Le Man Race Discussion *SPOILER*

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 21 2007, 06:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>From Wikipedia
This is TROLL:
In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics in an established online community such as an online discussion forum to bait users into responding[1]. They may also plant images and data on networks that others may find disturbing (usually indirectly relating to the individual in person) in order to cause confrontation. While not necessarily related to hacking, such a practice is against the Computer Misuse Act 1990, where mischief is caused in order to ensure chaos is spread.

thats not the type of troll i thought you meant!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 21 2007, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>From Wikipedia
This is TROLL:
In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics in an established online community such as an online discussion forum to bait users into responding[1]. They may also plant images and data on networks that others may find disturbing (usually indirectly relating to the individual in person) in order to cause confrontation. While not necessarily related to hacking, such a practice is against the Computer Misuse Act 1990, where mischief is caused in order to ensure chaos is spread.
Well, the wikipedia of scandinavian trolls is different to the more widespread wikipedia.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ May 21 2007, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>thats not the type of troll i thought you meant!

Sure it was, the only thing that doesn't fit here is that clever trolls are usually insightfull in the subject.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ May 21 2007, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>thats not the type of troll i thought you meant!
Don't pay to much of attention to blablafish. He is always talking bla bla bla.

man, those wet races are scary!!!

...but good!

Once again, wow, everybody seems to go straight to the forum right during and after the race. I wasn't gonna post until I saw the race over a few more times, but as a Hayden fan, I really didn’t have the heart to re-watch it, yet. Anyway, its gonna be a long two weeks for me. But I think I decided to get on the forum as a therapeutic session. (Oh, my baseball team had a terrible weekend to boot).

(As usual and as is my custom, I will first post before I read all the comments, so as not to be effected or biased by the opinions.)

It was an exciting race, nail biting until the end. Rain--the “great equalizer” did more than equalize, I think it also provided a dramatic and unpredictable race.

1. Vermuelen—Excellent and Brilliant. His maiden GP win! Great for him and his team. Suzuki again on the top step after what has seemed like a century. Considering he is minus a toe, this was truly a win of desire backed up by presence of mind.

2. Melandri—I remember him whining about Honda recently. Now he has a 2nd place finish, great result. He was not to deny Vermi again, but props to him for trying.

3. Stoner—Apart from Vermi, Casey was the big winner of the event. He rode brilliantly. And for sure, the bike had less to do with it than the rider (which is what happens in the rain, the bike takes a back seat to the rider’s ability). He was amazing; I hope those who haven’t been convinced will begin to point less at his bike and more at the rider…(we’ll see. “If” he “earns” the title, perhaps we can look back at this race in response to what will surely be some saying he won it because of his bike (or because the other guy had bad tires/bike/etc.)

4. Pedrosa—as much as I don’t like the guy, props are due. He rode like he loves the rain. Oh, yeah, he was on Michelins to boot. You know, that ...... tire (tongue and cheek). He’s a good rider, we all new that, but now he is a threat in the rain too. Good for him, hopefully this may boost his confidence and realize the brakes are his friend too.

5. Hoffman—Reminded me of Jacques in China, great ride, has earned much respect.

6. Rossi—To bring it home in a sixth place is respectable. He was smart to keep his bike upright. Which reminds me of all the Rossi fans last year talking .... about “smart racing” to suggest they were not impressed by Hayden. Well, guess what, Rossi is racing smart, but fast, no so much in this race. I only saw the race once, but I didn’t see anything that could be pointed at in regards to his tires or bike to rationalize his sub-par pace. (But I can bet at least one ore two will say it’s the tires/bike/Casey’s bike/ etc) I’m not a Rossi fan by any means, but I think he deserves much props for bringing his bike home in the points, despite a few mistakes (yes, believe it or not they were mistakes, hell he was only 3 positions away from the championship leader), having said that, I hope the excuse making isn’t ridiculous as it has been when he doesn’t win, maybe I’m wrong on this race, but I can’t wait to read the comments) Even then, he is still the man to beat. (BTW since he is god and all, he should have held back the rain cuz he was in the lead while it was dry).

7. Hopkins—I had really hoped it would be him to return the Suzuki to a win. He deserved it for being so ....... loyal to the brand. It was beautiful to see Suzuki 1 & 2 for a brief moment, but then it went south for him. Even then, he made a good effort, and kept his bike upright. He must be kicking himself in the ... for not being the first, but he is a stand-up guy, so I believe he is happy for his teammate. Notwithstanding, he will definitely have to produce a win this season if he is to count this year as a success, anything short of that will bring his racing future into question. No matter how fine his girlfriend is.

8. Capirossi—disappointment.

9. Tamada—Top ten, which is a bit surprising.

10. Guintoli—ah, I had written some .... about this guy previously as a “nobody”, but he earned much respect this race. Anybody with the balls to challenge and take the lead the way he did, despite the subsequent slide, has earned a name for himself. I really hope it wasn’t a first and only time we will see of him. On Dunlops? Wow. It was funny to hear the commentator say while they replayed his pass to the lead, “He will always be able to tell his grandchildren about this…” then a few laps later he’s sliding off the track. Oh well, props to him.

11. Nieto—no comment

12. Edwards—(sorry Burky, but I gotta come down on your boy). Now I know why he said his bike is so special, its because his is the only bike with and extra gear—reverse. I thought he had crashed when I saw him go from pole to last in a blink of an eye. That’s got to be embarrassing. I hate to bag on a fellow countryman, but when you draw attention to yourself by saying you got the best bike (which I believe) and the other guy is lying (to Casey), and then go out and get pole only to sink like a lead brick is nothing short than hilarious.

DNFs

Barros-the older I get the faster I was…(just kidding) he is still fast, just not some much in the rain anymore.

Roberts JR.—this was your great opportunity to take advantage of the ...... bike you have, and show what a great racer you are still under “the great equalizer” that is the rain. I had JR to podium if there was rain, but I was disappointed.

Hayden—I feel gutted. He was finally on pace for a good showing, and then he crashes in spectacular fashion. I believe he is better than this, I just wish he had the results to showcase that talent again this season. He should have ridden it home and settled for a good showing, but it seems he felt compelled to push it. No excuses, he should have kept it upright. He ...... up. Period. I still hope and believe. I love the guy!

Nakano—no comment

DePuniet—I’m not a fan nor do I like his brand of bike. (Though I was de-virginized as my first ever bike was a Ninja 600 back in the day). But as for Guintoli, so goes for DePuniet, very impressive and props to him for challenging for the lead. You can’t blame a guy for making that extra effort in front of his home crowd. It just goes to show you that these guys all race on the very edge, unfortunately, Randy crossed it. But he gained my respect for going balls out. Certainly, this is not how championships are won, as Rossi showed this weekend and Hayden did not, but I can certainly appreciate a go for broke. This time he busted.

Elias—Great pace while he briefly rode, but what he has in balls he lacks in prudence and maturity. He is pushing it like Stoner did last year, perhaps by the end of this year he will develop into the successful rider Stoner has been so far. I’m just glad he was the only one effected in his crash, which may or may not keep the “he’s dangerous” crowed at bay. (But I doubt it). He is better than his last two races, and I think he will show up on the top again.

Checa—how he didn’t take out another rider was amazing. Perhaps Elias took note (joking).

Final notes: Great maiden win by Vermuelen. It was an exciting race. It was a moment of brilliance to see Sylvan and Randy at the front for a moment. Rossi rode smart and kept his championship hopes as pressure on Stoner. As a Hayden fan I’m frustrated and bummed out about his crash, but I still believe in him and trust it will get sorted out soon. However, Stoner was the big winner this race. He showed that it is him and not his bike that is brilliant.


Now just like you read a lot, now I have a lot to read….

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Checa—how he didn’t take out another rider was amazing. Perhaps Elias took note (joking).
Funny to hear this joke from a Hayden fan . If I am right he also had an appointment with the floor

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ May 21 2007, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>6. Rossi—

7. Hopkins—

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they both had hard tires.
Worked ok for the first lap or two after the swap, then they were gone.

I don't know about Hopkins, but Rossi, in focus as allways, pushed as hard as I have seen anyone do on rain. He had some huge rear wheel slides some the corners. Especially the downhill righthander if I remember correctly.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 21 2007, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they both had hard tires.
Worked ok for the first lap or two after the swap, then they were gone.

I don't know about Hopkins, but Rossi, in focus as allways, pushed as hard as I have seen anyone do on rain. He had some huge rear wheel slides some the corners. Especially the downhill righthander if I remember correctly.

yeah that one on the right hander i thought he was gone into the gravel but he did well to hold it.

I dunno if Hopper did but it would make sense as he was quick at first but then fell back like Rossi.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ToniElias @ May 21 2007, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Funny to hear this joke from a Hayden fan . If I am right he also had an appointment with the floor
Yup Touché, you are painfully correct. I'm glad Hayden didn't effect another rider. Perhaps Hayden took notes from Elias taking notes from Checa.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Electric Mofo @ May 20 2007, 06:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Sorry but Rossi tire didn't do anything wrong, He and Yamaha didn't perform well.

Edwards goes backwards as usual, Stoner out raced Rossi which should shut some mouths up on this forum, Depuniet and Guintoni were legends today, I've never seen anything like that before, especially from Guintoni.

Hoffman was a star and should milk it for all its worth. Melandri, well its good to see him at the sharp end again, Pedrosa proved that he doesn't suck in the rain.

Unlucky for Hayden, thats a big moral blow for him. Unlucky for Barros for crashing on the last lap.

And lastly, congrats to Vermulen and Suzuki, well deserved race win for that team.

One of the best races in the past 5 years IMO. So many ups and downs, proper classic.
Excellent post. Worth quoting you entirely. Yes, once again, it was predictable; the figure pointing toward the tire, etc, etc. The apologists have begun their work. They try to infuse this idea into the casual onlookers head, then before you know it, it becomes fact in their minds of those that would rationalize a non-win by Rossi. The tire looked fine. No tire failure to mention. His tire looked great from my seat in front of the TV. But somehow it’s the tires fault, right? Well in that case Guintoli would have won but that pesky traction became an issue. Maybe if he had Bridgestones instead of Dunlops he would have maintained the lead, eh? Yeah, yeah, that’s it, it was poor Guintoli’s tires.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VHMP01 @ May 20 2007, 05:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Stupid tearing apart tire for Rossi… Again!

Hahahaha, good try! But that's not what I saw. Too bad you can't post pics anymore, cuz then you could prove his tire was fine.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 06:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>yup i saw that to.
Yeah? You saw the same imaginary race as V? The tire was a mess, right? Hahaha, his (Rossi's) tire looked new at the end.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (krazy91 @ May 20 2007, 06:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I was about to say did anyone esle see the chunk on rossi's tire on the onboard when Stoner was behind him, and michelien are a JOKE they sure did "bring it" for there home course.. also what the hell was with colin edwards I knew he wouldnt win but THAT bad wow..
Wow, what a suprize, it seems you and V and Rog were all watching the same race...unfortunately, it was all imaginary.


Here is the plan, if we all say the same thing, well then people will begin to think its true...ok, let go post.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VHMP01 @ May 20 2007, 06:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It had bits of it falling apart... Again!

Really, ok, I haven't watched the race over, but I will. You are talking about the race in France right? You know, the one in La Mans last weekend? The MotoGP race right?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (krazy91 @ May 20 2007, 06:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Im not making excuses this is why I dont post much here because any debate turns into a your a mindless rossi fan but if you clearly didn't see the piece on his tire which was the right side which was the corners he was having problems with it was on the onboard around the time stoner was behind him you obviously werent paying attention. maybe to soft a tire and when they first came out there not enough rain on the track maybe?
It’s too bad you don't post, but what you are saying is once again pointing to an issue that to the rest of us non-Rossi fans find questionable. It’s always the tires it seems. But frankly, it seems the tire was fine. So I will go back and check it out and read through the post race reports. I will look to see if it was a "soft" tire issue. If there is no mention of tire failure, then can we say you are making comments that are a bit biased, skewed of course toward Rossi cheerleading? Oh yes, keep in mind, when you do post, it stays recorded on the threads, for all to see. And frankly, some of it comes off as just cheering.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 06:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>you 100% sure about that cos i sure saw something hanging off the right side of the tyre or are you trying to tell me im see'ing things and so are others
Yes, I'm saying you are seeing things, but if you take off your Rossie colored glasses for a moment, you may begin to see the things the rest of us see.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VHMP01 @ May 20 2007, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Not really, because not many riders in history have achieved a 6th place on a falling apart tire in wet conditions, have they?
You keep saying this tire was "falling apart", so you have convinced me to watch the race again......

I'm back.

Uhm. The tire looks fine. So let me ask you this, what lap and frame did you see this "falling apart" tire in the rain you speak of?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ May 20 2007, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yamaha used a softer wet tyre
Oh really...where did you get this info?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 07:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i think he forgot about rossi have to take avasive action due to riders crashing out right in front of him, sylvan and carlos i think it was, that cost him time as well.
Did you also notice he made a few mistakes...I think that also cost him time.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VHMP01 @ May 20 2007, 07:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>They do rely on Michelin's advice too! They have to trust them completely...
Yes, but so do the guys running other tires. Oh yeah, and the rider has to do their part too.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ May 20 2007, 07:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>This man is clearly a genius, and those of you with limited reasoning capabilities would do well to listen.
Haha, nice. This was the quote in response to Electric Mofo's post and I agree.

What a GP

1st Bradley Smith gets on the podium.
2nd Toni Ellis takes himself out ( ONLY ) for once
then 3rd A two Aussie podium.

Only thing missing was West, and his little sook didnt help !

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (schumi’s latino imbécil-wannabe @ May 20 2007, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1st Congrats to Vermeulen, best wet rider out there! I expected this to happen. 10


3rd Stoner was great too, he kept it cool, following his championship rival and attacking when he had too, he's matured a lot in one season. I did not expect him to be that good today. 9

6th Rossi, I didn't see anything wrong with Rossi's tyre, so I'll wait for confirmation by Michelin of what happened, if the tyre was OK, Rossi sucked. If the tyre was damaged the team should have brought him in and changed tires, because with only 12 riders finishing and 3 of them lapped 9th position would be the worst that could happen, staying on track with damaged tyre worst thing that could happen is a nasty crash, 0 point and even an injury. -


9th Tamada, OK, good result overall,top 10 ahead of teammate, though he didn't show much speed. 6

10th Guintoli, he probably wasn't using his brain too much this afternoon and the overall result is just OK, but the effort, speed and guts he showed IMO are worthy of an applause.
8


DNF Hayden, I feel sorry for him, he was OK in terms of pace, but the crash was unnecesary, Rossi wasn't gonna catch him. 5
Great takes. Stoner kept his cool, but still was fast.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 20 2007, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1. Stoner rode like a true championship contender. I'm more and more impressed by this guy. First time out in the rain on a GP bike and take 3rd!

2. congrats to Rossi for staying on! I'm not going to compare with others but strategy or tires failed or maybe Rossi was pushing too hard on his first lap with wets on, allthough it didn't look like that. Regardless, he did one of his most spectacular races saving all those slides, while going at the same speed or slower than the others. The grip was simly not there and he still saved it. Team strategy may stink but it sure was great riding.

3. And I'm not cheering Guintoli or de Puniet, the two frogs going up in the front like that and hope for a finsh is like being poor, spending all your money on a lottery. 1:1 000 000 probability.
1. Yes, agree, he is riding like a contender, and flawless at the moment.
2. Yes, this is what I wish more Rossi fans would point out. He is to be commended for staying on his bike. Instead, so far I've read alot of... it was tire failure type excuse. He was slower and was gifted a few positions from other riders crashing. But the important thing is he didn't lose his cool. And you rightly mention that he was riding slower than some. This is much easier to stomach than the rationalizations that it must have been a mysterious tire failure to explain his slower pace. He did the right thing by “racing smart”. As far as poor tire choice, well its a team call, and Rossi is part of that team. So errors may have been made. But that's all it is, an error, a mistake; nothing to be ashamed of. But it’s this constant barrage of spinning and excuse making that turns off non-Rossi fans like me. So great take on this one Babel. Rossi rode "smart" (funny thing is that when others have been accused of riding "smart" it was a bad thing.

3. That's too bad, I think you might have had more appreciation for; the effort, desire and fortitude it must have taken these two guys to make a dash, under uncertain and dangerous conditions, in their home country no less. Perhaps, it was improbable, but the fact is, people win the lottery all the time, do they not? And when they do, it’s a great thing for them. But your comparison to a lottery is a bit disrespectful to their effort. People throw around this word “luck” a lot on this forum. A lottery is for sure a matter of “luck”. But what these two did in leading the race, though momentarily, has zero to do with “luck”. Think about this for a moment. Imagine the pressure they must have put on themselves and couple this with the inferior package they are running with. Those bikes didn't simply will themselves to the front. It was a great moment. Short lived for sure, but they can say they climbed the mountain top (of course they proceeded to fall all the way down) but reaching the top was a marvelous sight to see. And I, a diehard Hayden fan, was cheering for them all the way.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ May 20 2007, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>1. Great result for Vermullin, anyone with eyes could see there was something FAR <u>wrong</u> with Rossi's bike/tyres.



2. Elias did well to fall off without fking up anyone elses race, he must be maturing.

3. Today though, my heart went out to Haystack, Guintoli and De Puniet (its a yellow thing obviously)
1. Yes Pete, I agree, great result for Chris. But I must be blind cause I didn't see anything "wrong" with Rossi's bike or tires. I just think that he was “struggling” <u>with the conditions of the race.</u> As much as anybody else would in the rain. He "rode smart" and brought home super valuable points. You remember, "riding smart" and bringing home points, right? That is what championships are made of, and Rossi, being perhaps very determined to win back a title this year, "rode smart” But to say something was "wrong" with <u>Rossi's tires/bike</u> is a bit much and I totally disagree. Let me explain the difference I see using an analogy to distinguish between something being<u> "wrong"</u> and him <u>"struggling."</u> Lets say he stayed out on slicks in the race while raining, would there be something "wrong" with the tire? In other words, is the tire failing? No. But would he be "struggling" on slicks in the wet? Yes. So, to me there was <u>nothing "wrong"</u> with his tires/bike to explain his <u>slower pace</u>. He simply was "struggling" with the race conditions and the tire choice they made. Which is part of racing and subject to all racers. Had Stoner been "struggling" and came in 8th place, would the Rossi fans have said something was "wrong" with his tires/bike? I think they would have said Casey just sucked in the rain. Well that's what I think happened to Rossi this time. He had an off day in the rain. But despite all that, he was smart enough to bring his bike home safely and rack up valuable championship points. Good for him. But, no, nothing was "wrong" with his tires/bike. So to say this, well frankly, smacks of "mindless cheerleading", no offense. Unless of course you concede that everybody who doesn't win has something "wrong" with their tires or bike.

2. Well as I said before, maybe Elias took notes form Checa. (And Hayden took notes from Elias this race--as ToniElias pointed out to me).

3. Yes, I’m gutted. I want the guy to win so badly. But I will have to wait for next race, but hope burns eternal buddy.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ May 20 2007, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All was not well, but Rossi made a lot of errors today, when the man he is up against first and foremost made none again. Michelin tires were not that bad since Pedrosa of all people got one to 4th. Todays problems lied with<u> tire choice, setup and riding for Rossi,</u> and they are all things that he has at least some control over. I was disappointed not to see the wet weather genius he is supposed to be
Worth quoting you here. Rossi rode a good race but no, not genius. I guess the guy is human, eh? Despite what others would have us believe.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VHMP01 @ May 20 2007, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Plus all those other riders that did fall and did not make the saves as you rightly say Pete. If no one else had fallen, still to make those saves with that tire was great achievement, but all them falls tells a lot about track changing conditions, so to bring a 6th place there I think it was great. How many of the 13 riders (the first 6 make up 19 total) would have taken home a nice well fought 6th place under ‘good tire’ conditions in wet?
V. You keep mentioning the tire. Stop it; it had nothing to do with a bad tire. Rossi gets to struggle in the rain just like everybody else. He doesn’t have some magical power to be the only successful rider in wet conditions. Now I appreciate that his fans root for the guy and expect a win every time he's on the track. But not to accept it when he doesn't win is entirely different. Yes, props to the guy for bringing it home, very commendable, I agree. But lets not point to other things that really didn't exist to make sense of a non-win. So he struggled in the rain under changing conditions, hey, guess what, so did everybody else. Some with more success and some with less. That’s it buddy. Rossi was not genius in the rain, deal with it. Period. He was OK. But OK is good enough, and he got valuable points.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>its hardly an excuse when the whole world and his wife (except you) could plainly see his tyre falling apart.
i think its a little silly trying to compare tyres...

i dont think your qualified to cast judgment on a 7 times world champ and his team,all your doing is gloating and we have a name for people like that on this forum "mindless cheerleader"
I think you are convinced there was something wrong with his tire, but that simply is not the reality. That is silly. There was plenty of "gloating" after Jerez, remember? We have a name for those that invent illusions like a mysteriously faulty tire that only you and a few others were privy to see on this forum, they are called......

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>all im saying is how dare you say rossi is using the old tyre excuse and is fans blindly except it when we all saw it with our own eyes. ive followed gp for 25 years so im not easly fooled . but i do trust my own eyes.

im not going to make bold statments like this.
I think I found the prize post of this thread. Here it is. Well, after reading some of the post race interviews and reports coupled with the posts on this thread, it is with laughter, that I announce this week’s winner of Foot-in-Mouth Statements Award . <u>Well it seems that Rossi and Burgess have admitted that nothing was "wrong" with the tire. Rather they had a poor tire choice! Well, well, in fact, the tired looked "new" at the end of the race! </u> Nothing was mentioned, so far in what I've read that there was a "falling apart tire". If there is, please link it to me, and I will promptly apologize for my ignorance.

Not making "bold statements" eh Rog? Your posts here on this thread are a magnificent rendering workshop of “bold statements!” Wow, funny thing about this wonderful forum, when you post things, people can go back and read them.

1. Rossi and Burgess both admitted they chose too hard a tire for the B bike because they thought the rain was going to let up, not get worse. they thought wrong.

2. it has nothing to do with other michelin riders (pedrosa, hayden) because the other michelin riders (correctly) chose softer tires.

3. even bridgestone riders who chose hard tires went backwards; i.e. Hopkins

some people are getting confused as to what rossi/burgess have said the problem was... they did not say the tire fell apart, they did not say anything was wrong with the tire... they said they made the wrong tire choice. that's it.

nobody from the team are making excuses, it's quite evident from the race what happened and the post race statements by rossi and burgess corroborate what we all saw.

sometimes a duck is just a duck.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ptk50 @ May 20 2007, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>and 2 disintegrating tires in 5 races
Really? Where did you get this information, the same place the predictable Rossi base on this thread has reach the same conclusion? Imaginary races don't count in the real world. You may think I'm being harsh, but what is harsh is this myth that is being perpetrated about Rossi having a “disintegrating tire”. You guys get on here and say anything you want, but when the reality sits in, I wait with anticipation for the apologies. The only thing here “disintegrating” is the web of myth you boys are weaving. Get the facts straight people!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 20 2007, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>if it were just word of mouth tom you would have a point, but you could see it chucking a strip of rubber off. dont ya just love that camera that looks at the rear tyre. it makes it a fact not an opinion mate.mabe you missed that camera shot,if you did watch out for it when they repeat it on eurosport.
Really? Bits of tire, eh? Well I have the race recorded. So please, tell me the lap that this happened. I will go back and check it out frame by frame. Saying you saw bits fly off is pretty bold. I'm sure Rossi noticed it, or was it just you and a few other select poster on this thread?