Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
Wsbk Donny 24
- Thread starter propagandhi
- Start date
Can't they at least allow different helmets in the Yamaha Cup? I don't think this is very easy to watch.
The relative comparison issues are quite difficult this season, imo, because so many variables have changed. Minimum weight is now combined bike/rider. Midseason performance adjustments are outlawed. The state of tune is regulated via throttle position AND fuel flow. Superconcessions have been upgraded. Fuel capacity has decline 2L.
In my estimation, it’s the fuel flow limits that are helping Toprak the most. Yamaha did not appear to be competently gaming the balance of performance by modulating fuel flow. Ducati, on the other hand, accelerated much faster in a straight line than other teams, especially with Bautista. The Panigale’s straight line advantage is less apparent this season, suggesting the “reference engine tune” provided to the FIM was quite lean in prior seasons, and the bikes were making considerably more power in race trim.
Toprak would probably be winning on a Yamaha this season, imo, but his change to BMW and the ballast on Bautista’s bike have moved him well clear of his old rival. Bautista’s injury isn’t helping his competitiveness either.
Remy Gardener had the type of meeting you get, when you leave your Qualifying to the last minute. he has been caught out like this before.
No good setting the lap record in free practice in the last secord, then trying to do the same for Qualifying, only to be caught out by slow riders ending up in 12 place, he has got to set the time earlier.
He has to get on the first two rows like he did in Assen, to get a Podium.
No good setting the lap record in free practice in the last secord, then trying to do the same for Qualifying, only to be caught out by slow riders ending up in 12 place, he has got to set the time earlier.
He has to get on the first two rows like he did in Assen, to get a Podium.
Bautista's main "issue" this year is the weight. Even though I believe the Ducati is the best bike on the grid (and has been for some time now), he made it look even better and that is purely down to his size. His championships have major asterisks to it imo. I know people will say I'm just a Toprak fanboy and the funny thing is the only reason I became a fan of him is how unfair the last two seasons have been, and his alien skills of course.
