Not going to be popular but here goes.
IMO, CS has valid issues with regards to some of the overtaking which was hard, forceful and IMO did touch if not cross the line on at least one occasion but it is a VR trademark.
IMO, the incident where CS crashed was more (read - all) CS and not VR as the corner had been taken the same by both riders on previous laps so CS knew what and where VR would put his bike. That incident did however show that CS took evasive action to avoid hitting VR and that does seem to have been overlooked a bit amongst te usual whinges about CS' comments. so credit to CS on that front (the evasivene action).
VR rode today like we have not seen for a number of years, like a desperate on the edge ragged at times lunatic prepared to take risks to achieve his aim which I feel was more to win at Laguna that beat CS per se (he just wanted to win bad). That VR felt he had to ride in tat manner shows a lot of the competition and just where VR sees himself, which is clearly as the challenged rather than the challenger but still (IMO) he was ragged and did not look in full control at times today.
For mine, the lowpoit (if it can be called that) and what is likely the bigger issue with CS' comments is VR's re-entry to the track after his minor off-track at the Corkscrew. The footage I saw seemed to indicate that he re-entered right into CS and took the line which whilst many would rejpoice, was IMO a re-entry fraught with danger and unnecessary. But it was also understandable within the context of the race as it was that section to the line where CS was quickest and to be behind onto the straight was going to likely cost VR the race. Good move or bad will be in individual interpretation but IMO it was the sign of desperation that showed how hard VR was pushing on the day.
CS' comments, whilst unfortunate (have only seen the televised ones) should be applauded and not derided as he again is prepared to say what he feels is right (and he is entitled to an opinion as well) whether people agree or disagree. It needs also to be recognised that he admitted the mistake was his fault.
Rather than focus on CS comments people should be marvelling at the pace vut by both VR and CS for the laps they were together, which was an extaordinary pace t create the gap they had. Mravellous and a masterclass to both VR and CS, was damn good to watch (and I am talking simply of the pace, not the overtakes).
CV rode a damn fine race as usual for this circuit and once clear was able to cut some good laptimes but was never a threat as the followers weren't for him either.
Dovi rode well and as has been said likely secured his Repsol bike for next year whilst Hayden finished as lead American which will pelase and disappoint him as he no doubt wanted better.
The rest, well pretty much expected with two surprising results for mine.
West looks and rides like a defeated individual who is just waiting for the guillotine to drop.
Capirossi - disappointing given his experience but will wait until we here more as to what the issue may have been.
And finally, with a new contract signed we saw Edwards go to lounge mode and run around for a point or two. Not a good haul given form nor publicity and will likely blame the Michelin's which may be valid but he was not the first Michelin runner so will need to wait until we hear. But, it is not unusual for CE to have a poor result or two after signing so IMO came as no real surprise.
Garry
IMO, CS has valid issues with regards to some of the overtaking which was hard, forceful and IMO did touch if not cross the line on at least one occasion but it is a VR trademark.
IMO, the incident where CS crashed was more (read - all) CS and not VR as the corner had been taken the same by both riders on previous laps so CS knew what and where VR would put his bike. That incident did however show that CS took evasive action to avoid hitting VR and that does seem to have been overlooked a bit amongst te usual whinges about CS' comments. so credit to CS on that front (the evasivene action).
VR rode today like we have not seen for a number of years, like a desperate on the edge ragged at times lunatic prepared to take risks to achieve his aim which I feel was more to win at Laguna that beat CS per se (he just wanted to win bad). That VR felt he had to ride in tat manner shows a lot of the competition and just where VR sees himself, which is clearly as the challenged rather than the challenger but still (IMO) he was ragged and did not look in full control at times today.
For mine, the lowpoit (if it can be called that) and what is likely the bigger issue with CS' comments is VR's re-entry to the track after his minor off-track at the Corkscrew. The footage I saw seemed to indicate that he re-entered right into CS and took the line which whilst many would rejpoice, was IMO a re-entry fraught with danger and unnecessary. But it was also understandable within the context of the race as it was that section to the line where CS was quickest and to be behind onto the straight was going to likely cost VR the race. Good move or bad will be in individual interpretation but IMO it was the sign of desperation that showed how hard VR was pushing on the day.
CS' comments, whilst unfortunate (have only seen the televised ones) should be applauded and not derided as he again is prepared to say what he feels is right (and he is entitled to an opinion as well) whether people agree or disagree. It needs also to be recognised that he admitted the mistake was his fault.
Rather than focus on CS comments people should be marvelling at the pace vut by both VR and CS for the laps they were together, which was an extaordinary pace t create the gap they had. Mravellous and a masterclass to both VR and CS, was damn good to watch (and I am talking simply of the pace, not the overtakes).
CV rode a damn fine race as usual for this circuit and once clear was able to cut some good laptimes but was never a threat as the followers weren't for him either.
Dovi rode well and as has been said likely secured his Repsol bike for next year whilst Hayden finished as lead American which will pelase and disappoint him as he no doubt wanted better.
The rest, well pretty much expected with two surprising results for mine.
West looks and rides like a defeated individual who is just waiting for the guillotine to drop.
Capirossi - disappointing given his experience but will wait until we here more as to what the issue may have been.
And finally, with a new contract signed we saw Edwards go to lounge mode and run around for a point or two. Not a good haul given form nor publicity and will likely blame the Michelin's which may be valid but he was not the first Michelin runner so will need to wait until we hear. But, it is not unusual for CE to have a poor result or two after signing so IMO came as no real surprise.
Garry
