wsbk rd2 portimao

Do i win, the prediction sweepstakes since i was the only one who picked Biaggi to win the weekend




FIM Superbike World Championship
Portimao, Portugal
March 28, 2010
Race One Results (all on Pirelli tires):

1. Max BIAGGI (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), 22 laps
2. Leon HASLAM (Suzuki GSX-R1000), -0.200 second
3. Jonathan REA (Honda CBR1000RR), -6.901 seconds
4. Carlos CHECA (Ducati 1098R), -7.457
5. Leon CAMIER (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), -7.564
6. Shane BYRNE (Ducati 1098R), -11.420
7. James TOSELAND (Yamaha YZF-R1), -18.391
8. Noriyuki HAGA (Ducati 1098R), -18.536
9. Troy CORSER (BMW S1000 RR), -24.514
10. Ruben XAUS (BMW S1000 RR), -32.427
11. Michel FABRIZIO (Ducati 1098R), -35.045
12. Lorenzo LANZI (Ducati 1098R), -36.816
13. Sylvain GUINTOLI (Suzuki GSX-R1000), -36.841
14. Cal CRUTCHLOW (Yamaha YZF-R1), -44.678, ran off track/crash
15. Tom SYKES (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -44.942
16. Vittorio IANNUZZO (Honda CBR1000RR), -59.135
17. Sheridan MORAIS (Honda CBR1000RR), -59.852
18. Roger HAYDEN (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -60.097
19. Matteo BAIOCCO (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -70.151
20. Luca SCASSA (Ducati 1098R), -6 laps, pitted
21. Andrew PITT (BMW S1000 RR), -4 laps, DNF, crash
22. Jakub SMRZ (Ducati 1098R), -6 laps, DNF, mechanical
23. Makoto TAMADA (BMW S1000 RR), -18 laps, DNF, mechanical
24. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Honda CBR1000RR), -19 laps, DNF, mechanical





FIM Superbike World Championship
Portimao, Portugal
March 28, 2010
Race Two Results (all on Pirelli tires):

1. Max BIAGGI (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), 22 laps
2. Leon HASLAM (Suzuki GSX-R1000), -0.191 second
3. Cal CRUTCHLOW (Yamaha YZF-R1), -0.658
4. Carlos CHECA (Ducati 1098R), -1.015 seconds
5. Leon CAMIER (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), -3.123
6. James TOSELAND (Yamaha YZF-R1), -9.131
7. Shane BYRNE (Ducati 1098R), -11.033
8. Noriyuki HAGA (Ducati 1098R), -13.452
9. Sylvain GUINTOLI (Suzuki GSX-R1000), -13.964
10. Troy CORSER (BMW S1000 RR), -16.377
11. Michel FABRIZIO (Ducati 1098R), -26.351
12. Ruben XAUS (BMW S1000 RR), -27.964
13. Tom SYKES (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -33.566
14. Lorenzo LANZI (Ducati 1098R), -33.823
15. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Honda CBR1000RR), -37.372
16. Luca SCASSA (Ducati 1098R), -45.611
17. Roger HAYDEN (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -56.512
18. Matteo BAIOCCO (Kawasaki ZX-10R), -58.980
19. Makoto TAMADA (BMW S1000 RR), -75.819
20. Andrew PITT (BMW S1000 RR), -101.672
21. Sheridan MORAIS (Honda CBR1000RR), -10 laps, DNF, crash
22. Jakub SMRZ (Ducati 1098R), -12 laps, DNF, crash
23. Jonathan REA (Honda CBR1000RR), -15 laps, DNF, mechanical
24. Vittorio IANNUZZO (Honda CBR1000RR), -15 laps, DNF, mechanical



Superbike World Championship Point Standings (after 4 of 26 races):

1. Haslam, 85 points
2. Biaggi, 69
3. Checa, 60
4. Fabrizio, 46
5. Haga, 43
6. Rea, 39
7. Guintoli, 33
8. Camier, 32
9. Corser, 29
10. TIE, Crutchlow/Toseland/Byrne, 25
13. Lanzi, 15
14. Xaus, 10
15. Smrz, 8
16. Sykes, 7
17. Neukirchner, 5
18. TIE, Josh Brooks/Pitt, 2

congrats to Max with the double


on a side note..they need some better commentators

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Mar 28 2010, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>congrats to Max with the double


on a side note..they need some better commentators
I will take them over Greg White and garble mouth any day

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 28 2010, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I will take them over Greg White and garble mouth any day

Agreed.

Yes, one of them seems to have an orgasm with the slightest of bobbles out of a corner, but hey, at least he has passion.

Roger was so quick on a 600, so why did he decide to join a backmarker 1000 bike? The Kawa is quick in WSS, and Rog would have been up front in no time. Sad way for his career to end up.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 28 2010, 05:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I will take them over Greg White and garble mouth any day

no argument there

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geonerd @ Mar 28 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hope I'm wrong, but I'm starting to suspect that Haga is a spent force.  





 


i was reading on crash.net today where he said he doesn't like porti circuit. now i know excuses are for ....... but i really hope he doesn't have the same opinion about other tracks this season.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kropotkin @ Mar 28 2010, 11:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Stick a fork in him. He's done.


He'll go down in history as one of WSBK's legends, but he'll never win a championship.


thats the thing man. he's been around this long and been so close several times. it really is heartbreaking for him not to have the grand cup in his trophy room. its like getting nominated at the oscars 15 years in a row and never winning an oscar. but really make him bitter from the inside. i hope his self confidence has been doing the talking today and he bounces back. Otherwise SBK will suck this season! well except for the brits congrats haslam. rea is an ...... max really is a senior chelli.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J708 @ Mar 28 2010, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i was reading on crash.net today where he said he doesn't like porti circuit. now i know excuses are for ....... but i really hope he doesn't have the same opinion about other tracks this season.




thats the thing man. he's been around this long and been so close several times. it really is heartbreaking for him not to have the grand cup in his trophy room. its like getting nominated at the oscars 15 years in a row and never winning an oscar. but really make him bitter from the inside. i hope his self confidence has been doing the talking today and he bounces back. Otherwise SBK will suck this season! well except for the brits congrats haslam. rea is an ...... max really is a senior chelli.

Some racers are great and never win a title. Sterling Moss, Max Biaggi, Coulthard. You have those racers who have titles, but are generally not accepted as a great. Kenny Jr., Hayde, Criville, Villeneuve.

Haga will considered a great, but missed that one final piece in his career.

Biaggi rode superbly and the Aprilia seemed well sorted. I'm not convinced that Biaggi has a title in him and I won't be until he can make himself a podium contender on each and every round. However I think that the RSV4 might be a championship contender with the right pilot. I thought Camier's finishes were very impressive, maybe even flattering.

If Haga is done (which I don't entirely disagree with), what does that say about Neukirchner? Rea has proven that the package is plenty quick, all the while Max is struggling for points. Big off or not, riders that have it aren't scrounging for a point or two after a big fall in practice.

I didn't think Laverty would get caught here, that was quite disappointing. People want to talk about a dull series, here it is. If we're lucky Laverty, Sofuogolu and Lascorz will battle the entire season. Past those three there isn't any great talent in the series. I'm a big Laverty fan and of those three, I think he has the most talent. But even he probably won't be much more than an occasional rostrum finisher in WSBK. At least for the first season or two.

Biaggi and Haslam put on a clinic at the front, but what is going on with everyone else?

Xerox Ducati - they completely choked. Haga looks like he's given up. Fabrizio went from being in contention to being nearly 40 points out.

Ten Kate - Rea's mechanical failure stopped prohibited him from taking advantage of the Xerox Ducatis. Max Neukirchner doesn't look like he knows how to ride a bike, and judging by his lack of progress it doesn't look like Ten Kate have even noticed.

Sterilgarda Yamaha - they've gone from title contenders to barely making the podium. Toseland is trying way too hard. Crutchlow is also over riding the bike, though he did well in Race 2 to take a podium.

Paul Bird - also hugely disappointing. It's going to take one hell of a bike for them to make progress. Verme has been injured Hopper-style by over riding the bike until he injures himself. Sykes is off the pace.

These major factory teams have not showed up for the beginning of the season. They need to reboot and get things going before this season becomes another 2 horse race.

The 7 Brits have been disappointing as well. Haslam is the only one on the pace. Everyone else is underachieving spectacularly except Camier who's doing as well as can be expected a 2 meter man on a pocket bike.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Xerox Ducati - they completely choked. Haga looks like he's given up. Fabrizio went from being in contention to being nearly 40 points out.

Ducati's biggest mistake was keeping both Haga and Fabrizio. Haga hasn't got a title in him, and Fabrizio's not smart enough to be a champion. He'll win a few and then do something bone-headed, like he always does. He'll be in at BMW replacing Xaus next season, which won't change his fate one iota.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ten Kate - Rea's mechanical failure stopped prohibited him from taking advantage of the Xerox Ducatis. Max Neukirchner doesn't look like he knows how to ride a bike, and judging by his lack of progress it doesn't look like Ten Kate have even noticed.
Neukirchner is probably getting a pass from RtK until he gets his confidence back. If he doesn't get his confidence back, he too could be done. Something similar is going on with Sylvain Guintoli, though I suspect Guintoli is mentally tougher than Neukirchner.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Sterilgarda Yamaha - they've gone from title contenders to barely making the podium. Toseland is trying way too hard. Crutchlow is also over riding the bike, though he did well in Race 2 to take a podium.

Yamaha went in completely the wrong direction with the bike over the winter. They need to regroup. Toseland is doing better than his results show considering he has a broken hand, though I don't think he'll challenge for a title this year. Maybe next year, but it's a big maybe.

Crutchlow is the business, but he needs a while to get used to riding a Superbike again. He's smart, tough and ambitious, he'll go far.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Paul Bird - also hugely disappointing. It's going to take one hell of a bike for them to make progress. Verme has been injured Hopper-style by over riding the bike until he injures himself. Sykes is off the pace.

Paul Bird is a legend in his own lunchtime, as Private Eye were wont to say. The fact that he is a mouthy git doesn't change the fact that the bike sucks. There's nothing they can do until next year, when they get the new ZX10, which had better be a big improvement.

All Vermeulen and Sykes can hope to do is ride around in mid-pack and hope to be offered another shot next year, and that the bike is better in 2011.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The 7 Brits have been disappointing as well. Haslam is the only one on the pace. Everyone else is underachieving spectacularly except Camier who's doing as well as can be expected a 2 meter man on a pocket bike.

Haslam has been fantastic, and I think he's the current class of the field. Crutchlow is on a learning curve and will be at the front once the Yamaha is sorted. Rea is also the business, but Ten Kate have lost their way a little. He'll be at the front all year. Toseland needs to regain his confidence, and we won't know until his hand is healed and Yamaha have sorted the R1 out exactly where he stands. Tom Sykes is solid mid-pack rider, nothing more, nothing less. Leon Camier seems to be extremely talented, but on a bike that just doesn't suit him, he'll be further forward as the season progresses. Byrne has underperformed, as the results of his teammmate demonstrate.

Great racing this weekend.

WSBK race 1
Biaggi finally put it all together and pulled off his first "unaided" win on the Aprilia. I say unaided as his win last year at Brno was helped by Fabrizio's torpedo job on Spies when the two were in the lead. With exception of a few bobbles in a couple corners, Biaggi was flawless, and it was well earned. Haslam probably was hoping he had the pace to run away with it but soon found Biaggi going with him. It was a great battle between them up until the end. Rea put the pressure to Crutchlow and got him to crack. It was funny what Rea said in a post race interview, that his buddy Laverty told him to just put the pressure to Crutchlow and he would eventually mess up. Unfortunately for Crutchlow, he did. Checa rode a solid race for 4th, but we all expected more from him after seeing his fantastic charge for the win at PI. Camier continues to impress on the Aprilia, going beyond what most are expecting from him.

WSBK race 2
We saw a repeat of race 1, with Biaggi grabbing the holeshot and Haslam following close behind. Although this time we had a 4 way up until the end, with Crutchlow and Checa going with the leaders. It looked like anyone could win up until Biaggi pulled the pin with 2 laps to go. Haslam wisely chose to stick with picking up the very important 20 points for 2nd. Crutchlow picking up 3rd and Checa 4th. And again Camier pulled an impressive 5th, outperforming countless veterans and factory riders.


Xerox Ducati had a nightmare weekend. Haga didn't show up with much competitive spirit and Fabrizio screwed up in qualifying. Haga put things in damage control mode and managed some great starts and did his best to pick up some points. Perhaps the lack of the Tardozzi whip is whats missing? Valencia is up next, Haga pulled the double there last year and Fabrizio a double podium. If they don't manage to do well at Valencia, it could be a very long season for the factory boys.

Toseland performed as good as I would expect given his injury and confidence issues. I don't think Valencia will be much better for him, but we shall see what 2 weeks will do. I have a feeling he will be filling the role Sykes filled last year as #2 rider in the garage, and placing somewhere between 6th and 10th every weekend. I would rather see him run with the top guys, but he's just not quite there yet.

Corser had two amazing starts on the BMW but then faded back to the 9th and 10th position. BMW obviously have a lot more work to do. It would be interesting to hear from Corser where exactly he is losing the time. Judging from the BMW's fast top end, its most likely in the twisties where it's lacking.

Max Neukirchner had what looked to be an amazing season last year taken away from him with the massive crash at Monza, it looks like that damage has still not healed. We all know he is very fast and capable of winning, but it just may be a long season of watching him languish in the midpack.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 28 2010, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The 7 Brits have been disappointing as well. Haslam is the only one on the pace. Everyone else is underachieving spectacularly except Camier who's doing as well as can be expected a 2 meter man on a pocket bike.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kropotkin @ Mar 29 2010, 06:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Haslam has been fantastic, and I think he's the current class of the field. Crutchlow is on a learning curve and will be at the front once the Yamaha is sorted. Rea is also the business, but Ten Kate have lost their way a little. He'll be at the front all year. Toseland needs to regain his confidence, and we won't know until his hand is healed and Yamaha have sorted the R1 out exactly where he stands. Tom Sykes is solid mid-pack rider, nothing more, nothing less. Leon Camier seems to be extremely talented, but on a bike that just doesn't suit him, he'll be further forward as the season progresses. Byrne has underperformed, as the results of his teammmate demonstrate.
I think you're being a little critical of those guys, Lex. Kropotkin has pretty well summed it up, I only have a couple of things to add. I've been pretty skeptical of Toseland for about a year now but with that said, I thought his sixth with a broken hand was rather impressive. When he gets healthy and Yamaha Italia make a little progress, he could be looking for podiums again.

I think people are expecting too much from Byrne, and Checa's performances have only amplified that. With the right bike, a perfect setup, and riding a circuit he enjoys, I think Byrne is capable of winning a race in World Supers. When the planets aren't aligned for Shakey, I think the best he can hope for is the odd podium on a good weekend, or a top seven or eight on any given race. Checa is making him look bad, but in my opinion, Checa should still have a factory ride somewhere. The gap in talent between the two is obvious, one spent a fair number of years in grand prix while the other managed two years on lost cause bikes. Byrne shouldn't be expected to beat Checa, but it will happen from time to time. And that's all you can ask of a second rider. Not everyone can fight for podiums.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 28 2010, 05:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Unless i heard the commentator wrong, he said they were running the chain set up till it was resolved.



Thats what I heard too! They did use the gear setup at PI that led to the other teams bitching. So they ran the chain at Portimao. Gear or chain, the way I see it, they got the other teams number.



.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Mar 29 2010, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think you're being a little critical of those guys, Lex. Kropotkin has pretty well summed it up, I only have a couple of things to add. I've been pretty skeptical of Toseland for about a year now but with that said, I thought his sixth with a broken hand was rather impressive. When he gets healthy and Yamaha Italia make a little progress, he could be looking for podiums again.

I think people are expecting too much from Byrne, and Checa's performances have only amplified that. With the right bike, a perfect setup, and riding a circuit he enjoys, I think Byrne is capable of winning a race in World Supers. When the planets aren't aligned for Shakey, I think the best he can hope for is the odd podium on a good weekend, or a top seven or eight on any given race. Checa is making him look bad, but in my opinion, Checa should still have a factory ride somewhere. The gap in talent between the two is obvious, one spent a fair number of years in grand prix while the other managed two years on lost cause bikes. Byrne shouldn't be expected to beat Checa, but it will happen from time to time. And that's all you can ask of a second rider. Not everyone can fight for podiums.

I think I've given the British riders too much credit, and maybe that's why I'm disappointed. During the 7 Brits preseason hype I was convinced by the testing times and the pro-Britain media that at least 4 of the 7 would be fast right out of the box. It looked promising, didn't it? Rea has won races and he rides a Honda. Two-time champ Toseland and reigning WSS champion Crutchlow are on the championship winning bike from last year which had reportedly gained more power. Leon was at the top of every preseason time sheet.

Only Haslam and Alstare Suzuki have showed up to do the business. Ten Kate and Sterilgarda Yamaha don't look prepared and their riders don't look to be totally focused. I know the season is long so I want to be clear that I'm not attempting to jump off the bandwagon, I'm simply surprised that the Ten Kate Honda and Sterilgarda Yamaha outfits have not really showed up to race.

I think everyone knows my irrational affinity towards English-speaking superbike nations. If an American can't be around to lift the title, I like to have it be a Brit or an Aussie. Why? I don't know. Why do the Spanish and the Italians think they should be in charge of GP? Just the way it is in the world of motorcycles. I really want for Rea and Crutchlow to develop, but considering all of the preseason hype, the beginning of 2010 cannot be helping their confidence.

Great racing this weekend, I really enjoy watching WSBK because of the scraps going on everywhere. I mentioned Max as a championship favorite and this weekend he showed why, still early days though.
Was it me or did attendance seem really low for this race, not too many people in the stands.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think I've given the British riders too much credit, and maybe that's why I'm disappointed. During the 7 Brits preseason hype I was convinced by the testing times and the pro-Britain media that at least 4 of the 7 would be fast right out of the box. It looked promising, didn't it? Rea has won races and he rides a Honda. Two-time champ Toseland and reigning WSS champion Crutchlow are on the championship winning bike from last year which had reportedly gained more power. Leon was at the top of every preseason time sheet.

Only Haslam and Alstare Suzuki have showed up to do the business. Ten Kate and Sterilgarda Yamaha don't look prepared and their riders don't look to be totally focused. I know the season is long so I want to be clear that I'm not attempting to jump off the bandwagon, I'm simply surprised that the Ten Kate Honda and Sterilgarda Yamaha outfits have not really showed up to race.

I think everyone knows my irrational affinity towards English-speaking superbike nations. If an American can't be around to lift the title, I like to have it be a Brit or an Aussie. Why? I don't know. Why do the Spanish and the Italians think they should be in charge of GP? Just the way it is in the world of motorcycles. I really want for Rea and Crutchlow to develop, but considering all of the preseason hype, the beginning of 2010 cannot be helping their confidence.
I can definitely understand where you're coming from. There was a lot of hype and a lot of promise. But I think you've hit the reasoning for the disappointment bang on. Ten Kate Honda and Yamaha Italia haven't been giving Rea, Crutchlow and Toseland a bike capable of winning races. They aren't far off, but each of the three riders have had some sort of technical or setup difficulties thus far. I think it's only a matter of time before those three can join Haslam at the front regularly.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geonerd @ Mar 28 2010, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hope I'm wrong, but I'm starting to suspect that Haga is a spent force.

Good to see some decent laps from JT. His head needs all the help it can get.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kropotkin @ Mar 28 2010, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Stick a fork in him. He's done.


He'll go down in history as one of WSBK's legends, but he'll never win a championship.

I think if he doesn't do the double at Valencia then I will agree. I still think he has a titile in him and I suspect that he is going to come out firing at Valencia. He's only 40 points back on a long season and he has yet to ride his favorite tracks. My fork is still in my hand but the steak is still on the BBQ.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Mar 29 2010, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Was it me or did attendance seem really low for this race, not too many people in the stands.

The place is made for 750,000 people. You pack 100k in there and it will still look barren. Also, I guess that spectators prefer to sit in the grand stand on the straight. Which is nothing but stands.


I think people have pretty much summed up the weekend. I think most notable was Camier. He was the fastest man on the track at the end of the races, if he can qualify better and get better starts, I think he is going to be a threat in some races.

Haga still brougth it in the race even though he looked sluggish all weekend.

Fabrizio didn't do squat before or during the race. He didn't even show up.

Don't forget about Roger Lee, he improved this weekend, maybe by the end of the season...

Rea looked pissed all raceday, but one thing of notice is that he rode within his limits. Where last season he would lose it mentaly and ride completely out of control sometimes. All in all I see maturity but a porr weekend in the end.

Biaggi, RSV4 Okay okay, congradulation, what do you want from me. I still think the bike doesn't belong.

Haslem is completely on a high note. Let's see how he does when things get tough and don't go his way. Can he bounce back? I think he is going to be there in the end. Good smart races from him.

Toseland, despite the results, impressed me this weekend. He had a horrible qualifying, but put together 2 good races. He needs to be proud of his race effort and hopefully he can regain some confidence. Heal up, and lets see you at the front.

Can't wait for Valencia. Last year Haga ran away with em. If he's done we'll know for sure after Valencia.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kropotkin @ Mar 29 2010, 04:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ducati's biggest mistake was keeping both Haga and Fabrizio. Haga hasn't got a title in him, and Fabrizio's not smart enough to be a champion. He'll win a few and then do something bone-headed, like he always does. He'll be in at BMW replacing Xaus next season, which won't change his fate one iota.

No doubt. Haga looks defeated. Fabrizio looks as inconsistent and mentally unstable as ever.

Who do they go hire if both need to be replaced for 2011.

No doubt the factory would love to have Hayden ride an 1198 but I doubt he'll go no matter how much money they offer him. Other than Hayden, who do they go after?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 28 2010, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Unless i heard the commentator wrong, he said they were running the chain set up till it was resolved.
Right, that would explain a great deal. I see, so it is their intention to run the gear driven cam train if approved. Thanks for that Pov. I was under the misapprehension that they were running the race kit at PI and last weekend, which would be hard to redress if the ruling goes against them.

Jeez, that bikes already blowing away its competition in a straight line. Perhaps it's the Alitalia paint job that makes it fly.