Random Thoughts for 2020

yamfan said:

It was the other way round buddy, Mick was so dominant, he asked for the older “screamer” engine. This engine was brutal and difficult to control but ridden right the bike was faster. The “Big Bang engine” gave the tyre an easier time and made the bike easier to ride.
Mighty Mick asked for the screamer to demostrate he was the best and possibly to intimidate or dent the confidence of the other Honda riders. He wanted them beaten before they even lined up on the grid!!!

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p4p1 said:

1992 - 27yo Mick Doohan has an accident, instead of getting the injury put in a cast which would have likely ended his title chances, he makes a decision to get the leg screwed back together in the Netherlands so he can be on his bike sooner. Complications meant he required a second surgery which put him out of action and ended his championship hopes. Doohan went on to win 5 straight titles.

2020 - 27yo Marc Marquez has an accident. Arm is repaired. Instead of giving the break more time to heal he is on the bike the next weekend and apparently pushing himself during rehab too hard Because he wants to keep his championship chances alive. Second surgery is required, which sees him out for far longer, ending his championship hopes.

Both 27 years old
Both made decisions to keep their title chances alive, which in the end resulted in their championship being over.
Both required second corrective surgeries.

Can Marquez follow Doohan and go on to claim 5 straight titles after a major injury?

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michaelm said:

He has the talent, and none of the young chargers look to have anything like his consistency, but assuming he heals up from this fracture I don’t think his shoulder etc will last for 5 successive titles.

Mick Doohan somehow got back for the last 2 races that season and lost by only 4 points. Another week of recovery before his return and he might have still won it. I don’t recall him asking other riders not to beat him so as to improve his title chances against Rainey though.

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p4p1 said:

Well he didn’t have to because it’s an unwritten rule, everybody knows that if you’re leading the championship you don’t have to race for position.

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michaelm said:

He finished 12th and 6th, two 6ths would have done it, although Rainey quite possibly would have finished higher in the last race had he needed to do so.

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p4p1 said:

I was joking mate. The idea that someone leading the championship shouldn’t have to fight for position is ridiculous.

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