2012 Moto3/Moto2/MotoGP Thread

[hornet_burnout]

Different subject, different post.

Moto3 was quite intense I heard, but I missed it... Oliveira 16th :/

MotoGp

Spies had another of those moments, and that is just a confidence killer for him. I mean Lorenzo likes riding on the edge of the razer, no margin for error, on a tight bike. And he has to, to be able to chalenge the Hondas. And he does! It is incredibly hard IMO how he manages to beat them on that Yamaha. But Spies just can't apparently. He needs a safe margin that he can't get from that ride.

Same goes for Rossi? Not really. Hayden has been seen squirming away and fighting that Ducati. It is not as unforgiving as the Yamaha. If any, can it be the other way round? Does the Doctor need a scalpel instead of a hammer? I think so.

Barbera. Very happy for him, he was fighting hard for this. He was smiling like a little kid (that he is no more). Good stuff.

Do not discard Lorenzo or Stoner from the second line. They had issues, but they still are the main contenders for tomorrow.


Moto2

That Zarco penaty... 15 places? Too much, right? Wrong.... He was not racing for position. He was not even qualifying, and even if he was. No need to do the smart ass move and risk all that. It's not like he was boldly trying to overtake 3 riders in a race. And he wasn't even near the inside when he got hit my Espargaro.

It's 5m to go on qualy and I'm already posting this cause... It is Moto2. It really doesn't matter who's on pole, I've already seen enough. Enough to say it is going to be another hell of a Moto2 race.

 

[neljack]

Has anyone got a video of the Zarco incident, I was looking away when they showed it on Eurosport

 

[PAPPACLART]

Qualifying was pretty intense, well done the the Pramac team, they deserve it.

Good placing for Hayden, again out qualifying Rossi. The bikes were hitting 213mph, awesomely fast in what is a 1000 meter straight!!!

Stuck in 2 minds to take a ride down to Mugello for the race. Went a few years back when Rossi broke his leg, planned to go this year again but did not realize Mugello was tmrw! lol

 

[Peasantslayer]

Qualifying was pretty intense, well done the the Pramac team, they deserve it.

Good placing for Hayden, again out qualifying Rossi. The bikes were hitting 213mph, awesomely fast in what is a 1000 meter straight!!!

Stuck in 2 minds to take a ride down to Mugello for the race. Went a few years back when Rossi broke his leg, planned to go this year again but did not realize Mugello was tmrw! lol

I heard Toby Moody say that smoke was coming out of Rossi's Ducati in practice, that must be the problem because the gap is huge between him and the others and he's the lead Ducati in the championship.

 

[hornet_burnout]

I heard Toby Moody say that smoke was coming out of Rossi's Ducati in practice, that must be the problem because the gap is huge between him and the others and he's the lead Ducati in the championship.

I mostly saw the finishing 15m and I never saw Rossi. That would explain it...

 

[adamp93]

When has Rossi ever been a Saturday man? Except at Assen obviously
Its the race that counts, and regarding the front of the race, practice would have me believe Lorenzo will just run away and win by about a week. He can just run a consistent pace nobody else can match for more than a lap in race mode.
As for Moto 2, Zarco was a numpty to do that, the smart move was to latch onto the back of Pol, not try to go past him. Coming from that far back the penalty is deserved.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Awesome Moto 3 race, Moto 2 will be great although it will be a tall order to beat Marquez. Cortese is a bit of a jerk on and off the track it seems - not very gracious loser in his post race interview...

 

[hornet_burnout]

Well, barely saw the MotoGP (no spoilers here) so I'll wait for me and others to have the chance to watch the rest before I say something more relevant or complete.

But... Go Bradl! and a big 🤬 for Spies are in order I'd say.

 

[Earth]

and a big 🤬 for Spies are in order I'd say.

I’m so disappointed, not just for me but for my whole team and Yamaha who have worked so hard this weekend. I was feeling really not right from before warm up this morning and it just got worse over the day. I was struggling to put three laps together at a time in the race and fighting waves of dizziness and trying not be physically sick in my helmet. Clinica Mobile did their best to help me before the race but it was a huge challenge to focus on the bike at the speeds we do.

He may be suffering from concussion side effects after his fall yesterday.

The whole Spies saga is very confusing. Last race of the season last year he was a few hundred feet from beating Stoner. This year he's just ahead of the CRTs?

 

[hornet_burnout]

So that was it. Thanks!

He blasted from 10th to 5th in the beginning, but then started falling back and finishing some 57s behind his team mate. And I saw no "warning" no reason for it.

This time he wasn't even ahead of the CRTs, he let dePuniet by and ended over 10s behind him if I recall correctly. Maybe should've just abandoned if he was sick IMO. No one had anything to gain from that effort.

Anyway, Glad to see Dovi paying for his own brakes(!) worked. Great ride from him and awesome by Bradl, masterful stuff from Lorenzo, and Pedrosa carrying the Honda flag as far as he could.

Stoner was a mess. Qually, start of the race, went off once, crashed into the side of another strangely slowish (compared to practice) Barbera. Messy move from someone who is always whinging about "excessive" aggressiveness from others.

And Rossi. Best result in the dry, 5th...

Loved the Iannone Win in Moto2 and Fenati getting in the fight with the top dogs. Actually loved his attitude the whole race, including at the start when he hurried to the grid and just stood there with his arms crossed waiting for others to complete the lap so the race could start. Funny

 

[adamp93]

^ I too am a fan of Fenati he looks like a great addition to the paddock.
Stoner actually pushed his way past Bautista; I don't like to correct you but it was interesting that he did struggle to overtake the satellite bike.
3 more things: I did predict a Lorenzo runaway
Great battle for 3rd down to 7th
Are Ducati improving? It may only be 5th and 7th but it's a start.

 

[Mike Rotch]

There is a lot of be excited about Fenati - and the dude is only 16 . With the likes of him and Vinales coming through the ranks, the scene is set for some great rivalries. The only thing which bothers me with Fenati is his huge helmet (or am I imagining things!!

As for Casey Moaner, he really doesnt look like he has the hunger any more and has dropped right off. Lorenzo or Pedrosa for the title methinks.

 

[hornet_burnout]

I don't like to correct you but it was interesting that he did struggle to overtake the satellite bike.

My bad, I wasn't clear. Barbera was not slow related to Stoner, I agree the latter had trouble passing. I just meant Barbera was slower than expected considering qualifying pace.

 

[Tired Tyres]

I hated how Stoner used Bautista's body to stop his bike when he passed him.

You should not do that to another rider ever. You should lay your own bike down first to avoid it.

He can't retire soon enough for me after that.

 

[adamp93]

That's the move I thought Hornet was referring to. It was a really dirty move and I'm surprised race direction didn't at least have a look at it.

 

[hornet_burnout]

"BOMBSHELL. Spies: I Have Chosen To Leave Yamaha At the End of the Season

American Ben Spies said this morning that he won't be riding for Yamaha in MotoGP next season, that he has made the decision to leave the factory Yamaha team at the end of the 2012 season.

Spies said via email this morning:

Yesterday I made a comment on Twitter to cause a stir. (Today) I'll be more in saying that I have chosen to leave Yamaha after this season for a litany of reasons. I will explain more when I feel it is appropriate. I'm discussing my situation with my sponsors and they are behind me. There are a few people at Yamaha who I hate to leave. And they know who they are. I wish Yamaha the best. I won't make any further comments until the offical announcement comes out."

in: http://superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jul/120724spiesnoy.htm

Expected. And somewhat desired, if he feels he can't ride it and they are not gonna change a winning formula...

Who comes in then?

 

[Tom]

Confirmed once more: http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/182285/1/ben_spies_to_leave_yamaha_motogp_team.html

Shocking, I really thought he'd pick things up.

Also, Toni Elias is substituting for the injured Hector Barbera at Laguna Seca which comes days after being given the flick from Aspar's Moto2 Team.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/182262/1/toni_elias_gets_pramac_ducati_call.html

Thing is though, Elias in my view has put in a much stronger performance than Nico Terol, so why have they parted ways?

 

[Rutter200_VR46]

Could Spies be on his way back to WSBK to ride for the Italia Gold Bet BMW team in 2013? BMW are handing the reigns over to that team next year. Melandri & Spies would be some team!

 

[Desmo46]

"BOMBSHELL. Spies: I Have Chosen To Leave Yamaha At the End of the Season

American Ben Spies said this morning that he won't be riding for Yamaha in MotoGP next season, that he has made the decision to leave the factory Yamaha team at the end of the 2012 season.

Spies said via email this morning:

Yesterday I made a comment on Twitter to cause a stir. (Today) I'll be more in saying that I have chosen to leave Yamaha after this season for a litany of reasons. I will explain more when I feel it is appropriate. I'm discussing my situation with my sponsors and they are behind me. There are a few people at Yamaha who I hate to leave. And they know who they are. I wish Yamaha the best. I won't make any further comments until the offical announcement comes out."

in: http://superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jul/120724spiesnoy.htm

Expected. And somewhat desired, if he feels he can't ride it and they are not gonna change a winning formula...

Who comes in then?

I can think of a couple of people who are rubbing their hands together with glee.

 

[Mike Rotch]

That's a bit of a shocker, I didnt see that one coming. It should spice things up between Dovi an Cal in the fight for the last factory seat, and does this mean Rossi for Tech 3!?

 

[Rutter200_VR46]

I've just heard that tomorrow VR is going to announced for a return to Yamaha while Cal is on his way to Ducati. From a reliable source. Can't see it myself but let's see!

 

[joetruckv8]

I need to get caught up with this tread, so much has happen'

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Thing is though, Elias in my view has put in a much stronger performance than Nico Terol, so why have they parted ways?

Performance isn't the only factor in deciding whether a rider stays with a particular team. It could be a personality clash.

 

[hornet_burnout]

I've just heard that tomorrow VR is going to announced for a return to Yamaha while Cal is on his way to Ducati. From a reliable source. Can't see it myself but let's see!

I can see that happening "easily" now. Especially after Lorenzo said he's ok with it.
(either he really is and the doors are wide open, or he already knows he's coming and is being polite)

Doesn't mean I love it as much as I would VR winning in Ducati, but I get it and support him as a fan if he does.

Better a known to be compatible and fast machine that can give him victories (he's not getting any younger) than a project that may or may not do so.

 

[adamp93]

Just when things were settling down in the debate for next years line up! The rumour mill is back on overdrive. If Rossi does move back to Yamaha it will be the factory team, he is just too big a name to be on a satellite bike. If he wants to win on a Ducati he might be better off going to wsbk on the panigale with Checa. One thing is for certain, even without Stoner there aren't enough factory rides to go around.

 

[Desmo46]

So if Rossi does go back to Yamaha, and Cal takes his spot at Ducati, the biggest potential loser out of all this is Dovizioso.

If that's the case, I predict, in an act of disgust of being 'marooned', he'll go to SBK and leave Brad Smith at Tech 3 with no team-mate for 2013.

 

[Tom]

So if Rossi does go back to Yamaha, and Cal takes his spot at Ducati, the biggest potential loser out of all this is Dovizioso.

If that's the case, I predict, in an act of disgust of being 'marooned', he'll go to SBK and leave Brad Smith at Tech 3 with no team-mate for 2013.

Well if the rumours are true about Rossi having a Marlboro sponsored M1 for next season then here's how I see things happening.

Factory Yamaha
Jorge Lorenzo
Andrea Dovizioso

Tech 3
Bradley Smith
TBC - CRT Bike

Marlboro Yamaha
Valentino Rossi

Just a hunch, but I doubt it'll happen.

 

[Earth]

The whole Ben Spies story is mystifying. This is the same rider that not only won the Superbike title as a rookie, but won pole in 11 of the 14 Superbike races he competed in. I know superbike is a step down from MotoGP, but to display that kind of domination as a rookie, on an inferior bike, and on tracks he's never seen before, was amazing.

Why that talent hasn't really transferred over to MotoGP I dont know, and probably won't know until the people behind the scenes feel comfortable to talk about it, perhaps when Spies leaves Yamaha at the end of the season.

Some have said Spies' physical size costs him as much as 3 tenths per lap to the other riders. At the MotoGP level the smallest disadvantages are magnified. The late Marco Simoncelli was in a similar situation. I doubt he was ever going to be a consistent, elite rider with his size. These guys are like horse jockeys, they cant be too big.

There was also talk that Yamaha was forcing Spies to test experimental parts on his bike during the races to assists Lorenzo. I remember after one race this year Spies' engineer noting they were forced to move onto the hardest tire just before the race which severely hurt their performance. No explanation was given. Why was that call made? Why was the engineer upset about it?

And I laugh at Rossi replacing Spies on the Yamaha. So everyone already forgot how Lorenzo beat Rossi in 2010? 9 wins to 2 was the final tally. I'm sure Rossi knew the bike was going to be developed to personally suit Lorenzo, so he left.

I just dont get it. Spies has had decent enough qualifying and test sessions, but for some reason everything seems to fall apart in the race. Leaving Yamaha is for the best, and leaving MotoGP alltogether may be even better.

 

[Mike Rotch]

So everyone already forgot how Lorenzo beat Rossi in 2010? 9 wins to 2 was the final tally.

A broken leg tends to have that effect on riders .

I'm not sure what would possess Cal to go to Ducati given what a poor bike it is, but the Malboro Yamaha option alongside the factory Yamaha's seems plausible to me.

 

[adamp93]

As long as the Malboro Yamaha is officially considered a satellite bike its plausible. But they have never leased out a privateer bike before. But just a few weeks ago Rossi was saying how good Audi and Ducati will be, maybe Cal will do a straight swap with Hayden?