Alex Barros Interview

Did I hear correct someplace...they run some GPS tracking system that adjusts HP output in accordance with whatever corner you're in.... perdy ....... gay if true.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Aug 12 2008, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Did I hear correct someplace...they run some GPS tracking system that adjusts HP output in accordance with whatever corner you're in.... perdy ....... gay if true.

Must have been used for the suzuki's or kawa's. Last GPS I used said my top speed was 150mph on my 1994 DR350.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>“Now the bikes are much easier to ride. I don’t like them. The 990s were the best bikes I’ve ever ridden in my life. When they first came out, they had no electronics. In 2003 and 2004 the bikes were fantastic, but then they started to get electronic aides. The 2005 bikes were starting to get that way and the 2006 bikes were more reliant on electronics but the 800s are reliant fully on electronics.”

Can't say that I haven't heard this before. Doubters?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>The 990s were fantastic without electronics. You had to control all of the problems yourself. You need some electronics, but you want the rider to be the main influence, not the other way round. The rider must do the job, not the bike.”

I think this is how superbike is ATM but can't confirm.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>If the guy in the factory wants to do something to your bike, using Bluetooth they just change it and you can do nothing about it. This is very disappointing for the racing and the Championship as the politics come to influence the sport more. Before, politics did nothing, now it’s the other way.”

Satelite teams are ...... and it sucks that way. If Barros isn't the biggest conspiracy theorist and this is true, that really sucks for MOTOGP as a whole.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>“They [Dorna] need to do something to reduce costs and make it easier for a Satellite team to win. At the moment, if you’re on a Satellite bike, you can do nothing. Everyone can say what they like, but I know this to be true.”

Has Barros been reading this forum?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Aug 12 2008, 06:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Must have been used for the suzuki's or kawa's. Last GPS I used said my top speed was 150mph on my 1994 DR350.

no dude i'm talking bout the MotoGP bikes...not sure if all have them but i swear i've heard of a system the regulates your HP to the corner you're in...in other words in a hair pin the HP is automaticly comes down.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Aug 13 2008, 12:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>no dude i'm talking bout the MotoGP bikes...not sure if all have them but i swear i've heard of a system the regulates your HP to the corner you're in...in other words in a hair pin the HP is automaticly comes down.
I have heard of it too from somewhere.I'm not sure if it was Julian Ryder in a eurosport segment talking about Yamaha having that abillity,maybe.If they have it Ducati has it too i would guess.

The whole thing at GP is suck, as no sattelite or privateer teams able to win. Only factory squads will have all the best electronic aids, TC, and so forth. And for that matter, I don't think FIAT Yamaha will allow Toseland or Collins to beat Chupa Chup or Rossi if they are capable to do so.

During the 500 Era and the introduction of 4 stroke 990 it was not uncommon thing for Barros who was on Honda Satellite team to beat Factory Repsol Honda Team riders. The only reason for changing to 4 stroke was cost saving and technology behind, but as GP now become a redundance to WSBK, Dorna take a wrong step by introducing 800 C.C. The manufactrurers are all with 4 cylinders bikes, and there is not any other configuration such as 6, 5, 3 or Twin cylinders.. Dorna should have standard electronics aids/system which can be available to all teams-factory and privateers and let the manufacturers/teams focus on building the bikes.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Aug 12 2008, 07:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Or maybe it just as simple as Ducati state them selves: We can't compete on their turf, we must do something different, therefor Bridgestone. It's not all about the saturday night tires austin. They were used now and then, some times even discarded for a tested tire. If the Michelin support was such an issue why didn't the same Barros comment on that?
I'm not arguing against tires being an issue with stoner, but as a 250 ridier relying on the front it's easy to wash out in the start with a less than optimal front. Neither the Michelins or the Honda front were optimal. Bridgestone got praise for their front tire long before CS came on board, so to me it's him not adapting to what he had in his rookie year that made him go down so many times, and the facts seems to support it.
They openly said that Michelin wasn't giving them the time of day, that was the driving factor in switching to Bridgestone. Everyone at Ducati openly admitted that Michelin were too busy appeasing Repsol Honda and Rossi to worry about anyone else, so they gambled and went to a tire manufacturer who had no pecking order.

And I know that the customer Hondas struggled with corner entry and turn-in in 2006 and comparing Stoner to the others is difficult because there are small differences in riding styles. But you can't chalk it all up to him being uncomfortable with the Honda/Michelin front combo. Melandri and Elias both had reasonable success with it and Pedrosa and Hayden had little to no trouble in comparison to Stoner.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Aug 12 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>no dude i'm talking bout the MotoGP bikes...not sure if all have them but i swear i've heard of a system the regulates your HP to the corner you're in...in other words in a hair pin the HP is automaticly comes down.

I wasn't knocking ya. That theory dose sound possible. I remember reading a few years back that it was thought to be done in F1. My point is that GPS is not as accurate as everyone thinks.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Aug 13 2008, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>They openly said that Michelin wasn't giving them the time of day, that was the driving factor in switching to Bridgestone. Everyone at Ducati openly admitted that Michelin were too busy appeasing Repsol Honda and Rossi to worry about anyone else, so they gambled and went to a tire manufacturer who had no pecking order.
Well, that's not what I heard. Foremost they needed something different that gave them a competetive advantage in certain conditions -> Bridgestone.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>And I know that the customer Hondas struggled with corner entry and turn-in in 2006 and comparing Stoner to the others is difficult because there are small differences in riding styles. But you can't chalk it all up to him being uncomfortable with the Honda/Michelin front combo. Melandri and Elias both had reasonable success with it and Pedrosa and Hayden had little to no trouble in comparison to Stoner.

That's neither they way I heard it (surprice) Rather that they all had front end issues, on all the bikes. Of course the factory bikes improved faster and more, and notably those testing the bikes afterwards reported Hayden's having the best front end feel by a margine.

Why can't I blame it all on him? Just like he now are the only one who handle the Ducati, why couldn't he be the only one not being able to find his limits on the Honda. In fact, unless you buy into his own suggestion of sabotage I find your observations support me rather than you. Everyone else were doing ok on the 2006 Honda, why shouldn't he? Even his particular style fitting Ducati so well might even support that he needs a very special setup for his riding to work well. Honda/Michelin could never provide that.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Aug 13 2008, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well, that's not what I heard. Foremost they needed something different that gave them a competetive advantage in certain conditions -> Bridgestone.

That's neither they way I heard it (surprice) Rather that they all had front end issues, on all the bikes. Of course the factory bikes improved faster and more, and notably those testing the bikes afterwards reported Hayden's having the best front end feel by a margine.

Why can't I blame it all on him? Just like he now are the only one who handle the Ducati, why couldn't he be the only one not being able to find his limits on the Honda. In fact, unless you buy into his own suggestion of sabotage I find your observations support me rather than you. Everyone else were doing ok on the 2006 Honda, why shouldn't he? Even his particular style fitting Ducati so well might even support that he needs a very special setup for his riding to work well. Honda/Michelin could never provide that.
So their plan was to trade off the consistent quality over every round of Michelin for the consistent second rate results barring hot conditions of the Bridgestones? That was the competitive advantage they were looking for? I said it when it happened, it would come good for them down the line and it certainly has. But for 2005 they were off the pace and didn't start coming good for another year. There was no other reason at the point to change other than them getting sick of being left in the cold by Michelin.

Can't seem to find the article but I do recall reading that Ducati were fed up with not getting the same support given to Repsol Honda and Rossi. And I'm not saying Michelin were sabotaging Stoner, I'm merely saying that Michelin did not support the LCR Honda squad in the way that the other Michelin shod teams were being supported. It's been mentioned countless times that Michelin has special treatment for certain riders, this is nothing new.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Aug 13 2008, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>They openly said that Michelin wasn't giving them the time of day, that was the driving factor in switching to Bridgestone. Everyone at Ducati openly admitted that Michelin were too busy appeasing Repsol Honda and Rossi to worry about anyone else, so they gambled and went to a tire manufacturer who had no pecking order.

And I know that the customer Hondas struggled with corner entry and turn-in in 2006 and comparing Stoner to the others is difficult because there are small differences in riding styles. But you can't chalk it all up to him being uncomfortable with the Honda/Michelin front combo. Melandri and Elias both had reasonable success with it and Pedrosa and Hayden had little to no trouble in comparison to Stoner.
Melandri and Elias?you mean before they switched to Bridgestones?
All i have heard Stoner say,and the only thing i have heard him complain about from that time was Michelin.
He was last in line and he couldn't trust the tires because they were different when they were supposed to be the same kind.So he was surprised by the behaviour by them and ofcourse the fact that he was overriding the bike.Pushing harder then the set up allowed.On the Ducati he didn't have to do that ,plus the fact that he likes Bridgestones better plus in the factory team he can trust in everyting including tires.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Anders GUZZI @ Aug 13 2008, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Melandri and Elias?you mean before they switched to Bridgestones?
All i have heard Stoner say,and the only thing i have heard him complain about from that time was Michelin.
He was last in line and he couldn't trust the tires because they were different when they were supposed to be the same kind.So he was surprised by the behaviour by them and ofcourse the fact that he was overriding the bike.Pushing harder then the set up allowed.On the Ducati he didn't have to do that ,plus the fact that he likes Bridgestones better plus in the factory team he can trust in everyting including tires.
Yeah, didn't Gresini switch to Bridgestone for 2007? Or did it happen in 2006? Getting confused now. But yes, that's all I'm saying is that Stoner was last in line for Michelins and didn't get any help from them.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Aug 13 2008, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>So their plan was to trade off the consistent quality over every round of Michelin for the consistent second rate results barring hot conditions of the Bridgestones? That was the competitive advantage they were looking for?
Yes, but don't take may word for it. I knew I remembered that "try someting different to gain an advanatge" and here it is from Suppo:
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2005/Jan/050131a.htm

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Can't seem to find the article but I do recall reading that Ducati were fed up with not getting the same support given to Repsol Honda and Rossi. And I'm not saying Michelin were sabotaging Stoner, I'm merely saying that Michelin did not support the LCR Honda squad in the way that the other Michelin shod teams were being supported. It's been mentioned countless times that Michelin has special treatment for certain riders, this is nothing new.

But it's quite a stretch from 100% dedicated support to second rate tires. They have now and had then a selection of "standard" tires and the occational Saturday night tires. Sure they were out of reach for Ducati but not the "standard" tires and from there to blame the tires (that all other riders used) is to big a stretch for me. It simply doesnt work the way that they make special tires for all perferred riders. Better support and advise, sure but nothing that could make or brake a seson to the magnitude Stoner did.

In the end its not about tires its about the satelite teams not having a chance these days. When Stoner was on the Honda, that bike minus the tires, had a shot at winning a race. Today the satelite teams don't have a shot because the bike and the tires (well not too sure about the tire situation) aren't as good and it would take a miracle ride to win. I think the only satelite rider at the moment that has even a gut shot chance is CE. I think Barros has a very good point about the direction that MOTOGP is heading in being not good for the formula. We have said the same things all along on here about costs, politics, small grids, disgruntled fans, and parade races spiraling out of control. One thing about Barros is he never dissapoints in his interviews and I can't wait to see him in WSBK if it happens.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Aug 13 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yes, but don't take may word for it. I knew I remembered that "try someting different to gain an advanatge" and here it is from Suppo:
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2005/Jan/050131a.htm

But it's quite a stretch from 100% dedicated support to second rate tires. They have now and had then a selection of "standard" tires and the occational Saturday night tires. Sure they were out of reach for Ducati but not the "standard" tires and from there to blame the tires (that all other riders used) is to big a stretch for me. It simply doesnt work the way that they make special tires for all perferred riders. Better support and advise, sure but nothing that could make or brake a seson to the magnitude Stoner did.
I wish I could find the article because I'm nearly certain that I read Ducati had had enough of Michelin. But you were spot on, good memory.

Again, I'm not talking sabotage or anything to that magnitude. I felt that Stoner had quite an impressive debut season and with the proper support, as he has gotten from Bridgestone and Ducati, his results would have been that much stronger. Not sure if that point was lost earlier on, I'm not blaming Michelin for Stoner's season as I don't think there is blame to be put anywhere as it was a sound year. I just think his results would have been closer to Pedrosa's with similar support. As Barros is saying does not exist in MotoGP outside factory teams.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Aug 13 2008, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yeah, didn't Gresini switch to Bridgestone for 2007? Or did it happen in 2006? Getting confused now. But yes, that's all I'm saying is that Stoner was last in line for Michelins and didn't get any help from them.
I also think they switched in 2006.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#36 Fan @ Aug 14 2008, 01:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Gresini were on Michelins in 2006.
Sorry, i was wrong again. 2007 then.

Never been a fan of this guy, so here we go.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#36 Fan @ Aug 12 2008, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>“Now the bikes are much easier to ride. I don’t like them."
Boo ....... hoo.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#36 Fan @ Aug 12 2008, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>“The Ducati is not an easy bike to ride. It is a very point and squirt bike; it’s difficult. Loris (Capirossi) and I had the same problem last year. Casey Stoner is the only one who doesn’t have any problems. You check in the data-logging how he is going so fast and these settings are only for him – no one else can do what he’s doing."

“Only Casey can ride the bike now, they have to change it to develop it to make it more user-friendly for other riders.”
So is it ....... easier or harder? I thought the bikes were too "user friendly". Wow, you mean only one rider can extract the pace needed to win races and a world championship from a particular bike? Sounds like Doohan (Honda), Rainey (Yamaha), Schwantz (Suzuki), Rossi (Yamaha, Honda). Electronics or not maybe its got something to do with all these riders being world champions, its called talent, talent above and beyond Barros.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#36 Fan @ Aug 12 2008, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>“They [Dorna] need to do something to reduce costs and make it easier for a Satellite team to win. At the moment, if you’re on a Satellite bike, you can do nothing. Everyone can say what they like, but I know this to be true.”
As far as the satellite argument goes, tough ..... Reducing costs doesn't result in Sat bikes winning, the rider primarily will decide the outcome. Cost reduction doesn't mean the factory suddenly gives everyone equal treament. FFS riders within the same factory team dont get the same parts now. They will still hold parts back for the best and the rest will have to deal with it. Why were Melandri, Biaggi, Barros able to win on sat bikes? Honda made a ....... mint machine, so much further ahead of the rest, the other factory bikes were .... or ridden by ..... Fast forward and Honda dont have the same luxury, Yamaha and Ducati have machines and riders that are capable or winning at every round. Its called competition and progression you dope.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#36 Fan @ Aug 12 2008, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>“If MotoGP wants to move on, they have to make two teams per factory, Kawasaki and Suzuki must have two teams and Ducati must have two proper factory teams so we can have decent races.”
Honda and Yamaha sat bikes can beat Kawasaki and Suzuki factory machines, so why the .... would we want more .... running around on track. A grid piled with crap isn't a solution. More ordinary riders on ordinary bikes. Its the same as it was, the best are at the front week in week out, the rest are where they would be regardless (Dovi's the exception imo). Barros proved a factory machine doesn't make you a winner.

Back to the crypt Barros. Dont let this guy out again.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vale4607 @ Aug 15 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Back to the crypt Barros. Dont let this guy out again.

Perfect.

When the Laguna Seca winning time by Vale was 71 seconds in front of Haydens winning time on a 990 the sport is going forward. Would you begrudge Phelps or dak dak (Steph Rice) their Gold medals and records because of their flash swim suits? (I hope not). All sports move forward.

Perhaps this step (800's) is transitional and the next step maybe something like an 880 (not a suggestion just an arbitrary figure) with less controls OR (as proven in WSBK) a control tyre but the 990's and 2 strokes are part of a nostalgic past. They were great. So were biplanes.

I can remember racing enduro and motocross when there wasn't a single 4 stoke in the field. Now Honda says soon it won’t build another one (2 stroke that is).

I know a lot of you have it in your head that the Ducati system is controlled by satellites and that kind of thing and I agree it is a remarkable thing (TC) but it’s the same system that all the Kawasakis and satellite Yamahas have on their bike. It has been advertised as being the same system as their road bike (1098R) and in a lot of countries with strict trade practises legislation (England, Australia, Germany etc) this is highly illegal if not true. I’d love to see one of these guys waffling these great theories challenge this formally (BEWARE - PENALTIES FOR KNOWINGLY FALSE COMPLAINTS)

Guintolli gave an interview where he publicly said how easy it was to ride, his results belay that as does Barros’s results, They are all trying to come to terms with the “bike is easy to ride but everybody is languishing at the back of the field but computer boy”. A bit hard to say, “just crack the throttle and off you go”, when on the face of it, I believe I could do that. I can crack the throttle and not let go (I have many scars). Why couldn’t Barros do this, or Marco or Sylvie or Loris for that matter. Mustn’t be as easy as they make it sound, or they are all so limp wristed they should go back to marbles or doll house decoration or whatever.

Vale taught us at Laguna (and Casey) that if you brake later, get on the gas earlier and ride like you want to win then you can win. Isn’t this what any race winner knows? Casey ,Dani and Jorge know this as well but the rest of the field is content to blame and languish.

I would like to see a rider like Barros retire and say, hey listen; I wasn’t really that good…those other guys were faster. Ego’s will never let this and these articles disguised as technical pieces provide little substance, and a lot of opinion and excuses. Really, would you let the 6th placed rider in WSBK with no race wins into motogp. Ducati did for 2007 and instead of just saying, “I haven’t got it” he rolls out an argument where he is the champion but for the platform. He should just thank Ducati for giving him the chance and apologise for being such a let down.

This is why he should stay in the crypt.