What if Rossi DOES win the title this year?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rossi_fan @ May 12 2008, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What do you think everyone will say if he beats those other 3 fair and square? What will it mean for the legend and Myth of The Doctor?



OMG. ROSSI IS GOD! OMG I KNEW HE COULD DO IT ON BRIDGESTONES. ROSSI IS SO HOT RIGHT NOW! OMG I'M MOVING TO ITALY! OMG! IF I WERE 8 YEARS OLD I WOULD SO TOTALLY MARRY HIM!! TOOOOOOOOOOOOOT.GIF HE LOOKED AT ME! OMG!!!!!!


You're in good company Fan.



You know what the best part of a Rossi championship party is? You don't have to hire any clowns.

What naysayers? I don't think any serious follower of the sport would say anything other than that rossi is a great rider. Not all of us want to participate in the cult of rossi, however, and I don't think merely being a fan of another rider is naysaying as some seem to believe.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 13 2008, 03:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What naysayers? I don't think any serious follower of the sport would say anything other than that rossi is a great rider. Not all of us want to participate in the cult of rossi, however, and I don't think merely being a fan of another rider is naysaying as some seem to believe.


Well folk have been saying on here that he only won his titles coz he had no competition, he always had the best bike, tyres or whatever.

There is also a percieved myth on here that all Rossi fans are kids who only watch racing coz they like Rossi.

Personally, as a 40 year old Rossi fan, who has followed bike racing since he was a kid, I believe that Vale has another title in him. His win in China showed that there is plenty of life left in him, and he rode looked like the young guy on a yellow NSR500. (google if need be, but it's a motorbike.)

I think we're in for a summer of bloody good racing, whoever takes this one is going to prove themselves as something special. Thats not a dig at anyone elses recent title, it's saying that the competition this year is seriously close, and whoever takes it will have a fight on their hands. I thought I'd better add that before the Rossi "dislikers" or anyone else tells me off.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rossi_fan @ May 13 2008, 01:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What do you think everyone will say if he beats those other 3 fair and square? What will it mean for the legend and Myth of The Doctor?

His stature won't rise or fall either way as he is already pretty much considered one othe top 5 or 3 riders in history....eitherway.

The myth of the Doctor will be greater once he is about the same as Ago is now. This is when our children and grandchildren will be in awe of his abilities and feats. Rossi will always be remembered and he will be inducted or raised to the official status of MotoGP legend by FIM faster than most other possible candidates.

I would say keep watching MotoGP cause right now we have the top 4 riders (Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo and Pedrosa) in the title hunt are the best to be in the big class for the last 15 to 20 years as a group. The rest of the field are just motorised chicanes and grid fillers....with one othe exception and that could be Dovi, but he needs on the factory team (and he will get it in 2009)....

There will always be people who bellitle the accomplishments of a winner they don't support. There were people bellitling the previous two world champions, many of them believing in both cases that Rossi was better. People with that attitude may voice similar opinions about the outcome of this championship but it doesn't really matter, I'm sure most fans of the sport will be thrilled to see Rossi ridng on top of his game again, like him or not we all know he's special.

It's tough to say really. Pedrosa, Lorenzo, Dovi, Stoner are all still quite young and probably have a lot of improving to do. Chances are that they all have another 5 years before they've reached their peak. Personally I think If Rossi does win the championship he'll be considered the undisputed G.O.A.T and then he'll retire

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ May 13 2008, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>There is also a percieved myth on here that all Rossi fans are kids who only watch racing coz they like Rossi.

Personally, as a 40 year old Rossi fan, who has followed bike racing since he was a kid, I believe that Vale has another title in him. His win in China showed that there is plenty of life left in him, and he rode looked like the young guy on a yellow NSR500. (google if need be, but it's a motorbike.)
I don't have a problem with you or anyone else, old or young, being a rossi fan, he has given his fans ample justification. I also don't care whether people have followed bike racing long-term or have just started to do so; logically you can only follow it for a long time if you start following it when you are fairly young .

I am both older than you (not something I would normally voice too loudly ) and I suspect have followed the bikes for a similar length of time; it is hard to argue that anybody has been better than rossi over the last 25 years, but I think at least eddie lawson and doohan come into the discussion. Having a near to photographic memory is a minor talent in the day of the internet, but at least means that I usually don't have to google anything I have actually seen .

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 13 2008, 04:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What naysayers?
All those that after last season concluded that Rossi is history, based on two tough years where where he had trouble with lots of issues.
Of course those naysayers might be right after all, allthough it doesn't look very likely right now. But if they were right it was because they had the right answer based on the wrong conclutions.

It also surprice me how some here change rather fundamental views based on a race by race performance even for the most consistent riders. Over the years and over a long season we will find changes in riders, but from race to race there is little that changes in riders ability, except known factors, like rider preferences, wether conditions and on some tracks tire advantages. Exception here is of course MRNG
What does change is the strategy, tire choise and lots of other factors but those have little to do with the riders basic riding skills.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 13 2008, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All those that after last season concluded that Rossi is history, based on two tough years where where he had trouble with lots of issues.
Of course those naysayers might be right after all, allthough it doesn't look very likely right now. But if they were right it was because they had the right answer based on the wrong conclutions.

It also surprice me how some here change rather fundamental views based on a race by race performance even for the most consistent riders. Over the years and over a long season we will find changes in riders, but from race to race there is little that changes in riders ability, except known factors, like rider preferences, wether conditions and on some tracks tire advantages. Exception here is of course MRNG
What does change is the strategy, tire choise and lots of other factors but those have little to do with the riders basic riding skills.
He obviously still won nine or so races despite those issues, so it was silly to argue he was finished, and I was not one who argued so, particularly in 2007; the last race in 2006 was in my opinion un-rossi-like.

Your point about riders' ability mostly not changing race to race is very valid, but I do think different riders are sometimes judged by different criteria. Last year it was widely opined that stoner was unfairly advantaged by a superior bike, whilst this year despite there being probably stronger evidence that the yamaha is the superior bike, this is just allowing rossi and lorenzo the opportunity to display their talent .

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 13 2008, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't have a problem with you or anyone else, old or young, being a rossi fan, he has given his fans ample justification. I also don't care whether people have followed bike racing long-term or have just started to do so; logically you can only follow it for a long time if you start following it when you are fairly young .

I am both older than you (not something I would normally voice too loudly ) and I suspect have followed the bikes for a similar length of time; it is hard to argue that anybody has been better than rossi over the last 25 years, but I think at least eddie lawson and doohan come into the discussion. Having a near to photographic memory is a minor talent in the day of the internet, but at least means that I usually don't have to google anything I have actually seen .


Wasn't aimed at you mate, there are people on here who wrote off Rossi after 2006, would love to see him fail, and are happy to dismiss his success.

I'm with you, I don't care who people wanna follow. I follow Rossi, (and plenty others) and I was a huge Doohan fan. Both unbelievable riders. However, I was also a big fan Of Luca Cadalora and Lil John. There is a lot to be said for flawed genious!

What I'm saying is, you follow your rider and I'll follow mine, and if we can have a bit of banter and a laugh about it, it's even better.

You are an old git though!!!!!!

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ May 13 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Wasn't aimed at you mate, there are people on here who wrote off Rossi after 2006, would love to see him fail, and are happy to dismiss his success.

I'm with you, I don't care who people wanna follow. I follow Rossi, (and plenty others) and I was a huge Doohan fan. Both unbelievable riders. However, I was also a big fan Of Luca Cadalora and Lil John. There is a lot to be said for flawed genious!

What I'm saying is, you follow your rider and I'll follow mine, and if we can have a bit of banter and a laugh about it, it's even better.

You are an old git though!!!!!!

Pete
No worries, I too like a bit of banter. John kocinski was a flawed genius, and I lament anthony gobert's even deeper flaws.

C'mon, Rossi wins 1 race (after his teammate has beat up on him all year including winning a GP before him in only his 3rd ever motoGP race) and you are talking him up for the title?!?!? Did you learn nothing from Hayden and Stoner beating up on him the last two years?

Get real, its over for Rossi - Pedrosa, Stoner & Lorenzo - the new breed of superstars all have a better chance of winning the title than Rossi does! We've all heard the excuses & witnessed the reality that has seen him struggle during his fall from grace. He may take a rare win and scratch up a few podiums but he will not win the championship and is not the man to beat.

I'm so tired of all this Rossi worshipping, right now its all about the new breed of superstars, the pace setters, the young stars on the rise, the future champions - Pedrosa, Lorenzo & Stoner!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 13 2008, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Your point about riders' ability mostly not changing race to race is very valid, but I do think different riders are sometimes judged by different criteria. Last year it was widely opined that stoner was unfairly advantaged by a superior bike, whilst this year despite there being probably stronger evidence that the yamaha is the superior bike, this is just allowing rossi and lorenzo the opportunity to display their talent .
I'm not saying I disagree but have to add this:
There is a distinct difference between Yamaha this year compared to Ducati last year. The Ducati was by a margin the fastetst and most powerful machine while Yamaha is not, allthough it does have other advantages. The problem is that any other advantage the bike might have but the raw power and speed is something the rider and team have to exploit: You can't sit back and let the bike do it's thing you must have the skill to use that advantage. Even when Stoner in 2nd position ocationally had a medicore exit he was easily first into the next corner, that's not skill just pure advantage. Vale and Jorge and their team(s) have showed the skill to take advantage of the good chassi and useable power from the big bang engine, Edwards and Tosland don't. Stoner last year were probably good enough to win the championship even without the obvious speed advantage, but that made it even more obvious to point out. Ironic?
Anyway the difference between the bikes and what it takes makes it very hard to compare the two.
Who knows what Rossi and JB could have done with the Ducati and same goes for Stoner on a Yamaha.
And finally, if ever, it's to early to anounce a "superior bike" yet. The Honda is also very good and Ducati still might sort out their problems. Expected changes could easily turn the list completly, even as early as a few races from now.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AB#1 @ May 13 2008, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>C'mon, Rossi wins 1 race (after his teammate has beat up on him all year including winning a GP before him in only his 3rd ever motoGP race) and you are talking him up for the title?!?!? Did you learn nothing from Hayden and Stoner beating up on him the last two years?

Get real, its over for Rossi - Pedrosa, Stoner & Lorenzo - the new breed of superstars all have a better chance of winning the title than Rossi does! We've all heard the excuses & witnessed the reality that has seen him struggle during his fall from grace. He may take a rare win and scratch up a few podiums but he will not win the championship and is not the man to beat.

I'm so tired of all this Rossi worshipping, right now its all about the new breed of superstars, the pace setters, the young stars on the rise, the future champions - Pedrosa, Lorenzo & Stoner!

I guess this is one of those I was talking about. Who's worshiping who is debatable though
Anyway, we soon will see who it's all about in these modern days, won't we?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ May 13 2008, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not saying I disagree but have to add this:
There is a distinct difference between Yamaha this year compared to Ducati last year. The Ducati was by a margin the fastetst and most powerful machine while Yamaha is not, allthough it does have other advantages. The problem is that any other advantage the bike might have but the raw power and speed is something the rider and team have to exploit: You can't sit back and let the bike do it's thing you must have the skill to use that advantage. Even when Stoner in 2nd position ocationally had a medicore exit he was easily first into the next corner, that's not skill just pure advantage. Vale and Jorge and their team(s) have showed the skill to take advantage of the good chassi and useable power from the big bang engine, Edwards and Tosland don't. Stoner last year were probably good enough to win the championship even without the obvious speed advantage, but that made it even more obvious to point out. Ironic?
Anyway the difference between the bikes and what it takes makes it very hard to compare the two.
Who knows what Rossi and JB could have done with the Ducati and same goes for Stoner on a Yamaha.
And finally, if ever, it's to early to anounce a "superior bike" yet. The Honda is also very good and Ducati still might sort out their problems. Expected changes could easily turn the list completly, even as early as a few races from now.

I agree an acceleration and speed advantage is easier to exploit for passing than a handling advantage, but stoner had to get the ducati through the corners well enough to be in a position to use this advantage, which on the evidence so far this year was a considerable achievement. Like you I also am not ignoring the fact that pedrosa is actually leading the championship at the moment and I am sure will remain competitive, although I am somewhat sceptical about the pneumatic engine and whether it will even eventuate this year. I am not sure ducati have the wherewithall to turn around their bike within a few races; I hold out some hope that things will improve when conditions warrant the hard tyres, but rossi, lorenzo and pedrosa will be hard to beat in most conditions anyway.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 13 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I agree an acceleration and speed advantage is easier to exploit for passing than a handling advantage, but stoner had to get the ducati through the corners well enough to be in a position to use this advantage, which on the evidence so far this year was a considerable achievement.
Absolutly, as I said he probably would have won even without that advantage, but I'm really curious about what has caused the problems this year and even more regarding what made it work for him and only him last year. Obvioulsy there is skill and talent involved but the match between the bike and rider last year were something "magic". Maybe he doesn't even know himselves and that's why they strugle this year.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Like you I also am not ignoring the fact that pedrosa is actually leading the championship at the moment and I am sure will remain competitive, although I am somewhat sceptical about the pneumatic engine and whether it will even eventuate this year.
As delayed as it is the pnumatic engine has few advantages to add but plenty of possible pitt falls.
I belive the Honda is good enough to win the championship even without the pnumatics. As log as they can get the gearing right it's fast enough at least with pedrosa on board
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>I am not sure ducati have the wherewithall to turn around their bike within a few races; I hold out some hope that things will improve when conditions warrant the hard tyres, but rossi, lorenzo and pedrosa will be hard to beat in most conditions anyway.

I don't know if there is to much Ducati can do.
If it was a "magic" combination last year that nobody fully understand it might be lost forever, but I'm pretty sure it's a setup problem and if so they could bounce back from one session to another, but it all depend on the riders testing skills.

he doesn't need to win .......he's already the "best of the best"

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ May 13 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>he doesn't need to win .......he's already the "best of the best"

I actually agree he has nothing at all to prove. I am sure he wouldn't mind winning another one though.