For me, this link points to an article about Pedrosa and Honda.
However, I have read the article you're referencing and it was interesting but predictable. DePuniet is down the most, and this season (85) there should be about as many crashes as last year (99).
85 crashes so far seems to prove that nothing is inherently safer about riding a motogp machine. Dry race days are safer because the field is more separated and electronics helps, but practice seems to be as rough as ever.
The article is quick to cover for the 800 by claiming the lack of safety improvement is due to the rain, but let me retort by saying Stoner crashed enough times last year to cover all of the crashes we've seen in the wet this season. Furthermore, the troubles at Turkey this season weren't as large as the catastrophe at Catalunya last season. So if you throw those anomalies out, everything is all square.
I think the cause behind the lack of safety improvement is the tire rule. I'm certain teams have sent riders out with the wrong rubber for the conditions simply because they needed to save the right rubber for the race. Sad, but that's the genius of Dorna.
However, I have read the article you're referencing and it was interesting but predictable. DePuniet is down the most, and this season (85) there should be about as many crashes as last year (99).
85 crashes so far seems to prove that nothing is inherently safer about riding a motogp machine. Dry race days are safer because the field is more separated and electronics helps, but practice seems to be as rough as ever.
The article is quick to cover for the 800 by claiming the lack of safety improvement is due to the rain, but let me retort by saying Stoner crashed enough times last year to cover all of the crashes we've seen in the wet this season. Furthermore, the troubles at Turkey this season weren't as large as the catastrophe at Catalunya last season. So if you throw those anomalies out, everything is all square.
I think the cause behind the lack of safety improvement is the tire rule. I'm certain teams have sent riders out with the wrong rubber for the conditions simply because they needed to save the right rubber for the race. Sad, but that's the genius of Dorna.
Joined Oct 2006
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Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Aug 23 2007, 10:04 AM) [snapback]86601[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
85 crashes so far seems to prove that nothing is inherently safer about riding a motogp machine.
I agree with most your post. However, Im not sure its the tires with the safety issue but rather the faster corner speeds with the 800s.
Anyway, I vote a return to the 990--clearly a safer bike.
85 crashes so far seems to prove that nothing is inherently safer about riding a motogp machine.
I agree with most your post. However, Im not sure its the tires with the safety issue but rather the faster corner speeds with the 800s.
Anyway, I vote a return to the 990--clearly a safer bike.
The 990s were safer I remember reading a quote by Hopper, he said "I don't see the point in reducing engine capacity, because that means you can carry more speed, and who ever crashes in a straight line?". It's true though.
