Focus on Rossi

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I believe vintage Rossi is a man who wins without lobbying the governing body for help. His greatness and graciousness have always been able to encourage other people to work with him.

During the 2007 season, Rossi had many Biaggi-esque tantrums and I think that caused fewer people to want to work with him, Bridgestone in particular. Bridgestone already had a champ and a championship winning manufacturer at the end of 2007, for once Rossi had no pull.

I believe he used the only ace up his sleeve (leaving the sport) to use Ezy to make Bridgestone comply.

My problem Lex, is that your conspiracy theories are so contradictory. Above you suggest that Rossi has no pull with the manufacturers; but does with the head of the governing body?

If the governing body think that MotoGP will lose revenue if Rossi leaves - then surely Bridgestone stand to gain revenue if he uses their tires? That way they will have the two top riders and will almost be guaranteed the championship.

Could it be that Bridgestone was giving into pressure from Ducati who didn't want their main rival to close the gap by using the superior tires they were running?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>On top of that I think there is an abundance of circumstantial evidence to suggest there were significant changes to the tire rules perhaps even an experimental control tire stint that allowed Rossi to have substantial advantage over Stoner at the beginning of the season.

Can you produce evidence in the way of official documents or statements from any of the parties involved? Had there been the changes to the tire rules that you suggest; how come no-one has come out and said it publicly? Are Stoner, Ducati and Bridgestone too afraid? You can be damn sure that if this was the case that Pedrosa and Puig would have been shouting loud enough for undiscovered tribes in the Amazon to hear them.

Stoner won the first race in much the same fashion that he dominated last season. Rossi struggled badly, missed the podium and was beaten by a rookie - hardly a substantial advantage.

Stoner's problems started when Ducati started to change the bike for newer bits. They (like most manufacturers) ran into development problems and as a result Stoner suffered; when they reverted to the older set up, Stoner became quick again. Didn't the camera box fall off of Stoner's bike at one round? Are you going to blame that on Rossi and Bridgestone too?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think Mugello and Laguna were Rossi at his best. This season has been far from the Rossi of old. This is the new Rossi who wins championships by historical entitlement.

Rossi hasn't won it yet. You say that he hasn't been at his best; however he has had to go to each race without tire set up data - which surely even you must admit is a disadvantage over last season? And Rossi and his team have had to work very hard to get improvement out of the Yamaha - without Colin's help this year. Could it be that Rossi is not as dominant because up until the last few races he has had more live rivals for the championship than ever before? Had Pedrosa not played on the slip'n'slide in Germany, then I think he would be a lot closer to Rossi and we could have a three way fight for the championship.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He could easily have gone to Suzuki, Kawasaki, or even Ducati with a simple breach of contract, but he didn't. He threw a fit and lobbied Ezy to get what he wanted.

So it would have been acceptable to turn his back on a bike manufacturer when clearly it was the tires that were the problem? That's like curing a headache by cutting off the head! Had he changed bikes, then he would either of had to have Bridgestones anyway (if he had gone to Suzuki) or stick with the Michelins.

Why it it OK to break contracts with Yamaha but "disgusting" to change tires when his contract had run out?

His tire contract had expired; so why shouldn't he change supplier? He didn't sign a contract for life did he? In my opinion riders should be allowed to have whichever tire supplier they want - otherwise we should have a control tire. It's hardly fair that some riders can choose and others have to stick with one make is it?

Rossi said that if he couldn't win; then he didn't want to race - what's wrong with that? It's the attitude of making up the numbers that is no good for MotoGP. Rossi clearly doesn't need the money; so why risk your life to be an also ran?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Then he rode around in circles, playing the hero while frequently riding a country mile behind the young kid who the governing body really can't afford to have win a second title.

Disgraceful.

Why can't the governing body "afford" Stoner to win a second title. I know that Stoner is hardly Mr Personality; but that's a bit unfair. A decent rival for Rossi makes the sport more exciting.

Stoner complains about pretty much everything; yet he hasn't complained about his formally faithful tire manufacturer (who were forced to supply someone they didn't like) giving him dodgy tires while the governing body ensure that Rossi wins another title? Ducati sit idly back and let all their good work go to waste (and potentially lose bike sales) due to the governing body refusing to let them win? Do you really think that Bridgestone and Ducati are so gutless that they would let this happen?

Stoner has looked OK in every practice and qualifying session and in both of the last races, there has been nothing wrong with his race pace prior to binning it.

I would hardly call Laguna "riding around in circles" and neither 3 or 5 seconds is a "country mile" either

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (alfonz1 @ Sep 11 2008, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't see much difference in his performance to last year. This year the Yamaha is a much better bike compared to last year and he has the best tyres.


The only difference reason he is leading the championship is because Stoner has had so many DFNs.

Stoner has been clearly faster in the majority of practice sessions this season, but just hasn't been able to finish races to score points

Being fast means nothing if you can't stay SSU for the duration of a race.

"I believe he used the only ace up his sleeve (leaving the sport) to use Ezy to make Bridgestone comply." I was with you right up to here, LEX.

"On top of that I think there is an abundance of circumstantial evidence to suggest..." but when ya started the next paragraph I was already reachin' for a face shield to protect me from the spray of conspiracy BS that was sure to come followin' like gravel from a hose!!

Sure enough the next two paragraphs didn't disappoint! Keep up the good work LEX, Ive got the shield ready and and I need another good laugh!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 11 2008, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>When has Rossi hung 1-5 seconds back and waited for his opponent to crash? If that's vintage Rossi you can have it.

I was hoping for vintage Rossi this season I wanted to see him vanquish the Michelin demons and fight for a championship. But instead, he had the rules changed to make sure he would win.



Classic
Lex uhh its all a conspiracy jesus youre so predictable,everytime casey has crashed out whilst been out in front its been Rossi setting the quickest laps lap after lap . China france and Mugello valentino just buggere doff into the distance,Laguna he fought brilliantly on a bike that wasnt capable of doing caseys laptimes,made casey get flustered and out of the zone and ultimately drop it,next time out at brno caseys lead dropped and dropped till he did the same himself and again exact same thing next time out at Misano.But w/e

Lex just a quick question. If you believe that motogp racing is fixed to give a favourable outcome on the entertainment side of things, what part do you believe the riders have in this. Are you suggesting that they all know how the system works and are still willing to risk their lives on a regular basis just to be part of a show, the outcome of which is out of their hands. Or, do you believe that with use of popular websites, publications and journalism, you understand and know more about the workings of the sport than they do?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Sep 12 2008, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Lex just a quick question. If you believe that motogp racing is fixed to give a favourable outcome on the entertainment side of things, what part do you believe the riders have in this. Are you suggesting that they all know how the system works and are still willing to risk their lives on a regular basis just to be part of a show, the outcome of which is out of their hands. Or, do you believe that with use of popular websites, publications and journalism, you understand and know more about the workings of the sport than they do?

I guess Ezy has a remote to control Stoners front tire grip. He flip of a switch a the steel studs come out and down goes Stoner

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Sep 11 2008, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yes mate, I still have prints in stock. But I haven't picked up a brush this year.

BUT..............if you really want to treat the old boy, I've just this evening listed this on Ebay....it's a bit special!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...E:IT&ih=024
nice pink pvc chaps dave, what up dont they fit any more

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mick D @ Sep 12 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>"I believe he used the only ace up his sleeve (leaving the sport) to use Ezy to make Bridgestone comply." I was with you right up to here, LEX.

"On top of that I think there is an abundance of circumstantial evidence to suggest..." but when ya started the next paragraph I was already reachin' for a face shield to protect me from the spray of conspiracy BS that was sure to come followin' like gravel from a hose!!

Sure enough the next two paragraphs didn't disappoint! Keep up the good work LEX, Ive got the shield ready and and I need another good laugh!
LOL
Stop wasting your time Mick, Lex is the Pinky of Hayden's fans.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Sep 11 2008, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No problem at all. When is your Dad's birthday?
It's for Christmas. Can't be too early, can I? Totally spaced it for last holiday season.

I got my paypal sorted, placed two bids, and didn't hit the reserve. I noticed on your site you list it (the smaller size) for $125. That is about what I can spend. My pocket rocket is burning. am I still game?

I find it a good analyze of Rossi's hunger for this championship.

I think the first reason has to be that he had won it 5 years in a row, so maybe in 2006 he thought he could win it even with a bit less effort.

I didn't find it a clever celebration by him ieder ( with the Bolling men, under way to his 8th WCH ), at that moment still it could go ieder way and it went another way later.

But in 2007 he had problems on a few cirquits with his Michline + concentration that you mentioned.

But i can see also that he has more hunger for another championship, after 2 years of losing.
I also think he saw in 2008 that he had to up his game after round 2 or 3 when

Pedrosa,Lorenzo,Stoner were all in front of him in the championship and had won 1 race each. + he had to prove that he was right to change from tyres. So all of this has had effect on his form.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Sep 12 2008, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It's for Christmas. Can't be too early, can I? Totally spaced it for last holiday season.

I got my paypal sorted, placed two bids, and didn't hit the reserve. I noticed on your site you list it (the smaller size) for $125. That is about what I can spend. My pocket rocket is burning. am I still game?
tell ya what trav, i have a burky print and ive seen jumkies, the pictures really do not do them justice.

burky, i want you to paint the rossi stoner corkscrew overtake. i promise to buy one.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Sep 12 2008, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>tell ya what trav, i have a burky print and ive seen jumkies, the pictures really do not do them justice.

burky, i want you to paint the rossi stoner corkscrew overtake. i promise to buy one.

I can only imagine. I have my eye on the Burns Subaru or of Sheen ridding a wheelie. Maybe this year Santa (wife) will be reading

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Sep 12 2008, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I can only imagine. I have my eye on the Burns Subaru or of Sheen ridding a wheelie. Maybe this year Santa (wife) will be reading
the signed burns ? that's really something special.

SWEEEEET!!!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Sep 12 2008, 03:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Lex just a quick question. If you believe that motogp racing is fixed to give a favourable outcome on the entertainment side of things, what part do you believe the riders have in this. Are you suggesting that they all know how the system works and are still willing to risk their lives on a regular basis just to be part of a show, the outcome of which is out of their hands. Or, do you believe that with use of popular websites, publications and journalism, you understand and know more about the workings of the sport than they do?

Obviously, I believe the riders play little to no role. I think Rossi knows some of what's going on. Just read one of his press conferences. Many times in press conferences Rossi speaks with an implied "we" when talking about management level goals DORNA has. He said this last week DORNA'S goal is to expand the sport into the American market then he stated what his role was. He talks like he's on the payroll (I suspect he is). He roots for a control tire even though it weakens his prospects at winning another title---a surefire sign that he has been instructed to champion Ezy's baby (control tire).

It's also easy to tell who else may know. I think Puig knows what's going on. Without much warning Michelin canceled Dani's special profile front tire before Jerez--the one he really really likes. Pedrosa was also the only Michelin runner instructed to run a hard rear. There wasn't a big media scandal or any pomp & circumstance behind it. Contrast that with Stoner's statements and the Ducati team blow up sessions during Jerez and China---two places where Stoner said the team made his tire decisions for him. I think it was clear at the beginning of the season, something beyond Stoner's control had changed drastically and he wasn't happy. Some of it was the bike, but a majority of his complaints were that the compounds were changing drastically. I think it's clear Stoner doesn't know what's going on.

Mass recommendations were common during the beginning of the season. It was common to see every Bridgestone runner on the same tires and every Michelin runner on the same tires. Now the riders pick from a long list of compounds and they go out of their way to hide their selections or lie about what tires they were actually on.

Obviously, the riders don't know what's going on. I think Vale probably knew at the beginning of this season that a control tire was coming. I think Puig was satisfied that Pedrosa would start the season on Michelin and then switch to Bridgestone later in the season. When Bridgestones didn't arrive according to Puig's timetable he organized an insurrection that was aimed at harming the sport and Ezy. The boycott failed, but Puig succeeded in his end objective.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Sep 12 2008, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Obviously, I believe the riders play little to no role. I think Rossi knows some of what's going on. Just read one of his press conferences. Many times in press conferences Rossi speaks with an implied "we" when talking about management level goals DORNA has. He said this last week DORNA'S goal is to expand the sport into the American market then he stated what his role was. He talks like he's on the payroll (I suspect he is). He roots for a control tire even though it weakens his prospects at winning another title---a surefire sign that he has been instructed to champion Ezy's baby (control tire).

It's also easy to tell who else may know. I think Puig knows what's going on. Without much warning Michelin canceled Dani's special profile front tire before Jerez--the one he really really likes. Pedrosa was also the only Michelin runner instructed to run a hard rear. There wasn't a big media scandal or any pomp & circumstance behind it. Contrast that with Stoner's statements and the Ducati team blow up sessions during Jerez and China---two places where Stoner said the team made his tire decisions for him. I think it was clear at the beginning of the season, something beyond Stoner's control had changed drastically and he wasn't happy. Some of it was the bike, but a majority of his complaints were that the compounds were changing drastically. I think it's clear Stoner doesn't know what's going on.

Mass recommendations were common during the beginning of the season. It was common to see every Bridgestone runner on the same tires and every Michelin runner on the same tires. Now the riders pick from a long list of compounds and they go out of their way to hide their selections or lie about what tires they were actually on.

Obviously, the riders don't know what's going on. I think Vale probably knew at the beginning of this season that a control tire was coming. I think Puig was satisfied that Pedrosa would start the season on Michelin and then switch to Bridgestone later in the season. When Bridgestones didn't arrive according to Puig's timetable he organized an insurrection that was aimed at harming the sport and Ezy. The boycott failed, but Puig succeeded in his end objective.

If you think it's all a big fix, why watch it? Why not watch wrestling and moan on their forums about how it is all fixed beforehand?

If I was so convinced that a sport was being run the way you think GP is being run, I would have switched off and found something else to watch.

Get over it for ..... sake.

Pete

Pete, I'm taking #46's advice: "LOL. Stop wasting your time Mick, Lex is the Pinky of Hayden's fans."