Laguna Predictions!

Reports are beginning to filter out from interviews with the AMA Superbike riders who finished their first and only session of the day 30 minutes prior the the start of MotoGP FP1. The early opinions of the track's repaving do not sound good.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>It’s horrendous, they’ve absolutely ...... the best track in America, completely. Just wait until the MotoGP guys get out there.
-Neil Hodgson

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>(The track surface was) terrible, unfortunately.
-Mat Mladin

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>It was not what I was expecting.
-Aaron Yates

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Man these MotoGP guys might have thought the track was bumpy last year but they are in for a surprise when they go out. The track is much bumpier than it was last year, and it's got bumps in places where it didn't last year. Normally you'd think that if they re-pave the surface then the existing bumps would lessen or at least stay the same. Now it's got bumps where it didn't before and the bumps are gnarly. It's like they're square-edged pot-holes now.

I think they have done a good job in making Laguna safer in some areas now, but they have really changed the character of the circuit, especially with the change to the entrance to the Corkscrew. It used to take some finesse to go through there, if you were good you could pass there, but now it's a situation where a lot of guys will be trying to pass others on the entrance of the Corkscrew. I'm not sure that's a good thing, frankly.
-Jake Zemke

Reports from the major Superbike teams are indicating that the new surface is causing major tire issues.

Yep, they ...... it up.

what effect do you think that will have on the GP then?

As far as the bumps go, not too much. Times won't improve much, if at all, from last year. Other than that, it shouldn't bother the riders too much once they're out there. However, the new run up to the corkscrew sounds like it's a very inviting place to pass and from what I've read it's very slippery. I could see some mid pack carnage there on the first lap. I trust what my boy Jake Zemke says:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>I think they have done a good job in making Laguna safer in some areas now, but they have really changed the character of the circuit, especially with the change to the entrance to the Corkscrew. It used to take some finesse to go through there, if you were good you could pass there, but now it's a situation where a lot of guys will be trying to pass others on the entrance of the Corkscrew. I'm not sure that's a good thing, frankly.

Won`t it be ironic if there`s more offs at the screw than there was last year? So much for "Safety"

I had a feeling that they were really going to ruin the track after I read the initial changes list.

What a freakin shame.

1. hayden


2. rossi



3.vermonster

1.Edwards
2KrJr
3Vermeulen - if the tyres help him
4Stoner
5Hayden

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dr Costa @ Jul 20 2006, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>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
3 out of 5 aint bad,get the champagne out oost, party time,felt sorry for Vermulen ran a good race,and what can you say about rossi's engine going, -51 now ? Honda 1,2,3,4 wow !The power of dreams ?

Absolutely Doc, I didn't know if Nicky would have it but I knew if he could hang at the front with Dani and Casey then he had a good shot. It was a superb ride and his team worked wonders to get his bike running so well when clearly he wasn't as comfortable as usual. Unbelievable rides from Pedrosa, Melandri and Vermeulen. Real hats off to those guys. This weekend has made me a fan of Pedrosa and Melandri, real gutsy rides to come good. Vermeulen is just a good guy with a bright future. Really excited about the championship, although it's a bummer to see Rossi finish that way. He rode a very solid race until the M1 let go.

I thought Kenny would have a bit more, he looked so strong in practice but I think he slowly fell behind on setup. Really feel for Colin this weekend, I think the heat and his case of the flu really hampered him this afternoon. Hopper, what's the deal?

Hopper`s just getting shown up by a more talented teammate, Ooost, no big deal

Look at Pedrosa! So much for struggling

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dion @ Jul 19 2006, 10:18 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.hope you have not put any money on your predictions ?