Is anyone watching the presser. Uncle Carmelo just announced an extension with Michelin. The head of Michelin was just bragging on the quality of racing over the last 2 years and just basically said that they are manipulating the tires to enhance the show.
Enhance the show, code for, keeping Rossi artificially competitive.
But but but...they voted.
You may recall from statements that became public during the re-enstating of the #70 tire, the big crime of 2016 was that Marquez ran away with the championship; this prompted Carmelo to issue the task to willing Michelin of not letting this TV rating buster repeat itself.
I don’t think Viñalez realized what he was signing up for when he decided to be Dorna's teammate. This kid dominated preseason Philip Island yet has looked second rate over the past two days, though I hope his qualifying performance translates to some pace tomorrow. Notwithstanding, the loss in overall performance is thanks to the withdraw of the tires he won the first two races, and a Rossi development cycle that since has gone dramatically backwards. I hope Yamaha don't win .... past Rossi retiring, which is looking like it's not going to be soon. With this 5 year Michelin extention, it basically keeps Rossi in the game.
What's happened to Bradley Smith? Was it all in his head then? His form has improved since Kalio lit a fire under his ass. Maybe Bradley can phone in a therapeutic call to Alex Lowes who is looking awful.
Aleix Espargaro is showing great form on the Aprilia. Suzuki were mistaken to drop him, though to be fair, I think Suzuki have been detrimentally effected by Michelin's manipulations.
Marquez set out to make a statement this weekend, which he started to plan in parc ferme at Motegi. Marc will have to DNF for Dovi to have a shot. The Ducati is far more of a liability than Dovi's riding is given credit for, the bike is a pig to steer. Ducati's performance still varies wildly respective to the track contrasted with Marc taking his RCV to the podium irrespective of the track or conditions. It was always going to be an uphill battle for Dovi on Ducati, he has made the difference on an inferior package. But but, it's fast, right Rob? (Inside joke).
If you live in a glass house don't throw rocks.
