MotoGP 2015 News & Chat

frostie500

Yeah, not much chance of JR going to MotoGP unfortunately. He's definitely got the talent but not had the chance. I think that if he had won titles before today there would have been a chance that he'd take a lesser offer to test himself in GP but now that he's 28 he might be willing to remain in WSBK and rack up a load of titles. Either way it's going to be great to see him winning races and titles in WSBK over the next couple of years.

CJhaughey wrote: »

I am very curious as to what happened over the summer break, did they do nothing or did the other manufacturers do plenty of development work?
Ducati seem to have come good in the later half of this year and Yamaha will be back with possibly two teams next year and that R1 has had some trick stuff added to it this season.
I think the R1 will be the bike to beat next season..
I should place a bet....

The Ducati was always strong this year but the tracks in the second half of the year have suited it. In addition to that they did bring in some major upgrades through the summer and Chaz has been riding really well. It sets up nicely for next year.

The future of Yamaha should be sorted out this week and then we'll know the riders and teams for them but I think that there's only going to be one Yamaha squad next year. Who were you thinking of CJ? The R1 is going to be very strong next year

CJhaughey

Yamaha have to start from scratch in WSBK again, so either develop a squad from scratch or persuade a team currently racing in WSBK/BSB to go with their machine.

It would be easiest to run with a team that is running a relatively uncompetititive machine like Honda or Suzuki which are both old designs and not really as good as the Yamaha, Ducati or Kawasaki.
So, in WSBK you have Crescent Suzuki which have struggled all season.
and have experience in GP racing.

Then you have Ten Kate Honda.
Of those two which are both lifelong brand supporters, Crescent is more likely to jump ship then Ten Kate in my opinion.

Then in BSB you have SMR that has lots of experience with Yamaha, and have developed the new R1 quite a lot this season.

So if you take those teams and the fact that they may be able to get their existing riders to ride on more competitive machinery next season.
You have:

Crescent
Randy DePuniet unlikely due to age and poor results this season.
Alex Lowes more likely to stay.
Sylvain Guintoli possibly, although he is getting on as well.

Ten Kate
Unlikely to move and Van de Mark isn't going anywhere, Dutch team and rider.

SMR
Josh Brookes if his results this year count for anything would be a good pick with SMR.
Broc Parkes seemes to have found a niche in the EWC and may stay there.

Possibles.
Marco Melandri is a possibility but how motivated is he?

Interesting times in Yamaland for sure.

frostie500

CJhaughey wrote: »

Yamaha have to start from scratch in WSBK again, so either develop a squad from scratch or persuade a team currently racing in WSBK/BSB to go with their machine.

It would be easiest to run with a team that is running a relatively uncompetititive machine like Honda or Suzuki which are both old designs and not really as good as the Yamaha, Ducati or Kawasaki.
So, in WSBK you have Crescent Suzuki which have struggled all season.
and have experience in GP racing.

Then you have Ten Kate Honda.
Of those two which are both lifelong brand supporters, Crescent is more likely to jump ship then Ten Kate in my opinion.

Then in BSB you have SMR that has lots of experience with Yamaha, and have developed the new R1 quite a lot this season.

So if you take those teams and the fact that they may be able to get their existing riders to ride on more competitive machinery next season.
You have:

Crescent
Randy DePuniet unlikely due to age and poor results this season.
Alex Lowes more likely to stay.
Sylvain Guintoli possibly, although he is getting on as well.

Ten Kate
Unlikely to move and Van de Mark isn't going anywhere, Dutch team and rider.

SMR
Josh Brookes if his results this year count for anything would be a good pick with SMR.
Broc Parkes seemes to have found a niche in the EWC and may stay there.

Possibles.
Marco Melandri is a possibility but how motivated is he?

Interesting times in Yamaland for sure.

Check out Wednesday's MCN for a bit of news on the Yamaha situation next year
Ten Kate has resigned with Honda and should be confirmed soon. They'll keep VDM but not sure who'll join him there. I think that there'll only be one Yamaha team next year (at least as a factory supported team)

CJhaughey

frostie500 wrote: »

Check out Wednesday's MCN for a bit of news on the Yamaha situation next year
Ten Kate has resigned with Honda and should be confirmed soon. They'll keep VDM but not sure who'll join him there. I think that there'll only be one Yamaha team next year (at least as a factory supported team)

OK my guess Crescent as Factory Yamaha team and possibly SMR as a satellite Yamaha team in order to give more feedback for development.
I think the R1 will give a good account of itself around the TT this year as well.
Ten Kate bleed Honda Red, they'll never move to another brand.

frostie500

CJhaughey wrote: »

OK my guess Crescent as Factory Yamaha team and possibly SMR as a satellite Yamaha team in order to give more feedback for development.
I think the R1 will give a good account of itself around the TT this year as well.

I'd say you're half right for sure! William is going to be riding the R1 next year at the TT so clearly he's not afraid of what Michael had to deal with this year. Although William won't be with Sean Muir, I'm presuming it's with Martrain

CJhaughey

frostie500 wrote: »

I'd say you're half right for sure! William is going to be riding the R1 next year at the TT so clearly he's not afraid of what Michael had to deal with this year. Although William won't be with Sean Muir, I'm presuming it's with Martrain

I guess roads are a different story to short track but I can't help thinking MD would have been a lot better off staying and developing the bike for the TT.
Brookes is reaping the benefits from his development in BSB and I am sure a lot of Data went from Milwaukee Yamaha to the Factory to help the Suzuka 8hr effort and they are probably getting a lot back now from the factory after their win.
WD might have the bike this season.

frostie500

CJhaughey wrote: »

I guess roads are a different story to short track but I can't help thinking MD would have been a lot better off staying and developing the bike for the TT.
Brookes is reaping the benefits from his development in BSB and I am sure a lot of Data went from Milwaukee Yamaha to the Factory to help the Suzuka 8hr effort and they are probably getting a lot back now from the factory after their win.
WD might have the bike this season.

The one thing about the MD situation was that the roads demand that you feel completely comfortable and have trust in the crew. Not saying against SMR but everythng that's been said and that's come out about the situation showed they didnt fulfill promises made to Dunlop about the spec and Japanese support. It's a shame because we all exepected that he'd be mega on that bike. With a year of development it should be quick but the roads (and the success of the fireblade) shows that it's not all about outright speed it's about a comfortable and confidence inspiring bike that makes the difference

CJhaughey

frostie500 wrote: »

The one thing about the MD situation was that the roads demand that you feel completely comfortable and have trust in the crew. Not saying against SMR but everythng that's been said and that's come out about the situation showed they didnt fulfill promises made to Dunlop about the spec and Japanese support. It's a shame because we all exepected that he'd be mega on that bike. With a year of development it should be quick but the roads (and the success of the fireblade) shows that it's not all about outright speed it's about a comfortable and confidence inspiring bike that makes the difference

I didn't get much into the whole affair, I saw MD on TV and thought WOW he isn't pulling any punches.

I did feel it was a shame though, maybe the factory just didn't have the stuff ready for that early in the season. But you know that Japanese factories don't like their dirty laundry made public and it must have hurt Yamaha to have the bike dropped like that, Face is very important to the Japanese, maybe not to the same degree as in GP but they still watch the TT very carefully.

DaveD

Aragon this weekend. Looking forward to it. Let's hope for a decent Rossi result. Lorenzo took the victory last year ahead of A.Espargaro & Crutchlow. Rain arrived mid race which saw both Honda's crash out. Rossi had a DNF too with an early off.

For anyone that doesn't know, MotoGP.com have a reduction on their videopass, €40 for the remainder of the season. Link

Pugzilla

That damn midget

pablo128

Pugzilla wrote: »

That damn midget

Ha ha, I was cursing the little bollix myself. The one time he has a good race......

Fiskar

Those poor decisions by/for Rossi at San Marino will come back to haunt him if he does not win the championship this season.

pablo128

Fiskar wrote: »

Those poor decisions by/for Rossi at San Marino will come back to haunt him if he does not win the championship this season.

......and by the same token, the decision by Lorenzo to go into that corner at that speed resulting in a crash at San Marino could haunt him too if he doesn't win the championship.

The world is full of 'what ifs'.

Pugzilla

Unfortunately I think Lorenzo will win the championship provided it doesn't rain in any more races.

h3000

Lorenzo is going to be hard to stop now. I think Rossi's best chances now are Phillip Island and maybe Maylasia. One thing I could see happening is Marquez taking Lorenzo out in a race. Marquez is going to do absolutely everything he can to get a win or two before the end of the season and in that mindset he often races very hard and although maybe an unpopular opinion, dangerous. Let's hope it's decided without any drama though.

pablo128

h3000 wrote: »

Lorenzo is going to be hard to stop now. I think Rossi's best chances now are Phillip Island and maybe Maylasia. One thing I could see happening is Marquez taking Lorenzo out in a race. Marquez is going to do absolutely everything he can to get a win or two before the end of the season and in that mindset he often races very hard and although maybe an unpopular opinion, dangerous. Let's hope it's decided without any drama though.

He looks like he's trying too hard alright. He could still win races though.

For all the disappointment of Rossi dropping points today to Lorenzo, I think it's only his second podium ever at this track, coming off the back of a bad crash here last year. I think he did as well as could be expected, and in the end was just pipped to third. Not an easy track for him even having tested there this year.

Infoanon

Loris Baz confirmed at Avintia Ducati next season.

EB_2013

Infoanon wrote: »

Loris Baz confirmed at Avintia Ducati next season.

Are Forward pulling out altogether after this season? Loris deserves a better ride than that. He's been impressive this season.

h3000

EB_2013 wrote: »

Are Forward pulling out altogether after this season? Loris deserves a better ride than that. He's been impressive this season.

They're pulling out of MotoGP I believe but will be in Moto2

EB_2013

h3000 wrote: »

They're pulling out of MotoGP I believe but will be in Moto2

Thanks

They were a decent package with Yamaha but I guess with all the financial problems they couldn't afford to stay in MotoGP.

h3000

Marquez has broken his hand as a result of a bicycle fall. He will travel to Japan and have further checks.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/30/marc-marquez-breaks-hand-while-training/185984

Frank Bullitt

Jesus, not a great season for Marquez at all.

If he is absent I am not sure if it would benefit Rossi or Lorenzo more.

Fabio

I['d say it would benefit Lorenzo more as he's the only one with the raw pace to keep with him when Lorenzo is having a good day.

h3000

Lorenzo has injured himself now but insists he will be fine for Motegi

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223822/1/lorenzo-i-will-race-without-problems.html

Pugzilla

Mind games

h3000

Nicky Hayden is off to World Superbikes.

https://www.facebook.com/MotoGP/videos/10153899835800769/

CJhaughey

h3000 wrote: »

Nicky Hayden is off to World Superbikes.

https://www.facebook.com/MotoGP/videos/10153899835800769/

Poor bastard, there is only one bike that is as dated as the Honda and thats the GSXR, how the hell will he be able to compete with the Aprilia , Yamaha and the Kawasaki?
There is rumour of a new GSXR midseason but it can't have been good enough to get Crescent to stay instead of going to Yamaha.
What is he going to do give feedback to VDM? I can't see him beating him in outright pace and his wrist is fubar.

Hotblack Desiato

Just retire Nicky, the money isn't worth the embarrassment for an ex-world champion

Infoanon

Tito Rabat has withdrawn from Sundays race making Johann Zarco Moto 2 world champion.

CJhaughey

Infoanon wrote: »

Tito Rabat has withdrawn from Sundays race making Johann Zarco Moto 2 world champion.

Not many riders can say that they have won in Free Practice!

Pugzilla

pretty crap way to win a championship

CJhaughey

Pugzilla wrote: »

pretty crap way to win a championship

You are doing Zarco a disservice, sure every rider would like to win the last lap of a tied season but he has been far superior to Rabat all season.
6 wins 5 second places and 1 third
Rabat had 2 wins 4 seconds and a third so he wasn't really that close to Zarco.
mathematically he could have won but in reality Zarco was much better this season.

h3000

CJhaughey wrote: »

You are doing Zarco a disservice, sure every rider would like to win the last lap of a tied season but he has been far superior to Rabat all season.
6 wins 5 second places and 1 third
Rabat had 2 wins 4 seconds and a third so he wasn't really that close to Zarco.
mathematically he could have won but in reality Zarco was much better this season.

+1

It's been Zarco's championship for a long time now.

Pugzilla

i think Zarco would have preferred to have won it on raceday

CJhaughey

Pugzilla wrote: »

i think Zarco would have preferred to have won it on raceday

I am sure he would, but the win bonus will make him happy as well.
You can only race what is on the track, these things happen.
Schwantz and Rainey was another example in 1993.

Pugzilla

Will he make the move to Moto GP now?

CJhaughey

Pugzilla wrote: »

Will he make the move to Moto GP now?

No he is staying in Moto2 next year, he said he wasn't ready to move up to the next class.

h3000

De Angelis had a nasty off in FP4 this morning. Let's hope he will be okay. Statement from the team seems more positive than the pics this morning suggested.

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/223983/1/alex-de-angelis-accident-update.html

pablo128

h3000 wrote: »

De Angelis had a nasty off in FP4 this morning. Let's hope he will be okay. Statement from the team seems more positive than the pics this morning suggested.

http://m.crash.net/motogp/news/223983/1/alex-de-angelis-accident-update.html

5 broken vertebrae is bad in anyones book. Plus a good few broken ribs. He'll be a while getting over that. Hopefully he makes a complete recovery from it.

h3000

pablo128 wrote: »

5 broken vertebrae is bad in anyones book. Plus a good few broken ribs. He'll be a while getting over that. Hopefully he makes a complete recovery from it.

Of course it's bad but the immediate aftermath looks even worse. Rossi who seems to have seen it said it was a very nasty crash. Hopefully Alex will make a full recovery and get back out on the bike.

Arne_Saknussem

Very tasty qualifying session, sets it up beautifully for the race.

Hopefully the rain stays away, looking unlikely though.

Pugzilla

Arne_Saknussem wrote: »

Very tasty qualifying session, sets it up beautifully for the race.

Hopefully the rain stays away, looking unlikely though.

Why would you want that?
Rossi should do better in the rain.

Arne_Saknussem

Rossi seems to have the pace.

I'd like to see a dry shootout between the 2 Yamaha's, we've not seen one all season.

Pugzilla

I just want Rossi to win the championship, don't care how he manages it.

Arne_Saknussem

I'd like to see him win it too, but i also like to see some epic racing.

Like Rossi's battle with Dani in Aragon.

pablo128

Pugzilla wrote: »

I just want Rossi to win the championship, don't care how he manages it.

Me too, but let's not forget that Rossi hadn't won a wet race in a long time before Silverstone, even though I think he would do better in the wet than Lorenzo.

Arne has a good point. It looks like they are evenly matched in lap times, going by qualifying. A dry race would be interesting.

pablo128

Well it's pissing down in Motegi. Moto3 warm up has been delayed for 45 minutes so far due to the conditions.

DaveD

Halfway through the race would never have seen that result coming!

h3000

I have to say I'm absolutely delighted for

Pedrosa's

win even though I reall wanted

Rossi to take it.

Fiskar

Fingers crossed thats enough to keep Rossi on the tail of Lorenzo and take the championship. 5 points each race or maybe a win will seal it for sure.