MotoGP 2010 Thread

[DVNTST8]

I was sad about DePuniet. He is making that bike fly after getting it to work the way he likes it (a style I'd define as "sideways fast") but it comes at a price. Driving on the raged edge will/may eventually bit you back, and it did. Too bad, as I do love his manly aggressive style.

...

Spies with a factory ride, may be the next "doctor".

1. Roger Hayden to replace De Puniet at Laguna Seca.

2. rumor is, with Rossi leaving for Ducati...Spies gets Rossi's ride.

 

[Prince.M5]

Lorenzo for the win hopefully.. But as always what Rossi had shown here before, he could be up there with his team mate.. Who knows

But watch out, Casey, Dani and Andrea are hot on the go too!

EDIT: Rumour of Rossi leaving for Ducati has been here for quite some time now... No surprise if he moves out.

 

[Super T]

Not sure if Rossi will do all that well here to be honest. Only a week since the last round and a shift of continent will mean he's not had much time off, Laguna Seca might be a bit harder on his injured leg as well with a lot of strain being put onto it with the infamous corkscrew being particularly difficult. It's difficult to explain to any non riders reading this but the force being put through the footpegs to change direction there could take it's toll at full race distance?

I'm hoping I'm wrong obviously, he seemed to do relatively well on his comeback race but he didn't really perform to Rossi standard in qualifying this week on a track he normally does well at.

Will have to remember to steer clear off this thread till tomorrow now, I never watch the BBC coverage as I prefer the Eurosport commentary team... Despite the ad breaks.

 

[Neal]

I'm hoping I'm wrong obviously, he seemed to do relatively well on his comeback race but he didn't really perform to Rossi standard in qualifying this week on a track he normally does well at.

Will have to remember to steer clear off this thread till tomorrow now, I never watch the BBC coverage as I prefer the Eurosport commentary team... Despite the ad breaks.

Rossi's upper body seemed really stiff like his arms were locked out, certainly didn't look very comfortable but his times weren't bad considering his shoulder is still weak as well as the leg.

Totally agree with preferring Eurosport to BBC, glad I'm not the only lightweight who won't be staying up until midnight to watch it

Looks like Stoner and Lorenzo are on a similar pace at the top so hopefully that will mean they put on a good show.

Also who's noticed the very cool gyroscopic camera mounted on Rossi's bike since last weekend? I can't believe how amazing this looks, apparently they've tried it before but it couldn't keep up with the speed the bikes were changing direction. Hopefully this will be rolled out to all the other bikes soon.

 

[Super T]

Rossi's upper body seemed really stiff like his arms were locked out, certainly didn't look very comfortable but his times weren't bad considering his shoulder is still weak as well as the leg.

Totally agree with preferring Eurosport to BBC, glad I'm not the only lightweight who won't be staying up until midnight to watch it

Looks like Stoner and Lorenzo are on a similar pace at the top so hopefully that will mean they put on a good show.

Also who's noticed the very cool gyroscopic camera mounted on Rossi's bike since last weekend? I can't believe how amazing this looks, apparently they've tried it before but it couldn't keep up with the speed the bikes were changing direction. Hopefully this will be rolled out to all the other bikes soon.

*snip*

Who said lightweight... I'll be up watching it tonight, then up for work at three tomorrow morning.

Loving the new camera, was shouting and pointing at the TV earlier making everybody have a look, would love one of them for filming track days. I wonder what the replay of a crash is gonna look like with one of those? It's normally all blue brown blue brown blue brown black...

 

[spyrrari]

Great race with a turn 5 wich took out many riders...

There whas no stopping Lorenzo today,a shame because i whas hoping for a great battle with Stoner ans Pedrosa...


Vale

What a hero!!!!!....Overtaking Dovi and others with his injuries on this tough track the way he did whas just .... amazing!!



spy.

 

[hornet_burnout]

2. rumor is, with Rossi leaving for Ducati...Spies gets Rossi's ride.

2 moves I personally like and am hoping for! Rossi taming the red devil and Spies on a faster machine 👍

Monster result for Rossi at Laguna Seca. Perfect Lorenzo and smart Stoner, knowing when to stop pushing and salvaging 2nd.

And another good one from Spies, despite his error. He saved his tires and then triggered the final assault on 3rd, pushing Rossi and leaving Hayden behind. Too bad for that little mistake, if it wasn't for that he would have been in the fight for 3rd. Sure looked pissed at the end!

 

[misnblu]

Spies is coming unto his own.
If he's have a factory sponsored bike, he'd be right up there with the leaders but as could be seen from the onslaught, he came hard at the start for a second place lead but dwindled as the next couple of laps ensued.

His mistake didn't help either as he was in a runoff with Vale for third place. Awesome racing indeed and shows that 'elbows' lol, is out for the hunt to win a championship.

And what about Pedrosa. *sighs*
It was his race.

Indianapolis is one I can't wait for.

 

[Super T]

Dani Dani Dani.

Pretty much ruined his title hopes now unless Lorenzo is suddenly plagued with bad luck. Nearly fell off the sofa as he went flying round the outside of everyone into turn one, great move.

Great display from an obviously still injured Rossi. 👍

 

[Neal]

Another great race from Laguna Seca. I should have put money on my Lorenzo prediction but I'm nit sure it would have been the case if Pedrosa hadn't crashed, he makes a lot of mistakes when the pressure is on...

It's hard to believe that this second is Stoner's best result this year, hopefully he'll back on form from now on.

I'm made up to see Rossi back on the podium, it'll do his morale no end of good going into the summer break...doubt he'll be partying in Ibiza this year!

I'll update the first post tomorrow but Lorenzo is miles ahead. Also the next race is in 3 weeks

 

[Patrocles]

Another great race from Laguna Seca. I should have put money on my Lorenzo prediction but I'm nit sure it would have been the case if Pedrosa hadn't crashed, he makes a lot of mistakes when the pressure is on...

It's hard to believe that this second is Stoner's best result this year, hopefully he'll back on form from now on.

I'm made up to see Rossi back on the podium, it'll do his morale no end of good going into the summer break...doubt he'll be partying in Ibiza this year!

I'll update the first post tomorrow but Lorenzo is miles ahead. Also the next race is in 3 weeks

a motogp thread! nice!

man, I am a Rossi supporter, but I must say that Lorenzo is looking like the real deal this year!

With the rumors of Rossi going to Duc we should be seeing a Lorenzo/Spies combo at Yamaha for 2011.


Forza Rossi!!

 

[hornet_burnout]

Pretty sure Stoner signed for Honda already

 

[Neal]

a motogp thread! nice!

man, I am a Rossi supporter, but I must say that Lorenzo is looking like the real deal this year!

With the rumors of Rossi going to Duc we should be seeing a Lorenzo/Spies combo at Yamaha for 2011.


Forza Rossi!!

The more MotoGP fans the better, ditto with Rossi but I've also seen Lorenzo in a new light during Rossi's absence.

That's looking very likely as Ben Spies doubts Jerry Burgess partnership therefore inferring he expects to be at Yamaha next year.

Stoner has definitely signed for Honda for 2011 which is about the only certainty for next year.

It is extremely likely that Rossi will be riding a Ducati next year but his first test with them may be in doubt as suggested in the article below. Hopefully all will be made clear in 10 days at Brno.

The trouble with CEOs, as every cooperate PR guy knows, is that they are the only people in the company who are free to speak their minds—and this can lead to trouble.

Although Ducati has hurried in an attempt to undo the potential damage done when Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio was reported by CycleWorld.com to have said that Valentino Rossi was already a Ducati rider for 2011, the situation is a complicated one both for Ducati and for Rossi’s current employer, Yamaha.

The interview was done in Italian by veteran Italian journalist Bruno De Prato, Cycle World’s European Editor. When Del Torchio spoke of Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi working together in Ducati next year, he is quoted as saying “Next year he and Valentino will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential,” and not “Next year he and Valentino would… etc.”

The distinction between future and conditional tenses would be very clear in an interview between Italians conducted in Italian. The only question would be in the translation into English.

There is some potential ambiguity in at least one key sentence: Del Torchio is quoted as saying, “This season will not bring any crown to Ducati in the sport, but I look forward to Valentino Rossi teaming up with Nicky Hayden.” Things we ‘look forward to’ do not always happen, but, taken as a whole, the original Cycle World piece was headlined “Rossi to Ducati in 2011Confirmed!” and that headline still stands.

Clearly Del Torchio said more than he should have if it is true that Yamaha has in its contract with Rossi the right of first refusal on his existing agreement. Under these circumstances Yamaha would have not only the right, but the obligation to study the bones of the Ducati offer to Rossi and then either equal it or pass on it by the drop-dead date which, it is assumed, falls during the GP of the Czech Republic, August 13-15.

My guess is that Del Torchio spoke as he spoke to De Prato because Yamaha had already passed—unable or unwilling to equal the Ducati Marlboro offer. No one who is free to speak will say what the contract will pay or for how long it will run. The Italian website GPone, which is developing a good record for accuracy among Latin sites, speculates that the agreement will pay Rossi over 19 million dollars a year and will be for two years with a third year option. Yamaha, according to statements made earlier this year by both Race Manager Lin Jarvis and overall racing boss Masao Furusawa, “will not enter into a bidding war with Ducati over Valentino.”

So, if all this is true (and, as, as far as I can tell, 100% of GP insiders believe the deal is done and dusted), why did Ducati suddenly come out with an official statement that accuses Cycle World’s Italian correspondent of getting it all wrong (or translating it all wrong)?

Probably because the language of the current Rossi-Yamaha deal, or a side-agreement of the same, gives Yamaha the right to announce any final decision on Rossi’s future either prior to a Ducati release or simultaneously. This is what all the talk about an announcement to be made by Yamaha on the Monday after the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic has been preparing us for.

If a careless slip of the lip by the Ducati CEO were allowed to stand uncorrected, Yamaha could choose to strictly enforce the letter of their current agreement, which, we assume, binds Rossi to Yamaha until January 1st of 2011. This was the case back in 2003 when Rossi announced he was leaving Honda to go to Yamaha. On that occasion, Honda denied Rossi permission to test the Yamaha during 2003 and that gave the Italian limited testing time beginning when the IRTA winter testing ban lifted in mid-January of 2004.

Honda and Ducati went through a similar situation when it became widely known that Australian Casey Stoner had agreed early in the 2010 season—perhaps even very early—to join the Repsol Honda team in 2011, but on this occasion Honda kept silent at all levels, from race boss Shuhei Nakamoto right down to the Grand Prix PR staff, and allowed Ducati Marlboro to announce on July 9th, complete with a statement of gratitude and farewell by Ducati race boss Filippo Preziosi, that Stoner was leaving. There was no mention in the Ducati release of Honda.

On the same day and in conjunction with Ducati, HRC announced that Stoner would be leaving Ducati and joining the Honda factory team.

With these protocol niceties fulfilled, Ducati is expected to allow Stoner to test the Honda for the first time on the Tuesday (November 9) after the final race of the season in Valencia. Maybe.

Under current testing restrictions, all non-rookie riders (if their contracts allow) are permitted to ride for one day during the three-day testing window after the final (November 7) GP of 2010 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo of the Community of Valencia. After that there is a testing ban in effect until February 1, 2011. Under current rules riders are allowed to test between February 1 and 15 days prior to the first race of 2011, but only during six days and only at official Dorna/IRTA organized tests. (Rookie riders are allowed one three-day test at any MotoGP venue during the November/December period of 2011.)

With two of MotoGP’s big four changing factories, there may be a push within the MSMA by Honda and Ducati to have the number of testing days increased in order to give their new riders more seat time. Suzuki might be expected to agree, since the Rizla Suzuki factory team will be adding a new rider to replace veteran Loris Capirossi, likely destined for the Pramac Ducati satellite team.

Yamaha might not agree since limited testing time for Rossi and Stoner would be something of a disadvantage to Ducati and Honda. Yamaha will continue with Jorge Lorenzo (probably the defending world champion in 2011) and Ben Spies, who will simply move from the Tech3 Yamaha satellite team to the factory team on improved but similar machinery.

Whether, in fact, any MSMA members will request additional testing time is purely speculative, but, in general, the MSMA prefers to act only with unanimous support from its four members, Ducati, Honda Suzuki and Yamaha.

Best way out for Ducati as regards the apparent gaff by the CEO is to get the journalist, Bruno De Prato to allow the Ducati press release that claims Del Torchio was “misreported” to stand uncontested.

But Cycle World seems to be sticking by their man. The most recent relevant posting on the Cycle World site, signed by Cycle World Managing Editor, Matthew Miles, reaffirms the De Prato story under the unchanged headline: “Valentino Rossi Confirmed for Ducati 2011!”

A single quote is given, but an unequivocal one:

“This season will not bring to Ducati any crown in the sport,” said Del Torchio, “but I look forward to Valentino Rossi teaming up with Nicky Hayden.”

“Nicky is a wonderful person,” he added. “This year he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino Rossi will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential.”

Ducati’s press release states:

“Regarding the recent allegations attributed to Gabrielle Del Torchio—Ducati CEO and President—Ducati states that no agreement has been reached with the riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden for the future MotoGP season, although our interest in these riders remains.

“We would like to say that the recent news which has appeared on the US website Cycle World and other websites has been misreported and must be attributed to the many rumors circulating lately.

“Whether and when an agreement is reached, official press releases will be issued.”

I would question the use of the word “allegations” in the Ducati statement, but we can expect those “official press releases” from Yamaha and Ducati to be issued on the Monday following the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic. We may also learn then when Rossi is being allowed by Yamaha to test the Desmosedici for the first time.

EDIT:

Just in case you needed convincing further that Rossi and Burgess will be going to Ducati

Valentino Rossi barred from riding new Yamaha

Yamaha will ban Valentino Rossi from riding its 2011 prototype machine in Brno later this month.

Rossi’s multi-million pound switch to Ducati will be confirmed immediately after the Czech Republic Grand Prix on August 15.

And as a result, the Italian will be barred from testing an early development YZR-M1 for next year on the Monday after the Brno clash.

His crew, led by Australian Jerry Burgess, will also be banned from working on the new bike and will not be privy to any technical details about the upgraded factory YZR-M1.

Rossi’s Ducati deal, exclusively revealed by MCN at the end of June, will see him depart with his crew in hot pursuit.

Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis told MCN, said: “It is pretty obvious if there is at any stage a test of a 2011 prototype it will be with a rider that will be with us in 2011.”

Jarvis conveyed an air of resignation about Rossi’s departure, which had seemed unthinkable just two months ago when he declared his desire to finish his career with the Japanese factory.

Jarvis said: “Brno is the kind of timing we are comfortable with. We originally said we wanted to have clarity with our future plans by the summer break but that has not quite worked out. You have your own contacts within this world but from my position I can’t say anything until Brno.”

Ducati is still awaiting permission from Yamaha for Rossi to make his Bologna factory debut immediately after the final race in Valencia.

It is traditional for teams to release departing riders early from their contracts to begin testing for a rival squad before their contracts have expired.

Most contracts end on December 31, but most riders are released immediately after the final race.

One notable exception was when Rossi quit Honda at the end of 2003. HRC refused to release him early to test for Yamaha.
Ducati boss Alessandro Cicognani said: “We would like to work out a solution with Yamaha if a situation arises like this. The relationship between Valentino and Honda was very bad at the end. Now he has been with together with Yamaha for a long time in what has been a victorious wedding. I think it is acceptable that Yamaha would release Valentino given what he’s given them in the last seven years.”
Ducati has already approved Casey Stoner’s release to test for Honda at the Valencia test in early November.
Jarvis added: “I think it is far too early to talk about that.”

 

[Small_Fryz]

Oh my god....

Lorenzo and Spies at Yamaha
Pedrosa, Stoner at Honda
Rossi and Hayden at Ducati.

Simply incredible, I look forward to seeing how Rossi goes on the Ducati, as well as how he stacks up against Hayden.

A dream come true, Italian on Italian machinery...

 

[Neal]

Oh my god....

Lorenzo and Spies at Yamaha
Pedrosa, Stoner at Honda
Rossi and Hayden at Ducati.

Simply incredible, I look forward to seeing how Rossi goes on the Ducati, as well as how he stacks up against Hayden.

A dream come true, Italian on Italian machinery...

Exactly what I've been thinking Also there is a chance Honda will run a 3 bike factory team with Dovi.

The race is this weekend and the Rossi announcement is due on the Monday after the race so should be quite an exciting weekend.

 

[hornet_burnout]

Rossi wants to be undisputed #1 on the team again, and to know "the other" guy won't be much of a threat, even on even hardware, and being allowed to develop the bike fully to his liking.

Hayden (no offense to him or his fans, I rally like the guy as well) will be that team mate, as I see him as the slowest "not in the fastest" of that lot.

 

[Small_Fryz]

Not to mention if he wins a title on 3 manufactures... Has that been done before in the premier class?

 

[Neal]

Not to mention if he wins a title on 3 manufactures... Has that been done before in the premier class?

I'm 99% sure it would be a first for a rider to win the premier class with 3 different manufacturers and I'm sure that is a significant factor in the move. I also agree he has to be the number 1 rider in the team and his ego is way too big to be the team mate of the world champion.

 

[Super T]

Apparently Randy De Puniet intends to ride this weekend? According to the BBC sports news website, (too lazy to link at the moment).

2010, the year of superhuman comebacks!

 

[hornet_burnout]

Read that somewhere as well! Good news and yes, super human returns here!

 

[Neal]

Right then, MotoGP is back after the summer break. Fridays practice times are below...look who's 3rd!

 

[spyrrari]

Right then, MotoGP is back after the summer break. Fridays practice times are below...look who's 3rd!

Yeah Rossi looked really solid on his bike today,but i still believe he rides at 95% of his abilities...could be a great battle with the 2 Yamaha's and the 2 Honda's...lets see tomorrow and Sunday...


spy.

 

[Super T]

I loved watching Spies getting off his bike after sticking it on the front row for the first time like it was just another day at the office.

Fiat Yamaha mechanics are going to be busy tonight.

 

[Neal]

I was gutted for Spies that Pedrosa beat him to pole, I wonder if Yamaha have given Tech 3 the same kit as Rossi and Lorenzo?

There's definitely going to be some red eyed engineers at Fiat Yamaha today! I can't remember seeing Rossi react to a crash like that before but at least it was a little one.

The race should be awesome today

 

[Neal]

I've updated the first post with the results and world standings, not the most exciting of races yesterday but I'm sure Spies will be happy with his 4th position. It's looking like Lorenzo has got this year in the bag although that was fairly certain as soon as Rossi broke his leg.

In other news the worst kept secret in history was announced with Rossi signing a 2 year deal with Ducati, next year is going to be pretty interesting and 2012 is going to be awesome with the introduction on 1000cc engines although I may be getting ahead of myself slightly

 

[TheCracker]

Exactly what I've been thinking Also there is a chance Honda will run a 3 bike factory team with Dovi.

I'd prefer to see a 3rd work's Honda ridden by Randy de Puniet.

 

[Neal]

I'd prefer to see a 3rd work's Honda ridden by Randy de Puniet.

After yesterdays performance from Dovi and De Puniet's superhero effort getting 10th with his injury's I wouldn't be surprised if it's on the cards. I'd also much rather see De Puniet than Dovi on a 3rd factory Honda, he's much more entertaining and is getting similar results on a slightly inferior bike.

 

[hornet_burnout]

I agree with the latest posts. DePuniet is in a very good and decisive moment of his career. Someone must take advantage, and Honda would be silly not to do so.

Spies "only" 4th speakes volumes. He came, he saw, he conquered. Not the title as it was out of his league but a solid place in the front of the top level moto championship.

Kinda feel for Lorenzo as he will not have his life made easier by Spies than it was with Rossi. Forget that... Spies is in for the title next year.

Now to see if I can find the time and strength to stay awake and watch the moto2 and Nascar races I've recorded.

 

[Small_Fryz]

Burgess still not confirmed to go with Rossi, Rossi has said its upto Burgess and that he hopes he will come.

Guess we will wait and see

 

[misnblu]

Is it 2011 yet?