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Post by René on Jul 31, 2019 11:39:21 GMT
The second half of the season is about to begin on the classic Brno circuit. Is there anyone who can disturb Marc Marquez's superiority? It doesn't seem very likely now but anything can happen. One of the highlights of the first half of the season must be the results of rookie Fabio Quartararo. Can he go for a third podium in a row? Bring it on! Agostini and Hailwood in 1967  |
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Post by charleselan on Jul 31, 2019 16:56:19 GMT
That must be the old Brno road circuit, a fearsome place by any standard. Beautiful photo of two of the greatest riders of all time, S.M.B. Hailwood being the greatest of all, the Jimmy Clark of motorcycle road racing.
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Post by chrisb on Jul 31, 2019 20:44:27 GMT
that is yet another brilliant photo Rene, el maestro and the younger apprentice what two racing gods,
I have plumbed for Maverick, the Yamaha seems to be working and his head is in a good place, although I suspect Rossi will be trying as hard as ever, and the young apprentice may well continue his good form,
I am not convinced either championship [F1 and MotoGP] are as forgone conclusions as they appear to be , although Marquez is riding brilliantly a couple of poor results and the scene changes and so does Marquez's head, and with Silverstone heralding the return of Lorenzo with a point or twenty to prove - I do think Ducati missed a serious trick by letting him go, I am not a great fan of his but I hold Lorenzo in the highest of esteem, he is good, not sure the Ducati's will do anything now, but the news is that the KTM is more Zarco friendly and that would be interesting- because fundementally I believe him quicker than his team-mate
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Post by chrisb on Aug 5, 2019 4:49:35 GMT
what a fantastic qualifying, in all three categories, so brilliant to see Zarco on the front row, Sam on Moto2 and Jake in the top 6 and John in M3 on the front row, could anyone take it to Marquez, could they hexx,
what a great circuit, really must go sometime, but the race with its trials and tribulations wasn't exactly exciting - oh well bring on Austria
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Post by chrisb on Aug 7, 2019 4:56:48 GMT
is MotoGP on a downward spiral? has the dominance of one rider and the sycophantic adulation killed off the interest?
JC is quite right that Ducati made a serious mistake in letting Lorenzo go, there are very few riders who can 'take it to' Marquez, Lorenzo was one and there is no doubt that in my mind he would be vying for the championship this year, if they had any sense they would hijack the Honda deal and get him back, even running 3 bikes next year, the problem is I like Dovi and year before last he did take it to the Honda's and I am not a great lover of Jorge, but if there were divisions in riders abilities Lorenzo is definitely Div 1 but would Dovi be?
Yamaha, oh Yamaha, with the mercurial maverick and the ageing Rossi who is still capable of winning and the wonderful rookies Quat and Morbid and oh for Zarco to be back on a Yamaha, and Suzy - is Rins that good or do they need a new lead rider? was it a mistake letting the Italian stallion go to quagmire Aprilla, probably, one thing for certain he would be a lot more aggressive, I was supportive of KTM until this year, mainly because of being a Zarco fan and how he is fairing, I am not a lover of the manhandling style riders like Pol or Marquez, but prefer the more classic style of Zarco and Rins, and the fact that one of the most talented riders on the grid is languishing is a travesty - please Yam or if rumours prove true and Suzy has a satellite team sign him!
There are many concerns for me in MotoGP+ 2/3 I fear this is going in the wrong direction with aerodynamics and we all know what happens then, poor rider selections and for me as a Northern European I am really pleased with the two French riders and support them but the lack of Brits on the grids is having a really detrimental effect on my interests, we could face only having 1 British rider in all 3 categories next year and the Italian / Spanish rollercoaster destroying national interest elsewhere. We learn that Sam has lost his ride for next year, Dixon is unlikely to be there, Amos-whatever is wherever and wee McPhee is looking unlikely to be in Moto2 next year, which leaves an ageing Carl and that is it, will I renew? not sure -
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Post by charleselan on Aug 7, 2019 13:01:01 GMT
That's a great post Chris, absolutely on point all through.
I fear that sometimes I may be getting xenophobic with regard to my feelings about the current state of MotoGP and would hate to come across as such. However there are real problems with that series and it is down to what I perceive to be DORNA and the whole atmosphere in the paddock.
If as you say there will only be Crutchlow left in the paddock next year then that is bad for the UK, and even more so for the whole darn thing, but I doubt that Espaloto (or whatever his name is) will be unable to comprehend that. The complete dominance of Spanish and Italian competitors in all classes is not a good thing at all, and reflects badly on the championing of other nationalities.
The dominance of Marquez in MotoGP is not good. With Lorenzo out of action and at loggerheads with the Honda and its characteristics there is no chance. I agree it was stupid of Ducati to have behaved the way they did , anyone with a brain could see he was coming to terms with the bike and making it ridable. I actually like the guy even though he apparently is quirky, although in recent interviews he come across as not only very intelligent but thoughtful and not beyond self criticism. As a rider he is outstanding and has a traditional style that is glorious to watch, just like Johan Zarco who has really been destroyed by KTM, both by the awful machine and top manager who is a disgrace (not Pit Bairer who is a great chap).
For me Yamaha should have Lorenzo and Zarco on their factory bikes right now, but sadly the management lacked real foresight. Rossi is past his best and really should bow out, and Maverick although very quick when everything is right is just too fragile and often all at sea. He would be better off back at Suzuki and I bet he regrets his decision to leave. I like Alex Rins and think he is doing a good job on a very good bike from a small manufacturer who is punching well above its weight, a lovely looking and handling machine too.
For me the biggest issues in MotoGP on the technical side are the Michelin tyres and the electronics. The tyres are lacking the feel of the old Bridgestones and a lot of riders struggle with them, plus their longevity is another issue. The electronics are another problem as they are a dark art in many respects; if a team have the right guy working on them and that translates to the rider then all is fine, just look at Marquez and Honda. Yamaha's big issue is with electronics.
Scott hated the darn things and they destroyed his career in GP, all because he did not have what many of the top guys have and that is a dedicated team around them. In BSB he has that now and look at the results. Going back in time when Troy Bayliss made that one off comeback to MotoGP in Valencia on the factory Desmo he brought his complete WSBK team with him and he blew the doors off everyone. For me one of the most memorable MotoGP moments ever.
I have no surprise in hearing that Sam Lowes is loosing his ride next season, he maybe fast at times but crashing every weekend is unacceptable, no matter how much a favourite he is with the BT Sport commentary team. His twin brother settled down well in WSBK and is riding well these days, Sam needs to do the same. Jake Dixon is a talented lad but he has serious issues with his bike in Moto2, it apparently lacks top speed and has no traction out of corners, goodness knows what the issue is there. Jake will no doubt be back in BSB next year and probably on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki, unless AirForce Reserves run two bikes. Personally I think he should have stayed in BSB but ambition is always a factor even if the sums maybe do not add up.
Crutchlow being the only UK rider in the paddock is a bad sign but at least it will give Heuwen and Co someone to constantly big up until he dumps the bike at some stage or other. Germany is in the same predicament, they had two very good lads in Jonus Folger and Stefan Bradl but for differing reasons they are no longer in the series. Then we have the USA, where are all their stars. Young Joe Roberts has talent but he isn't strongly supported.
Yes! The series is on a downward spiral and going the ay of F1 in so many respects.
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Post by Carl on Aug 7, 2019 16:02:51 GMT
...which leaves an ageing Carl and that is it, will I renew? not sure - "Hope I die before I get old" - Pete Townsend
"In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us." - Josh Billings
"Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old bikes to ride"
-Francis Bacon (with apologies)
Chris,
Your faith will be renewed when, after a good nap, I stand on the top step of the podium... 
Cheers, Carl  |
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Post by chrisb on Aug 7, 2019 19:55:25 GMT
my thanks for your kind comments JC, like any true champion Scott would enjoy a battle with a bike, not its electronics. It was the same with Senna and the end of the glory days in Indycars, when he tried out the Penske, a real racing car he said, I can imagine Scott sharing that sentiment, and he must be rejuvenated on the Ducati, although I still suspect he will be in WSB next year, another series in doldrums thanks to Dorna,
it was only a few years ago we had that ridiculous two championships in one, as MotoGP imploded, sorry we are seeing that again, and aeros and electronics are leading the way, I do think you are quite right JC, Dixon will be back at the BSB, which is drawing sell-out crowds - which reminds me I must order my tickets for Donny in October, and probably be on the Kwaker, Dorna are not stupid and you would think they are aware of the international interest in BSB and the astonishing following and wonder why WSB isn't drawing the same interest, despite the early part with Bautista and why the UK interest and I do think you are an excellent barometer with Jamie of the dwindling interest in MotoGP in the UK,
One likes to see a winner and I have never had a problem with a driver dominating a season - but season after season makes you question is he that good? must be, I like the Maverick because he is, but would rather see Zarco there and Mav back on a Suzy and feel he would be much more of a championship contender, but the Duke, poor and this coming weekend will really be the ball-breaker if they implode in Austria - we will know for certain they blew it
Carl,
too old to rock 'n' roll to young to die" Jethro Tull 1975, I love rock n roll,
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Post by Carl on Aug 7, 2019 21:21:52 GMT
At first, like many, I thought Ian Anderson's name was Jethro Tull, actually an English agricultural pioneer now too old even to dance a minuet.
One of the greatest concerts I ever experienced was when Aqualung had been newly released. Half a century later it remains an album of timeless power and beauty.
Some time ago, a small group of American high school friends, one of whom discovered this decades old album and was blown away, wrote an effusive fan letter and were then fortunate to meet Ian Anderson. Rock and roll will never die!
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Post by charleselan on Aug 8, 2019 11:24:45 GMT
Reading some of the news sites last evening it would appear that Sam Lowes is parting company from his current team Gresini at the end of 2019, but will remain in Moto2 for 2020. He is being tight lipped about the future but it is believed that he will join MarcVDS, obviously Mr Van der Straaten has faith. The other news is that the younger Marquez is being approached by the Petronas Moto2 Team to ride for them in 2020, and then move up to MotoGP with their satellite Yamaha squad. So does that mean that 2020 will be Rossi's last season on the factory Yamaha M1, leaving the way open for Quatararo to move up, or is Maverick going to move on. Part of me is amazed at all of the current hype surrounding the younger Marquez, based upon his current good run. Let us look a little deeper; how many years has he been in Moto2, not an overnight sensation. What a shame that some other riders have not experienced this level of support and encouragement over resent years. On the BT Sport coverage over the weekend there was a lot of chatter about Jorge Lorenzo possibly returning to Ducati, no smoke without fire . Also Tito Rabat had been confirmed at Avintia for 2020 and on a full factory supported machine. Currently they run Ducati machines but this manufacturer do not even run full factory support 100% for Pramac; does this mean that Avintia will run factory supported Suzuki bikes, would be good and maybe it could open the door for Johan Zarco putting him on a bike he should have been on two years ago. |
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