At the midpoint of the season

JPSLotus · Jul 18, 2016

So here we are, 9 races done, 9 races to go.

The second half will be:

14 August Austria NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
21 August Czech Republic HJC Helmets Grand Prix České republiky[2] Automotodrom Brno, Brno
4 September United Kingdom Octo British Grand Prix Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
11 September San Marino Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano Adriatico
25 September Aragon Gran Premio Movistar de Aragón Motorland Aragón, Alcañiz
16 October Japan Motul Grand Prix of Japan Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi
23 October Australia Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island
30 October Malaysia Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix Sepang International Circuit, Selangor
13 November Valencian Community Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia

Any predictions for the upcoming slate?

How has the first half of the season played out versus what you thought in pre-season?

Any surprises and did you find it enjoyable to date?

I was expecting Lorenzo to do extremely well before the season began. He's only 2nd in the championship, but right now I'm left with the feeling that it's less a 2nd place, and more of a 10th place. I'm not sure what to expect out of him with the second half at all. I do expect him to finish on the podium and win at least one more race while riding the M1, but it's not the sure thing it appeared to be.

Rossi is 3rd which I thought would be a 2nd. It probably should have been a 2nd if not for Mugello and Assen.

MM is the biggest surprise at the halfway point for me. He looks nothing like the rider a year ago, whom a few of us thought was going to kill someone with a torpedo on the circuit. That doesn't even take into consideration how horrific the RC213V's acceleration was at Qatar where the bike looked like a dumpster fire. Yet HRC has managed to give MM just enough to contend where possible, and to finish high elsewhere.

Key races are going to be the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone because the rain is always in play there, and Phillip Island which could alter the championship depending on where things are at.

povol · Jul 18, 2016

JPSLotus said:
So here we are, 9 races done, 9 races to go.

The second half will be:

Any predictions for the upcoming slate?

How has the first half of the season played out versus what you thought in pre-season?

Any surprises and did you find it enjoyable to date?

I was expecting Lorenzo to do extremely well before the season began. He's only 2nd in the championship, but right now I'm left with the feeling that it's less a 2nd place, and more of a 10th place. I'm not sure what to expect out of him with the second half at all. I do expect him to finish on the podium and win at least one more race while riding the M1, but it's not the sure thing it appeared to be.

Rossi is 3rd which I thought would be a 2nd. It probably should have been a 2nd if not for Mugello and Assen.

MM is the biggest surprise at the halfway point for me. He looks nothing like the rider a year ago, whom a few of us thought was going to kill someone with a torpedo on the circuit. That doesn't even take into consideration how horrific the RC213V's acceleration was at Qatar where the bike looked like a dumpster fire. Yet HRC has managed to give MM just enough to contend where possible, and to finish high elsewhere.

Key races are going to be the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone because the rain is always in play there, and Phillip Island which could alter the championship depending on where things are at.

The Yamahas had their chance to put Marquez away early, but mistakes, extremely cautious riding and misfortune has found them in the position most predicted for Marquez. As Honda fine tunes the bike which i predicted they would, beating Marquez on a regular basis to gain points
is going to be one step forward, one step back process . Marquez is really good at Silverstone, Aragon, PI, and pretty good at the rest of the tracks. Usually the best overall rider does well at new venues so i look for Marquez to be at the pointy end at Austria. Being a Marquez fan, i find the season very enjoyable so far.

imunderandoverit · Jul 18, 2016

Im surprised mr.93 is leading the wc. Never expected that going into the break.

Lorenzos bad form in the past 3 races has been a surprise for me. R, 10th and 15th.

Rossi has shown great pace in the Q's and races, but an engine failure, a stupid mistake and bad timing at sachsenring have cost him the lead of the wc OR a very close 2nd place in the wc behind 93.

I wanna see if Dani, the suzukis and the 2 ducs can comeback strong after the break and mix things up. THAT would be very interesting.

So far the factory yama has been the best bike, but marc have ridden with his head.

A1 ring will be interesting and the race at brno the week after.'

The rest of the season will be that aswell and im not counting out rossi and lorenzo even if the gap is huge to 93.

gekko1ro · Jul 18, 2016

The most pleasant surprise for me is Rossi`s place in the championship, and especially the points gap. I don't like the guy, not for his riding but for his behavior. His inner turmoil must be now of gigantic proportions, and this gives me an immense pleasure. .... him, his asskissers, bootlickers and yesmen. (Hater`s gotta hate was Stiefel`s motto)

The second thing that I`m happy is Marquez`s evolution. His approach to races seems to be very cerebral, he makes very few mistakes, and that only in practice or quali.

The Ducati`s doesn't look that bad either, and in the right hands a victory could be possible.

The biggest disappointment is Lorenzo, but I don`t find him guilty of anything, poor guy was played by Rossi and his entourage.

And something to remeber: in games as big as MotoGP, there are no coincidences, can`t be. My opinion, of course.

danski · Jul 18, 2016

Everything has been surprising this season, Marquez is a changed man, Lorenzo has lost his way, Dani just hasn't gelled with the bike and Rossi is dropping bollocks more than any past season. Ducati showed early promise and predictably fell away. Suzuki looked great to a point with Vinales but I don't see them figuring much from now. Honda satellites are underfed mongrels as are Tech 3 to a lesser extent. What will happen in the second half ? Marquez will ride for the championship, there will be a tight battle for second place.

p4p1 · Jul 18, 2016

I said before the start of the season that Marquez would quickly adapt to the new tyres as he is the most talented and adaptable rider out there, I also said that IF the tyres are made to suit Rossi over Lorenzo then Marquez would be better on them than Rossi.

After testing I thought at about the midway point Marquez and HRC would start to have the bike sorted and he could come home strong and the first half would all be about damage control. The fact that he has a commanding lead is surprising as is the fact he is in the lead, the fact he learnt from last year IMO isn't as much as some people say there is nothing between the ears he rarely makes the same mistake twice. He's almost like a computer where he makes mistakes learns and doesn't do it again.

Lorenzos form slump is somewhat surprising though makes sense given his problems with the front end. I'm sure he'll step it up as usual while the season is coming to a close.

I expected Pedro to do a bit better at the end of last season but I can't say I'm totally surprised after testing with how he is doing.

Rossi making so many mistakes has been surprising and given his form at the end of seasons I expect he has ruled himself out of the title fight.

Miller winning was the biggest surprise so far, not that I didn't think he had what it took to be a top rider just that a non factory bike finally won a race and he would've been one of the last guys to be picked though given his ability to chuck it down the road.

Suzuki is still battling though I'm not convinced Vinaeles is the goods and I expect Lorenzo to win races at Duc.

I expect Lorenzo to come home hard but Marquez to win the title before Valencia, Pedrosa and Rossi to fight for third as Pedros form in the second half of the season is generally good. I'm also very excited for Austria, I think Marquez and 2 Duc will be on the podium, followed by Rossi in 4th.

JPSLotus · Jul 18, 2016

p4, you bring up a good point that I just remembered.

Remember when all of us were suddenly thinking 2016 would be the year of Pedrosa, and that elusive title would finally happen?

JohnnyKnockdown · Jul 18, 2016

Ducati Sucks
Pedrosa is worthless
Rossi's not good enough
Same .... I predict every year

imunderandoverit · Jul 18, 2016

JohnnyKnockdown said:
Ducati Sucks
Pedrosa is worthless
Rossi's not good enough
Same .... I predict every year

Ducati dont suck
Pedro should go to superbike
Rossi is always good
Marc aint crashing that much this year
Lorenzo is scared of takin risks

Interesting year

povol · Jul 18, 2016

On a side note, Marquez is going to be able to open a BMW car lot at the pace he is going. He has won the BMW award every year since joining the series and has a huge lead to take home the car again this year.

imunderandoverit · Jul 18, 2016

Anyway, if marc leads the wc with at least 25 points over 2nd or 3rd after misano, he will most likely get that title this year. I think it's too soon to speculate after just 9 races and 9 to go, but it looks pretty damn good for him tho.

JPSLotus · Jul 18, 2016

Another question, does anyone really believe Stoner is going to wild card in the second half?

6 months ago I really thought he would wild card at Phillip Island.

I don't think he will wild card or ever race a bike again in GP. I suppose it's possible he could, but I can't see it because of what the media crush would be if it happened.

imunderandoverit · Jul 18, 2016

JPSLotus said:
Another question, does anyone really believe Stoner is going to wild card in the second half?

6 months ago I really thought he would wild card at Phillip Island.

I don't think he will wild card or ever race a bike again in GP. I suppose it's possible he could, but I can't see it because of what the media crush would be if it happened.

I thinks he is too scared to race again. But what if he comes back in 2019? 33 years..

JPSLotus · Jul 18, 2016

Why would he come back in 2019?

p4p1 · Jul 18, 2016

JPSLotus said:
Another question, does anyone really believe Stoner is going to wild card in the second half?

6 months ago I really thought he would wild card at Phillip Island.

I don't think he will wild card or ever race a bike again in GP. I suppose it's possible he could, but I can't see it because of what the media crush would be if it happened.

No,he has 0 interest it seems.

p4p1 · Jul 18, 2016

JPSLotus said:
Why would he come back in 2019?

Because apparently he is scared of someone he wiped the floor with and embarrassed and they will be retired by then.

aaronl · Jul 18, 2016

Surprised Lorenzo has ridden that way in the last 2 races and was going backwards when gunned down by Ianonne.

I hope something (mental, physical or mechanical) changes during the break and he has a great 2nD half to this season.

Surprised Miller bagged a win. Was so happy to see him in the points and top 10 finishing places. Win was fantastic.

Surprised with Rossi's season so far. It's almost tailor made for him this year.

I hope if Lorenzo starts riding at the front, he does not suffer mechanicals. Love to see him and MM go for wins and race each other. Would also love to see more Ducati in the mix

Motokitty · Jul 18, 2016

I thought Lorenzo would be dominating. Hope he comes back strong after the off.
Grown up MM is great.
JACK MILLER!
Rossi is just being Rossi. He can still ride, no question.

My disappointment are factory Ducs, Dani, and Vinales.
I don't really care who wins the championship so hope other non factory riders do more to mess things up.

I want Tito to ride better before Rins and Zarco come around in next season.

Furiosa · Jul 19, 2016

JPSLotus said:
Any predictions for the upcoming slate?

How has the first half of the season played out versus what you thought in pre-season?

Any surprises and did you find it enjoyable to date?

2016. It hasn't been what I expected pre season at all!!!

Lorenzo - it's been a difficult watch for me! I hope he goes and visits his psychologist during the break and that Yamaha magically improve the front end feeling. He's really not happy on that bike but I do find it hard to get my head round how he's gone from one extreme to the other. He almost got lapped ffs.

So, yes it's been very enjoyable so far, as always. You just never know what's going to happen and the wet races plus the tyre situation has really shaken things up. Who couldn't have cheered for Miller last time out?! And I totally cheered for Cal last weekend right up until his park ferme interview nonsense.

MM is being phenomenal. A more mature outlook and desire for points rather than wins at all costs, in my opinion he has become astonishing this year. Is it really 7 poles and 7 wins... and he has a cute smiley face, too. I have a lot of admiration for him, and that when he makes mistake, he seems to honestly own up to them.

I expect for Lorenzo to come back from the summer break stronger. There's something going on in his head.

The Ducatis look great with good speed. They seem to be getting it together.

So yea, big surprises for me so far - Lorenzo trailing and MM's maturity. Also the ducatis getting things better. I'm loving it, as always, this year. Another surprise for me this year is how disappointed I feel, and even slightly bitter, towards Rossi still. You can argue till the cows came home about who ran into who but ah well. I still have admiration for his achievements and at times, he still 'has it', but plummeted in my estimation.

'Mon the 2nd half!!!

Richy56 · Jul 19, 2016

imunderandoverit said:
Ducati dont suck
Pedro should go to superbike
Rossi is always good
Marc aint crashing that much this year
Lorenzo is scared of takin risks

Interesting year

I hope stoner races, but I doubt he will. Although he should stop being wet and do it

Marquez has rode like a champ already
I miss Lorenzos brilliance, he will be back and still somehow lies second. He always goes well in the second half. He has been shat on by yam.
Rossi is just Rossi. It was his best chance this year as all the stars aligned but he has bottled it again.
Ducati have a race winning bike, they just need a race winner
Suzuki are ok. But expected more from Maverick
Oh and Redding is too fat

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At the midpoint of the season

JPSLotus

povol

imunderandoverit

gekko1ro

danski

p4p1

JPSLotus

JohnnyKnockdown

imunderandoverit

povol

imunderandoverit

JPSLotus

imunderandoverit

JPSLotus

p4p1

p4p1

aaronl

Motokitty

Furiosa

Richy56

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