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Moto GP 2011
The season kicks off tomorrow with the opening round in Qatar. BBC2 6.30pm.
Stoner grabs pole first time out on the Honda, i think he is going to be the man to beat but i am really looking forward to seeing Rossi getting to grips with the Ducati.
Britains Cal Crutchlow is in 8th place on the grid, he was quite a handy football player before he decided to go to the bikes full time.
Make an effort Dave and thanks for the spoiler to(I was waiting to watch the qualifiers you selfish so and so).
If in doubt checkout how Leothered makes such motoring threads.
Rant over.
I don't wanna tickle, just wanna ride my moto-cicleOriginally Posted by Dave00
I don't wanna pickle, just wanna ride my motor-cicle.
And I don't wanna die, just wanna ride my motor -cycle.
Sorry Dave,
All of my long term friends in th UK are motorcycle mad, (some even in their sixties, still do speed trials).as was I until coming to Brazil. But I still follow the races as much as is is possible here.
I should be back in the UK soon, I want a new Ducati.
I would think it's between Casey and Rossi this year. Looking forward to it, also gives me yet another reason to e-mail my friends.
Make an effort Dave and thanks for the spoiler to(I was waiting to watch the qualifiers you selfish so and so).
If in doubt checkout how Leothered makes such motoring threads.
Rant over.
Sorry about the spoiler mate.
Not sure what you mean about making an effort my first post was merely intended to flag up the season kicking off and that was all.
Let's see if we can get this thread up and running after the race tomorrow as a place to discuss what is happening in the premier class of motorcycle racing on this planet.
I don't wanna tickle, just wanna ride my moto-cicle
I don't wanna pickle, just wanna ride my motor-cicle.
And I don't wanna die, just wanna ride my motor -cycle.
Sorry Dave,
All of my long term friends in th UK are motorcycle mad, (some even in their sixties, still do speed trials).as was I until coming to Brazil. But I still follow the races as much as is is possible here.
I should be back in the UK soon, I want a new Ducati.
I would think it's between Casey and Rossi this year. Looking forward to it, also gives me yet another reason to e-mail my friends.
I am in my 6th decade and spent all afternoon fettling my two wheeled pride and joy getting it ready for when spring arrives.
Discovered i may need a new battery though as the old one may have died on me, i think i forgot to put it on the charger last month.
Oh don't rule out Lorenzo that guy will not give up his title without a fight.
Dave at least make an effort to mention the venues and the teams running this year as it is special as this is the last time we will see 800cc bikes racing this year, and some team news wouldn't go a miss either Dave, if you love the sport then make an effort mate is what I say.I am in my 6th decade and spent all afternoon fettling my two wheeled pride and joy getting it ready for when spring arrives.
Discovered i may need a new battery though as the old one may have died on me, i think i forgot to put it on the charger last month.
Oh don't rule out Lorenzo that guy will not give up his title without a fight.
Flippin heck it's 2235 on a Saturday evening i'm not a motor sports journo and i'm on the guinness if you want a big build up go for it mate as i said all i was doing was flagging up it was kicking off tomorrow incase folks missed the start.
I promise to give detailed analysis of the races and my thoughts on the next round ok.
Great, thanks so I can't have a quiet night either, thanks mate, I've got to do your job you lazy so and so...Flippin heck it's 2235 on a Saturday evening i'm not a motor sports journo and i'm on the guinness if you want a big build up go for it mate as i said all i was doing was flagging up it was kicking off tomorrow incase folks missed the start.
I promise to give detailed analysis of the races and my thoughts on the next round ok.
I'll add to this thread(the imformation lacking) if it's ok with you Dave.
Flippin heck it's 2235 on a Saturday evening i'm not a motor sports journo and i'm on the guinness if you want a big build up go for it mate as i said all i was doing was flagging up it was kicking off tomorrow incase folks missed the start.
I promise to give detailed analysis of the races and my thoughts on the next round ok.
I wish I could get a pint of Guinness.
And calm down both of you,I'll get one of my friends in the UK to e-mail me all the details in the morning if you wish, bit late for tonight, they will probably all be on the beer as well.
Go for it mate, it's your thread every bit as much as it is mine i only started it.
Looking forward to talking bikes in here during the season, surely we can't get fights and wumming over bikes?
The commentary is so much better on Eurosport than the BBC, the commentators get into it much more on Eurosport they can make the race more exciting with their input, the BBC commentators are so boring.
I tend to watch the delayed coverage on Eurosport than the live race on BBC as they have the rights.
I agree mate i prefer the Eurosport commentary team, however i always find that i can't wait for the delayed Eurosport coverage of the Moto GP race. I watch the 125 and Moto2 races on Eurosport then can't resist switching to the Beeb for the live coverage of the Moto GP.
The Last season of the 800cc Championship before the revert to 1000cc engine bikes in the sport that is and will always be at the pinnacle of motor sport:
20 March Qatar, Losail
3 April Spain, Jerez
1 May Portugal, Estoril
15 May France, Le Mans
5 June Catalonia, Barcelona
12 June Great Britain, Silverstone
25 June Netherlands, Assen
3 July Italy, Mugello
17 July Germany, Sachsenring
24 July United States, Laguna Seca
14 August Czech Republic, Brno
28 August United States, Indianapolis
4 September San Marino, Misano
18 September Spain, Aragon
2 October Japan, Motegi
16 October Australia, Phillip Island
23 October Malaysia, Sepang
6 November Spain, Valencia
Some views from the main: Jorge Lorenzo begins the defence of his MotoGP crown this weekend when the 2011 season gets under way in Qatar.
BBC Sport will cover all 18 races as the Spaniard attempts to win back-to-back titles by fending off the likes of Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.
Here, the BBC team of presenter Matt Roberts, race commentator Steve Parrish and pit-lane reporter Azi Farni give their thoughts ahead of what is sure to be another exciting campaign.
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Q) Casey Stoner has predicted a wide open title fight, will it be?
Matt: I think Casey is being a little pragmatic in order to deflect attention following his dominance of the pre-season but I hope he is right. It will require a consistent and injury-free season from Dani Pedrosa and a miraculous recovery from Valentino Rossi, otherwise it could be a two-way gunfight between Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.
Steve: Casey's correct - and there could be more than just the four contenders from last year. I think injuries will play a big part in the championship and it will be a surprise if one of the big names does not miss the odd race. Falling off bikes going 200mph tends to hurt.
Azi: It should certainly be more open than last year! Lorenzo is the favourite and the one to beat but all four factory Hondas, including Marco Simoncelli, look good, while Lorenzo's team-mate Spies will have something to say. Rossi's Ducati transition certainly has not been smooth but you can never, ever underestimate The Doctor. It might end up being the same top four fighting at the end of the year but I expect the championship to go to the wire.
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Q) Who could surprise?
Matt: Simoncelli and Ben Spies should both be challenging for regular podiums and even wins this year, so I will go for Hiroshi Aoyama as a dark horse.
Aoyama - injuries dogged him in 2010
He had some bad injuries in 2010, his rookie year, but he beat Simoncelli to the 250cc title in 2009. Now they are team-mates.
Steve: Spies will be the man that steps up and he should be among the race winners, particularly on US soil. He has impressed me so much with his analytical approach to MotoGP. Having Lorenzo in the garage with him will only increase his determination.
Azi: It maybe wouldn't be a surprise to see Simoncelli on the podium this year given his pre-season testing form but I think he could be fighting for those top places, as could Alvaro Bautista, riding alone on what is now a Suzuki machine tailor-made for him.
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Q) How big an impact will Cal Crutchlow make in 2011?
Matt: Not very big. People have to understand how big a step Cal is taking. If he is scoring regular top-10 finishes by the end of this season, he will have done a decent job.
Click to play
Crutchlow ready for new challenge
Steve: Cal is under no illusions, he also has to methodically work away with his team to try to find the key to getting the best out of a MotoGP bike. So many British riders have struggled to do that in the past but Cal is a tough, determined character.
Azi: British fans need to be patient with Cal and understand that this is a learning year. With a second year already confirmed, he can ride a bit more relaxed this year and get on with the job at hand - learn the bike, the team and almost half of the circuits. It is not an easy switch from Superbikes to MotoGP.
As he gets more comfortable with the bike, we should see him fighting higher up the order. Next year, we go to 1000cc in the premier class, so that might be when Cal has more of an impact.
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Q) Which race are you most looking forward to?
Matt: As always, the first one! I can't wait to get out to Qatar under those lights and see who has got what. I also visited Silverstone the other day and the work they have done there is incredible. The British Grand Prix is another one I'm really excited about.
Steve: Silverstone. With the new pit complex open and the track established, it will be one of the best circuits in the world. I loved it last year and it will be even better in 2011.
Azi: I'm looking forward to Jerez and Mugello for the atmosphere. Seeing hundreds of thousands of spectators go mad when their favourite rider pulls an overtaking move can give you goose bumps. I also like Laguna. You never get tired of watching riders go down the Corkscrew. And Silverstone. I live in Spain but Silverstone is still my home GP.
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Q) Have we seen the best of Valentino Rossi?
Matt: Maybe. But even if we have seen the best of Rossi, that doesn't mean to say his current best is not enough to win more races, more titles and entertain us for a few more years to come.
Rossi - can he shine again?
Steve: I'm not brave enough to say as I have so much respect for him and his achievements but I believe 2011 will be the toughest challenge he has ever encountered. Like millions of others, I hope Rossi and Ducati do well.
Azi: Rossi finally showed that he was fallible last year. The competition has improved, too, so he is unlikely to ever win three or four straight championships again. But he is far from past his best.
What he is trying to achieve at Ducati is a lot harder than what he attempted with Yamaha in 2004 but he has the best development team out there in Jeremy Burgess and co. Rossi's fire and hunger is still as strong as ever - just look at the fight he gave against Lorenzo for third place in Motegi last year.
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Q) Finally, who do you expect to be crowned champion?
Matt: It's close but the expectation is on Lorenzo.
Steve: Stoner, but I tipped him last year.
Azi: Lorenzo or Stoner. If I have to choose one, then Stoner.
Well that is the first Moto GP race done and dusted, it was run on a circuit in the middle of Qatar so dust can be an issue for the riders.
Moto GP Losail circuit Qatar.
Qualifying threw us up a front row of Stoner and Pedrosa on the Repsol Hondas in 1st and 2nd places respectfully with Lorenzo on the works Yamaha in third. Valentino Rossi struggling from the after effects of the operation to mend his damaged shoulder was way off the pace back on the third row. Britains Cal Crutchlow put in a sterling performance in his debut outing on a Moto GP bike by putting his Monster Yamaha into 8th place.
The race itself got off to a predictable start with Pedrosa doing his usual rapid launch off the line and jumping into the lead. Things got a bit hectic behind him in the first corner with Valentino doing a kamakazi type lunge down the outside of several riders but he overcooked it and got shuffled down the pack. A first lap crash by De Puniet ultimately took out his team mate on the Pramac Ducati Loris Capirossi, although Loris didn't fall he clipped his hand on De Puniets cartwheeling bike and had to return to the pits injured.
Meanwhile up front Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo had got into a battle for the lead. Stoner briefly got the better of Pedroza then Pedroza pushed past and Stoner seemed to be content to follow for several laps while Lorenzo appeared to be struggling to keep with the pace of the two Hondas. About mid distance Stoner retook his team mate and set about opening up a gap on his team mate. Lorenzo then seemed to get a second wind and caught Pedrosa and they then engaged in a fierce battle for the runners up spot as Stoner had gone away from them by now. Pedrosas Honda was much quicker than Lorenzos Yamaha down the start and finish 1 km long straight and kept repassing Lorenzo on the straight. Stoner kept his head and the lead to record his first win on the works Honda, Lorenzo used all of his current world champions skill to outride Pedrosa on the last couple of laps and got a big enough gap on Pedrosa to ensure he grabbed second spot with Pedrosa third. Dovizioso and Simonchelli had an interesting and at times paint exchanging scrap for fourth with Dovizioso just getting his nose infront at the line. Rossi lost a battle with Spies for sixth in the last couple of laps though he and his team seemed happy enough that he was the first Ducati to cross the finish line.
Britains Cal Crutchlow had a good steady race and brought his Yamaha home in 11 th place to grab a few precious world championship points in his debut race in Moto GP.
Moto GP Losail circuit Qatar 20-03-2011. (provisional results)
1. Stoner Repsol Honda AUS.
2. Lorenzo Yamaha SPN.
3. Pedrosa Repsol Honda SPN.
4. Dovizioso Repsol Honda ITA.
5. Simonchelli Gresini Honda ITA.
6. Spies Yamaha USA.
7. Rossi Ducati ITA.
8. Edwards Monster Yamaha USA.
9. Hayden Ducati USA.
10. Aoyama Honda JPN.
11. Crutchlow Monster Yamaha GBR.
12. Barbera Ducati SPN.
13. Abraham Ducati CZH.
Footnote these 800cc Moto GP bikes were timed as doing 205 mph down the start finish straight at one point in the early laps Pedroza passed Lorenzo on the grass near the end of the straight when they would have been hitting that top speed, scary stuff.
http://www.visordown.com/news/listte...articleType=46
Some interesting comments from the main protagonists in this years Moto GP.
I know it is early days but barring injury i reckon the way Casey seemed to be riding within himself in Qatar he is going to be very hard to beat to the title this year.
The twists and turns of Jerez next on April the 3rd with Lorenzo on home soil should be interesting.
Last edited by Dave00; 21-3-11 at 13:40.
Stoner is now saying that he doesn't have to try nearly as hard on the Honda as he had to do on the Ducati. He also said that the Honda V4 is a less mentally draining bike to ride flat-out over a race distance and that is a big advantage comparerd to the Ducati.
These comments of Stoners are echoed by Rossis comments on the problems he is having with the Ducati. He spent over an hour in a post race debrief with his technicians in Qatar, the main problem he has identified with the bike is one of understeer. He has admitted he could ride around that problem to a certain extent when his shoulder is fully recovered but that will take 6 to 8 weeks. The team reckon the Ducati needs some major redesign as the understeer problem cannot be adjusted out by playing around with suspension settings. They reckon it is the way the engine delivers its power that is causing the problem.
Lorenzo while delighted with his runnersup spot in Qatar is not happy with his Yamaha. He is complaining that it is down on power on the Hondas a fact illustrated quite graphically by Pedrosas Honda blitzing him on the 1km start finish straight time after time. He is also complaining about a lack of traction, so it looks like the Yamaha technicians are going to be busy problem solving aswell.
Pedrosa is worried about about a recurring left arm issue that he claims destroyed his victory bid in Qatar.He had badly injured his shoulder in an incident in the Japanese Grand Prix last October and had thought that the problem had been cured during the winter lay off. The problem has not gone away and Pedrosa finished the race in Qatar with no feeling in his left arm at all.
Even before a throttle was twisted in anger in Qatar last weekend i think most followers of Moto GP would have agreed that this seasons champion would come from one of these four aforementioned riders. It looks to me as if Casey Stoner is holding the best hand right now.
Jerez-Andalucia Spain.Been to this place to see the Spanish Motorcycle GP,it was proper bonkers 120,000 all going crazy,really really crazy! Very similar in atmosphere to Mugello (Italian Motorcycle GP)-Tuscany,Italy. If you want a good little holiday as well as a full weekend's entertainment on & off track,you can't go far wrong. Not going to either this year,might get to Silverstone,but all my dosh is for June and the TT Races at the I.O.M. this year,never been,always said I would,now I am
Last edited by Stim; 2-4-11 at 02:39.
@ stim you will love the TT mate i've been there many times but not in recent years.
Moto GP Jerez Spain Saturday 02-04-2011 Qualifying.
Moto GP class.
Stoner Honda HRC 1.38.757
Pedrosa Honda HRC +00.158
Lorenzo Yamaha Factory +00.161
Spies Yamaha Factory +00.633
Simocelli Honda Gresini +00.729
Dovizioso Honda HRC +00.952.
Stoner said after qualifying that the team changed settings from yesterdays free practice session and he reckons that if they had left the bike alone he would have been even quicker. Bad news for the rest of the guys i think. Rossi struggled badly and infact had a crash trying to get on the pace, he was unhurt but he is languising down in 12th place on the grid 1.428 seconds off Stoners pole setting pace. Englands Cal Cruthchlow put up a sterling effort at a track he has never seen before and ended up 9th on the grid 1.262 seconds off the pole.
Barring a crash or machine problem i can't honestly see anyone beating Stoner in tomorrows race.
Moto 2 Class.
Bradl Calex 1.42.706
Takahasi Moriwaki +00.282
Luthi Suiter +00.582
Marquez Suiter +00.626
Smith Tech3 +00.794
Again in this class it is hard to go past the pole man for the likely winner though i don't think this is as clear cut as Stoners claim for likely victory in Moto GP. Anyone that thinks motorcycle road racing is boring or silly check out the riding style of young Mark Marquez he is the current 125cc world champion i predict this guy is going to be the next big star in Moto GP.
Englands Bradley Smith had a storming qualifying session and was well rewarded with 5th place on the grid for tomorrows race. Scott Redding crashed and ruined his qualifying chances but still ended up 13th on the grid. Young Scots rider Coghlan continued with his learning curve and qualified to race tomorrow in 24th place on the grid. There are 39 starters in this class tomorrow so the first lap our too could get a bit fraught.
125cc GP Class.
Cortese Intact Racing Team Germany 1.47.399
Terol Banaja Aspar Team +00.209
Faubel Intact Racing Team Germany +00.570
Englands Danny Webb put in a good qualifying effort and was rewarded with 9th on the grid 1.782 seconds off the pole.
The 125cc race is always the most difficult to call as anything can and usually does happen on the first lap when all these young guns are so tightly bunched together. The closest i can get to calling this one is that the winner will likely come from the front row of the grid of Cortese, Terol and Faubel.
I will not be able to watch the races live tomorrow as i will be taking my Mum out for a nice drive and a meal somewhere so feel free folks to update the thread with the results or if no one does that i can do an update tomorrow evening.
Meantime anyone got any thoughts on the goings on at MotoGP and the other two classes so far?
Faubel
The Moto2 is where its at. Love that formula. I just hope the germans have to battle for the win tomorrow.
Not looking good for Rossi at the moment. If he can squeeze just one more title out of that Ducati in the remainder of his career he will be happy enough I'm sure. This season is going to be all about development and recovery for him.
Its looking like a battle between Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo this season. The odds are with Stoner and the fast Honda but I like Lorenzo so I'm backing him. I shouldnt really say that as a Rossi fan.
Pedrosa never has to try in qualifying because as long as he's on the first three rows of the grid he will reach the first corner in front.
Totally agree with you mate from a purely spectator point of view the Moto2 class with 39 riders on the grid is the race that is most likely to give most value for money.
I also agree with you that this year is going to be used as developement by Ducati and Rossi. The rumblings coming out of that camp already is that to solve the bikes understeer problem the engine needs a complete redesign in the way it produces it's power. Stoner is the only rider that has been able to ride the GP Duke and produce results but he has admitted that to do that he had to wrestle the thing around the tracks to keep it on the pace. De Puniet showed today that his wild riding style works on the Duke. It must be a real culture shock for Valentino stepping off the sweet turning Yamaha onto a wild beast. You are also right in thinking that at this stage of his career Rossi will take great pleasure as an Italian in doing all he can to help to get the Ducati back into the winners circle.
I am also a Rossi fan but i honestly can't see him challenging for the title this year for the reasons discussed above. Therfore i am just going to sit back as a nuetral and watch the sparks fly between messrs Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo. I think Simoncelli and Dovizioso can throw a spanner or two into the mix aswell this season as regards race wins.
I see what you are saying Slim but racers don't see it that way, they want to be as fast as they can in every session to get one over on their rivals.
Pedrosas shoulder injury will hamper him again tomorrow, i actually think he is too small to be riding a Moto GP bike but no doubt he will get his shoulder sorted then make me eat those words.
I'm not saying he doesn't try, but he could cruise around in qualifying and it wouldn't make any difference. He's just so damn light and fast off the start.I see what you are saying Slim but racers don't see it that way, they want to be as fast as they can in every session to get one over on their rivals.
Pedrosas shoulder injury will hamper him again tomorrow, i actually think he is too small to be riding a Moto GP bike but no doubt he will get his shoulder sorted then make me eat those words.
I know that mate i did acknowledge that i got your original point about him not needing to worry too much about qualifying as regards where he would be upon the pack reaching the first corner. However i imagine for a rider being on the front row after qualifying must give them a sense of job well done.
Did you see the footage today of Lorenzo coming back into the pits after qualifying then spending time having a debrief with 2 members of his crew. It ended up with a mutual bit of back slapping so they where obviously well pleased that he ended up on the front row of the grid.
The last few laps of that were incredible. So many people dropping the bike when in a points (or even podium) place.
A brilliant race weekend for MotoGP and crediable places for the British riders with Danny Kent finishing 4th place in only his second race in the 125cc race and Bradley Smith getting 4th in the Moto2 class race and Cal Crutchlow finishing 8th in the premier class after starting in 9th on the grid and being in 5th place halfway through the race and a chance at a podium finish before spilling the bike, great to see Rossi apologise to Stoner after the race for taking him(as well as himself)out on turn one and ending Stoner's race, I liked what Stoner said to Rossi in the garage and that was "Ambition took over experience". A great weekend of racing thou we have to wait four weeks for the next race due to Motegi(Japan) being cancelled till later in the year due to the earth quake and tsunami.
He actually said 'Your ambition outweighted your talent' to the NINE times world champion.He of all people should have known that Rossi was riding and wrestling an absolute pig of a bike and just made a mistake. Rossi held his hands up to say sorry and got a bit of a slap back in his face.
Lorenzo showed why he's world champion today, pure and utter class.
Ok, I didn't catch it first time round what Stoner actually said but Rossi had no excuse for that maneuver into turn one. Rossi as much as he is a legend can be a dick at times and Stoner was right to point it out to him.He actually said 'Your ambition outweighted your talent' to the NINE times world champion.
Lorenzo showed why he's world champion today, pure and utter class.
Simoncelli
Stoner is a knob. Rossi had 6 world titles at your age, he's a **** sight more talented than you.
Rossi may have more titles and talent but he is the bigger dick for that move, Stoner did nothing wrong.Simoncelli
Stoner is a knob. Rossi had 6 world titles at your age, he's a **** sight more talented than you.
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