Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
I admire Rossi after the end of last season less than I ever have, but am drawn to the conclusion that he has contributed to the quality of the Yamaha in recent years, while the HRC bike seems to be deteriorating relative to the Yamaha. Maybe it is all down to the arrogance of the HRC engineers, but perhaps firing all of Stoner's crew and going entirely with his own old crew was not the best idea for MM, because they don't seem to be able to lead or persuade HRC in the right direction, and while convinced of MM's talent as a rider I have never been convinced by his crew, the architects of both the Willairot incident and PI 2013.
Another factor is that I can't remember if Suzuki are running a seamless gearbox; if so perhaps this was a significant advantage for Honda in the past as Yamaha also seemed to improve when they started employing one.
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Joined Jul 2011
1K Posts | 872+
Dont Know
Yet Honda still won 7 races in 2015 and that was with Pedro MIA for the first half. Ducati and Suz would kill for a bike that bad(...).
This year might be different, but I doubt it.
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
Duc and Zuk would kill for 7 wins, but that's half of what Honda won the year before.
Less than half
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Sure, the bike was obviously more than capable of winning races, particularly late season, but MM was unhappy with it for most of the season, and it is most uncharacteristic for him to be down the time sheets in any session, he usually triesto dominate all the time.
If he has decided to take a new approach and is sandbagging the year could be quite amusing given the multiple mind games that would be in play.
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Joined Mar 2016
2K Posts | 2K+
FNQ
We might be in for a treat this year, Ducatis will podium a few races. I reckon Suzuki with Maverick will pull one out of the hat early in the season and possibly grab a win. Crashes from the Aprilia's to be the norm. Smith is looking good and will improve. I want miller to take big leaps forward this year but can't see it.
Espargaros will never podium again. Ever. Either of them.
Espargaros will never podium again. Ever. Either of them.
Joined Jul 2015
812 Posts | 336+
Hurricane, WV
Couple of months ago a bet my duplex dumpster that the Ducs would win a race this season.. I am starting to think I should have bet on the Suzuki...
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
The seamless is being tested by test rider only at this point. Might make its debut tomorrow with factory riders
Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
Uhm, no Pov. Aleix tested the fully seamless.
Aleix Espargaro:
“I also had the chance to test the new full seamless gearbox: The feeling is very positive because the bike is more stable and I don’t lose RPM’s in shifting, but it is still an ‘early’ version and we need to work to finalise its configuration. For sure it is a good step forward and we have much room for improvement.”
Aleix Espargaro:
“I also had the chance to test the new full seamless gearbox: The feeling is very positive because the bike is more stable and I don’t lose RPM’s in shifting, but it is still an ‘early’ version and we need to work to finalise its configuration. For sure it is a good step forward and we have much room for improvement.”
Joined Jul 2011
1K Posts | 872+
Dont Know
2014 was as good as it gets, but it's the past. 7 wins is enough to contend. Rossi had what, 3 wins?
Look I would be quite happy if Honda wins 0 and see Suz and Duc step up and contend, but tests times at flyaway circuits and night time Qatar don't convince me much will change once the so called ground war begins at Jerez.
I'm not really a betting man but if I was to have a flutter I would go with Marquez to take the championship. Should be good odds atm, based on his PI win last year I think he's ready, Honda has cash they could pull a proverbial rabbit when we least expect it.
Very good point, about Marquez and the Honda cash and I refuse to rule out slight sandbagging from Honda they have after all had last minute changes against them before after Stoner was blowing the competition away and history has also shown that Michelin aren't the most trustworthy supplier at times. I'm worried that Michelin said after the test they will decide on what tyres to use though I'm not exactly sure what that means does it mean they'll chose ones that will suit one rider over the other or just a tyre that suits the conditions maybe I'm just being paranoid but reading some of the information I have over the last few months on this forum has educated me on anything it has been the lack of a and even playing field when a certain Italian is in the hunt for a championship.
I find this really stupid. You don't support Rossi that is ok. Even i dont. But why munch words. And trying to frame an argument colored with your opinions and sounding objective - give us a break. Don't be a ...... Thankfully at motogpforum you can be a ..... about your opinions, people will give a ...., initially it will be entertaining, later it will turnout to be plain stupid to read and things will move on. Feel free dude.
Fair enough then .... it, I don't think Michelin is trustworthy from what I've read from Stoner in his books, here on the forum and even Rossi has said something about 2006 the tyres not feeling good. I think that DORNA is motivated by money rather than fair play and there is more money for them when Rossi is in the box seat for a championship. I think Honda knowing that Marquez is now the yellow army's public enemy number one are smart to sand bag given they've had a dominant rider in testeng to have the rug lulled form under them with rule changes. I'm not saying that they're definite doing that because I think there could genuinely be problems with the bike possibly stemming from Honda engineering or just as likely Marquez not being good at developing a bike. I guess I'm just worried that this year could turn into the Rossi show because of how he was 'robbed' of title number 10 last year and as I've learnt largely a level playing field in Motorsport is just an illusion. Maybe I'm insane I don't know.
Joined Oct 2008
6K Posts | 5K+
In Cider
Joined Oct 2008
6K Posts | 5K+
In Cider
Smith has likened the allocation of tyres to a 'Jumble Sale". I hope this doesn't ruin the racing this year by some riders getting a duff tyre.
MotoGP News - Qatar MotoGP Test: Smith likens Michelin allocation to ?jumble sale?
MotoGP News - Qatar MotoGP Test: Smith likens Michelin allocation to ?jumble sale?
I walked into a Yamaha dealer today to buy an oil filter Rossi pics and merchandise everywhere, I asked the guy(who was proudly wearing a doctor shirt)shouldn't there be at least something of Lorenzos? He is after all the world champion he said to me Lorenzos a prick I said maybe he is but he didn't punt anyone off the track last year and then start sprouting conspiracy theories because he wasn't fast enough. I'm thinking my oil filter might be marked up a fair bit.
I am happy to see how things eventuate at this early stage in the season myself, but where do you get off calling someone stupid for wondering what might transpire with a new tyre supplier? Tyre machinations in modern premier class GP bike racing are hardly unprecedented.
