Joined Jun 2006
2K Posts | 20+
south wales UK
Hopkins.
hopkins needs to comeback to GP, i considering the time away he rode the shitpit very well
hopkins needs to comeback to GP, i considering the time away he rode the shitpit very well
Why should he deserve another shot at MotoGP? He had his chance, he did fairly well being on an inferior machine but his time is over. He did nada while in World Superbike and AMA. And I'm sure he'd get spanked by Ryuichi Kiyonari and company in this years BSB. He doesn't even have a great pedigree to begin if you look at his resume. I don't know why his sponsorship Monster hasn't dropped his ... yet, in my opinion he's done with.
There are alot more riders deserving of a MotoGP seat..... tripple BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari comes to mind.
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
Its really not that much of a mystery, Rossi and the Ducati go as fast as they can together, and hit a wall as they get deeper into the sessions. At the same time, the riders on the more settled machines are continuing up the charts till they find their wall.In other words, everyone but Stoner is ....... terrified to push this bike to its limits.
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
Why should he deserve another shot at MotoGP? He had his chance, he did fairly well being on an inferior machine but his time is over. He did nada while in World Superbike and AMA. And I'm sure he'd get spanked by Ryuichi Kiyonari and company in this years BSB. He doesn't even have a great pedigree to begin if you look at his resume. I don't know why his sponsorship Monster hasn't dropped his ... yet, in my opinion he's done with.
There are alot more riders deserving of a MotoGP seat..... tripple BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari comes to mind.
Yeah dead right, it's that simple, bag a BSB title - next stop World domination.
Most won't recall Kiyonari's previous underwhelming foray into Moto GP. I can't think why
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
PINKY... WTF you're back and if ur hanging around you'll probably find some new friends... PS seems to have attracted a small gaggle of brain dead morons for u to converse with...
ahhhh, the joys of "the grass is greener" effect! Soon stress and anger will recur - it's is not a byproduct of the tool(s) used but rather a trait of the craftsman...
Been looking at all the lap-by-lap analysis and I don't see a bailed on lap that was fast... Can you tell me which was the fast lap bailed on?
I don't think that is particularly fair representation of Kiyo. He had very little experience having never really raced outside of japan, on slick tyres, carbon brakes or big bikes. However i do agree with your sentiment, Kiyo took to BSB brilliantly and has maintained that strength since. But his two years in world superbike were disappointing to say the least, i really don't know what it'd take to get Kiyo another shot at the world stage and if he got that shot i'm not convinced many people would bank on any significant success.
OH.... Kiyonari didn't bag just 1 championship, he bagged 3 of them. And his rookie year in World Superbike he managed to score a couple of victories I believe.
So I guess Nicky "The Kentucky Squid" Hayden's foray into MotoGP was more deserving cuz he won one AMA title in the Superbike category? Whereas Kiyonari won 3 BSB titles and had a few wins in World Superbike? I shouldn't even compare AMA to BSB as I believe BSB has a more level playing field amongs all the manufacturers. With that said Nicky only won his AMA title on the superior Honda RC51.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
Precisely the point. There were so many others that were accustomed to the blue ribbon class worthy of the Gresini ride over Kiyo.
From memory, two of those BSB championships were secured in the days of virtually full HRC factory support directed at Louth. Furthermore, the best Michelin rubber in the paddock.
Joined Aug 2007
11K Posts | 3K+
Pomona NY
A fair - tandem question might be; How many times since being on the Ducati
has Rossi done any laptimes that would allow him to contend for a podium position?
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
Mackenzie also bagged three titles, and raced the infinitely harder 500cc GP machines finishing fourth in 1990 against arguably far more formidable opposition.
Must say, I'd have no problems seeing Kiyo grab a fourth title and become the most successful BSB rider of all time, but it's not as equitable in th machinery stakes as you might think. Kiyo has always benefited from superior machinery throughout his career in British Superbike.
The last couple of seasons it has been easy to say that Lorenzo was doing well because he was riding Rossi's bike. It was fair to speculate whether he would be able to keep the Yamaha in the sweet spot.
It looks to me at this point that the M1 is starting to drift outside that sweet spot, particularly on Spies side of the garage. I would suggest that it is the same on Lorenzo's side but due to his confidence, talent and #1 plate he is riding it above its true potential.
I wonder how much of this, if it is at all correct, is a result of the retirement of Fusuwara and a lack of leadership at HQ?
It will be interesting to see if they can get it sorted or if they will continue to struggle.
It looks to me at this point that the M1 is starting to drift outside that sweet spot, particularly on Spies side of the garage. I would suggest that it is the same on Lorenzo's side but due to his confidence, talent and #1 plate he is riding it above its true potential.
I wonder how much of this, if it is at all correct, is a result of the retirement of Fusuwara and a lack of leadership at HQ?
It will be interesting to see if they can get it sorted or if they will continue to struggle.
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
Good post.
Perhaps 'House' doesn't quite cut it in a paddock replete with prototype engineering pedigree.
I think Furusawa's premature retirement, (which he attributed to to Rossi's defection) has had a massive effect
In an example like this, the championships they raced in is not necessarily the most significant thing. Most people would agree that BSB is the premier national superbike series, but we are talking about stand out riders, not the series' on the whole. Nicky turned the opportunities he was given into a motogp world title, Kiyo turned his into a return to BSB.
I'd say they best rubber on any superbike in the world at that time. But Kiyo wasn't exactly riding with a totally superior package, he had not only a team mate but factory Ducati's to beat in those days. Not exactly easy going.
Arguably last year this was not the case, Honda's latest Fireblade hasn't been without its troubles in the racing world.
Its really not that much of a mystery, Rossi and the Ducati go as fast as they can together, and hit a wall as they get deeper into the sessions. At the same time, the riders on the more settled machines are continuing up the charts till they find their wall.In other words, everyone but Stoner is ....... terrified to push this bike to its limits.
i'm thinking he'll be in the top 5 tomorrow
his crash on bike A somewhat explains his low qualifying position. it's still pretty weird that they come out of the gates FAST (already hitting the "wall") but can't improve upon it
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
VR didn't run on the soft tyre, and crashed his much preferred bike??..... you would think the differences would be minimal..... but it is Ducati! The sad thing is Nicky.
Race should be good......Jorge looks much improved and Race pace should be in the low 1.40s (depending on weather) which Rossi can match.
Oh come on.... Nicky was the poster child for Honda of America and had every disposal at his hands, whereas Kiyonari had to make due with basically production material. That RC51 was a purpose built race bike made into 'production' only because of the specific rules set by the governing body of their respective series, but basically it was a prototype machine and thus was able to dominate the field. Honda used Nicky Hayden as a marketing tool, and I use that word 'tool' heavily, to sell motorcycles in America and he did a great job at that. Heck Honda even made a special edition "Nicky Hayden" RC51. Ducati realizes the potential of the American market and has hired Nicky Hayden to sell their bikes. Or do you guys actually believe they hired Nicky so he can win a championship for them?
Nicky knows what his role is and has accepted that. Now why can't you guys?
Joined Aug 2007
11K Posts | 3K+
Pomona NY
Grip or the lack of it... as a result of fluctuating temperature - will affect all riders equally.
I don't think a few degree variance in tire heat either way - will allow Rossi parity.
Believe me when I say - seeing Rossi tame the beast in spite of the odds would for me be a show worth remembering.
But barring multiple DNFs I don't see him higher than 5th.
