That Gobert, he was a wily one when he was "on."
I wonder what he is doing nowadays??
And yes, GO NICKY!
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
I was going bonkers on last lap. Then went ballistic. I knew Guiliano was going to get that spot or crash trying. I knew it going into last lap. That Italian is by far the most aggressive rider, maybe only matched by Jrea. But ..... Would have been nice to see an American flag on the podium and for Nicky on his debut event. I don't think there will be too many opportunities I'm afraid.
Question : does Nicky qualify for Rookie status? Could he get "Rookie of the Year"? Haha
Joined Apr 2015
6K Posts | 5K+
NJ
Not really.
He had a podium position there, and he left the door wide open at the end.
I don't want to hear about him "learning the bike". He's a ....... MotoGP world champion. That's a ........ excuse. In fact, starting a Phillip Island was the best place to start since he raced there in just October. If anything, this was the race weekend to really be comfortable with everything. And it's more inexplicable that knowing the overtaking opportunities of the circuit, that he couldn't cover.
Instead he wasted all that time in 7th and then 6th place.
van Der Mark is going to outride him for the entire season, trust me on that. He rode an incredible race, was disappointing the bike just didn't have enough to get him to the end in P1.
Joined Apr 2015
6K Posts | 5K+
NJ
Problem is the weakness of the CBR1000RR is only going to become more apparent as the season goes on. Phillip Island is the great equalizer out of all of the circuits on this planet.
I really hope Honda is actually working on a new CBR1000RR.
Joined Oct 2015
2K Posts | 827+
Texas
I didn't see Nicky leave the door wide open, I saw Davide force his way through like he always does. Davide doesn't decide to pass then change his mind if the rider in front closes the door... he WILL make contact. You saw him hit Sykes right?
Nicky made a big improvement from race 1 to race 2. Give the guy some time to adapt, gain confidence, and get comfortable.
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Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
I agree, Nicky shouldn't have lost that spot.
Did you watch race 1? The reason Nicky was probably tentative is because the front tire took a dump mid race while he was in lead group. Actually both Honda riders experienced serious front tire drops. So he was in absolute conservation mode. First ever race on Pirellis and it showed. Nicky has never been kind to tires. I'm not sure if you heard commentator mention several times that by lap 17 it would be a real test if tires didnt drop for both Hondas, particularly Nicky.
Also, he's never raced with these group of guys, he mentioned this in pre press. Meaning he didn't know their tendencies. This is important. Guiliano has crashed often trying for position, I'd say he's actually known for it, meaning he's super aggressive. Nicky may just put that in his mental bank. Agree though, at that late in the lap, you got to guard the position at all cost. He lost this one, no doubt.
I don't doubt VDM will out ride him, but Mark was on this machine all last year, so Nicky a couple positions behind isn't bad on debut. But still not good enough. However, VDM is probably the class of the field if not very close to it. For him (VDM) to take the relic CBR and compete with Kwaker & Penisgalli is saying something.
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Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
Honda proddy was the ultimate sham, I doubt it. I have zero trust in Honda. None.
What happened to Sykes? Tires?
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
Yup, that is typical of Davide Guiliano. That pass is a highlight reel for him. Thing is he usually doesn't pull it off. Seriously, who has crashed more than Guiliano on a factory Duc? Fabrizio? Ruben Xaus?
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Joined Oct 2015
2K Posts | 827+
Texas
Sykes seemed to lose his rhythm or confidence after Davide hit him. But perhaps he had tire issues as well. Starting races strong only to fall out of podium contention by the second half has become the norm for Sykes.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
It used to be the norm in the early days of Kawasaki until they switched from Mitsubishi electronics to Marelli, then he was on it. Last year I think he was stunned with JReas success, never recovered. But he had the pace at PI. Agree, Guiliano did what he does. Lucky not to take them both out. But Sykes will be very unhappy. Hopefully he doesn't get back into last year's funk.
Joined Oct 2008
6K Posts | 5K+
In Cider
Thanks man. Races were on in the middle of the night here so didn't get to see them live.
Valentino Rossi :giggle:
That pic is from race 1
There is discussion in the place I found it about the poor condition of NH's front tyre at the end of race 1 and mention of a picture of the tyre - if I see it I will post it (and any others of the dude)
Xaus must have the record. Selling parts to that guy is a job you can retire form in your early 30's.
I wanted Nicky to podium but I really like Guiliano. I like his style and he did what he needed to do. Unfortunately, I don't think the Honda will look at all as sharp in the months to come. Nicky will be fine however. A season of low expectations before receiving a revised machine is just fine.
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