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Qatar Race - Spoiler

Repsol Honda


PEDROSA

“Tonight’s result is unbelievable, we didn’t expect this, so I’m very happy. Seven days ago I was almost last in the tests here but my team have worked really hard, bringing both 2007 and 2008 bikes here and making many changes, they’ve been fantastic. For the first time I understand the meaning and the legend of HRC and I’m so proud to be part of this.

They gave me a competitive bike and the Michelin tyres worked really good and I did my best on track but without them I couldn’t have been able to make it. My hand was quite bad from the middle of the race to the end, I couldn’t brake perfectly because my hand was shaking all the time but I was able to finish the race and this is the most important thing because the hand should be in better condition at the next race. I made an unbelievable start, I couldn’t imagine getting a start like that. I overtook everybody on the way to the first corner and from there I pushed very hard. I couldn’t stay with Lorenzo and Stoner, so we still have to improve but since last week’s tests we’ve made an incredible step forward. Now we have a few weeks to recover full strength in the hand before Jerez.”


HAYDEN

“It wasn’t pretty for sure. We wanted more than just top ten but we struggled here from the time we rolled out at the tests. We haven’t really made much progress and it hasn’t been for a lack of effort, these guys have worked really hard. We got beat bad today so we’ve obviously got a lot of work to do.

I got a decent start but I couldn’t push the way I wanted to, couldn’t be aggressive and couldn’t make anything happen, so I kinda went backwards then I went forward again. I was spinning a lot, which definitely didn’t do the rear tyre any favours, I really think we just missed the setup and worked the tyre way too hard so I was spinning way too much. It honestly wasn’t the most fun race but there’s still a lot of racing to go so we’ll try and brush this one off and definitely try to move up at Jerez.”
 
ones thing for sure..

the motogp 2008 champion will NOT be hayden. i bet odds are like 1000 to 1.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J4rn0 @ Mar 10 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well, at the end there was one rookie winning his first race in a higher class - but it wasn't Lorenzo, it was Pasini in 250.

Great, I hadn't seen the race and now I dont need to. Thanks
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Looks like the yamaha is harder on tyres than the stoner ducati, not just a bridgestone vs michelin thing, which you didn't need to be a genius to know last year. I don't think this will be much of a factor on the tracks better suited to bridgestone as both rossi's and stoner's tyres will probably last the race distance on these tracks, so rossi still may have made the right decision. I didn't see rossi's tyre choice, but I think stoner had mediums front and rear.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Mar 9 2008, 04:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>If Hayden had just won (let alone dominated) the world championship there wouldn't be a problem (like there wasn't in 06). Right now Nicky's style and development input aren't cutting it, he needs to get his head together

I don't understand the 08 is Nicky's bike. The one that Pedro said wasn't worth riding when he threw it down the road in Malaysia. The 07 is Pedrosa's bike. Obviously, his work was good as well because Dovi rode it quite brilliantly and DePunt did decently.

I suspect both Hayden and Pedrosa are riding with the most recent spec 07 lump but both have a completely different frame, chassis, and swing arm setup.

Pedrosa obviously did a good job getting the 08 to work, Nicky got on the 07 and managed to go the other direction.

Pedrosa's remarks in the after race conference were funny considering what he said about the 2008 just a few months ago. He was babbling on about how happy he was with the bike and HRC blah blah blah. I think he got a lecture from HRC after he hurt himself.
 
Last year I was wondering if by the 2008 season, the riders would adjust to all the new technology and the 800 cc engines - and some real racing might begin. And Qatar seems to be evidence that has happened. Lots of passing and re-passing and not the usual three guys walking away after the second lap. This was worth watching. Too bad about Nicky - I really like him. I think it's kind of sad that everyone feels they have to kick dirt in the poor guy's grave. Let the dead bury the dead. I really hope Toseland and Dovisiano continue to realize their potential. They really made the race for me. Recalling the way Lorenzo dominated last year in 250 - I can't say his first race in Moto GP was a surprise. I predict fireworks between him and Pedro-bot. It's gonna happen. Watch.
 
For me it was another Stoner walk away. Don't make me go dig up all your posts about not wanting to see Stoner run away with it, because that seemed to be the consensus baring a few die hard Stoner fans. We want to see close racing, which we did, not for the podium, but for fourth place??? But there are alwasy battles somewhere on the track. Nobody was screaming about the battles that we had last year taking place in the back of the field. People were pissed cause Stoner won by a huge margin. Which we saw again today. So for me it was another kick back on the recliner race. You guys are way more optomistic about the season than me. Stoner is going to make it a mirror season. I did enjoy seeing the rookies out there though. Divinmyhoso is getting to be a favorite to me.
 
Just finished watching the complete rerun this morning.

First impression strange not seeing the Roberts team on the grid
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Anyways an exciting opener.

Stoner: sat there like a hunter for a few laps before taking the lead and carrying on where he had left off last season.

Rossi: Did well to take the early lead great battle with Dovi, set up problems?

Lorenzo: Bloody great debut, pole and 2nd place is not too shabby is it, maybe a challenger for the title.

Pedrosa: Did well to be the top Honda even with a dodgy hand.

Dovi: Another excellent debut, great battle with Rossi and because of that gets my rider of the day.

Tose: Another great debut, hung in there all the way, pity the Tech 3 dosen't have the straight line grunt. Did us Brits proud.

Edwards: Kept with Toes did not fall back to much like he normally does.

Capirossi: Pretty good result with his new team Suzuki.

DePuniet: Good debut with LCR, good example of the rider getting as much out of the bike as possible.

Other mentions nasty little crash for De Anglais, expected MM to be further up the grid.

Should be in for a really exciting season.
 
Livio Suppo post-race: "Casey is unique... there's nothing to add to that. He didn't make even the smallest mistake today..."

I thought ducati were supposed to be a team that didn't like giving riders credit. Maybe honda should re-examine their approach.
 
Disappointing results from all my favourite riders.
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But putting that aside, it was a good race, yes Casey did it again, but not quite the procession we saw sometimes last year.
Lorenzo was impressive, as was (and it pains me to say this) Pedrosa. Toseland was good too, can't wait to see what he does when he gets the new engine and Dovi did well too, the new guys might respect Rossi, but they aren't afraid to battle with him.
Overall a good opener for race fans (but not, perhaps, for us Hayden fans).
 
1. Casey Stoner - Again a truely Deserving Champion wearing the Number 1!
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2. Jorge Lorenzo - Like I said on Friday Will be battling for the Win
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3. Dani Pedrosa - I am surprised by his performance and pleased for him, but it won't last
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4. Andrea Dovizioso - Future MotoGP champion!
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5. Valentino Rossi - Not Great but good enough for round 1
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6. James Toseland - Well done not to Pass Vale, you will be on podium soon enough.
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7. Colin Edwards - I am Stunned this is good for him!
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8. Loris Capirossi - Life in the old Dog yet!
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9. Randy de Puniet - RDP is still the most underestimated rider on the grid
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10. Nicky Hayden - He is on the 'Biaggi Program', but he rode to the best of ability!
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11. Marco Melandri - Casey's New .....!
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12. John Hopkins - This is not going according to plan!
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13. Shinya Nakano - Token Japanese rider...
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14. Toni Elias - Looks great riding...shame the results don't reflect style.
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15. Sylvain Guintoli - Keeping a seat warm for another no name rookie in 2009
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16. Anthony West - He's not Last!!!!!
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17. Chris Vermeulen - There are Spies in my garage!
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Son of Doohan @ Mar 9 2008, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Dovi will be in the Repsol garage next year with Pedrosa. Goodbye Nicky - I wonder where you'll be going next year? Definately not suzuki or kawasaki cause their bikes are pieces of pus!! Yamaha? - Only one (possible) spot at tech3? i don't think anyone wants to get on that ducati, bar Stoner! Looks like AMA or world supers for you!

Dovi to Repsol rumours (in paddock) will be in earnest by LeMans or Mugello, and he should be signed before the summer break if not sooner...

Nicky is a loyal Honda ....., so could take Dovi's ride in a straight swap or take Duhamel's ride next year...If Nicky can make the mental break from Honda then Tech 3, Alice, or anyone of the 3rd string Honda Team would be lucky to have him...
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 10 2008, 02:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't understand the 08 is Nicky's bike. The one that Pedro said wasn't worth riding when he threw it down the road in Malaysia. The 07 is Pedrosa's bike. Obviously, his work was good as well because Dovi rode it quite brilliantly and DePunt did decently.

I suspect both Hayden and Pedrosa are riding with the most recent spec 07 lump but both have a completely different frame, chassis, and swing arm setup.

Pedrosa obviously did a good job getting the 08 to work, Nicky got on the 07 and managed to go the other direction.

Pedrosa's remarks in the after race conference were funny considering what he said about the 2008 just a few months ago. He was babbling on about how happy he was with the bike and HRC blah blah blah. I think he got a lecture from HRC after he hurt himself.

Well i think the 07 bike was a result of not using either ride as a lead, and rather trying to use them both. I think Dani can assert himself as team leader if he gets the new bike going well while Hayden wont let the old one rest, thats what HRC need for the world title this year and for the future. Also the 2008 chassis runs a new spec engine block with the 2007 cylinder heads bolted on until they can get the pneumatic valves ready, not that it looked slow or anything!!
 
Got a bit pissed with that dude on eurosport going on and on about the "lamposts" and how they could light up 3 million football pitches, stretch half way around the world and light up the whole of the USA..........blah blah blah. And Mrs Stoner (nice looking girl that you are).........go and wash some dishes or something.......oh yeah and the advert breaks on eurosport.......fantastic
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it was a belter of a race. three different guys looked like they could win it during the course of the race but stoner and ducati out-rode and out-smarted everyone else. fuel and tyre management perfection. if rossi had a team mate on bridgestones to help set the thing up for race conditions, things might be different but he made his bed and unfortunately in the race he had to lie in it. i thought at one point he was going to clear off at the front but his front tyre was screwed. loerenzo, toesland and to a certain degree edwards proved that yamaha's strategy for 2008 was a sound one. horhey is pure class, jt needs the pneumo motor yesterday. pedrosa is still a threat and dovi is a total hero. what happenned the rest? what happened marco? i said he would do zip on the ducati and it seems he is indeed up .... creek. that'll mess up his head, a race winner that finishes the first race of the season on a championship winning bike 44 seconds behind his team mate and race winer??? i feel for the guy.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 10 2008, 02:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't understand the 08 is Nicky's bike. The one that Pedro said wasn't worth riding when he threw it down the road in Malaysia. The 07 is Pedrosa's bike. Obviously, his work was good as well because Dovi rode it quite brilliantly and DePunt did decently.

I suspect both Hayden and Pedrosa are riding with the most recent spec 07 lump but both have a completely different frame, chassis, and swing arm setup.

Pedrosa obviously did a good job getting the 08 to work, Nicky got on the 07 and managed to go the other direction.

Pedrosa's remarks in the after race conference were funny considering what he said about the 2008 just a few months ago. He was babbling on about how happy he was with the bike and HRC blah blah blah. I think he got a lecture from HRC after he hurt himself.julian ryder, said on eurosport that he wondered if hayden had allowed his head to be messed with by pedroshithead, the consenus being nicky made a strange choice? that said, honda are at a less advanced stage that yam/ducati
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ Mar 10 2008, 06:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I thought ducati were supposed to be a team that didn't like giving riders credit.

I thought that they give Stoner heaps of credit, especially Suppo. Last year he was saying things like "its Stoner", or "he is s genius" etc. etc .... seems a pretty supportive team there.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BarryMachine @ Mar 10 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I thought that they give Stoner heaps of credit, especially Suppo. Last year he was saying things like "its Stoner", or "he is s genius" etc. etc .... seems a pretty supportive team there.
This was my point.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vale4607 @ Mar 10 2008, 01:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Great, I hadn't seen the race and now I dont need to. Thanks
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Why?
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I was disappointed in many of the experienced riders, it felt like I was watching a completely different race at times. With the exception of that bloke who retired, everyone finished the race albeit a few of them seemed to underperform in my eyes, should've been a closer race.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (skid @ Mar 10 2008, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>it was a belter of a race. three different guys looked like they could win it during the course of the race but stoner and ducati out-rode and out-smarted everyone else. fuel and tyre management perfection. if rossi had a team mate on bridgestones to help set the thing up for race conditions, things might be different but he made his bed and unfortunately in the race he had to lie in it. i thought at one point he was going to clear off at the front but his front tyre was screwed. loerenzo, toesland and to a certain degree edwards proved that yamaha's strategy for 2008 was a sound one. horhey is pure class, jt needs the pneumo motor yesterday. pedrosa is still a threat and dovi is a total hero. what happenned the rest? what happened marco? i said he would do zip on the ducati and it seems he is indeed up .... creek. that'll mess up his head, a race winner that finishes the first race of the season on a championship winning bike 44 seconds behind his team mate and race winer??? i feel for the guy.
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At the end Rossi was interviewed by Italian TV and he said they screwed the setup and must forget about all their old setting data... Means they are still using old data?! I was kind of surprised. Those same data were very useful for Lorenzo and the other Yam riders no doubt
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I expected Michelin to run strong or even win, as they shipped Losail-specific custom made tyres to all their teams after the free tests of last week. It must be seen how they fare in the future though, since it will be impossible do to that again for them.

Ducati and Stoner know and use those Bridgestones much better, no doubt. Still it is puzzling to see the other Dukes lagging so far behind... I wasn't expecting Melandri to do well on the Ducati though (I even wrote that in this forum) but this is too much and also seeing Elias and Guintoli lost at the bottom, raises some questions. Is Ducati playing games? Or is Stoner God? I don't believe in god, so what alternative is there?
 

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