MotoGP for Dummies

[Triple J]

I typically watch MotoGP during the season. In the offseason I catch up on the Moto2 and Moto 3 races...so I get racing year round. 

[lazylightnin717]

It's definitely worth it.

Now that the euro isn't worth much more than the dollar, the hit isn't as bad.

[kopfjäger]

The announcers are extremely knowledgeable

One of my favorite options is that I can shut the announcers off. 

[1.21GW]

Is it worth the extra 40 EUR for Multicam feature?

[lazylightnin717]

I've never had it. Don't know if it's worth it.

[kopfjäger]

Is it worth the extra 40 EUR for Multicam feature?

Viewed it in a 'test' package, but this will be my first season using it for races. I figured its the cost of a meal and a few drinks. 

[duccarlos]

It allows you to watch battles further back. It's very rare to even get a glimpse of the open bikes. I've never actually subscribed to it, but mostly because I'm a cheap ass.

[1.21GW]

Viewed it in a 'test' package, but this will be my first season using it for races. I figured its the cost of a meal and a few drinks. 

At many of the places where I live, it's the cost of just two drinks. 


Ok, think I'll get the basic package this year.  If I'm hooked, I'll upgrade to multicam next year.  Thanks for the replies.

[1.21GW]

In case any other motogp dummy besides myself is reading this thread, I found this helpful summary of 2015 rules.  Very helpful, at least to me.  Why is this so complicated?


http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/motogp-2015-rules-primer/

[triangleforge]

Why is this so complicated?

Because any racing body wants two things that are occasionally in conflict: 1) for the fastest racer and best machinery to win, and 2) for the racing to be close and exciting, with some skin in the game for fans and sponsors of a wide variety of competitors & teams. If it was just #1, the rules would simply say "Bring a motorcycle and stay out of Marquez' way."

[1.21GW]

Because any racing body wants two things that are occasionally in conflict: 1) for the fastest racer and best machinery to win, and 2) for the racing to be close and exciting, with some skin in the game for fans and sponsors of a wide variety of competitors & teams. If it was just #1, the rules would simply say "Bring a motorcycle and stay out of Marquez' way."

Interesting, because other sports bodies that I follow like NBA, NFL, etc. seem to favor #2 significantly over #1.  Sure, there are some rules (home field advantage in the playoffs, bye weeks, etc.) that support #1, but they realize that #2 is what puts asses in the seats, gets people to tune in, fans to buy gear, and just plain generally funds the whole machine.

But I get that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, since moto racing requires $$ and equipment to a degree and in ways that aren't really the same for ball sports. 

[duccarlos]

Interesting, because other sports bodies that I follow like NBA, NFL, etc. seem to favor #2 significantly over #1.  Sure, there are some rules (home field advantage in the playoffs, bye weeks, etc.) that support #1, but they realize that #2 is what puts asses in the seats, gets people to tune in, fans to buy gear, and just plain generally funds the whole machine.

But I get that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, since moto racing requires $$ and equipment to a degree and in ways that aren't really the same for ball sports. 

Not to mention that the Nascar approach to motorsports, which can be argued generate #2, might not be the best match for all motorsports.

[Triple J]

The complicated rules are all related to cost IMO. If everyone had the budget of Honda, then I don't think we'd see much in the way of rules. 2 wheels, 1000cc, naturally aspirated...have fun!

Since everyone doesn't though (not even Yamaha), rules are created to try and level the playing field, thus creating closer racing (in theory). Whether it works is debatable, as some rules (like banning dual clutches) end up costing more...much more.

[duccarlos]

Not to mention that teams with the big budgets can engineer around the rules, like the seamless gearbox.

[Triple J]

The gearbox rule is a great example of how rules designed to cut costs often do the exact opposite. Honda spent a TON of money making the seamless gearboxes so they didn't violate the ban on dual clutches, which effectively forced the other factories to follow suit. In the end though, they have a similar thing, at a much heftier price!

It's easy to make Honda the scapegoat, and say they're the evil empire and all. The reality is EVERY race team does what it can to engineer around the rules though. Honda just has the budget to do a better job at it...not their fault.