Tissot Australian Grand Prix 2013

Andy Roo

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Having conducted a worldwide analysis of gravel traps (I've walked through them at 3 different circuits) the "gravel" at PI is designed to stop a V8 supercar. 


 


The stones are massive and the bike can glide over them with ease, they will never catch or even slow an upright bike and can be steered upon which is what is keeping riders up until the tyre fence. 

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Exactly Roo, (have walked the traps at PI, Calder, Oran, Eastern, Wackyfield Bathurst and a number of go'kart/motard tracks) and PI is the only one where you don't tend to 'sink'


 


Just find it of interest as a few years ago when they cultivated it for the bikes they caused issues and complaints, yet now the reverse effect is of as much concern

... send someone to the nearest bike shop and pick up a load of Pirelli.

chopperman

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If Marquez wins and Lorenzo comes third marquez will win the championship this weekend. But if Lorenzo comes second behinds marc, marc will have to wait until Motegi.

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That was the point Rog (sorry if not made clear) because as we know, Rossi has in the past not cared about championship standings, but that was before his humbling experiences at Ducati (said with respect as well, he does seem humbler). So I wonder if he would let Lorenzo through?

chopperman

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Julian Ryder. Listening to that gimp commentating is like being trapped in a room with a teenage girl bubbling in the gusset for a new boy band.

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Just as a pure coincidence directly as this race finishes I'm taking my 10 year old to Brisbane to see one direction. 


 


I .... you not - no race beer, behave, conserve energy and listen to a 10 year old go on about a band from whom I do not know a single song AND one of them once got to bang Taylor Swift who is equally pathetic...

oh dear...........

Gaz

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That was the point Rog (sorry if not made clear) because as we know, Rossi has in the past not cared about championship standings, but that was before his humbling experiences at Ducati (said with respect as well, he does seem humbler). So I wonder if he would let Lorenzo through?

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ummmm, i wouldn't like to put money on that either way haha. Yes he is more humble but a race win at his stage of career is a big ask to give up.. My prediction is it wont come to that so Rossi will be spares that dilemma. I think tomorrow will be a Lorenzo show, marquez will either win or end up in the rock pit. He just misses too many apexes and braking points and i think this track may punish that .Rossi and dani will be racing for 3rd. If Rossi can hold back Dani and let Lorenzo get away it will help lorenzo at least secure 2nd in the WC.

xx CURVE xx

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... send someone to the nearest bike shop and pick up a load of Pirelli.

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Problem is, they fell apart just as much earlier this year at the island

chopperman

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ummmm, i wouldn't like to put money on that either way haha. Yes he is more humble but a race win at his stage of career is a big ask to give up.. My prediction is it wont come to that so Rossi will be spares that dilemma. I think tomorrow will be a Lorenzo show, marquez will either win or end up in the rock pit. He just misses too many apexes and braking points and i think this track may punish that .Rossi and dani will be racing for 3rd. If Rossi can hold back Dani and let Lorenzo get away it will help lorenzo at least secure 2nd in the WC.

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Is today here Rog :lol:


 


But I agree, I see Lorenzo out and going but am now not so sure given the further shortening of the race as it may work into others hands .......... lets just hope that it doesn't go that way as for mine, Lorenzo has been superb this weekend


 


As for Marquez, I know what you mean as he does look to be on the ragged edge, but then he has all year and there are many circuits that generally will punish and yet he has stayed upright (with one fall) during the races, 

Maybe they should slow down?.. whatever happened to maintaining tires? Spoiled ....... the lot.

Gaz

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Problem is, they fell apart just as much earlier this year at the island

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It was always going to happen with a single tyre rule due to lack of competitor competition. What they need is a couple of tyre manufactures but contracted to Dorna rather than the teams. Let the team choose from these on the day . Whether the logistics of this is feasible i don't know. Competition and choice generally results in a better product.

Over the counter tyres only, from local shops.. new rule

Gaz

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Is today here Rog :lol:


 


But I agree, I see Lorenzo out and going but am now not so sure given the further shortening of the race as it may work into others hands .......... lets just hope that it doesn't go that way as for mine, Lorenzo has been superb this weekend


 


As for Marquez, I know what you mean as he does look to be on the ragged edge, but then he has all year and there are many circuits that generally will punish and yet he has stayed upright (with one fall) during the races, 

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I cant help but think the Honda is a very forgiving bike. The amount of times i have seen him miss an apex and run deep, yet still manage to get the bike turned has helped him greatly in his quest. I not taking anything away from the lad and he is a rookie after all. Just dont think he would get away with as much on the Yam.

I know strictly speaking this is the wrong thread but. Scott Redding will not take part in todays race. He had an operation on his fractured wrist last night. I am totally gutted for Scotty. 9 points clear with 3 races to go and this happens. If he can make it back for motegi and get a result then again at valencia he may still have a chance. Its a big ask though.

chopperman

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It was always going to happen with a single tyre rule due to lack of competitor competition. What they need is a couple of tyre manufactures but contracted to Dorna rather than the teams. Let the team choose from these on the day . Whether the logistics of this is feasible i don't know. Competition and choice generally results in a better product.

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Rog, as you may recall I was totally against the single supplier for the very reasons you mention and also competition as where competition exists, the competitors (in this case the tyre guys) will continue to develop and above all, listen to the feedback.


 


IMO , the Oz series has a good setup where (if I remember correctly) the teams can pick and choose supplier etc at the track on the day and (as you suggest) are not contracted or bound to any one supplier. In the Oz series (and again, this is purely from memory) the tyre manufacturers turn up with tyres, the teams then can ride on the one manufacturer, split between two etc. No real idea on whether it works well or not as in fairness the Oz series are quite poorly reported on and severely split due to political issues, but the basics of that system seem a good start


 


IMO though, total open slather should stand where all manufacturers are encouraged to build tyres to suit bikes and/or riders styles but they must supply a minimum quantity at each meeting. That minimum must be enough to supply the team for whom the tyres are designed plus and additional number of teams/riders with all tyres being provided on a random pool system (tyres are placed in a pool and given out by scrutineer officials only).


 


For me, fix the tyre issue and we will see an improvement in the overall show

chopperman

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I cant help but think the Honda is a very forgiving bike. The amount of times i have seen him miss an apex and run deep, yet still manage to get the bike turned has helped him greatly in his quest. I not taking anything away from the lad and he is a rookie after all. Just dont think he would get away with as much on the Yam.

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I don't know if I would call the Honda forgiving as such but totally agree that we often see Marquez miss the apex or braking point, and yet he seems to just power on through and continue. But I do think it is the Honda that allows this as for my eyes the Yamaha seems the more forgiving and somewhat more settled in all aspects (easier to ride is a misnomer) but this could easily be the riders as well (and I suspect that it is)


 


I say this as both bikes have their 'ragged edge' riders (Honda have Marquez where Yamaha have Crutchlow) and both have the smooth riders and yet the results seem consistent for all riders.


 


To me I genuinely just believe that Marquez's skill is the difference that has allowed him to get out of situations that have seemingly seen the recovery truck on stand by, and geez it does make some great viewing.

hows marcs bike change gaz?! fuggin quick hey!

Gaz

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I don't know if I would call the Honda forgiving as such but totally agree that we often see Marquez miss the apex or braking point, and yet he seems to just power on through and continue. But I do think it is the Honda that allows this as for my eyes the Yamaha seems the more forgiving and somewhat more settled in all aspects (easier to ride is a misnomer) but this could easily be the riders as well (and I suspect that it is)


 


I say this as both bikes have their 'ragged edge' riders (Honda have Marquez where Yamaha have Crutchlow) and both have the smooth riders and yet the results seem consistent for all riders.


 


To me I genuinely just believe that Marquez's skill is the difference that has allowed him to get out of situations that have seemingly seen the recovery truck on stand by, and geez it does make some great viewing.

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While you are correct in saying generally the yam is a better handling bike but the turning in after running deep i thing is about the honda corner exit grunt. The honda is better on the brakes and better pulling out the corners, where as the yam is better mide corner and carrying the corner speed.

digger

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hows marcs bike change gaz?! fuggin quick hey!

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Brilliant isn't it, damn quick and it will be interesting as there is a chance to catch up a second or so.

Gaz

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Brilliant isn't it, damn quick and it will be interesting as there is a chance to catch up a second or so.

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yep, it all counts. rossi on the other hand looks like he needs the walking frame haha!