Man im sure Hayden Has proved he is a front runner! He is leading the championship and most consistant rider in 06' He hammered it last year through track knowledge from his old AMA days. Even stevens i still dont think so! would like to see the amount of times Hayden & Edwards have raced on this track compared to everyone else. Rossi made it look very good for first timers but that is Rossi!
Laguna Predictions!
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i still think Hayden has a bit of an advantage ...less than last year for sure. But still an advantage.
Unless he has a crash or makes a lot of mistakes, Hayden has practically reserved a spot on the laguna podium, the question is, which spot will it be. He did win the race in Assen. True Edwards crashed and Rossi qualified last and had his injury, which kept him off the podium, but even if they both finished ahead of him, he`d still come in 3rd. And That was Assen. This is Laguna. This season is as unpredictable as the come, but, barring misfortune, one thing you can count on is Nicky`s strength at Laguna. Think Rossi at Mugello and some would argue that you`re not even close to Nicky at Laguna. Sure, he dosen`t have as big an advantage as he did last year, but track knowlege of Mugello didn`t appear to help anyone there, did it? The results show that Hayden clearly is a front runner. He may only be leading the championship due to Rossi`s misfortunes, but it didn`t fall into his lap. Pedrosa, Melandri or Capirossi could all have taken the lead, but Hayden was the one who did, with consistent podiums. He might not win the championship this year, but you can`t discount him as a contender.
As for Bridgestone, well it`s true there`s a huge market for Tyres stateside, and they may have tested at Laguna, but I`m sure that if Bridgestone were, Michelin and Dunlop would be too, which takes away that advantage. Bridgestone are getting better, but they`re still way behind Michelin, and, unlike F1 theres no tracks in the series where Bridgestone have a distinct advantage over Michelin like they do at Indy on four wheels. I wouldn`t count them out for a podium in Laguna, if it happens, I don`t think it will be that the tyres are working significantly better at that track, more like Hopper is more comfortable and his GSV stays in one piece.
But that actually got me thinking, on the subject of tyres, that Dunlop might be above average here. Now, I`m not expecting miracles, but Dunlop not only have a strong production base in the States (As in both making the hoops, and selling them) but also have a strong representation in the AMA, if I`m not mistaken. I`m not expecting them to produce some super tyre that will make the other rubber look bad, but I`m thinking more along the lines they may be able to enlist the help of a clued in "local" from the AMA to give them a hand. Like I said, I`m not expecting a D`antin or Tech 3 employee on the podium, and I have no doubts that Moneybags intends to continue his tradition of being the last bike across the line, but it wouldn`t hurt Checa to have a guy from Dunlop USA who knows Laguna well to give him a hand. Of course, they might not do anything like this at all. It`s just a theory.
As for Bridgestone, well it`s true there`s a huge market for Tyres stateside, and they may have tested at Laguna, but I`m sure that if Bridgestone were, Michelin and Dunlop would be too, which takes away that advantage. Bridgestone are getting better, but they`re still way behind Michelin, and, unlike F1 theres no tracks in the series where Bridgestone have a distinct advantage over Michelin like they do at Indy on four wheels. I wouldn`t count them out for a podium in Laguna, if it happens, I don`t think it will be that the tyres are working significantly better at that track, more like Hopper is more comfortable and his GSV stays in one piece.
But that actually got me thinking, on the subject of tyres, that Dunlop might be above average here. Now, I`m not expecting miracles, but Dunlop not only have a strong production base in the States (As in both making the hoops, and selling them) but also have a strong representation in the AMA, if I`m not mistaken. I`m not expecting them to produce some super tyre that will make the other rubber look bad, but I`m thinking more along the lines they may be able to enlist the help of a clued in "local" from the AMA to give them a hand. Like I said, I`m not expecting a D`antin or Tech 3 employee on the podium, and I have no doubts that Moneybags intends to continue his tradition of being the last bike across the line, but it wouldn`t hurt Checa to have a guy from Dunlop USA who knows Laguna well to give him a hand. Of course, they might not do anything like this at all. It`s just a theory.
1. Texas Tornado
2. Hayden
3. Doctor
Honestly, Edwards is probably working to save his ride for next year. He will come out swinging from FP1 so we will know soon if he has the pace. I actually like the way Edwards is talking about the race and his battle with Hayden. I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap. Hayden will be full of confidence after last year, plus I think the track knowledge still gives him some advantage. Rossi is Rossi, so I will never rule him out. I would like to see KRJR and Hopper do well, Kenny might surprise everyone. I think Pedrosa is due an off weekend, never rode here before, will probably bin it a couple of times during practice. If he is smart, which he is, he will use this year to really learn the track and earn some points.
2. Hayden
3. Doctor
Honestly, Edwards is probably working to save his ride for next year. He will come out swinging from FP1 so we will know soon if he has the pace. I actually like the way Edwards is talking about the race and his battle with Hayden. I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap. Hayden will be full of confidence after last year, plus I think the track knowledge still gives him some advantage. Rossi is Rossi, so I will never rule him out. I would like to see KRJR and Hopper do well, Kenny might surprise everyone. I think Pedrosa is due an off weekend, never rode here before, will probably bin it a couple of times during practice. If he is smart, which he is, he will use this year to really learn the track and earn some points.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ctkell @ Jul 20 2006, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1. Texas Tornado
2. Hayden
3. Doctor
Honestly, Edwards is probably working to save his ride for next year. He will come out swinging from FP1 so we will know soon if he has the pace. I actually like the way Edwards is talking about the race and his battle with Hayden. I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap.
Be carefull to judge race speed from FP1. Edwards is very often fast on FP1 but doesn't nesesasarrily improve as much to QP and race as others.
Otherwise I agree. Edwards has allways been free-spoken and not-so-politcal-correct and I like him for that.
Problem is that that all the mediteraninas has a language probelm. Trash talk kan suddenly come out very funny or very wrong when you don't master the language and that's why they wisely stay away from it.
You'll find it in the motorcycle magazines in the spain and italy but not in english interviews.
2. Hayden
3. Doctor
Honestly, Edwards is probably working to save his ride for next year. He will come out swinging from FP1 so we will know soon if he has the pace. I actually like the way Edwards is talking about the race and his battle with Hayden. I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap.
Be carefull to judge race speed from FP1. Edwards is very often fast on FP1 but doesn't nesesasarrily improve as much to QP and race as others.
Otherwise I agree. Edwards has allways been free-spoken and not-so-politcal-correct and I like him for that.
Problem is that that all the mediteraninas has a language probelm. Trash talk kan suddenly come out very funny or very wrong when you don't master the language and that's why they wisely stay away from it.
You'll find it in the motorcycle magazines in the spain and italy but not in english interviews.
I agree with you ther Babel, Stoner is an example of someone who tries (unsucessfully) to trash talk like Europeans.
As the kiezer Cheifs play "i predict a riot" in the background,here we go !
1.Hayden
2.Pedrosa
3.Melandri or Rossi if he dos'nt dnf trying to win it ?
4.Capirossi
5.Stoner
1.Hayden
2.Pedrosa
3.Melandri or Rossi if he dos'nt dnf trying to win it ?
4.Capirossi
5.Stoner
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ctkell @ Jul 20 2006, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap.
I like Edwards for some reason, probably because he actually can ride smoothly, but he needs to talk the talk and walk the walk.
Denning, Eckl and a few more spin doctors are filling motoGP with their Public Relations material, so maybe some riders think that it works. It's sad, it reminds of Ralf Schumaker and Jenson Button in F1.
I like Edwards for some reason, probably because he actually can ride smoothly, but he needs to talk the talk and walk the walk.
Denning, Eckl and a few more spin doctors are filling motoGP with their Public Relations material, so maybe some riders think that it works. It's sad, it reminds of Ralf Schumaker and Jenson Button in F1.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dion @ Jul 19 2006, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Sete Gibernau.... This man is in my opinion the second best rider in the paddock.. only second to rossi. SO many people write him off! You seem to forget that this man has given Rossi an ... slapping on more than one occasion. Sete is also running on Bridgestones!
I don't deny he is a great rider - but so are Hayden, Dani, Edwards, Melandri Capirossi and the list goes on...plust they are in a better shape then he is...
Sete is recovering from an injury and isn't 100% fit... how he could be on a podium on a left-handed track - with his left arm lacking strengh ?!
Last race Gibernau admitted being 80% fit for the real world and only 60% fit for riding a MotoGP at the Sachsenring.
I don't deny he is a great rider - but so are Hayden, Dani, Edwards, Melandri Capirossi and the list goes on...plust they are in a better shape then he is...
Sete is recovering from an injury and isn't 100% fit... how he could be on a podium on a left-handed track - with his left arm lacking strengh ?!
Last race Gibernau admitted being 80% fit for the real world and only 60% fit for riding a MotoGP at the Sachsenring.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
No one tests at Laguna. The only data teams have is from last year's race, the data Dunlop USA can provide Dunlop via their AMA SBK winter tests and any old WSB data Michelin and Dunlop have. Bridgestone's only real data comes from last year's race when Hopkins was their highest finisher in eighth. Hopkins will be their top finisher again and it will be somewhere around fifth or sixth. I think Checa will have one of his better weekends because of the fact that this will be one of the rounds that Dunlop have superior knowledge of what is necessary at Laguna. Just my opinion.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dion @ Jul 19 2006, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Big charge into the first corner! Hayden, gets bad start and trys so hard he will lose the front and take out Pedrosa, rossi and edwards will end up in the gravel but get back on track.
After a long race
1. Rossi
2. Nakano
3. Gibernau
4. Edwards.
You wait and see !!
So two of your top 4 are clearly going to be nowhere near that podium. Gibbers has no strength in his arm at the moment, Nakano has had one podium all season, and even then the circumstances fell just right for him.
People are talking about an all-American podium.... I don't think anyone is talking about a no-American podium.
After a long race
1. Rossi
2. Nakano
3. Gibernau
4. Edwards.
You wait and see !!
So two of your top 4 are clearly going to be nowhere near that podium. Gibbers has no strength in his arm at the moment, Nakano has had one podium all season, and even then the circumstances fell just right for him.
People are talking about an all-American podium.... I don't think anyone is talking about a no-American podium.
Joined May 2006
4K Posts | 2+
Mts-7
My prediction for Laguna is Vale will take the win with Nicky in 2nd and hopefully have Colin in 3rd.
As for this dunlop turned discussion, next year(800cc) maybe more or less their year to make a stand. Checa has shone that they can last on some tough tracks.
As for this dunlop turned discussion, next year(800cc) maybe more or less their year to make a stand. Checa has shone that they can last on some tough tracks.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dion @ Jul 19 2006, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hayden had a advantage last year. This year its even stevens and all that. Hayden is no champion or front runner. I think he will be bout 6th. Sorry all you hayden fans.
he is a front runner... check out the standings in the championship.. who is at the front?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ctkell @ Jul 20 2006, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap.
get a bit of beef goin in the GP eh? you dont often get with sportsmen today. creates an image that sponsors dont like. nowt like a good rivalry with a bit of banter between em
he is a front runner... check out the standings in the championship.. who is at the front?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ctkell @ Jul 20 2006, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think MotoGP could use some more trash talk, less politically corrrect cant we all get along crap.
get a bit of beef goin in the GP eh? you dont often get with sportsmen today. creates an image that sponsors dont like. nowt like a good rivalry with a bit of banter between em
1. Rossi
2. Hayden
3. Edwards
same top 3 as last year but the doc knows it now.. he gave it to Colin last year, this year, he needs wins so he aint guna play so nice! be a awesome race, my ex girlfriends going, whore! lol
2. Hayden
3. Edwards
same top 3 as last year but the doc knows it now.. he gave it to Colin last year, this year, he needs wins so he aint guna play so nice! be a awesome race, my ex girlfriends going, whore! lol
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Jul 21 2006, 02:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As for this dunlop turned discussion, next year(800cc) maybe more or less their year to make a stand. Checa has shone that they can last on some tough tracks.
It`s a good chance, but they`ve got a long way to go, especially compared to Michelin, who have such a strong infrastructure in place, as well as fitting tyres to all the top teams bar Ducati. I think it`s a chance for Brigestone, but theyve still got a long way to go as well. For starters, they simply need to make better tyres. Grip that lasts as long as Michelin`s boots do. Second they need their customers to lift their game. Ducati are doing well, but they`re one team up against CYT, Repsol Honda, Fortuna Honda, LCR, and Team KR, The only Michelin team that hasn`t had a podium this year is Konica Minolta, and that`s because Tamada`s gone soft. On the other hand Bridgetone have the factory Ducati, Kawasaki and Suzuki teams. Like I said Ducati are doing ok, but Kawasaki and Suzuki are falling a bit behind. So firts thing Bridgestone need to do is, logically, make thier race tyres better. Then they either need to steal a competitive team`s contract from Michelin (which is unlikely) or need to rely on their current teams to pick up the pace.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dan @ Jul 21 2006, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>be a awesome race, my ex girlfriends going, whore! lol
It`s a good chance, but they`ve got a long way to go, especially compared to Michelin, who have such a strong infrastructure in place, as well as fitting tyres to all the top teams bar Ducati. I think it`s a chance for Brigestone, but theyve still got a long way to go as well. For starters, they simply need to make better tyres. Grip that lasts as long as Michelin`s boots do. Second they need their customers to lift their game. Ducati are doing well, but they`re one team up against CYT, Repsol Honda, Fortuna Honda, LCR, and Team KR, The only Michelin team that hasn`t had a podium this year is Konica Minolta, and that`s because Tamada`s gone soft. On the other hand Bridgetone have the factory Ducati, Kawasaki and Suzuki teams. Like I said Ducati are doing ok, but Kawasaki and Suzuki are falling a bit behind. So firts thing Bridgestone need to do is, logically, make thier race tyres better. Then they either need to steal a competitive team`s contract from Michelin (which is unlikely) or need to rely on their current teams to pick up the pace.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dan @ Jul 21 2006, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>be a awesome race, my ex girlfriends going, whore! lol
Here's a little tyre statment,from michelin,from planet sb. ?
Michelin Look To Laguna Seca
Nicolas Goubert: "The new surface should make it easier to find traction"
by staff
Thursday, July 20, 2006
This is Michelin's take on the USGP at Laguna Seca:
2006 MotoGP World Championship
Round 11: United States Grand Prix, Laguna Seca
July 21/22/23
Preview
SPECIAL CHALLENGE FOR MICHELIN AT LAGUNA
This weekend's United States Grand Prix presents an extra-special challenge for Michelin's MotoGP team. Laguna Seca was resurfaced just a few weeks ago, so Michelin goes into this event 'blind', creating a broader-than-usual range of tyres that should offer its nine MotoGP riders winning grip, whatever the characteristics of the new surface.
So far this season Michelin has provided winning grip at nine of the first ten races, with its riders filling 25 of a potential 30 podium places and holding the top four positions in the current World Championship standings.
Series leader Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda Team RC211V-Michelin) will be looking for a repeat of his sensational 2005 Laguna victory to stretch his points lead, which shrunk slightly last Sunday when Valentino Rossi (Camel Yamaha Team YZR-M1-Michelin) won the German GP to move into second overall. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team RC211V-Michelin) is currently third with Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda RC211V-Michelin) fourth. Just 35 points cover the top four riders.
MICHELIN'S RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE OF LAGUNA SECA:
"It's great to go to the States because obviously it's a very important market for us," says Michelin's motorcycle racing director Nicolas Goubert. "This will be an interesting weekend because the track has been resurfaced, so that probably means a big change in its characteristics. In fact it will be almost like going to a new track for us. In theory, the grip level should be a lot higher than before, but until we get there we won't know exactly what kind of effect the new tarmac will have on tyres. On top of that, the surface will probably change a lot during the course of the weekend because it's brand new, which will make it a difficult event for all the tyre makers.
"To be prepared for such unpredictable conditions we will take more than our usual supply of tyres to Laguna. For most races we take around 1000 tyres for our nine riders, this weekend we'll have about ten per cent more than that. We will offer slightly more choice than usual, but there's no point in having too great a choice because there simply isn't enough time for riders to test too many different tyres. The main thing is to have tyres that will cover a larger range of conditions.
"The old surface was quite easy on tyres because it wasn't too grippy or aggressive. That's why finding traction used to the key point at Laguna. The new surface should make it easier to find traction, but we'll have to wait and see if it will cause any problems on tyre temperature and tyre wear. We still don't think the circuit will be too tough on tyres, because the layout, with no long corners or long straights, isn't demanding.
"We are very happy with the latest version of our narrow-profile front, which won two of the last three races, at Assen and Donington. This tyre uses a new construction which helps in corner entry, allowing riders to keep the brakes on for longer into the turns.
"Preparing for Laguna Seca required some extra logistics because the event follows so soon after last Sunday's German GP. Some of our tyres left Clermont-Ferrand last Thursday, others were sent from the German GP, leaving Frankfurt on Monday, and a final batch, produced according to what we learned at the Sachsenring, left our factory the same day."
ENDS
Michelin Look To Laguna Seca
Nicolas Goubert: "The new surface should make it easier to find traction"
by staff
Thursday, July 20, 2006
This is Michelin's take on the USGP at Laguna Seca:
2006 MotoGP World Championship
Round 11: United States Grand Prix, Laguna Seca
July 21/22/23
Preview
SPECIAL CHALLENGE FOR MICHELIN AT LAGUNA
This weekend's United States Grand Prix presents an extra-special challenge for Michelin's MotoGP team. Laguna Seca was resurfaced just a few weeks ago, so Michelin goes into this event 'blind', creating a broader-than-usual range of tyres that should offer its nine MotoGP riders winning grip, whatever the characteristics of the new surface.
So far this season Michelin has provided winning grip at nine of the first ten races, with its riders filling 25 of a potential 30 podium places and holding the top four positions in the current World Championship standings.
Series leader Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda Team RC211V-Michelin) will be looking for a repeat of his sensational 2005 Laguna victory to stretch his points lead, which shrunk slightly last Sunday when Valentino Rossi (Camel Yamaha Team YZR-M1-Michelin) won the German GP to move into second overall. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team RC211V-Michelin) is currently third with Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda RC211V-Michelin) fourth. Just 35 points cover the top four riders.
MICHELIN'S RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE OF LAGUNA SECA:
"It's great to go to the States because obviously it's a very important market for us," says Michelin's motorcycle racing director Nicolas Goubert. "This will be an interesting weekend because the track has been resurfaced, so that probably means a big change in its characteristics. In fact it will be almost like going to a new track for us. In theory, the grip level should be a lot higher than before, but until we get there we won't know exactly what kind of effect the new tarmac will have on tyres. On top of that, the surface will probably change a lot during the course of the weekend because it's brand new, which will make it a difficult event for all the tyre makers.
"To be prepared for such unpredictable conditions we will take more than our usual supply of tyres to Laguna. For most races we take around 1000 tyres for our nine riders, this weekend we'll have about ten per cent more than that. We will offer slightly more choice than usual, but there's no point in having too great a choice because there simply isn't enough time for riders to test too many different tyres. The main thing is to have tyres that will cover a larger range of conditions.
"The old surface was quite easy on tyres because it wasn't too grippy or aggressive. That's why finding traction used to the key point at Laguna. The new surface should make it easier to find traction, but we'll have to wait and see if it will cause any problems on tyre temperature and tyre wear. We still don't think the circuit will be too tough on tyres, because the layout, with no long corners or long straights, isn't demanding.
"We are very happy with the latest version of our narrow-profile front, which won two of the last three races, at Assen and Donington. This tyre uses a new construction which helps in corner entry, allowing riders to keep the brakes on for longer into the turns.
"Preparing for Laguna Seca required some extra logistics because the event follows so soon after last Sunday's German GP. Some of our tyres left Clermont-Ferrand last Thursday, others were sent from the German GP, leaving Frankfurt on Monday, and a final batch, produced according to what we learned at the Sachsenring, left our factory the same day."
ENDS
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
I watched the Thursday press conference just a little bit ago and all the riders seem to be impressed with the track changes and noting the improved safety. However, Edwards and Hayden (I think) said that when they were out on scooters, they noticed the resurfacing has caused the track to be bumpier than expected. The bumpiness of Laguna last year was one of the reasons riders complained and explained that it gave the advantage to Americans who grew up racing on tracks of similar surface.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
Reults from this morning's FP1:
1. Kenny Roberts Jr. USA 1.23.951
2. Colin Edwards USA 1.24.310
3. Casey Stoner AUS 1.24.360
4. John Hopkins USA 1.24.608
5. Valentino Rossi ITA 1.24.674
6. Marco Melandri ITA 1.24.698
7. Chris Vermeulen AUS 1.24.739
8. Nicky Hayden USA 1.24.943
9. Carlos Checa SPA 1.25.100
10. Sete Gibernau SPA 1.25.150
11. Dani Pedrosa SPA 1.25.311
12. Loris Capirossi ITA 1.25.614
13. Shinya Nakano JPN 1.25.659
14. Alex Hofmann GER 1.25.977
15. Toni Elias SPA 1.26.599
16. Makoto Tamada JPN 1.26.658
17. Randy de Puniet FRA 1.26 913
18. James Ellison GBR 1.26.984
19. Jose Luis Cardoso SPA 1.27.531
1. Kenny Roberts Jr. USA 1.23.951
2. Colin Edwards USA 1.24.310
3. Casey Stoner AUS 1.24.360
4. John Hopkins USA 1.24.608
5. Valentino Rossi ITA 1.24.674
6. Marco Melandri ITA 1.24.698
7. Chris Vermeulen AUS 1.24.739
8. Nicky Hayden USA 1.24.943
9. Carlos Checa SPA 1.25.100
10. Sete Gibernau SPA 1.25.150
11. Dani Pedrosa SPA 1.25.311
12. Loris Capirossi ITA 1.25.614
13. Shinya Nakano JPN 1.25.659
14. Alex Hofmann GER 1.25.977
15. Toni Elias SPA 1.26.599
16. Makoto Tamada JPN 1.26.658
17. Randy de Puniet FRA 1.26 913
18. James Ellison GBR 1.26.984
19. Jose Luis Cardoso SPA 1.27.531
