Interesting thoughts alright. It's gonna be as level a playing field as you could want in the next half dozen races. Michelin have more data on these tracks than anyone, any wet weather will surely play into their hands even considering the B/Stone's wet weather reputation, and there's every likelyhood that there could be rain at le Mans, it's not that far from the english channel. I'd have to say Rossi, Pedrosa and Hopkins would be my picks for the podium at le Mans, not in any particular order, who knows if there could be any surprises there for the michelin guys in the form of a late charging bridgestone shod suzuki?
Mugello is a different story. Last year Rossi, Capi and Hayden had a real close one once Gibernau hurt his toe. Then the Yamaha seemed just about as quick as the Ducati, in fact all three bikes were evenly matched. I can't see anyone making a pass stick for that long on a marlboro Ducati at the Italian track. Even on the last lap, the finish line is about halfways up the straight, does Rossi want Stoner breathing down his neck at the last turn. Don't think so. It'll be Ducati 1-2 with Rossi making up the third spot. Fuel could be an issue for some.
Catalunya has that 1km straight so I'd be thinking Stoner again, not just because of the straight but it has always seemed to me like a track where a small mistake can cost a lot of time, a good rythm seems to be the key particularly the second half of the lap once you start that inner straight through the stadium section and onto the front straight. A mistake there or too much sliding around will kill lap times. Considering Stoner hasn't put a wheel wrong or made a single mistake so far I'd have to bet on him with Rossi and obviously Pedrosa/Elias in pursuit. It is Spain after all.
Donny, Rossi Rossi Rossi. I can't see anyone beating him here, it suits him and the Yamaha. The bike seems to be on it's side for so much of the lap, Burgess & Co will have that Yam set up sweet and I can't see any fuel issues. I can't imagine you're on full throttle for more than 10% of the lap if even that. Add to that only two dead slow turns and I think they can turn the wick up on that Yam as high as they want and still have a few litres to play with. Stoner and Hopkins will make up the podium.
Assen or what's left of it seems from the WSB round to be kind of Donnington-esque without the elevation changes. It's a real pity what they've done to that place. Rossi, Pedrosa, Melandri. what the hell.
The Sachsennring always throws up a real good race. Orrmate said about Elias and I'd have to agree although my gut tells me it could be Hoppers first win. It's a twisty ....... of a track and that left hander at the bottom of the hill has Elias written all over it. I'll go balls out and say Hopkins from Elias from Pedrosa.
So what will that do to the championship by the time we get to laguna. I guess it all depends how hungry Stoner is at the tracks where he won't get it all his own way.
Rossi 182
Stoner 152
Pedrosa 105
Hopkins 100
Elias 71
Ok I'm bored and killing some time but what do you all think. I won't even get to see the LeMans race live cos I'll be in Amsterdam. Won't be able to see anything actually
Mugello is a different story. Last year Rossi, Capi and Hayden had a real close one once Gibernau hurt his toe. Then the Yamaha seemed just about as quick as the Ducati, in fact all three bikes were evenly matched. I can't see anyone making a pass stick for that long on a marlboro Ducati at the Italian track. Even on the last lap, the finish line is about halfways up the straight, does Rossi want Stoner breathing down his neck at the last turn. Don't think so. It'll be Ducati 1-2 with Rossi making up the third spot. Fuel could be an issue for some.
Catalunya has that 1km straight so I'd be thinking Stoner again, not just because of the straight but it has always seemed to me like a track where a small mistake can cost a lot of time, a good rythm seems to be the key particularly the second half of the lap once you start that inner straight through the stadium section and onto the front straight. A mistake there or too much sliding around will kill lap times. Considering Stoner hasn't put a wheel wrong or made a single mistake so far I'd have to bet on him with Rossi and obviously Pedrosa/Elias in pursuit. It is Spain after all.
Donny, Rossi Rossi Rossi. I can't see anyone beating him here, it suits him and the Yamaha. The bike seems to be on it's side for so much of the lap, Burgess & Co will have that Yam set up sweet and I can't see any fuel issues. I can't imagine you're on full throttle for more than 10% of the lap if even that. Add to that only two dead slow turns and I think they can turn the wick up on that Yam as high as they want and still have a few litres to play with. Stoner and Hopkins will make up the podium.
Assen or what's left of it seems from the WSB round to be kind of Donnington-esque without the elevation changes. It's a real pity what they've done to that place. Rossi, Pedrosa, Melandri. what the hell.
The Sachsennring always throws up a real good race. Orrmate said about Elias and I'd have to agree although my gut tells me it could be Hoppers first win. It's a twisty ....... of a track and that left hander at the bottom of the hill has Elias written all over it. I'll go balls out and say Hopkins from Elias from Pedrosa.
So what will that do to the championship by the time we get to laguna. I guess it all depends how hungry Stoner is at the tracks where he won't get it all his own way.
Rossi 182
Stoner 152
Pedrosa 105
Hopkins 100
Elias 71
