1/casey-stoner-to-test-for-ducati.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/225063/1/casey-stoner-to-test-for-ducati.html)

Interesting.?..

Interesting wild speculation... ;D

Good wild speculation  though...

Emmett posts about it and he's normally not one to post really wild rumors:

https://motomatters.com/news/2015/11/11/casey_stoner_to_return_to_ducati_in_test.html

So uhh... when is Dovi's contract up? And the weather around me isn't the best today but I'll be looking out the window for flying pigs all day.

The Unibrow might be the reason I could see him coming back to the fold. Gigi seems to listen to the riders and adjust the bike around them. And that might be what Casey has been looking for.

I think Casey is pissed at Honda for not letting him sub for Dani. That is enough reason for him to leave the Honda 'fold'.

Whether he'll ride for Ducati remains to be seen.

If he throws his hat into the ring for the 2017 lineup... man, it'll be a blood bath to see who'll be the team that gets him. I can't really think of a team that wouldn't mind swapping someone out for him. I could even see Yamaha giving up Rossi for Casey if Rossi doesnt perform well in 2016.

Rossi is valuable to any team even if he loses...at least for now.

We don't even know if he'll want to compete after 2016.

How long has he been out of MotoGP? He's a not a sure bet for either Yamaha or Honda, but for the smaller manufacturers he should be worth the risk. He has bitter/sweet history with Ducati, so riding for a Suzuki or Aprilia might be better, but I believe he wants to be competitive right away. Ducati would be the logical choice.

That could be pretty cool.  [thumbsup]

Interesting that HRC didn't listen to his feedback regarding the aggressive nature of the motor. HRC not listening to riders? Say it ain't so!  [laugh]

With the unibrow in charge at Ducati, I'm pretty sure they'll listen to what he has to say.

Everything says testing with possible wildcard activity, yes?

Nothing about a full-time return to MotoGP, yes?

LET US DREAM

 ;D

Both Iannone and Dovi are under contract. This is probably a stepping stone at replacing one of them, probably Dovi in 2017, but most likely it's a feeling out period considering how the relationship ended last time. Probably still some raw feelings.

I don't know - while his life since hasn't exactly looked like it fell into place like he'd hoped after retirement (from my viewpoint on the other side of the world and several orders of magnitude removed from anything remotely resembling a "fact"), it's pretty clear that Stoner hated life on the full time racing circuit. His testing gig seems pretty much to his liking, and if he gets a chance to wildcard into a race or two, I have to imagine he'd be satisfied.

(you may now return to your regularly scheduled reality)

Hell, let's just smoke the whole doobie.

Ducati wins Suzuka 2016 with Stoner, Dovi, and Iannone.
You heard it here first.

 [laugh] [clap]
It's time Ducati returned to the WEC. ;D

I hadn't really processed the wildcard aspect, but saw it noted elsewhere....

Casey wildcard at PI.
Just think about that for a minute, let it sink in.

You're on a roll right now Nick.

And I like where you're going with it.

Right after that's confirmed, Tea Leoni's limo will stop at the curb to whisk me away for a life of ... debauchery.

 [shot]

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/616C765E-7C58-4D54-894D-C63C3A615D4E.jpg) (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/chiflado/media/616C765E-7C58-4D54-894D-C63C3A615D4E.jpg.html)

Thx, Kopf!   [thumbsup]

Good lord, it'd be the best ever.
Persuade MM to not be all argy bargy, just a clean duel.
[drool]

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/10346682645_cb96f20131_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/gLish6)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/586/22540514458_e6db684bf9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AkQ2DC)

Even better, MM races like he always does (barring this last race  [roll]) and trades paint with Casey at PI. This pisses Casey off enough so that he comes back full time. Stoner also blames his lack of speed on Iannone hitting another bird in post race press conference.

But yeah... I'm sure that Dovi just got more than a little bit worried with this new rumor.

[laugh]

+1 for a reality where Casey is on a Duc at PI. Hopefully after testing a few times, and a previous throw away wildcard to get into the swing  ;)

The grass is always greener. Maybe Casey has not enjoyed retirement. Maybe his wife is tired of listening to him whine about Rossi and his lactose intolerance.


+1. Even if our assumptions end up going nowhere, if I were Dovi, I would still be very worried. He better show some results or else could end up on a satellite bike or test mule for KTM ala Bautista with Aprilia.

Barring Stoner coming back to ride for Duc in 2017, I think that he might be a pretty good development rider for Duc. MM won 2 championships in a row on Stoner's bike and one of the reasons he's leaving the Honda fold is because they didn't listen to him about the aggressive engine on this years bike. That being said, he was also on the development team of the Honda customer bike but the complaints there seemed to be more of lack of horsepower as opposed to handling.

I wonder if Race Direction is going to do that by being a bit more liberal with penalty points next season. They need to IMO. Hard racing and bumping is one thing, but desperation bump passes are another.

The season ain't over between VR and MM

VR ends ties with MM merchandise

http://totalbikers.com/t/vr46-store-drops-mm93-merchandise/1595 (http://totalbikers.com/t/vr46-store-drops-mm93-merchandise/1595)

Why are they selling merchandise for any other competitor?

Uhhh...

'cuz of the money? ;D

So they get a cut. Brilliant!!

Then it's about the moneys. Keeping peddling his shit

Apparently his accountants have a spite column on their spreadsheets.

I think it says vaffanculo in that column.

Vaffanculo, indeed!

Article is a bit deceptive.
It says VR46 Store, but if you go there, it only has Rossi merch.

This store:
http://www.top-racers.com/us_en/ (http://www.top-racers.com/us_en/)
Has the non-Rossi merch.

Wonder if Rossi is going to continue to handle Alex's merch?  [popcorn]

Oddly, MM has his own online store selling his merch, and it's run by Alzamora.
It acts a bit wacky, so maybe it's WIP as a result of VR's drop.

Crazy Joe talks to man in white coat, says NO:

https://motomatters.com/press_release/2015/11/14/ducati_press_release_andrea_iannone_deci.html

Wonder how much the Stoner rumours have influenced that decision?

I think its a reaction to his results directly after his injuries. Whether it's mental or a change in his riding style due to the way he rode around the injuries, he started to do a lot better afterwards. And possibly affecting his results by fixing it through surgery is probably what really is driving his decision.

 8)

http://youtu.be/2wrdc-v0aQ4 (http://youtu.be/2wrdc-v0aQ4)


http://youtu.be/cDBc4Q9eT1I (http://youtu.be/cDBc4Q9eT1I)

Been watching gopro films all day, kopf?


I like the peg getting ground to a nub at the end of the first video.  [thumbsup]

Italians vs. spaniards

Ferrari vs. Honda

http://totalbikers.com/t/piero-ferrari-marquez-my-father-would-have-fire-him/1695 (http://totalbikers.com/t/piero-ferrari-marquez-my-father-would-have-fire-him/1695)

Why even ask? Ferrari has no skin in this game other than to take a jab at Honda.

That's some funny shit.

I worked for Yamaha for 11 years.
Yamaha and Honda will never do each other favors. Ever.

The Duck will keep its wings:

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/225263/1/2016-ducati-will-keep-its-wings.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/225263/1/2016-ducati-will-keep-its-wings.html)

Now all they need is landing gear

And a Red Bull sponsorship.

Isn't Marlboro still the main sponsor?

Phillip Morris ( so, yes, as Marlboro is a PM brand ) -- also TIM, Shell Oil, Akrapovic, Unibat, Diadora, ..........

then they don't need the RB moneyz.

Besides which, the RB money is over there in that suspect HRD/Repsol camp.   [cheeky]

Officially out of HRC:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/23/honda-bid-a-fond-farewell-to-casey-stoner/190375 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/23/honda-bid-a-fond-farewell-to-casey-stoner/190375)

Wow...that's a shocker. ;D

http://www.ducati.com/news/casey_stoner_to_return_to_ducati_as_brand_ambassador_and_test_rider_/2015/11/23/3964/index.do

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/23/stoner-to-return-to-ducati-as-ambassador-and-test-rider/190381 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/23/stoner-to-return-to-ducati-as-ambassador-and-test-rider/190381)

it wasn't official until these announcements.

Keeping my fingers crossed for 2017!! I hope he takes the opportunity to build the perfect bike for himself, then takes over Dovi's seat and completely dominates the first year back!!

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=72289.msg1333107#msg1333107 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=72289.msg1333107#msg1333107)

God knows that Ducati needs an Alien. Not sure if Stoner still has what it takes to be considered an Alien after a few years of "retirement", but I doubt that Ducati will not spend the next year beggin him to come back.

Some are better at reading in between lines than others.

If that ever happens...

I'll pick up the check for drinks. ;D

I think that's Ducati's wishful thinking. Not sure Casey is willing to go back to the MotoGP life. It must be nice to show up a few times a year in wildcards and just ride around empty tracks, all while getting a nice paycheck. I sure as make the beast with two backs would not complain.

Its already official on ducati website


http://www.ducati.com/news/casey_stoner_to_return_to_ducati_as_brand_ambassador_and_test_rider_/2015/11/23/3964/index.do?_ga=1.46309799.1049158500.1447971367

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/18/final-approval-given-for-315m-circuit-of-wales-project/190219 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/18/final-approval-given-for-315m-circuit-of-wales-project/190219)

Will it be ready by next year?

That's what they're hoping for

That's as likely as Stoner coming back to Ducati.

 :D

You mean by ~ July 2017?
Maybe.

By July 2016, NFWIH.

What he said.  ;)

Phillip island victory will convince he still has it.

That honestly might be more of a dream job than being a MotoGP rider. Almost all of the benefits with none of the drama.

But a huge pay cut.

His net worth is $14mil, so he'll be ok.  ;)

AUD or USD? like it makes a make the beast with two backsing difference ;D

I could burn through $14Mill pretty quickly if I was 30 and retired.....

Do you have Adrianna?

I do have an Adianna, which is why my money would not last long

My point exactly...

ditch Adrianna... ;D

Thought your point may be he would be too busy to spend his money....

nah....

Probably but I'm sure that he's making more than Pirro is. Not to mention the money he'll be getting from his personal sponsors.

Basically he can ride around a empty track like he always wants to, not deal with press at all, and whine to the engineers about what's wrong with the bike who are paying him to pregnant dog about it. The more I think about it... the more I realize that there is no way he's going to go back racing full time.  [laugh]

More testing, a few guys hitting the deck:
https://motomatters.com/results/2015/11/26/jerez_wsbk_and_motogp_test_day_4_sykes_e.html (https://motomatters.com/results/2015/11/26/jerez_wsbk_and_motogp_test_day_4_sykes_e.html)

MotoGP lads unofficially running about a second faster:
http://www.gpone.com/2015112618984/Test-Marquez-si-conferma-Laverty-fratturato.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=gponedotcom (http://www.gpone.com/2015112618984/Test-Marquez-si-conferma-Laverty-fratturato.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=gponedotcom)

Given that the MotoGP pole time from 2015 there was a 1:37.9, and WSBK 1:40.3... seems the Michelins and the Spec software are still a ways off from optimum.

Barring unusual advances in the predictability of the front Michis, or serious improvements in setup, 2016 WC may go whomever can bounce the best.

I wager Nakamoto isn't sleeping well.

Redding hops off of the satellite Honda onto a GP15 and promptly goes faster than both of the Factory Honda boys.

The Ducs have been using the current ecu this whole year though right? That'll make a big diff in lap times.

Avintia used it all year. Factory and Pramac used their own. So data came from Avintia.
Yamaha have data from Forward who also used it.

I am a bit shocked at Reddings times.i had pretty much written him off. Maybe the MarcVDS team was as bad as he hinted..

Redding is running GP15 machines this year right?

Everyone has been using the Magneti Marelli ECU since 2014.

For 2015 Factory Y, H, D, S, and A were allowed to use their own software, subject to being frozen as of end of June.
The freeze was voluntary, if a factory wanted to continue developing their software, they could.
But then they would not be able to contribute to the development of the 2016 mandatory software.

Apparently Ducati has been quite involved with the open teams running the spec software.
Reportedly Yamaha has been active as well, with Forward and Tech3.
Seems Honda has been sitting on their hands.


Yes.

Ducati has been involved from the beginning, so they should feel the most comfortable. Everyone has to get used to the Michelins, but those teams that have to work on both ECU and tires are screwed.

It also makes me impressed with how far the Unibrow has brought along the GP and how aggressive the Honda engine must be. It was only 2 years ago when the top two complaints for the GP was 1. understeer and 2. engine too aggressive.  If Redding is saying that the motor isnt aggressive enough compared to the Honda... damn, that Honda must be a handful to ride.

Makes me wonder if MM is one of the reasons that Honda went down the overly agressive path with the comments made about how Stoner left because his imput into the bike wasnt being heard.  MM could be a great rider and a maybe a terrible developement rider?

IIRC, both Pedrosa and MM told Honda the engine was too aggressive after the Valencia test last year.
Subsequently, Honda either didn't act on that, or only made a very small change.
The oppressive heat at the Sepang test prior to the season this year took enough of an edge off the power that it seemed to be OK.

Given Honda's track record on not listening, I suspect they did nothing.
Also, they really didn't want to get out-motored by the Duc.
(IMO a bit delusional, as they've never been any better than 'close', and usually lacking a good bit.)
Looks like they're still on the horns of that same dilemma.

And they've apparently screwed themselves by not having any manpower learning the spec software.
And with the Michelins, it's yet another variable.
It's a very ugly looking situation.

I think it's more of an ego thing with HRC thinking that their engineers are so outstanding that they can simply learn the new software and make it work perfectly in a very short amount of time.

I can only imagine that Ducati's factory software was not as advanced as either HRC or Yamaha's. If that's the case, providing the most amount of feedback on the spec ECU would allow them not only time to adapt, but also a way to focus the software to where the Duc would be the most effective.

I can see how dumbing it down will affect riders like Jorghey the most. The ECU won't be adjustable to the point where it's perfect in every corner. Throw in the Michelins and I see a rough go at least in the first few races for the newly minted champion. This might be Ducati's best chance at winning a race, before their competitors find something.

It'll be interesting to see how the Honda motor is this year. They get 2 extra L, so that should help with both the power and aggressiveness...depends on what they do though. Ducati meanwhile is still at the same fuel level, so probably won't see much change.

I think the riders told HRC about the problems, and they were ignored. People are always quick to blame the riders about development, but all they can do is relay what they're feeling. The engineers have to fix the problems.

I too think JLo may be in for a rough season. This could be a really crazy season!  [thumbsup]

I'm convinced that the Honda F1 debacle is hogging resources, leaving the MotoGP side holding the bag.
Definitely a corporate ego problem at the root of it; "We are Honda. We can kick ass in F1 and MotoGP simultaneously."

I suspect you're right about JLo.
His style of riding smooth right on the razor's edge will suffer when using the two new blunt instruments.

Jlo is definitely going to struggle for the first half season.
I expect another strong VR start to the season. His ability to adapt will come in useful early.

Really do agree most likely race win for the Duc is a Crazy Joe win early on.....

Am interested to see how MM adapts this year to another cruddy bike early on. They will sort it a fair amount during the season, but how much of a "Captain Crash" will he be early on?

Nicky about the first days on a WSBK  8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcm2UZhD2xw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcm2UZhD2xw)

An interview with Nicky from Oct.

http://youtu.be/ULBZW7vOA_w (http://youtu.be/ULBZW7vOA_w)

Nicky did remarkably well on the POS Fireblade. He was not very consistent, but was able to pull in some fast laps. He was up there with the Kawis and Ducs. I would have loved to have seen him on a Duc.

Nice article from Lanesplitter on how rule changes will affect the upcoming season.  Starts off written aimed at outsiders, but the info on tires and ECU has some good gritty detail that I found interesting.

http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/these-changes-are-why-you-have-to-start-watching-motogp-1742368351 (http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/these-changes-are-why-you-have-to-start-watching-motogp-1742368351)

This is an excellent article for those casual MotoGP watchers. It really does break down the changes and it adds a lot of excitement for next year. I just hope the season lives up to the hype.

I'm also pretty sure that the guy who wrote it is known as Lindz in this forum

Wonder how it's going to shake out now:
http://fox13now.com/2015/12/17/judge-in-tooele-vacates-sale-of-miller-motorsports-park-to-chinese-company/ (http://fox13now.com/2015/12/17/judge-in-tooele-vacates-sale-of-miller-motorsports-park-to-chinese-company/)

Some heavy hitting on the crack pipe here:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-officials-mandate-one-piece-handlebars-for-2016-in-the-name-of-safety/ (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-officials-mandate-one-piece-handlebars-for-2016-in-the-name-of-safety/)

"Even if a motorcycle fits the rules it is not guaranteed to be accepted."

Where do these people come from?