|
|
Post by René on Sept 20, 2018 15:36:07 GMT
The third Grand Prix in Spain so another home race for Márquez. But with three consecutive wins for Ducati it looks like the Italian team has the upper hand right now. Can they still challenge Marc Márquez for the championship or is it already too late? Unfortunately the MotoGP career for Scott Redding seems to be over after this season so let’s hope for a descent result for the 25 year old Englishman. Go Scott!  |
|
|
|
Post by robmarsh on Sept 21, 2018 6:52:21 GMT
I shall go for Dovi because he is on a Ducati and I like him
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 21, 2018 10:41:12 GMT
Great picture of Scott during his MarcVDS days. To elaborate a little about his current position, he appears to be done with MotoGP, acknowledging that at the tender age of 25 he is not likely to get the call to come back. I think that he is fed up with the politics in the MotoGP paddock, and now wishes to rekindle his motivation and desire for the sport in another arena.
As I have mentioned previously he has not been served well by the move to the Aprillia team, who to be brutally honest are not fit to be in the premier class with the parent companies lack of investment, and the teams woeful management of its riders. They discard riders like it is going out of fashion, ruining careers of not only Scott but Sam Loves; Stefan Bradle and Bautista, and you can probably attach Espargaro to that list as well.
There is also an unhealthy politic in the MotoGP organisation that to my mind favours the nationalities of two main countries. The Spanish DORNA organisation have done much for MotoGP that Ecclestone achieved for F1, but its over encouragement for its home country riders and also those from Italy is not entirely based upon talent or ability. Many have criticised Johnny Rae for not stepping across from WSBK to show what he can do in MotoGP; my answer to that is why the blazes should he dump a full factory WSB Kawasaki and huge income to be offered a second rate satellite MotoGP ride.
That especially when wet behind the ears youngsters without a win in Moto2 can get a full factory machine just because they are deemed to be the next great thing.
This is not to say that Scott has not been instrumental in his own position. He is basically a good lad with a huge talent but sadly his often quoted interviews leave a great deal to be desired with regard to the language he chooses to use. His management must take a great deal of responsibility for some of the decisions with regard to rides he has obtained, and its lack of professional guidance. The public perception of a sporting star is very important to many, and role model influence has a huge bearing, so bad language comes across badly and a good management team could have dealt with that.
I have no inside information but it would seem that Scott is headed to British Superbikes, more than likely with Paul Bird's Ducati team which will be an excellent move. Scott has finally realised that he is a professional motorcycle racer and with that in mind he has to make a career for himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 21, 2018 21:13:57 GMT
it was a pretty full on practice session today and what a circuit! wonderful,
I am afraid that MotoGP has become too Spanish dominated for too long, and for a championship that has provided British, Amercian champions next year will see a pretty awful picture in all three classes, no Americans again in MotoGP, that is a travesty and one I just don't really understand, when a country produces so many great champions for so long to have no one of any consequence since Spies, Edwards or the late great Niki no longer in this series is dreadful and a huge loss. I even think I heard that the American rider in Moto2 is without a ride next year. The British next year are up the creek, Bradley as a test rider and Carl - who isn't getting any younger.
Moto2 seems like Sam has got a good seat for next year but Danny looks like he will be somewhere else but where? Jake Dixon is supposed to have a seat in M2 next year and we will see. Moto3 has John McPhee with a good ride but again he is but one British rider in a premier series.
Scott, to me, has always been a bit of 'old school' aka Barry Sheene and other Brits from the 70's + 80's - heart on sleeve type personality who sees life in a large way, no wonder he has been my favourite since his victory at Donington so many years ago- sadly as you quite rightly say in these days or corporate control it isn't what is sought. I really think it is a travesty he isn't in MotoGP next year - he has so much talent and but for a few results, he could have been up there with Petrucci. I hope whatever seat he gets he starts winning and rebuilds faith in himself. I certainly won't lose faith in him.
The only country I think seems to have gotten it right is Italy, with Sky46 and Biaggi soon to appear on the grids with his team - they are actively promoting their countries riders, it is a crying shame neither the UK, USA, France or Germany do the same.
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 21, 2018 23:16:48 GMT
it was a pretty full on practice session today and what a circuit! wonderful, I am afraid that MotoGP has become too Spanish dominated for too long, and for a championship that has provided British, Amercian champions next year will see a pretty awful picture in all three classes, no Americans again in MotoGP, that is a travesty and one I just don't really understand, when a country produces so many great champions for so long to have no one of any consequence since Spies, Edwards or the late great Niki no longer in this series is dreadful and a huge loss. I even think I heard that the American rider in Moto2 is without a ride next year. The British next year are up the creek, Bradley as a test rider and Carl - who isn't getting any younger. Moto2 seems like Sam has got a good seat for next year but Danny looks like he will be somewhere else but where? Jake Dixon is supposed to have a seat in M2 next year and we will see. Moto3 has John McPhee with a good ride but again he is but one British rider in a premier series. Scott, to me, has always been a bit of 'old school' aka Barry Sheene and other Brits from the 70's + 80's - heart on sleeve type personality who sees life in a large way, no wonder he has been my favourite since his victory at Donington so many years ago- sadly as you quite rightly say in these days or corporate control it isn't what is sought. I really think it is a travesty he isn't in MotoGP next year - he has so much talent and but for a few results, he could have been up there with Petrucci. I hope whatever seat he gets he starts winning and rebuilds faith in himself. I certainly won't lose faith in him. The only country I think seems to have gotten it right is Italy, with Sky46 and Biaggi soon to appear on the grids with his team - they are actively promoting their countries riders, it is a crying shame neither the UK, USA, France or Germany do the same. Chris, An excellent analysis. As you said, there is no longer a healthy promotional structure for American riders to progress and learn. In the past, many riders came out of the American Motorcyclist Association when one-mile dirt tracks were popular and shared the spotlight with road course events, an excellent training combination. Sadly, the AMA has been sold to people with little knowledge or concern, and that structure for advancement is gone. The once fantastic American Super Bikes is a weak shadow of its past and may as well not exist except as a vanity series for rich amateurs.
I have only one correction: You should know that I am ageless. 
Cheers, Carl
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 22, 2018 11:51:12 GMT
Yes Chris, Aragon is a excellent circuit. The best ever memory of that place for me is the year that the amazing Troy Bayliss returned for a one off season ender on the factory Ducati, along with his WSBK crew, and blew the doors of Rossi & Co.
Regarding Scott, you are absolutely correct, he is too honest and open. My critique of his so called interviews that appear in print full of expletives is relative to the world of today. When the lad is interviewed on TV live he is exemplary, but these journo's appear to have the need to publish all the words when in print which do not reflect well, for all parties to be honest.
I am no saint myself, and to quote a character from a well known film (probably Western) that i cannot recall at this time, "I like a good curse".
If all the Hamilton supporters who think that he is hard done by with regard to online opinion, they should read the garbage Scott gets, it is utterly disgusting.
The first year he was teamed with Petrucci at Pramac was the lynch pin for what happened afterwards. He easily matched Petrucci, and to compete for the following season when there was only one current works spec bike available. They were very close on points, and in Austria Petrucci quite literally rammed him off the circuit on the last lap, for which the Italian was penalised by the officials. However it cost Scott the better bike for the following year, which was outrageous.
The situation regarding British and American riders in the MotoGP paddock is not good at all. There are differing scenarios for those two nations. In the States the situation has been clearly outlined by Carl, and is very sad as at one time there was a huge amount of talent knocking at the door. In the UK we have a lot of excellent riders, and some seriously promising younger riders, but as in the 80/90's it all seems geared towards Superbikes.
Jake Dixon is apparently going to Moto2 next year and he is very good indeed, but he needs to be in a top tier team. There is a big difference between good teams and average in that class. The same is true of Bradley Ray, big talent and potential. Who knows what is going on in Danny Kent's head, and where he is at! Sam Lowes spends far too much time on his backside for my liking, but has a huge amount of British media support; however if he ever wins the Moto2 title I will eat my hat!
Johnny Rae and Chas Davis in WSBK are class riders who would not disgrace a MotoGP field, but they are never going to be given a fair chance. Let us see how Chas compares to Bautista next year when on factory WSBK Ducati's, that will be a good indicator.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 23, 2018 8:50:18 GMT
Carl and John, many compliments to you my friends, especially as an ageing soul who defies numbers
Carl, did I hear that Wayne Rainey is trying to get some sort of programme to further American riders together?
It is not exactly a new thing, France did an excellent job in the 70's with the Elf programme, Britain tried with Racing for Britain, and for a time WSB was a much bigger deal than MotoGP and for some reason, British, Australians and Americans seem to find racing there 'easier' or rather accessing racing there easier. I did ask Mat Oxley once about why British riders were so successful in WSB and not MotoGP and bless him he did reply but I don't remember what he said.
For me, John, your comments about 'fed up with the politics' probably says so much and I had forgotten that travesty with Petrucci because I do think Scott was coming good then after all Scott is one of the few riders who could mix it with Marquez and wasn't overawed by him. I hope Scott finds a good ride next year and does get back to MotoGP I know it is a cliche but I have realised one must never say never and I am a firm believer in perseverance
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 12:37:03 GMT
Watching the fight for the lead:
I wanna a bike and go racing!! |
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 23, 2018 15:04:19 GMT
Carl and John, many compliments to you my friends, especially as an ageing soul who defies numbers
Carl, did I hear that Wayne Rainey is trying to get some sort of programme to further American riders together?
It is not exactly a new thing, France did an excellent job in the 70's with the Elf programme, Britain tried with Racing for Britain, and for a time WSB was a much bigger deal than MotoGP and for some reason, British, Australians and Americans seem to find racing there 'easier' or rather accessing racing there easier. I did ask Mat Oxley once about why British riders were so successful in WSB and not MotoGP and bless him he did reply but I don't remember what he said.
For me, John, your comments about 'fed up with the politics' probably says so much and I had forgotten that travesty with Petrucci because I do think Scott was coming good then after all Scott is one of the few riders who could mix it with Marquez and wasn't overawed by him. I hope Scott finds a good ride next year and does get back to MotoGP I know it is a cliche but I have realised one must never say never and I am a firm believer in perseverance
Chris, Also may i add that during the 70's and early 80's some of the big Japanese manufacturers teams were run from the UK; such as Heron Suzuki. That meant that the British riders had more "support" and were using very good English speaking crew, and could be what the Uk based riders need right now. Anyway good to see the announcement that Jake Dixon has picked up a top Moto2 team for next year; his manager has been working on that for over one year now. I also wonder if the use of Triumph motors next year has a bearing in some way or another. Danny Kent looked very downbeat on the grid when interviewed by Neil Hodgson, the lad is lost and needs his confidence being rebuilt. One final thing regarding Scott. I find it so difficult to comprehend how a guy can absolutely fly when he first tested the Ducati and then as soon as the seasons races began he seemed to struggle, something there does not gel. The same can be said about the fact that he is invariably half a second slower than Espargaro on the Aprillia, even taking into consideration that we know he doesn't have the same equipment. John |
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 23, 2018 15:27:22 GMT
A most enjoyable meeting from Aragon, on a really good MotoGP circuit.
I didn't see much of the Moto3 race, only the closing stages, however the Moto2 race was superb. As the BT commentary team mentioned it was a classy performance by a class rider with reference to the brilliant ride by South African Brad Binder on the factory KTM. Brad's second win of the season and he looks very good now he has finally shook off the lingering injuries which hampered his progress early season.
Brad must be a strong favourite for the Moto2 title next year on this kind of form; however the very fact that a guy like this has to remain in Moto2 when the likes of Mir & Quartaro move up to MotoGP without a hint of one victory in the class. Some people in the MotoGP paddock need to have a very close look at their decision making.
The MotoGP race had some stunning moments but for the majority of the race it was a tyre conservation peloton. Jorge Lorenzo's crash on the first corner was seriously scary and he was lucky yo only sustain a dislocated big toe. He will I am certain be feeling the effects for several days afterwards as that was a horrible landing, saved by the fantastic air bag technologylogy in race suits. One could actually see the suit inflate as Jorge flew through the air, amazing.
I don't often share the same view as BT's James Toseland but feel his post race comment about Dovi riding the completely wrong race strategy. Andrea knew Marc was on a soft rear tyre, and he was on a hard, so why the blazes ride conservatively allowing Marquez to conserve his tyre. As James quite animatedly stated Dovi should have nailed it from the start, and therefore make Marc use up the marginal soft tyre. Not a thinking mans ride.
Great result for Suzuki with third and fourth positions; maybe Vinales is now thinking that he should have stayed there.
|
|
|
|
Post by robmarsh on Sept 23, 2018 18:10:51 GMT
An enjoyable afternoon of Moto GP helped of course by a win for my country man. For once the Moto 3 race was the most decorous.
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 24, 2018 0:50:49 GMT
Carl and John, many compliments to you my friends, especially as an ageing soul who defies numbers
Carl, did I hear that Wayne Rainey is trying to get some sort of programme to further American riders together?
It is not exactly a new thing, France did an excellent job in the 70's with the Elf programme, Britain tried with Racing for Britain, and for a time WSB was a much bigger deal than MotoGP and for some reason, British, Australians and Americans seem to find racing there 'easier' or rather accessing racing there easier. I did ask Mat Oxley once about why British riders were so successful in WSB and not MotoGP and bless him he did reply but I don't remember what he said.
For me, John, your comments about 'fed up with the politics' probably says so much and I had forgotten that travesty with Petrucci because I do think Scott was coming good then after all Scott is one of the few riders who could mix it with Marquez and wasn't overawed by him. I hope Scott finds a good ride next year and does get back to MotoGP I know it is a cliche but I have realised one must never say never and I am a firm believer in perseverance
Chris, Yes, a production based series. Here is a short interview with the great rider in Cycle World magazine:
I hope he and his partners succeed in restoring American Superbike to its former glory.
Cheers, Carl
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Oct 3, 2018 21:07:19 GMT
well at least Scott has a decent ride for next year, hopefully, we can see if his talent can win the BSB championship and I look forward to seeing Scott on the Ducati, clear where he wants to go in 2 years time>
sadly Danny Kent has been sacked by his Moto2 team and is in talks for a BSB ride, 2 years after being offered a MotoGP ride, his is a story I struggle with, and when he won his WRC in 15 he was just so good to begin with and then it all went wrong towards the end and has been poor ever since
with a total of 4 Brits in all 3 levels that cannot be good for motorbike racing
|
|
