Just a few thought so far...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>4. West is not a contender, however, he may win a wet race here and there.

West is amazing when it comes to the wet. He can be hovering mid pack as customary, but throw in some rain and the man is a fish.

I'm not convinced anymore.

This morning was apparently wet, but West was hovering no higher than 8-12th position. He may have been a god in 250 in the wet, but only when it was SOPPING wet.

Im biased but I think Hopkins finishes top 5 this year
I say this is how it ends
1.) Stoner
2.) Rossi
3.) Lorenzo
4.) Hayden
5.) Hopkins

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dylan @ Feb 17 2008, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Im biased but I think Hopkins finishes top 5 this year
I say this is how it ends
1.) Stoner
2.) Rossi
3.) Lorenzo
4.) Hayden
5.) Hopkins

I think Hopkins has to worry about winning a race more than final position this year. I keep hearing how good he is guys.......but numbers don't lie.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>A few thoughts, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:



2. Rossi is not gonna have much difficulty adapting to his new brand of tire (if already he's done so).

I recall a few threads where people were saying he should be behind the 8 ball because of no data for this tire. It seems to me he hasn't had much difficulty getting along with this tire at all.

good post i think you summed it all up accuratly, i was just wondering has rossi done any testing on the bridgestone apart from this morning? if he hasnt i think he done pretty dam well given the short time they had to setup the bike with no data.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>A few thoughts, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:


1. Stoner is the man to beat. (Shifted from Rossi being the man to beat 02-07)

Notice, this isn't a statement of ability (so don't get all crazy Rossi fans). Its just that for me Stoner's testing has gone very well and I don't see a major down turn when racing resumes.

2. Rossi is not gonna have much difficulty adapting to his new brand of tire (if already he's done so).

I recall a few threads where people were saying he should be behind the 8 ball because of no data for this tire. It seems to me he hasn't had much difficulty getting along with this tire at all.

3. Hayden has looked good in testing so far, but I think it’s been smoke and mirrors for racing.

The other session like PI, Malaysian, etc, he's been at or near the top it appears, but considering that each time it’s been one fast lap on Qs that has masked the problems and issues with the package. On race rubber he's been miserable. I’m' worried. (I don't think its panic either, please tell me I'm wrong but back it with a substantial argument).

4. West is not a contender, however, he may win a wet race here and there.

West is amazing when it comes to the wet. He can be hovering mid pack as customary, but throw in some rain and the man is a fish. Provided he doesn't jump start/line up on 250's grid spot, we may see a race win out of him reminiscent of Vermulen. However, one important side note: My first point was about Stoner being the man to beat. I can't help but remember who won at Donnington last year in a Monsoon. So as far aw west in the rain, refer to point number 1.

5. "Dear God". Is probably how Melandri's prayers are starting these days.

He doesn't look good so far. But if last two years is any indication how he will go this year, then I think we will see a few podiums mixed in with mid-pack results.

6. We may definitely see a win (or at least several podiums) from the new MotoGP editions. I have been impressed (not surprised) by Toseland, Lorentho, Dovi and DeAngelis. Yamaha looks like they have a better factory package and if the Honda comes up with something that works, I can see the satellites snagging some TV time. Toseland vs Lorentho for rookie of the year.

7. Edwards may be in superbikes when his contract is up. It’s a mystery to me because I saw him crush in WSBK, but it doesn't seem to be working out for him in MotoGP. If he doesn't come up with a highly unlikely win this year, I can't see him staying much longer.

8. Hopkins and Capirossi will look cool on their bikes (as cool as the Hopkins and Vermulen looked last year on Suzuki). But I don't think as a duo they will do much better. Hopkins said he wanted to be a title contender this year, I doubt that, but will we finally see a Kawasaki win a MotoGP race? Hard to call, but then again there is Motegi and Laguna...nah I still doubt it.







Disclaimer: Yeah, I know the season hasn't started, but these are just some thoughts from what I've observed and read so far this off-season. Feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.


Damn, I hate agreeing with you Jumkie, but theres not really anything I can argue with there!

Although, I will add, it must be reassuring for the other riders to see Scud bothering nobody at the back. He may have to crash into Brolly Dollys this year coz it's not looking good for him to be near other riders so far!

Pete

i think you have it pretty much spot on jumkie. quite a disappointing post from you really, nothing there to argue with

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>A few thoughts, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:


1. Stoner is the man to beat. (Shifted from Rossi being the man to beat 02-07)
<span style="color:#0000ffStoner IS the man to beat
Notice, this isn't a statement of ability (so don't get all crazy Rossi fans). Its just that for me Stoner's testing has gone very well and I don't see a major down turn when racing resumes.

2. Rossi is not gonna have much difficulty adapting to his new brand of tire (if aready he's done so).

<span style="color:#0000ffRossi is done. Period. <span style="color:#0000ffHe will not win the championship again. He will have a helluva season and remind us of his brilliance but not take the top step

I recall a few threads where people were saying he should be behind the 8 ball because of no data for this tire. It seems to me he hasn't had much difficulty getting along with this tire at all.

3. Hayden has looked good in testing so far, but I think it’s been smoke and mirrors for racing.
<span style="color:#4169e1Hayden should change teams at the end of this year. And Yes, I believe there is a lot of smoke and mirror going on with him. BUT, he will definetly do better this season than last year. TOP 5 or 6 in Standings this year.

The other session like PI, Malaysian, etc, he's been at or near the top it appears, but considering that each time it’s been one fast lap on Qs that has masked the problems and issues with the package. On race rubber he's been miserable. I’m' worried. (I don't think its panic either, please tell me I'm wrong but back it with a substantial argument).

4. West is not a contender, however, he may win a wet race here and there.

West is amazing when it comes to the wet. He can be hovering mid pack as customary, but throw in some rain and the man is a fish. Provided he doesn't jump start/line up on 250's grid spot, we may see a race win out of him reminiscent of Vermulen. However, one important side note: My first point was about Stoner being the man to beat. I can't help but remember who won at Donnington last year in a Monsoon. So as far aw west in the rain, refer to point number 1.

<span style="color:#0000ffWesty is done and will go to AMA or become a test rider. I hope Hayden gets his seat. (unlikely with Hoppers in team green)

5. "Dear God". Is probably how Melandri's prayers are starting these days.

He doesn't look good so far. But if last two years is any indication how he will go this year, then I think we will see a few podiums mixed in with mid-pack results.

6. We may definitely see a win (or at least several podiums) from the new MotoGP editions. I have been impressed (not surprised) by Toseland, Lorentho, Dovi and DeAngelis. Yamaha looks like they have a better factory package and if the Honda comes up with something that works, I can see the satellites snagging some TV time. Toseland vs Lorentho for rookie of the year.

<span style="color:#00ff00Dovizioso dukes it out with DeAngelis for Rookie of the year. Lorenzo eats humble pie this year. Toseland will be hot and cold.

7. Edwards may be in superbikes when his contract is up. It’s a mystery to me because I saw him crush in WSBK, but it doesn't seem to be working out for him in MotoGP. If he doesn't come up with a highly unlikely win this year, I can't see him staying much longer. <span style="color:#0000ffGO HOME CEII. GO HOME. Enjoy your family, your millions and come and race in the AMA

8. Hopkins and Capirossi will look cool on their bikes (as cool as the Hopkins and Vermulen looked last year on Suzuki). But I don't think as a duo they will do much better. Hopkins said he wanted to be a title contender this year, I doubt that, but will we finally see a Kawasaki win a MotoGP race? Hard to call, but then again there is Motegi and Laguna...nah I still doubt it.

<span style="color:#0000ffHopkins is rattlesnaked. He will not win a race. Comes close but does not overcome his tyre wear problem (no tyre grip left on the last 5 or so laps).



<span style="color:#ff0000how about them apples to start the season.



Disclaimer: Yeah, I know the season hasn't started, but these are just some thoughts from what I've observed and read so far this off-season. Feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.

Serioulsly its way to early to tell anything really Pedrosa and Hayden don't know which bike they will use or who is developing the bike.

Pedrosa is still hurt. Hopkins is still hurt.
Kwak and Suzook is suffering from Bike development issues.

Given all of that.... Stoner is the man to beat. Rossi will be close if not on par with Stoner. Hayden will be the most improved rider.

The rest of the field will be a mix bag

I do believe Toseland will have 2-3 excellent races this year. Dovizioso will be rookie of the year. and Melandri will disappear to the rear of the pack.

You panicking on you Hayden assumption. I think those times are telling of what will be his season. He will be very fast. I think Nicky will have a better season than when he won the title in 2006. Will he take the title? I hope so, but doubt it. I think 3-4 wins are very possible.

Hopper will take his first win this season. Kawasaki has uped the anti on their bike, and Hopkins has become one hell ofa rider.

---

Stoner is the man to beat. No doubt about that.
Rossi is the only man who can beat him. If...

Pedrosa and Hayden do not seem to be able to tell Honda how to make the bike right.
Honda must be seriously thinking they need Rossi (and Burgess) back...

Suzuki have taken Capi hoping he can tell them how to make a Ducati...
But once they've made a Ducati, they'll still need a Stoner to ride it

Kawasaki is fast but they need a rider!
Yamaha has the rider(s) and has improved significantly, but some more work is left.

1 - Agree
2 - Agree
3 - I tend to agree but I think Pedrosa will do a lot better than Hayden.
4 - He's a definate wet weather rider but I think at least CV and Stoner have his measure, possibly Rossi as well in the wet although Rossi has less experience on bridgestones in the wet. I really can't see him winning any races wet or dry. (I'd love to be proved wrong).
5 - It seems Stoner is the only one who can ride the ducati for whatever reason. At this stage I can't see Melandri doing anything except being mid pack.
6 - Can't see any winners other than Rossi, Stoner and possibly Pedrosa this year. A few podiums is about it for the rookies.
7 - Edwards should have lost his contract this year. He's done .... all in motoGP. Love the guy, like Bayliss never really has adapted.
8 Maybe some podiums for these two? The suzuki doesn't seem to have moved forward at all so far. Capirossi's a proven race winner, but I've said before I think he should of retired after leaving ducati. He's a bloke it's hard not too like so good luck to him. Not sure about Hopkins - for all the talent he's supposed to have he still hasn't won a race. We know the kawasaki can be quick, but is the whole package there to consistently look for podiums? Time will tell.

As others said, hard to argue about mutch here Jumkie. Really disapointing. Only one thing I want on the the record: I think Dovi might be the rookie to look out for this year.

Rossi's ability to adapt proves strong again. Today was his first day in rain with the stones and it needed massive changes in the setup compared to michelin and all things considered the result wasn't to bad, but like so many times last year, stoner were miles ahead and is the man to beat, no doubt about that.

Pedrosas tire advantage over Hayden have two sides, his weight, true, but also the riding style is better for the tires I think. Even so, I would like Hayden to beat him allthough I'm afraid the robot will be faster.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J4rn0 @ Feb 17 2008, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Suzuki have taken Capi hoping he can tell them how to make a Ducati...
But once they've made a Ducati, they'll still need a Stoner to ride it
+1

lol it will be a long time before suzuki get electronics and rider to match there bike they way ducati has and thats its strong points with the correct rider (stoner).
i believe without the electronic advances of today (800) the duke would just be a fat beast that would be hard to wrestle, i think its clever the way they have got it to work so well with electronics so from a future point of view i think ducati have got it all in the bag (for now) providing the clan dont restrict using electronics to much and providing they keep stoner because i think it would be a longtime before they found someone capable of harnessing electronics of today the way stoner has.

so there you have it folks the perfect harmony

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 18 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I hope your right about both Hayden and Hopper.


Hayden will have a better year than last year but don't know about wins. If Michelin are strong there is a number of tracks I would bet on Nicky toppling Dani so it certainly is possible, Just not over the course of the whole season.

Hopper is also very capable and I'd love to see him break his cherry so to speak, but I'm not convinced at this stage that the Kawasaki is a step up from Suzuki. Time will tell.