Rookies at Laguna

Vermeulen doubled in 2004 when he was last there, he will have a good time. As for Pedrosa, Stoner and de Puniet, they're going to struggle.

yeah it's a scary place for 1st timers.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Doc 79 @ Jun 21 2006, 09:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What's up all?
Just wanted to get peoples opinion on how the likes of Stoner and Pedrosa will do at Laguna. Being that neither of these guys (to my knowledge) have ever set foot there...it should make for very interesting racing. Rossi did very well last year, arguably because its Rossi, but I fee like the corkscrew could flub up the rookies.

Jesus, I'm just hoping Stoner turns off his cruise control and realizes he can use brakes every now and then......

I know Assen is the focus, but what do you guys think?

Last year all of the riders with the exception of Hayden were new to the track. Most have done their homework by riding virtual laps courtessy of their PS2 but that only gives you some idea on how it is laid out. We saw Melandri throw his bike in the gravel several times that weekend and others just rode cautiously. There is also some grumbling from riders that they think the track is "dangerous" with not enough run-off for the speeds in some sections. Its only one race in the season and all but the front runners may consider it a throw-away in respect to the points battle. I hope to see a repeat of the Mugello race with a pack of 6 battling through 3/4 distance and the podium racing to the line. Chances are Stoner will end up in the kitty litter. If Pedrosa gets healthy by then, I think he could handle it.


Melandri's bike getting picked up after his crash in the corkscrew during Friday practice.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jjett @ Jun 21 2006, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Last year all of the riders with the exception of Hayden were new to the track.
very incorrect! biaggi, capirossi, bayliss, barros, & all the americans had raced at the track in previous years.

I actually think Pedrosa will really suffer through the Corkscrew. You need ridiculous amounts of downforce (I assume) which Pedrosa just does not have. Physically, thats a really demanding corner, and I just can't see Pedrosa navigating it time after time successfully without getting really tired.

rossi had never rode the track either and came away happy with 3rd, but u could c at lots of stages he was not rossi and i cant c him winning this term, hayden for me is a mile in front at laguna, for him not to win again hes really got to have a bad quali, u never know wth dani how he takes to the track but i can c stoner doing good as long as he stays on the blacksstuff.. edwards will be close if he has a good quali,
at the end of the day its moto racing so who knows

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ Jun 21 2006, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>very incorrect! biaggi, capirossi, bayliss, barros, & all the americans had raced at the track in previous years.

I stand corrected. This made me look at some of the old programs that I had from past Laguna Seca events. I found Capirossi and Biaggi both riding in the 250GP class there in '93 and '94 and Bayliss in the 01 WSBK program. Thanks for propting me to pull those out for some memories!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rossi 46 winner @ Jun 22 2006, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>rossi had never rode the track either and came away happy with 3rd, but u could c at lots of stages he was not rossi and i cant c him winning this term, hayden for me is a mile in front at laguna, for him not to win again hes really got to have a bad quali, u never know wth dani how he takes to the track but i can c stoner doing good as long as he stays on the blacksstuff.. edwards will be close if he has a good quali,
at the end of the day its moto racing so who knows

Laguna, eh? It`s that track again. Winner, I wouldn`t be discounting your main man so early. He`s got track experience there now and he`s real determined. Good for his championship, too. Remember how we said if he loses Mugello he`s fked? Well what`s Hayden gonna be like if Rossi beats him in the states? It`s still a possibility. But then again, Laguna`s a bit of role reversal. Hayden runs off and Rossi is left behind.
If the Shitzukis hold out, But the Rizla boys should be above average, as will Edwards, KRJR and (of course) Hayden. With the exception of Vermulen, The rookies will burn at Valencia. I`m saying Stoner will most probably crash, He`ll be pushing too hard, as usual, and at a very unfamiliar, difficult track. Pedrosa will either have a dissapionting day, getting passed by all the infidels who he usually passes on his way to the front, or end up in the kitty litter with Stoner because of the demanding track. Depuniet will be lucky to be in the points, and Moneybags... well the only time the guy isn`t last across the line is when he dosen`t cross it at all. Why should Laguna be any different? All in all, I wouldn`t count on too many Rookies having a memorable weekend at Laguna.