Just a few thought so far...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 18 2008, 12:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I know what you mean, but consider that he (Hopkins) really didn't have (at very least) a top three package in those years that he's been in MotoGP (in a prototype racing series where your package and development is almost an insurmountable when you have sub par equipment, i.e. Rossi 07). I mean really, if I'm willing to almost give Rossi a "pass" because he had a "poor" package this year, surely I can give a pass to Hopkins for the <07 years. Now last year he finally got a decent package and backed it up with a few podiums, wouldn't you agree?. Ironically he finally left Suzuki, but I guess I would have too even thought they looked promising, but really, if you are any kind of MotoGP/500 history buff (or a google buff like me) can you really blame him for finally leaving a company that has barely managed to win 4 championships in 30 years considering that two of those four titles where done by extraordinary riders in an "extraordinary" circumstance (93 & 2000). Its ironic though because he left one for another, correct me if I'm wrong but Kawasaki hasn't won a title since only the Big Bang of the Universe.








Well I hear what you say. But I think the above Hopkin's argument sorta applies to Edwards too. Yes not the same, but I just don't think he got a fair shake in MotoGP living under the shadow of Rossi. Have you ever noticed that Edwards did much better when Rossi needed a buffer? Or did I imagine it?

Really I don't know, I'm just speculating, but is there anything there you think?
I am tempted to think that CEII will do better now that He is not on the same team as Rossi but he has not really produced anythingthe entire time he has been in motogp.

I can speculate that Yamaha made a deal with him keep him to play Rossi's 2nd fiddle and promised to keep him happy but he still hasn't materialized anything on the few chances that the chaines were taken off and he was allowed to go for it.

I think CEII is a good rider, nice enough guy but he has had more chances than anyone with a factory seat. Dude come home and give Mladin a taste of his own medicine.

Suzuki has a problem and whether they can fix it in time for Qatar time will tell. Either rider is a podium finisher on the right machine. Suzuki hasn't put the pieces together yet. I will be disheartened if they don't move up tomorrow. That will mean they have a huge problem.

Sensible thread so far, incredible! I think West will end up in WSBK next year, with more manufacturers coming to the championship I reckon a MotoGP rider stands a pretty good shot of a factory ride, plus Ducati need an Australian to win the title. As far as this season goes, no show unless its pissing down.

Nakano will be out of a ride next year.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1. Stoner is the man to beat. (Shifted from Rossi being the man to beat 02-07)
It is about Stoner, not just the Ducati and Bridgestones...so I very much agree!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>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.
Unlike Makoto Tamada, Rossi's skill is well beyond just being dependent on the tyre, so Why would he ever struggle with the Bs? So Rossi is definite number 2 to beat....I would not be surprised if Bs only get better and better due to the Rossi influence...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>3. Hayden has looked good in testing so far, but I think it’s been smoke and mirrors for racing.
Qs are a worthless measure of performance and should dropped from use in testing as well as for determining grid order....All Qs do is make for good PR...and put some poor packages at the front of race start, only then to look worse when dropping back in order like a stone in water!
Regarding Nicky....well like I said a few weeks ago...He and his agent should be canvassing the paddock for a new ride ASAP.

<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.
Definitely Not a contender, and is there to make Hopper feel good about beating someone this year, but I don't even think he will be great in the wet anymore...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>5. "Dear God". Is probably how Melandri's prayers are starting these days.
Refer to his 2003 and 2004 season for how his 2008 season will pan out. Marco is suited for the Honda and nothing else...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>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.
Yamaha definite has the better package so far, but Dovi will impress HRC enough to give him what he needs to improve...I think JT will end up on the podium before Jorge 'The lollipop' Lorenzo does...DeAngelis, see Elias for how his motogp history will pan out...some great days, but normally nowhere.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>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.
I 1000% Agree

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>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.
Hopper will not win a race on the Kawasaki this year, the Top of the field is too strong, and he tends to fold in the later stages of a race...in a straight fight with Rossi, Pedrosa, Stoner, Hayden, CV and probably even JT they would all beat Hopper to the win...
Capirossi should have retired at the end of last year or taken the D'Antin ride...CV will at the end of day get all he needs to drive Suzuki's direction....Capirex should retire and run a 250 team.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Feb 17 2008, 10:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>9. Pedrosa will have to give up the #2 plate. But this isn’t a dig at him, but rather he will be good enough to be the top guy if it wasn’t for Stoner and Rossi (I guess if that’s the rule and you come 3rd).
I have to agree 100%...he will get and be giving anything he asks for to do well and win....and if he does not then you know who will get the blame? Yep Nicky!

Great Post Jumkie!

I think the next world champ can possibly be found here -

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Son of Doohan @ Feb 18 2008, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think the next world champ can possibly be found here -

My bet is he's in the front row!

One other wild card issue to deal with is a big crash by one of the guys that are currently on a roll (Stoner, Rossi, ect.) if Stoner steps off in a big way it will really knock him down a notch, otherwise the kid is on a roll and very confident to say the least. as for Nicky well what's got to be going thru his head? His teammate bashes him every chance he gets, the motors quite frankly suck and he has to feel that even though he is leading the charge for developement how long will it take for Pedrosa to come in and change the direction....lots of stuff to have on one's mind..

I dont think you can rule anything out. The bikes now are faster than they have ever been, they lean more, better grip, better brakes etc... But the human body still breaks bones rather easy at these speeds. I really dont want to see any injuries at all, but there are many egos and 2 stroke lunes trying to race on one small peice of asphalt !!!

I predict Dr Costa will have a busy year.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Feb 18 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>My bet is he's in the front row!

Front Row and not sitting on either end of it...

WOW!!! i'm shocked & dismayed here a jumkie post with everybody sort of agreeing & not a slag off anywhere!...... hell must be freezin over. well i think that stoner is obviously still the man to beat. he just gos out & simply runs a second faster than anybody else in just a few laps. but i beleive that the others are going to step it up. positive thinking here... rossi will be there no doubt. he always is... isn't he. i think all the rookies will do extremely well & all will be at or near the front consistently. real good crop this year. hayden hmmm..... i think he has some podiums with an outside chance at at least 1 maybe 2 victories. but no way will he win the championship. just beat pedrochio & i'll be happy. poor marco, i think he's in big trouble. hopkins i don't think hes gonna do as well as last season. it's already started of poorly for him. west not lookin so good either. i think cv will have a year similar to last years. some bright spots mixed with mediocrety. loris i won't have a much better year than last season. elias & ginters.... well thier on a bike only 1 guy seems to be able to ride. oh & pedrosa...... .... him.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Feb 18 2008, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Front Row and not sitting on either end of it...
Yea, unfortunately I have to agree...but I don't think I'm too far off saying your top 4 in the championship is on the front row.