2011 R7 Assen Race Topic ** Spoilers**

[Squidpuppet]

Marquez came really close in a pass for the lead. His front brake lever was inches away from hitting the opposing bike, for sure disaster.

I wonder why they do not use some kind of simple aero handguard?

A bunch of the guys do, to save the levers in crashes. I cant remember who it was this weekend, but I had to chuckle a little because after a trip to the litter his levers were fine, but his exhaust looked like a broken radio antenna.

[Gustav O]

One thing that was really good, as usual, is the footage from the inside of the last chicane taken with the moving camera.
There were some shots of riders coming trough there that was just stunning and you get a great feel for just how fast they enter, how hard they trail brake and how swift they change direction. Absolutely great.

Only thing closer I have ever experienced is actually being lapped by seriously fast riders. That can be a pure joy.

[Richo]

You are spot on with that one Gustav, I really enjoyed it every time they showed that angle, it was the best view on the track.

[carty]

The camera angle I enjoyed best over the weekend was the onboard footage from Stoner's bike in qualifying on Eurosport. They showed about 1/2 - 2/3rd's of a lap and Moody and Ryder kept quiet so you could hear all the gear changes, rev increases and decreases etc. The cameras (presumably HD ones) on some bikes are ten times better than on others.

[Squidpuppet]

Wow, have I missed this.... ?

We have all been somewhat disappointed/surprised by Aoyamas pace this season. Reading the interview on the front page, Horoshi explains that in a fall at Assen he broke another vertebrae, and states he is only now at maybe 80% mobility/fitness. That explains a lot!

Kinda sad that when the big names get a hang nail, every detail is printed, but when Hiro breaks his back (again - and rides though it) it doesnt make the press.

Unless I missed it.

[Rusty Bucket USA]

I thought something very similar...

[Tourn46]

Same here, heard he fell of and had a bit of a knock, didn't know it was as serious as a broken vertebrae.

I have to say I've been somewhat surprised by his lack of performance, or at least being THAT far behind the works Honda's and this goes a long way to explaining why. I think it's slightly unfair how this has been skipped over by the media - especially as Parrish and Cox have given him pelters all year on the BBC... but what a surprise for them to spout misinformed faeces.