2012 MotoGP Round 1 - Qatar

[sir_nj]

re the post before last.......Rossi could go to WSBK............if for no other reason than to push Biaggi right over the edge and make Vale feel better about himself at the same time.

oooooooh, watch out for the mega flaming I got last year when I said the same thing, or perhaps it's just that we Taswegians are ahead of the curve?

[sir_nj]

He is the only guy in the paddock who has any realistic power to get the changes made to that Ducati. The more he kicks up a stink, the better in my opinion.

he is also the only guy in the paddock who might be able to still run with the aliens. What was the gap from 3rd to 4th? It was huge.

I also don't blame him for complaining, nothing else has worked. Having said that I'm hoping that maybe he will bite his tounge next time anyone else complains rather than suggest that they should just try harder.

[lebowski]

I've got no problem with Rossi saying what he thinks. I also have no problem with Stoner or any other rider saying what he thinks. What I have a problem with is the double standards applied by some fans and commentators which suggest it is ok for Rossi but not for others to do so (Stoner aka Moaner in particular).

I really like Nicky Hayden but it would be pretty dull if everyone always towed the party line no matter what. I respect Nicky for his ability to be steadfast regardless of the circumstances but, let's face it, we would not have a lot to talk about if all riders were as faithful to their employers as Nicky.

As to the race, great ride by Lorenzo, good to see Dani put his troubles behind him, although he seems to lack the ability to make decisive passes as quickly as he needs to - had he got past Stoner quickly he could have challenged for the win. Mature display by Stoner. He realised he couldn't win and brought home the maximum points he could. That is how championships are won. Impressive by Cal, good showing by Bradl. Disappointed by Bautista and particularly SPIES !!! I realise he had issues but it was a poor showing. Rossi- enough said already. I fear it will get worse before it gets better and the fallout won't be good. At this rate, I'm not convinced he will see the season out....

[tom]

I agree with a lot of that Lebowski, I have always liked Nicky (who hasn't?) but hated his press conferences. There was only a brief period when Honda were shafting him that he was happy to say what he really thought. I like Rossi talking out about where he and Ducati are at and while it would sound a lot better coming as the first placed Ducati rider, at least he is not papering over obvious cracks. I do hope even the hardest Stoner critics now realise they need to redefine their definition of 'moaning'. Calling it like it is is not 'whinging', Casey was never a 'whinger' and neither is Vale. I really hope that whole unfortunate name calling disease that seemed to infect MotoGP for years, can well and truly be eradicated (on both sides).

On a separate and more relevant note I dont share the prevailing view that this will be an entertaining season. Assuming Casey can get over the arm pump issue, based on this round he is still half a second faster in raw pace than both Pedrosa and Lorenzo and that's on a bike that was plagued with chatter. Lorenzo's consistency will help reduce that margin somewhat but I think Casey is in a league of his own and if Honda can get their head around the chatter issue then there really wont be a contest. I think it will be even worst this year than last, I'm thinking more 2007.

The chatter was clearly visible during the race, I cant even comprehend how a bike behaving like that, can be punted around a track half a second faster than a rider like Lorenzo riding at his limit. I know I'm more than a little pro Stoner in my bias but I honestly think he is untouchable at the moment.

On a plus note, Crutchlow has amazing raw pace. He really does seem to be the real deal. There should be many a good battle for second and third this year.

Here's a link to all the riders fastest laps;
http://resources.motogp.com/files/results/2012/QAT/MotoGP/RAC/FastLapRider.pdf?v1_2a629ae4

Edit to add link to all lap times: http://resources.motogp.com/files/results/2012/QAT/MotoGP/RAC/Analysis.pdf?v1_60112f76

[drayon]

Anyone watch the BBC coverage of the race, if so were there any advert breaks?

[Zaphod]

re the post before last.......Rossi could go to WSBK............if for no other reason than to push Biaggi right over the edge and make Vale feel better about himself at the same time.

oooooooh, watch out for the mega flaming I got last year when I said the same thing, or perhaps it's just that we Taswegians are ahead of the curve?

We are just realists, and call it as we see it.

........also, being sometimes stuck for entertainment during the rainy winter months (not me, rain doesn't stop dirt-biking, it just makes it better !), we're pretty good at creating fun.

Sooooo

Stick Rossi and Biaggi in the same team, ban any "wall" between them, and we can all sit back and enjoy the fun.

[DJH]

Stick Rossi and Biaggi in the same team, ban any "wall" between them, and we can all sit back and enjoy the fun.

Next thing you know, Vale will be looking at Biaggi's data all the while telling everyone how he *should* be finishing in front of him 'but I just no understanda?'.

[Gustav O]

Zaphod, why is it then that MM gets that engine before everyone else if a new Rossi called Ianonne could be created?

I know that this is a divisive if not polarizing topic,, and as such, you probably won't be able to shift anyone's views.

I'm on the same side as Zap.. Last year, I just saw too many speed differences between MM and the rest of the grid using (here's the critical part) engines which are supposed to be identical in all respects. <<< I can't get past that. These engines are created by Honda. <<, you can't ignore that. How's that for a conflict of interest. That one race which MM started form the back because of a penalty and out dragged half the grid to the first turn (worth repeating << using spec engines which were supposed to be created equally) locked in, for me, what I started to question many races before. It's a shift at the light task,,, he showed 4 aces one too many times at the table.
As far as your question why,,,, motogp is Spanish for all intents and purposes HRC seems to be married forever to Spain's Repsol, the last remaining bottomless money pockets interested in gp. And Repsol/HRC is making sure then their stable is stocked with winners for the coming years. MM is great, if not the best , but I'm not convinced that Ianone among others isn't at least as fast,,, but he doesn't speak Spanish.
It's my conspiracy and I'm sticking with it, and now that Ianone made references to it also, It's worth at least a though, before you rip me to shreds,,

So Honda, from Japan and the largest motorcycle company in the world, would via the Italian company GEO Technologies risk the whole concept of the Moto2 class by manipulating the lottery process of engine allocations to help a Spanish rider and Dorna? Doing this they have to manipulate the process in such a clever way that the FIM delegated Technical Director that is doing the distribution doesn´t even know they are doing it.

Get over it guys. Marquez have engines from the same allocations as others. Suter gave them better stuff last year, and a lot of teams went for Kalex chassis instead but that is within the rules.

[WayneG]

MM was 6th quickest through the speed trap at 281km/h (fastest was 285). Luthi was 18th fastest at 278.1km/h (2.9 down on MM). Nothing there to suggest that Marquez has engine advantage. It looked to me that MM was getting onto the main straight much better than Luthi and so reached max speed earlier. That would indicate more of frame/setup advantage than an engine advantage to me. Nothing wrong with that.

[Sloth27]

MM was 6th quickest through the speed trap at 281km/h (fastest was 285). Luthi was 18th fastest at 278.1km/h (2.9 down on MM). Nothing there to suggest that Marquez has engine advantage. It looked to me that MM was getting onto the main straight much better than Luthi and so reached max speed earlier. That would indicate more of frame/setup advantage than an engine advantage to me. Nothing wrong with that.

Exactly, there's no indication Marquez has a better engine. He wasn't even winning until the hard move on Luthi, it's not like he blazed the field.

As for Iannone becomming Dorna's next Rossi, he might want to learn English for his press conferences before thinking about MotoGP. Not that I really mind, but I'd say most sponsors would consider it important.

[Zaphod]

Please stop trying to ruin my irrational comments justifying why MM sucks with logic.

..........it is sucking all the fun out of my day.


BOOOOOOOOO, MM, BOOOOOOOOOO

Motorcyclists are supposed to be unshaven, dirty people who you would be scared to introduce your mum to..............not some all white-teeth-smiling-nice-haircut-politically-correct suck arse's !!!!

God bless Iannone, his lack of shaving and willing-ness to bow to the all-conquering english langauge. " Eh !!F@#K YOU !!....... the a-Google, she has-a the translate-a button-oni "

Hope you win the title, you dirty little grease covered unshaven motorcycling degenerate !

VIVA IANNONE !!!!!!


..............Perth airport........drunk.

[Oscar]

Motorcyclists are supposed to be unshaven, dirty people who you would be scared to introduce your mum to..............not some all white-teeth-smiling-nice-haircut-politically-correct suck arse's !!!!

Me old china plate - MM might be ok to introduce to your mum, but would you let her out on track with him riding around? The kid is a Goodfella once the lights go out.

[Gustav O]

Me old china plate - MM might be ok to introduce to your mum, but would you let her out on track with him riding around? The kid is a Goodfella once the lights go out.

He sure is a fierce rider and will dish it out to anyone, as displayed on several occasions....

[Rossifumi]

On a separate and more relevant note I dont share the prevailing view that this will be an entertaining season. Assuming Casey can get over the arm pump issue, based on this round he is still half a second faster in raw pace than both Pedrosa and Lorenzo and that's on a bike that was plagued with chatter.

....at Qatar, a venue where he's always been dominant.

[Tourn46]

Anyone watch the BBC coverage of the race, if so were there any advert breaks?

The BBC does not have any adverts during any programmes at all and it never will. The only "adverts" you will ever see on the BBC are those promoting it's own programmes... so no, the live coverage on the BBC is and always will be uninterrupted so long as they have a contract to show MotoGP.

The only thing you have to put up with on the BBC is the odd QP/Race only being available online (www.bbc.co.uk/sport from that page you can choose the live programmes) because just about every other sport shunts MotoGP from the schedule on the TV.

The coverage is decent, but you do have to put up with Steve Parrish and Charlie Cox.

[Tourn46]

I've got no problem with Rossi saying what he thinks. I also have no problem with Stoner or any other rider saying what he thinks. What I have a problem with is the double standards applied by some fans and commentators which suggest it is ok for Rossi but not for others to do so (Stoner aka Moaner in particular).

I think it's just a culture thing mate... I really don't want to turn this into a debate because it will end up with a few handbags thrown, but 2 characters can say the same thing and come across completely differently.

Also, people often hear what they want to hear and take from an interview what they want to take. It's the same for Rossi and Stoner and their fans in the case mentioned above...

[Squidpuppet]

Checked out the Michael Scott report over on Gpweek, and he indulges himself in a lovely bit of fantasy regarding Lorenzo's race strategy:

'...shadowed Stoner's Repsol Honda until four laps to go - then pulled the pin to take a clear win by almost a second'

Great stuff - the image of Lorenzo holding it all in until the critical moment and then pouncing, turning up the wick and blazing the field in front of him in a way reminiscent of Rossi in the 990 days.

Hilarious.

Crutchlow shadowed Dovi. Jorge just did what Jorge does.

The Wilco Zeelenberg School of Motorcycle Racing Season Success.... Go as fast as you can without falling down, everything else will determine your result. Smart. How many times have we seen a victory "come to" Jorge. Must be tough to apply patience though, when you are in the business of Hurry Up.

[Nachlauf]

Heh yeah, Jorge didn't pull any pin. He simply drove his bike as consistent as freaking machine. When I look at the times I wonder how much safety margin he still has there. Can't be much. Mighty impressive.

Have to praise Dani here too. Looked like he could go a tiny bit faster than Jorge, but just couldn't find any spot to pass him. Considering how well Jorge rode this surely means Dani did equally well. Good for him. That little escapade last week doesn't seem to influence is riding. Well not to the bad at least.

Now I hope Yamaha quickly finds the issue that plagued Ben. I'd love to see him in this fight too.

[Squidpuppet]

The more he kicks up a stink, the better in my opinion.

Isnt it classier to do that face to face with those whom you have a business agreement?

Rossi is bound by contract (and paid handsomely) to publicly represent the brand and the sponsors in a positive way. He is a paid public spokesman FOR the brand, in addition to his racing duties.

If Ducati have been unable, despite their appearent willingness to try, to provide Rossi with a bike that he likes, he should just ride it to the best of his abilities and move on after the season. During which time he should keep his head down and his mouth shut. You dont slam a partner who is TRYING but coming up short.

If Ducati are deliberately (doesnt make much sense though, does it?) NOT providing Rossi with what he is asking for, He should keep his head down and his mouth shut during the rest of the season and then move on. AFTER that, airing the dirty laundry would be acceptable IMO.

He was very pissed off and hurt by the Yamaha divorce, (didnt get what he wanted) yet he and Yamaha both managed to handle that with tremendous class. Both Parties left the relationshp with their heads held high, and even gave us fans the Vale/Furusawa M1 review video as a parting gift.

So far his comments have been borderline to me, But if he starts slinging real shit in public, all respect I had will be gone.

[Squidpuppet]

MM was 6th quickest through the speed trap at 281km/h (fastest was 285). Luthi was 18th fastest at 278.1km/h (2.9 down on MM). Nothing there to suggest that Marquez has engine advantage. It looked to me that MM was getting onto the main straight much better than Luthi and so reached max speed earlier. That would indicate more of frame/setup advantage than an engine advantage to me. Nothing wrong with that.

Exactly, there's no indication Marquez has a better engine. He wasn't even winning until the hard move on Luthi, it's not like he blazed the field.

As for Iannone becomming Dorna's next Rossi, he might want to learn English for his press conferences before thinking about MotoGP. Not that I really mind, but I'd say most sponsors would consider it important.

I am not saying that I believe MM has special engines, BUT, his top speed was low because he was always following and deliberately sitting up to slow down and playing mind games with Iannone etc on the straight.

[Tourn46]

The more he kicks up a stink, the better in my opinion.

Isnt it classier to do that face to face with those whom you have a business agreement?

Rossi is bound by contract (and paid handsomely) to publicly represent the brand and the sponsors in a positive way. He is a paid public spokesman FOR the brand, in addition to his racing duties.

So far his comments have been borderline to me, But if he starts slinging real shit in public, all respect I had will be gone.

Rossi is a racer who throws his leg over a bike to win. He is demonstrating that... and I am glad he did it.

We are in disagreement and I can live with that.

[Nachlauf]

Actually it looked to me as if the Speedup bikes of Iannone and DiMeglio always came out of the last turn rather poorly. I can't remember seeing them doing a single overtake on the main straight.

And aren't the Moto2 engines drawn randomly somehow? I could have sworn so.

[Tourn46]

Actually it looked to me as if the Speedup bikes of Iannone and DiMeglio always came out of the last turn rather poorly. I can't remember seeing them doing a single overtake on the main straight.

And aren't the Moto2 engines drawn randomly somehow? I could have sworn so.

Agree about Ianonne and Di Meglio, neither seemed to get a good run out of that last corner.

I know it's not a huge issue, but Iannone is also a bigger chap than Marquez... on spec engines, that will have an effect under acceleration surely?

[Squidpuppet]

[Rossi is a racer who throws his leg over a bike to win. He is demonstrating that... and I am glad he did it.

We are in disagreement and I can live with that.

I see it as a partnership where both sides have to give their best efforts. What are the positives drawn from publicly disrespecting or insulting your partner when they come up short, despite their best effort? Serious question Tourn.

[Tourn46]

[Rossi is a racer who throws his leg over a bike to win. He is demonstrating that... and I am glad he did it.

We are in disagreement and I can live with that.

I see it as a partnership where both sides have to give their best efforts. What are the positives drawn from publicly disrespecting or insulting your partner when they come up short, despite their best effort? Serious question Tourn.

Neither you nor I know exactly what went into making that motorcycle... maybe Rossi didn't get what he asked for?

I'm not saying Rossi should lay it on thick, but at the end of the day he is in it to win it. Are you suggesting that he just hides his frustrations and plods around in 10th place?

I think judging by Ducati's previous, they NEED to be pushed and if it requires going public then so be it.