Valencia test

[gm2]

something will probably change, and maybe ECUs are the most likely candidate, but i'm sure that carmelo's comments last week were more intended to get the MSMA to the table.

re Rossi, ok maybe not orange and black, but he sure as shit aint going out like this.  he'll win again.  either ducati figures it out, basically in the next 2 months, or he goes somewhere else.  more likely his own team.

[fastwin]

On another level I think someone should start a new thread just to keep track of all the hilarious "nicknames" this forum gives to Pedrobot! They absolutely crack me up!!

Personally, I'd love to see Hayden end up in WSBK! Not to say I want his GP career cut short but I think he could rock the place on a 1199!

[desmoquattro]

On another level I think someone should start a new thread just to keep track of all the hilarious "nicknames" this forum gives to Pedrobot! They absolutely crack me up!!

Done
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=53551.msg986941#msg986941

[fastwin]

  Good one. Just saw it!

[OT]

That's not going to happen either.  Dorna's not stupid enough to allow the brand to deteriorate that much just to achieve cost-cutting and/or close racing.  People will continue to watch GP even if its boring as fack because it's undisputed that it's the best of the best.  

So, how about MotoGP racing with only 7-8 factory riders  (Aliens, Nicky, Ben +...).  Having to get excited about a battle for ninth place is getting old.

Other than '$dues' a premier class shouldn't need 15-20 riders; and Moto2 has shown what a major headache a HOG ride can be on a closed-course race...

[Jester]

So, how about MotoGP racing with only 7-8 factory riders  (Aliens, Nicky, Ben +...).  Having to get excited about a battle for ninth place is getting old.

Other than '$dues' a premier class shouldn't need 15-20 riders; and Moto2 has shown what a major headache a HOG ride can be on a closed-course race...

One first corner crash, or the usual lowsides and you'll be watching 3 or 4 bikes circulate the track.  No one would pay to watch that in person or a motogp subscription.  There aren't any fights for first anyway, so we need more bikes for some excitement.  The best racing is usually in the middle of the pack anyway. 

[fastwin]

The tussles for 3-4 or 4-5 are usually the best. Spies, Dovi, Super Sic, Rossi can have some great fights for those spots. First through third are usually spoken for and a little strung out. When was the last time you saw a drag race finish like there was at Valencia between The Ben and Stoner? Not often. And damn sure not a race long fight... or even for half a race.

[Jester]

By that same line of thinking, Formula one should field 6 cars essentially.  No one would pay for that.  You'd have Button, Alonso, Webber, Vettel, Hamilton, Massa and no one else out there, because they are the only drivers up front.  Crickets would be the spectators.  Racing needs midpack and backmarkers to be successful, and there are just as many fans that show up to root for their midpack hopeful as the front runners.  Besides, the midpack/backpack battles tend to get the press coverage once the leaders string out and clear off, so the sponsors are still getting their money's worth and help fill the grid.

[fastwin]

What he said.

[gm2]

http://motomatters.com/news/2011/11/17/second_day_of_valencia_moto2_test_a_wash.html

interesting that Aprilia would intend to get into the full-bike CRT business.

[fastwin]

Sounds like the most interesting news of the MotoGP off season is the CRT bikes. They are really just going to be cannon fodder for the grid. No way any of the CRT bikes will be up front with the factory bikes or on the podium. But it could make for some nice back of the pack CRT vs CRT bike battles.

[gm2]

Sounds like the most interesting news of the MotoGP off season is the CRT bikes. They are really just going to be cannon fodder for the grid. No way any of the CRT bikes will be up front with the factory bikes or on the podium. But it could make for some nice back of the pack CRT vs CRT bike battles.

fausto seems to think it's a new series all by itself...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Nov/111117bones.htm

"It is a source of great satisfaction that we have reached an agreement with FTR Moto to take part in the new MotoGP series, CRT."

[Raux]

I see it more like how the GT1, 2, 3 and Lemans Prototype cars all run in the IMSA series on the same track at the same time.

[fastwin]

Not a bad analogy. Kinda like the old AMA Sun Moto GT road race series.

[gm2]

they'll soon enough be running within a half second of yesterday's satellite machines and this whole conversation about the CRT bikes not being in the same league as the GP bikes will go away.