WSB & WSS Phillip Island
- Thread starter Arrabbiata1
- Start date
Joined Sep 2016
894 Posts | 557+
Queensland Australia
From seeing the new 2017 Honda CBR and how little it has actually changed compared to the 2016 bike other than superficial stuff like styling and electronics. It gives more validity to the RCV213 powered monocoque RVF1000 bike Honda are rumoured to be developing to meet WSBK homologation requirements.
This is the 10th year since the CBR saw a redesign, all the others are wiping the floor with it no matter how many Redbull 'go faster' stickers Honda put on it.
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
Kudos to Melandri - and thinking about it PG, he does have 50 or so podiums to his name in the class. Very convincing return. Do bear in mind he hasn't really been out of it for two years as some suppose and although testing isn't racing, he is nonetheless very familiar with a highly competitive package and Ducati will have known that he still has that fire in his belly and a desire to race again. Was always no slouch around the island anyway. As for title protagonist, I don't agree.
Your point about Chaz having his hands full with Melandri may prove to be the case, but I thought that Whitham's observation that Davies was locked on to Rea and was only watching the Kawasaki was spot on. Watch him, irrespective of what's going on around him, Chaz focusses on Johnny Rea and responds to Johnny Rea. Whatever Rea does governs his race strategy - possibly because over the entirety of a season he regards him as his sole threat. If he beats Rea race in race out, he is champion - and that's evidently his philosophy. His team mate may yet as you say have a part to play, but I can't see him running either of them close - or Sykes come to that. That said, the closer the better.
Superb ride by Lowes.
Joined Apr 2015
6K Posts | 5K+
NJ
Overall fantastic season opener for WSBK. Much more enjoyable than last season's opener where it didn't feel like the Kawasaki's were going to be under threat. Definitely a different vibe in the air this season. Alex Lowes did a fantastic job in both races, especially race 2. A pity he wasn't able to convert race 2 into a podium, but he certainly wasn't lacking in effort. Xavi Fores rode a hell of a race 2...he just ran out towards the end there.
The Ducati looked much stronger at Phillip Island this year than it did last year, as they didn't have the corner exit drive they were showing in both races, and in particular race 2. We'll see how this shapes up over the coming races, but early indicators are certainly favorable. The Kawasaki is still a great bike in the hands of Jonathan Rea. Even though he wasn't that far behind, there's starting to become the feeling that Tom Sykes is turning invisible. I suspect he will win a race this season, but the team order is clearly Rea #1 and Sykes #2. Sykes didn't do a lot to acquit himself of that perception down the stretch last year, and race 2 he never got close enough to the leading group to get in on the battle.
While people were running to anoint 2017 as Davies' year, this is looking to be premature. Melandri looked very strong in race 2, and this is probably a better idea of what to expect from him. While Davies is focused on matching Rea, Melandri is going to have an impact on this title battle, and it may not help his teammate. Either way, riding for free was a great move on his part, and he looks like the smartest guy on the grid. He won't be sitting there after races trying to stave off the gnawing doubts that are probably seeping into Nicky Hayden's brain. One of the most underrated skill sets in a racers' arsenal that rarely gets talked about --because I don't think people quite realize it-- is the ability to know when to switch teams, and more importantly, which team to go to. Nicky doesn't have this ability, and while he might not be circling the back of the MotoGP grid on a subpar Honda, he's still wallowing in mediocrity. I can't really imagine how disheartening it must be to make a decision based on the belief the company will come through for you, only for no such thing to materialize. Hope he had time to really look at what the Ducati's were doing after he retired from race 2.
But going back to Chaz Davies for a brief moment. The last lap was the first lap where you really saw him backing the bike into corners more heavily like he did last season when he was really bringing the hammer to the races. Not sure how comfortable he felt on the bike the entire weekend, but that's something to keep an eye on in the upcoming races: does he really start riding loose with the Ducati, or is he trying to keep a more balanced overall approach to keep up with Rea? Jonathan Rea on the brakes into the Doohan Corner when he needed to make moves was breathtaking. None of the other riders in that lead group were able to get on the brakes as heavily as Rea, while maintaining the corner speed to prevent running wide. He's still the master of WSBK for the time being and he was quite happy with how his rear tire wore for the race. Melandri and Davies are the only riders who can stop him, and I may be premature in my writing Sykes off as a legitimate title threat. Yet I can't help but look at Sykes over the last 18 months, and come to the conclusion (unfounded or not) that he hasn't been able to hold up under the competitive pressures on track.
Thailand is up next in 2 weeks. Kawasaki had a 1-2 of Rea/Sykes and Sykes/Rea in races 1 and 2 respectively. I still think the Kawasaki is the favorite to win the race, so this will be the first real test for the Ducati in 2017. We'll get a better idea of where the Yamaha R1 is at, and if Lowes simply took advantage of Phillip Island, or if they finally have taken a step in the right direction with the R1. Hoping it's the latter as that will ensure of us of another set of competitive races in Thailand.
The Ducati looked much stronger at Phillip Island this year than it did last year, as they didn't have the corner exit drive they were showing in both races, and in particular race 2. We'll see how this shapes up over the coming races, but early indicators are certainly favorable. The Kawasaki is still a great bike in the hands of Jonathan Rea. Even though he wasn't that far behind, there's starting to become the feeling that Tom Sykes is turning invisible. I suspect he will win a race this season, but the team order is clearly Rea #1 and Sykes #2. Sykes didn't do a lot to acquit himself of that perception down the stretch last year, and race 2 he never got close enough to the leading group to get in on the battle.
While people were running to anoint 2017 as Davies' year, this is looking to be premature. Melandri looked very strong in race 2, and this is probably a better idea of what to expect from him. While Davies is focused on matching Rea, Melandri is going to have an impact on this title battle, and it may not help his teammate. Either way, riding for free was a great move on his part, and he looks like the smartest guy on the grid. He won't be sitting there after races trying to stave off the gnawing doubts that are probably seeping into Nicky Hayden's brain. One of the most underrated skill sets in a racers' arsenal that rarely gets talked about --because I don't think people quite realize it-- is the ability to know when to switch teams, and more importantly, which team to go to. Nicky doesn't have this ability, and while he might not be circling the back of the MotoGP grid on a subpar Honda, he's still wallowing in mediocrity. I can't really imagine how disheartening it must be to make a decision based on the belief the company will come through for you, only for no such thing to materialize. Hope he had time to really look at what the Ducati's were doing after he retired from race 2.
But going back to Chaz Davies for a brief moment. The last lap was the first lap where you really saw him backing the bike into corners more heavily like he did last season when he was really bringing the hammer to the races. Not sure how comfortable he felt on the bike the entire weekend, but that's something to keep an eye on in the upcoming races: does he really start riding loose with the Ducati, or is he trying to keep a more balanced overall approach to keep up with Rea? Jonathan Rea on the brakes into the Doohan Corner when he needed to make moves was breathtaking. None of the other riders in that lead group were able to get on the brakes as heavily as Rea, while maintaining the corner speed to prevent running wide. He's still the master of WSBK for the time being and he was quite happy with how his rear tire wore for the race. Melandri and Davies are the only riders who can stop him, and I may be premature in my writing Sykes off as a legitimate title threat. Yet I can't help but look at Sykes over the last 18 months, and come to the conclusion (unfounded or not) that he hasn't been able to hold up under the competitive pressures on track.
Thailand is up next in 2 weeks. Kawasaki had a 1-2 of Rea/Sykes and Sykes/Rea in races 1 and 2 respectively. I still think the Kawasaki is the favorite to win the race, so this will be the first real test for the Ducati in 2017. We'll get a better idea of where the Yamaha R1 is at, and if Lowes simply took advantage of Phillip Island, or if they finally have taken a step in the right direction with the R1. Hoping it's the latter as that will ensure of us of another set of competitive races in Thailand.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
11 spam threads before Wsbk popped up. Several after. I see nothing has changed in this department.
Nicky Hayden's stupid career moves has tarnished his legacy. Melandri riding for free really puts a highlight on Nicky's priority of being a contender. This is the first time I feel he's riding for a paycheck.
Contrast Nicky Hayden with Anthony West. Today I admire him far more. A few years ago West sold all his possession to ride one more year. I distinctly remember my buddy Povol disagreeing with such a passionate commitment to his racing career, for me I felt it was Anthony's finest moment. I remember contacting West via email, and wrote him that I was truly inspired by his commitment and asked him how I could support him with a modest donation. He responded to my email and I've been a fan ever since. From 21st to the podium in WSS this weekend. The ride of the weekend.
Kudos to Marco Melandri. Another rider that deserves special mention is Chaz Davies. I met him here in the AMA when he was trying to make a name for himself. He's got to his position by tenacity, preparation, hard work, and great attitude. He's the anti primadonna. Chaz exemplifies the reasons why I became a Nicky Hayden fan. Stays out of drama, no special privileges, no whining and complaining, puts in the work with a humble spirit. A clean racer, not like most of these riders that have no regard for others, of which both Wsbk and GP has in droves.
PJ Jacobsen looked promising in qual, but got .... starts then never put in the performance. Can someone explain why he was allowed to start from pole after red flag? Two chances squandered. Great finish in WSS. Congrats to Rolfo. Btw, Cluzel dodged death. Amazing to see him walk away from a torpedo move typical of reckless competitors.
Alex Lowes looked fast, but looked to have difficulty holding his line, what was up with riding wide? Commentators said false neutrals but seemed more than that.
You're either not there to win if you sign with Honda or you're too naive to perceived that this manufacturer gives .... all about Wsbk.
If you live in a glass house, don't throw rocks.
Nicky Hayden's stupid career moves has tarnished his legacy. Melandri riding for free really puts a highlight on Nicky's priority of being a contender. This is the first time I feel he's riding for a paycheck.
Contrast Nicky Hayden with Anthony West. Today I admire him far more. A few years ago West sold all his possession to ride one more year. I distinctly remember my buddy Povol disagreeing with such a passionate commitment to his racing career, for me I felt it was Anthony's finest moment. I remember contacting West via email, and wrote him that I was truly inspired by his commitment and asked him how I could support him with a modest donation. He responded to my email and I've been a fan ever since. From 21st to the podium in WSS this weekend. The ride of the weekend.
Kudos to Marco Melandri. Another rider that deserves special mention is Chaz Davies. I met him here in the AMA when he was trying to make a name for himself. He's got to his position by tenacity, preparation, hard work, and great attitude. He's the anti primadonna. Chaz exemplifies the reasons why I became a Nicky Hayden fan. Stays out of drama, no special privileges, no whining and complaining, puts in the work with a humble spirit. A clean racer, not like most of these riders that have no regard for others, of which both Wsbk and GP has in droves.
PJ Jacobsen looked promising in qual, but got .... starts then never put in the performance. Can someone explain why he was allowed to start from pole after red flag? Two chances squandered. Great finish in WSS. Congrats to Rolfo. Btw, Cluzel dodged death. Amazing to see him walk away from a torpedo move typical of reckless competitors.
Alex Lowes looked fast, but looked to have difficulty holding his line, what was up with riding wide? Commentators said false neutrals but seemed more than that.
You're either not there to win if you sign with Honda or you're too naive to perceived that this manufacturer gives .... all about Wsbk.
If you live in a glass house, don't throw rocks.
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Joined Jun 2016
642 Posts | 244+
Santa Cruz, Cal
The results of the first WSBK race lead me to believe that 2017 would look much like 2016. Just like MotoGP, having more factories doesn't help, if they aren't mixing it up near the front. The coverage at WSBK was improved from last year, with higher quality and better direction. Really a shame that PJ squandered a race. I hope he settles down a bit. He had similar issues last year.
Anyone know why some people like screwing with this forum? I might just bump all the real threads to overcome the stupidity.
Anyone know why some people like screwing with this forum? I might just bump all the real threads to overcome the stupidity.
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Joined Sep 2016
894 Posts | 557+
Queensland Australia
Probably because Duc has never appointed any active users as moderators and the sign up process is far to easy for spammers to validate.
Joined Oct 2008
6K Posts | 5K+
In Cider
There is a belief it goes all the way back to a member called Zootalaws who was found out for the lying arrogant moron he was, and has made it his life's mission to hack the forum.
I was nominated to be a mod at one point and despite the belief of some members, I was never appointed one by Duc. He seems more concerned with the metrics of Facebook likes.....
Joined Sep 2016
894 Posts | 557+
Queensland Australia
Pretty sad if all this spam rubbish is the result of one disenchanted user getting his revenge. It seems so painfully obvious to everyone except Duc that the forum really needs moderators. Just wipe all the suspect or inactive users who are MIA and haven't posted in years anyway ... then appoint a couple of active users as moderators required to validate all new users to stop the spammers from setting up new accounts every day. Nothing will change except for the spam disappearing.
If Duc is worried about losing control of the forum he can just appoint moderators that only have the access rights to approve and validate new users and nothing more. I'm not saying I want to do it but I'm sure that many will gladly put their hands up if it helps with this spam issue.
It just seems so simple and obvious to me.
