2011 R8 Mugello Race Topic ** Spoilers**

[ipso]

Just hours away. Maybe we’ll finally get to see the first [healthy] Simoncelli vs. Spies dice!

Those two aren’t exactly genius starters, but Dovi (just behind them) is invariably cautious early on. It’s quite a ways down to turn 1, so the Honda’s may make it look easy. Stoner’s first turn is often imperious. I expect he’ll get away.

If Ben can get a good launch and stay out front of Sic going into turn one, it’s almost inevitable Sic will stick it in hard under somewhere in those first three turns. It’s going to be maddening as hell the nanosecond Simoncelli braces up for battle-ram mode. Home crowd; nerves; Stoner “getting away” - it’s inevitable.

Let’s just hope Ben (or whoever it will be this time) does not get hurt – or rather optimistically - Sic keeps it "hard but clean".

[Oscar]

I don't think 1000cc will be the answer they hoped for either, Oscar I think this period in the doldrums will do Rossi/JB the world of good. If anything it make them all think twice before making some inflamatory statement to the press hacks.

I think that, and sincerely, both have recently been really trying to mend some bridges there recently. Personally, I regard the issue as closed off now - I can imagine Stoner still feels a bit miffed that what are now appearing as liberties were taken in the first place, but I suspect he won't be feeling any need to stoke any fires in that direction. I also suspect he has considerable determination to make this Mugello his own.

[Tourn46]

Judging by the sessions we have had so far this could be one hell of a race.

This morning's WUP... the first 4 riders extremely close again (Simo edging out the others again). Rossi went faster than he qualified, which is 'promising' for me as a Rossi fan although I don't expect miracles!

[chc-pr]

"Rossi will do at least as well as Stoner did on the Ducati"

2009 - Top Ducati = Stoner = 4th
2010 - Top Ducati = Stoner = 4th
2011 - Top Ducati = Rossi = 4th (so far)

To me it doesn't look like he is doing any worse. As I've said before, the bike stopped Casey from performing and the bike is now stopping Rossi from performing.
In 2010, Stoner finished behind a guy who missed races with a broken leg, surely it's clear that Stoner was also just as handicapped by the Ducati when you look at him on a good bike this year? When you compare Rossi from now to when he was on a Yamaha?

While all of that is self evident, your analysis is focussed on end of year championships. I (as Stoner is incidently) am more concerned at the pace difference and race results. 4th in the championship is much more flattering to Rossi actual performances so far this season IMO. His true pace is typically around 7-9th with the odd better pace. His results have been largely elevated by the misfortunes of others and the 'talents' of Simochelli (much as I like Simocelli the discussion on here about how he has influenced the championship is quite extensive). It is the EXTEND of the pace difference that i sastonishing and I do NOT think Rossi will continue to be quite so 'lucky' all year so unless the bike gets much better, he can expect to finish around 6th I guess, so I stand by my comments.

I agree that this year is exposing the Ducati, but in doing so it makes me even more amazed at Stoner's success on it. Rossi hasn't even LOOKED like getting onto the second row all season really and Stoner was typically expected to be on the front row or heading the second for example.

[coyote]

LORENZO! That's determination for you.

Has Dovizioso got the balls/is he allowed to take Stoner?

[chc-pr]

Has Dovizioso got the balls/is he allowed to take Stoner?

Yes ...

Excellent race by Lorenzo and Dovi. Stoner seems to have not looked after his tyres that well this race. Very good race.

[rick]

I had to laugh at the commentary we get here, with ten laps to go (Gavin Emmett ?) said that's it, Stoner's got and I thought hmm.....it isn't over until the Chequer....

Excellent race.

[Tormo4ever]

Ben schooled Simo ... Dani looked like sh1t after the race

Lorenzo in true alien style ...Stoner said after the race that tyre pressure wasnt right , as they ve used one that had only worked in practice on a colder track. dovi was asked how it feels to beat stoner and he said whats really special is being "the first italian in mugello, the only italian on the podium" .

[coyote]

I had to laugh at the commentary we get here, with ten laps to go (Gavin Emmett ?) said that's it, Stoner's got and I thought hmm.....it isn't over until the Chequer....

Yep, best to ignore him, Emmett is one of the biggest Stoner-fans around.

Really impressed by Dovi, he had looked good before in this season but this could be the race to raise him to the next level (kinda like Spies at Assen).

[eddahenry]

that interview from stoner
you could almost see him killing the Bridgstone tyre tech in his eyes LOL
Great ride from Lorenzo and Dovi
I tought the tyers looked fine after the race i guess they just over inflated on Caseys bike due to the heat

[TexasTriple]

Great rides from JLo and Dovi! Fantastic race. Stoner's misfortune certainly heats things up for us!

[Oscar]

Now that was a good race. Lorenzo was excellent, Dovi was bleedin' inspirational, and Stoner gave it a damn good go, I thought. As for Bridgestone advice - well, I guess that squares for the time they sent Rossi out on the wrong damn tyre (Le Mans, I think, three years ago?). Stuff happens, Stoner still got good points so it's only a disappointment, hardly a disaster.

A good thing for the WC - Yamaha is back to competitive, I feel we can start to drop the 'HRC juggernaut' syndrome. It has all the makings of being an honourable victory in every sense for whoever comes out on top. Back at Ducati, though, I suspect they're drawing straws as to who is going to front del Torchio and explain... after having kissed the wife and kids and said 'always remember, Daddy loves you very much.'

Oh, and Spies handed Singlecelli a fine lesson in the difference between racing and merely riding fast.

[lebowski]

Great ride by Lorenzo. Nothing slow about that Yam down the straight either. Good to see Dovi so excited and glad Ben showed Sic how to overtake. I would not want to be Stoner's tyre tech right now but it must be difficult when race conditions are so different (hot) compared to what they were in practice. By the sounds of it though Stoner's crew voiced their concerns and were told not to worry so they left the pressure the same.

[DJH]

Great race by Lorenzo. I have warmed to him somewhat this year, probably because Simoncelli is so easy to burden all of my angst onto. Lorenzo's talent is unquestionable, and what I really enjoy about these battles at the front is the sportsmanship and respect before/during and after the race.

All of the verbal barbs and such won't dig Vale and the Ducati out of that hole. The only way to hush the critics will be to deliver on the track, and no shoulder/Stoner-development is going to gossip their way out of it.

Stoner definitely wasn't happy, but it was the race of the season so far and all four top guys deserve a good pat on the back. They left it all out there and for that I am a happy chappy!

[TwoStroke Institute]

Lorenzo rode a brilliant race, Stoner didn't look to happy and Dovi looked over the moon. Great to see Simoncelli keep his head and Spies nab 4th.
Ducati is still a full second off front line pace, the monday morning meeting will not be a nice place to be especialy after Hector Barbera finishing 2 seconds behind. That gives accountants a lot of ammo.

[coyote]

Well it's good that we got that clear. For a moment there I was scared to death Stoner was actually beat today.

[Tourn46]

I agree that this year is exposing the Ducati, but in doing so it makes me even more amazed at Stoner's success on it. Rossi hasn't even LOOKED like getting onto the second row all season really and Stoner was typically expected to be on the front row or heading the second for example.

But this is my problem... and obviously where we disagree. I don't think Stoner was successful on the Ducati in 2009 & 2010, likewise I do not perceive Rossi as being successful on the Ducati at the moment.

I guess it depends on what you base success on, but for me the championship is the be all and end all... 4th is not a success for any rider and I don't believe that Stoner or Rossi would consider 4th in the championship a successful year.

[Tourn46]

Tourn - absolutely no, I don't think his fans will desert him - which is why I didn't say 'the pressure is on Rossi' etc. - just that he must be feeling as if the pressure is on. His home track, 'his' Ducati, Ducati''s home track, lots of test laps, self-announced as back to full fitness - there comes a time when one has to feel fairly much as if one has done everything that can be done by way of clearing the path ahead of obstacles and now it's all up to muggins. It's simply human nature, not cold hard facts, I'm looking at here - even the Italian press, we believe, has been pretty hard on Rossi so far this season. Every race is equal in points but a win (preferably, or at least a great showing) at certain races is more equal in most rider's minds.

Just to revisit this briefly... I think the grid post-race shows that the fans still adore Rossi regardless of what the media say/results on the Ducati. Was a sight to behold, just wish I was there!

If anything, that scene must be an inspiration for Rossi rather than heaped more pressure on.

[coyote]

Just to revisit this briefly... I think the grid post-race shows that the fans still adore Rossi regardless of what the media say/results on the Ducati. Was a sight to behold, just wish I was there!

If anything, that scene must be an inspiration for Rossi rather than heaped more pressure on.

Exactly, it was great to see the fans behind him during and after the race, clearly seemed to gather the biggest applauds even with Dovi 2nd.

[Albert]

... I think the grid post-race shows that the fans still adore Rossi regardless of what the media say/results on the Ducati. Was a sight to behold, just wish I was there!

You should go!
The atmosphere at Mugello is incredible and seems to be emphasised by the fact that the place is in a natural bowl, surrounded by hills. All the noise reverberates back and forth!

I've never experienced anything quite like it!

[Tourn46]

You should go!
The atmosphere at Mugello is incredible and seems to be emphasised by the fact that the place is in a natural bowl, surrounded by hills. All the noise reverberates back and forth!

I've never experienced anything quite like it!

It's funny you say that, after today's race me and my g/f are planning it for next year!

[Gustav O]

What a good race - eventually!
I thought Stoner would run away with it but Lorenzo showed great grit and determination and I just love his smooth riding style. Great ride from Dovi and Spies schooled Simoncelli what racing is about.
Great ride for Barbera as well.

Well it's good that we got that clear. For a moment there I was scared to death Stoner was actually beat today.

[Faster1]

A good thing for the WC - Yamaha is back to competitive, I feel we can start to drop the 'HRC juggernaut' syndrome. It has all the makings of being an honourable victory in every sense for whoever comes out on top.

I'm going to agree 95 % and give Jorge the rest of the credit,, The Yamaka' still had an a humbling if not revealing 9th fastest speed trap time,,

[Gustav O]

Hey Marco.
Read this, consider it and maybe you will learn something.
Ben Spies
We did a good job getting back up to Simoncelli. Once I saw we weren't going to catch the front guys I let Marco back by, I wanted him to pull me around to see where I was stronger than he was. I left it until the last lap, the last corner I could see he was leaving the door wide open so we were able to sneak right in and get fourth place.

[Squidpuppet]

A good thing for the WC - Yamaha is back to competitive, I feel we can start to drop the 'HRC juggernaut' syndrome. It has all the makings of being an honourable victory in every sense for whoever comes out on top.

I'm going to agree 95 % and give Jorge the rest of the credit,, The Yamaka' still had an a humbling if not revealing 9th fastest speed trap time,,

But there is now nothing between the Yams and Hondas, and thats what counts.

327.8 Jorge
328.0 Casey
326.7 Ben
326.3 SIc
326.8 Dani
331.5 Dovi
327.7 Colin

Mugello proved to be very revealing that Yamaha has found something. Odd, too, because Jorge was saying that engine upgrades wouldnt arrive until Brno at the earliest. Good to see some fighting again.