MotoGP 2011 (125, Moto2, and MotoGP)

[Mike Rotch]

I like Marquez a lot but I think this will be where Bradl seals the title, though I don't consider him a terribly deserving champion given how dominant Marquez has been pretty much since Le Mans or so.

No doubt Marquez has been on fire, but he has also been the only bike sporting 2012 components from Suter in the entire field for the last few races, which is not fair in my book either.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Terol blew it on the last lap of the 125s, so Zarco kept the title alive going into Valencia - but the odds are certainly in Terol's favour.

With Marquez out, Bradl just needs to win the Moto2 race to win the championship, and he's currently leading the race, but he's coming under fire from Luthi.

Moto2 is going to be intersting next year - Marquez and Bradl are both staying in the category (so I have no idea who the new teams are going to take), while Zarco and Terol are stepping up (Vinales is staying in Moto3). I expect Iannone and the Espargaro brothers will stick around, too. It'll be hard-fought for sure.

 

[Prince.M5]

Shame that I'm not in Sepang today. Confirmed Ben Spies isn't going to race today. It's a bit of a shame for Petronas today... Let's put that aside and watch the race.

I live about 30km away from Sepang and it seems like it's starting to rain here. Those guys at Sepang should now be worrying!

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Ooooh, that was an ugly accident with Simoncelli - it looks like his helmet was ripped off. In the wake of Dan Wheldon's accident, everyone is going to be on edge.

 

[Prince.M5]

I'm starting to feel uncomfortable guys... As soon as I saw that helmet rolling down the grass. I was like.. Undescribeable.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

It's the policy of most broadcasters not to show an accident that might involve an injury until such time as they know the rider/driver is, or will be, okay. They did the same thing with Axel Pons' high-side crash in Moto2.

EDIT: Simoncelli is in the medical centre; Colin Edwards is okay.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

According to BBC commentators, Marco Simoncelli is conscious. It remains unconfirmed for the moment.

Despite losing his helmet, it looked as if Simoncelli took the most force of the impact in his back, where the reinforced padding is. And he and his bike were still moving, which would have lessened the impact than if he had been stationary.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Oh my. Oh my. That's a horrendous crash. Just saw the replay I am lost for words.....my thoughts are with Simoncelli, Edwards and Rossi.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Rossi is okay. He was able to ride back to the pits. I'm pretty sure I saw him. As for Edwards, he's been spotted walking around, but he has apparently dislocated his shoulder. Simoncelli still remains unaccounted for.

 

[aelxino]

Go go marco ;(

 

[Mike Rotch]

Rossi is okay..

Physically yes, but he rode into a prone rider after all.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Hopefully Simo's injuries aren't too severe. At least if they are he has a long time to rest as it's end of season soon.

Race cancelled.

Praying for you Marco.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

The race has been cancelled. It is, however, 4:30pm in Malaysia. If it was re-started right now, it would not finish until about 5:15pm. That's late, and in Malaysia, get can get dark quickly; a Formula 1 race a few years ago was cancelled because it got too late, and too dark.

EDIT: the race was apparently cancelled because Simoncelli is reportedly in a critical condition.

 

[Prince.M5]

I think it's wise for them to cancel the race because obviously, it is tough for everybody out there. It is a sad sight in Sepang after a strong start...

And yes it will get dark at 6 here.

 

[Prince.M5]

The fans aren't happy, the announcers should give an explanation to what's going on... What the hell!

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Fans booing after being told the race has been cancelled, even though a rider lies in a critical condition fighting for his life. Disgusting.

 

[nosturbo]

The announcer needs to tell them that all the medical staff are focusing on Marco, the crowd don't get what's really going on.

 

[Prince.M5]

I feel ashamed... The announcer should, should give explanation to why the race is cancelled! I'm extremely not liking the sound there!

I'm very sure the fans aren't happy but they need explanation! Oh my word...

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

The announcer needs to tell them that all the medical staff are focusing on Marco, the crowd don't get what's really going on.

I feel ashamed... The announcer should, should give explanation to why the race is cancelled! I'm extremely not liking the sound there!

I'm very sure the fans aren't happy but they need explanation! Oh my word...

They have already been told about the race being cancelled and the reason why. Their response was to boo. 👎

 

[Mike Rotch]

They have already been told about the race being cancelled and the reason why. Their response was to boo. 👎

No, they were not told why, just that there was an incident on lap 1 (wrong, it was two actually) and as a result, it's been cancelled.

 

[Prince.M5]

They have already been told about the race being cancelled and the reason why. Their response was to boo. 👎

No they have not been told. The only thing out of the speaker is the race has been cancelled. That's all..

 

[Stiggy]

They have already been told about the race being cancelled and the reason why. Their response was to boo. 👎

The announcer only said the race was cancelled because there was a crash on lap 1, and not that Simoncelli is in a critical state and the entire medical team are focussed on him.

 

[Christian_C]

Is there any word on Simoncelli? I hope he's ok

 

[Prince.M5]

No, there hasn't been any words... Apparently my coverage has just ended. Bad response from the fans!

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Is there any word on Simoncelli?

If there was, do you think we'd keep it to ourselves?

 

[Mike Rotch]

OMG. RIP Marco

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Marco Simoncelli has reportedly died of his injuries.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

No, they were not told why, just that there was an incident on lap 1 (wrong, it was two actually) and as a result, it's been cancelled.

So yes, they were told. If you see red flags at a race event and are told that there has been an incident it very rarely means anything other than that a participant has been injured. If there is a fatality the spectators are usually told shortly after the participant's next of kin have been told.

This is no time to pry for more information, just to wait and have Marco in our thoughts and prayers.

EDIT: Bugger, what a tragic loss.

 

[Christian_C]

If there was, do you think we'd keep it to ourselves?

Nope, I've only just woken up though and saw this on the news so I was wondering if there'd been any word at all. That looked a really awful accident, I just hope he's going to be ok

Edit: Damn it, Simoncelli was the one rider that made Moto GP interesting to me. RIP.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Officially announced, he succombed to his injuries at 16h56m Malaysia time.

I feel ill.