Qatar 2016 Round 1

The Burning Barber · Jan 21, 2016

I have created this thread to discuss all things Qatar for the first round of the 2016 season. People can share their opinions on what they think the outcome will be and what they would like to see unfold.

2015 Results were

1st Rossi
2nd Dovizioso
3rd Iannone

Rossi has certainly been strong here in the past but the whole Michelin factor really throws a lot of uncertainty into the equation for everyone. I'd like to see a few surprises come out of it. One can only hope that it keeps the field closer together but I wouldn't be surprised if it does the opposite though.

Pedrosa taking the win followed by a Suzuki with it's updated gearbox and an amazing battle for the final podium by the remaining "Aliens" sounds good to me. I doubt it though!

Jonix · Jan 21, 2016

I can't say anything right now. Have really no clue. I'll wait for the tests and then I'll form an opinion about it.

Honda and Suzuki looked the best at Valencia, followed by Ducati. Yamaha didn't do much in 2015, but they have a lot of tests slot before the season starts. Will they close the gap?

kurre · Jan 21, 2016

I would like to see Aleix Espargaro win. Don't ask me why. I don't think that will happen, but it would be cool if it did.

Deefer Dogg · Jan 21, 2016

So much has been made of the tyres that the electronics seem to have been forgotten about.
With both Honda and Yamaha personnel claiming that they're a problem or a worry just now (possible sandbagging), it's anyone's guess who is going to get to grips quickest.
I do think there'll be a few no claims bonus getting wiped out between now and the grid at Qatar as everyone tries to work out the best solution.

p4p1 · Jan 21, 2016

Going to be interesting for sure. Could be a bin fest given the Michelin fronts not as good as they're used to. I'm very excited about Qatar though.

Jonix · Jan 21, 2016

Front tyre might be a step down compared to previous years but the rear tyres is much better than the Bridgestone's. I expect them to be quicker

Hollywood · Jan 21, 2016

to soon to make a prediction, we will know after testing, but I would not be surprised if one of the Pramac bikes finishes in the top 5.

povol · Jan 21, 2016

Jonix said:
Front tyre might be a step down compared to previous years but the rear tyres is much better than the Bridgestone's. I expect them to be quicker

It doesn't matter how much rear traction you have if its overpowering the front. Rudimentary electronics and a new tire package and they are going to be quicker, unlikely. Lorenzo seems to think that times will be around 1/2 to3/4 of a second slower than last year.

Jonix · Jan 21, 2016

povol said:
It doesn't matter how much rear traction you have if its overpowering the front. Rudimentary electronics and a new tire package and they are going to be quicker, unlikely. Lorenzo seems to think that times will be around 1/2 to3/4 of a second slower than last year.

I'm not speculating or anything. With 2016 configs, during the tests in Valencia, they were almost as quick as the QP of the 2015 Race Weekend. And they were the first tests.
They can't do anything but improve now on, both electronics and tyres.

povol · Jan 21, 2016

Jonix said:
I'm not speculating or anything. With 2016 configs, during the tests in Valencia, they were almost as quick as the QP of the 2015 Race Weekend. And they were the first tests.
They can't do anything but improve now on, both electronics and tyres.

Marquez's fastest time in test was a second slower than Lorenzo's pole time. If that's almost as fast , then ok

Motokitty · Jan 21, 2016

wow It's less than two month from now.

kurre said:
I would like to see Aleix Espargaro win. Don't ask me why. I don't think that will happen, but it would be cool if it did.

I say the same thing about Pol but it's because he is cute.

I'm curious how the tires and electronics really affect the race..

Jonix · Jan 22, 2016

Pol espargaro has done nothing special so far, so disappointing

Jonix · Jan 22, 2016

povol said:
Marquez's fastest time in test was a second slower than Lorenzo's pole time. If that's almost as fast , then ok

Yes, because you compare one rider to another lmao
marquez was only 0,6 S slower.
Vinales was as quick as his QP time
Same for Rossi, (yeah he crashed in QP and that session was pointless for him)
Half a seconds average during the first tests..if that is slow to you

Lorenzo did an incredible lap in QP, but I'm sure it will be beaten next year.

p4p1 · Jan 22, 2016

But that's just it everybody crashed in that test. It could allude to the Michelin front being somewhat unpredictable which could mean either heaps of guys bin it or guys slow down.

Motokitty · Jan 22, 2016

Jonix said:
Pol espargaro has done nothing special so far, so disappointing

He is of some decorative purposes...

Arrabbiata1 · Jan 22, 2016

Jonix said:
Front tyre might be a step down compared to previous years but the rear tyres is much better than the Bridgestone's. I expect them to be quicker

That being the case your man in particular is screwed.

povol · Jan 22, 2016

Jonix said:
Pol espargaro has done nothing special so far, so disappointing

I was never expecting anything special from Pol. If he did something special it would be a surprise.

Arrabbiata1 · Jan 22, 2016

Jonix said:
Pol espargaro has done nothing special so far,

Although being gifted a yamaha contract only to be consistently beaten by his team mate has at the very least provided wonderful comic relief.

#22 · Jan 22, 2016

I must admit. I'd laugh if both Smith AND Redding spanked him this yr.

JPSLotus · Feb 15, 2016

33 days to go...I'm thinking Lorenzo is going to clean sweep the weekend.

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Qatar 2016 Round 1

The Burning Barber

Jonix

kurre

Deefer Dogg

p4p1

Jonix

Hollywood

povol

Jonix

povol

Motokitty

Jonix

Jonix

p4p1

Motokitty

Arrabbiata1

povol

Arrabbiata1

#22

JPSLotus

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