planetf1.com

Results from Free Practice 2 this morning are attached. Again, Quartararo putting in a great performance. Lorenzo looks worlds better and has achieved some setup solutions. Vinales showing his outright speed. If he can get a good start, he's one to watch.

Results:

1. ^3 Maverick Viñales ESP Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 31.428s [Lap 20/21] 300km/h (Top Speed)
2. ^3 Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 31.618s +0.190s [22/22] 303k
3. ˅2 Fabio Quartararo FRA Petronas Yamaha SRT (YZR-M1)* 1m 31.713s +0.285s [22/23] 301k
4. ^10 Jorge Lorenzo ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 31.716s +0.288s [19/22] 307k
5. ˅3 Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (GP19) 1m 31.736s +0.308s [19/21] 306k
6. ˅3 Danilo Petrucci ITA Ducati Team (GP19) 1m 31.899s +0.471s [16/17] 301k
7. ˅1 Pol Espargaro ESP Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 31.923s +0.495s [12/12] 305k
8. ^8 Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 32.132s +0.704s [16/17] 303k
9. ^6 Takaaki Nakagami JPN LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 32.203s +0.775s [17/20] 301k
10. ^2 Franco Morbidelli ITA Petronas Yamaha SRT (YZR-M1) 1m 32.239s +0.811s [21/22] 297k
11.= Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 32.270s +0.842s [12/18] 309k
12. ^1 Francesco Bagnaia ITA Pramac Ducati (GP18)* 1m 32.285s +0.857s [17/18] 302k
13. ˅3 Valentino Rossi ITA Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 32.320s +0.892s [20/20] 300k
14. ˅6 Joan Mir SPA Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR)* 1m 32.322s +0.894s [21/23] 301k
15. ^2 Alex Rins ESP Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 32.385s +0.957s [21/22] 303k
16. ˅9 Jack Miller AUS Pramac Ducati (GP19) 1m 32.573s +1.145s [15/15] 307k
17. ˅8 Johann Zarco FRA Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 32.574s +1.146s [19/19] 300k
18. ^3 Karel Abraham CZE Reale Avintia Ducati (GP18) 1m 32.999s +1.571s [16/18] 303k
19. = Andrea Iannone ITA Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 33.141s +1.713s [16/18] 304k
20. = Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Tech3 (RC16)* 1m 33.401s +1.973s [18/20] 299k
21. ˅3 Tito Rabat ESP Reale Avintia Ducati (GP18) 1m 33.431s +2.003s [21/23] 305k
22. = Hafizh Syahrin MAL Red Bull KTM Tech3 (RC16) 1m 33.903s +2.475s [19/19] 302k

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote: The main thing that changed in 2016 was the bikes. Yamaha fell off and they have been on a downhill slide since their last title. Ducati simultaneously became stronger but their rider lineup was weaker. Pedrosa really wore down with all of the injuries and 2015 was the last good season of Lorenzo's career.

Yamaha won the title in 2015 because they had the best bike, that's the main problem to beat Marquez you need to be on a better bike than him, we seem to be quantifying riders as being over the hill before they've even reached 30 in order to state that Marquez has not had great competition?

I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't claim any rider was over the hill before 30 nor did I claim that Marquez has not had great competition in the past. I said that MotoGP is not at its most competitive right now. The fact is that this is largely because of how great Marc is but it's also because most of his main rivals have aged and are not performing as well as they were a few years ago. Rossi is 40, Lorenzo is 32 and has noticeably fallen off from his peak form and Dovi is 33. Younger riders like Rins and Vinales are not of the same caliber as the guys Marc has been fighting for titles throughout the early years of his career IMO. So Marc has gotten better while his main rivals have gotten worse.

Do you mean to claim that there is anyone (other than Marc) performing at the level of Lorenzo in 2013 right now? Do you think things right now are as competitive as they were in 2009 or 2012? The factory bikes are mostly all fairly competitive now (except KTM) but the championship is not. Is there any doubt that Marquez will be champion?

MotoGP is currently at it's most competitive, there are more competitive bikes, back in 2013 MotoGP was more like F1, you had to be on a Honda or Yamaha to win and a works bike at that, look at Rossi's trials at Ducati when he joined aged 32.

The Lorenzo of 2013 was little better than Pedrosa that year or the previous year when he won his second title or the year after, all 3 years Pedrosa was close to Lorenzo, in 2014 Rossi beat Lorenzo on the same bike.

The reason why MotoGP is not as competitive is because Marquez is a level above the likes of Lorenzo and Pedrosa ever were, he's better than when he won the title in 2013 as a rookie, better than in 2015 when he crashed too often trying to make up for early season deficits with his bike, the only rider you can give any kind of leeway to presently is Rossi because of his age but when Rossi dominated MotoGP it was far weaker than what it is now.

So part of what you are saying is exactly what I said; that Marquez has largely made things a lot less competitive but the bikes are pretty closely matched. To claim that this is the most competitive that MotoGP has ever been while ignoring the fact that we all know who is going to win the championship within the first couple of races of the season is just indefensible. Are you claiming that Lorenzo is just as good today as he was in 2013; a year where Honda had the best bike but Jorge was still the rider who was most impressive; winning the most races and only losing the championship due to missing a race with injuries? Basically a Lewis Hamilton 2016 type of season (complete with trying to back up the points leader in the final race in hopes that someone would overtake him)? How can you defend that position? It's patently absurd. Lorenzo spends most of his time trundling around at the back now. Rossi in 2014-2015 still had days where he was the quickest guy out there. Nowadays that doesn't really happen anymore. Pedrosa is gone and Vinales is not the complete package that the riders we're talking about are. Neither is Rins as he never even managed to win titles in Moto3 or Moto2.

You seem to be jumping to the conclusion that I am trying to attack Marquez but I have categorically stated that he is easily the best in the world and has been since his second year in the premiere class. That's why this is not the most competitive that MotoGP has ever been. He will sew up the championship with several races to go this year. The sport is in a good place with the bikes though.

I disagree with your rating of the riders, it's too convenient to say that riders became less then what they were when they barely turned 30 in assessing the riders that Marquez beat.

In respect to Lorenzo he was both good on the Yamaha and on the Bridgestone tyres, put him back on the Yamaha and don't be too surprised to start seeing him doing much better again, also I don't understand why you take the view that in 2013 the Honda was better, because a mentally battered Rossi performed poorly?

It's a kind of strange praise when you look to play down how good the riders are that Marquez is beating?

sandman1347 wrote:

Zazu wrote:Lorenzo is as good as ever, as proved when he got the Ducati working at Mugello last year

Stoner smashed everyone when he was on the Honda. The bikes have never been more competive and neither have the riders. Id rate Vinales far higher than Pedrosa who benefited from being on factory Honda when only Honda and Yamaha factory teams were capable of winning. As did Rossi and Lorenzo

The 800cc era of MotoGP was boring unless wet races.

Marquez basically has Stoner levels of talent but was picked up as an early teenager and heavily backed financially.

Maybe your memory isn't quite so sharp. Stoner did have a great year in 2011 on the Honda but in 2012 he didn't even beat his teammate. Marquez is a cut above Stoner; who was very fast and very talented but also very beatable.

Fundamentally, we are talking about different things. How closely matched the factory bikes are is undeniable and I am actually the first person in this thread to point out that the factory bikes are more closely matched than ever in 2019. That is a different thing from how competitive MotoGP is though. It is not particularly competitive at all right now because there is one rider who is, far and away, the favorite to win every single year. To say that this is the most competitive that MotoGP has ever been is almost like saying that 2001-2005 is the most competitive that it has ever been.

One last thing; to put Vinales on the same level as Pedrosa is very suspect. Pedrosa was clearly better at that young age than Maverick is. Maverick cannot even establish the upper hand against a 40 year old Rossi. He certainly has never produced seasons like Dani's 2010 or 2012.

In regards to Stoner he got injured in 2012 and then later checked out mentally as he decided to retire at the end of the season aged only 27, great talent but lacked some mental fortitude.

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote: I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't claim any rider was over the hill before 30 nor did I claim that Marquez has not had great competition in the past. I said that MotoGP is not at its most competitive right now. The fact is that this is largely because of how great Marc is but it's also because most of his main rivals have aged and are not performing as well as they were a few years ago. Rossi is 40, Lorenzo is 32 and has noticeably fallen off from his peak form and Dovi is 33. Younger riders like Rins and Vinales are not of the same caliber as the guys Marc has been fighting for titles throughout the early years of his career IMO. So Marc has gotten better while his main rivals have gotten worse.

Do you mean to claim that there is anyone (other than Marc) performing at the level of Lorenzo in 2013 right now? Do you think things right now are as competitive as they were in 2009 or 2012? The factory bikes are mostly all fairly competitive now (except KTM) but the championship is not. Is there any doubt that Marquez will be champion?

MotoGP is currently at it's most competitive, there are more competitive bikes, back in 2013 MotoGP was more like F1, you had to be on a Honda or Yamaha to win and a works bike at that, look at Rossi's trials at Ducati when he joined aged 32.

The Lorenzo of 2013 was little better than Pedrosa that year or the previous year when he won his second title or the year after, all 3 years Pedrosa was close to Lorenzo, in 2014 Rossi beat Lorenzo on the same bike.

The reason why MotoGP is not as competitive is because Marquez is a level above the likes of Lorenzo and Pedrosa ever were, he's better than when he won the title in 2013 as a rookie, better than in 2015 when he crashed too often trying to make up for early season deficits with his bike, the only rider you can give any kind of leeway to presently is Rossi because of his age but when Rossi dominated MotoGP it was far weaker than what it is now.

So part of what you are saying is exactly what I said; that Marquez has largely made things a lot less competitive but the bikes are pretty closely matched. To claim that this is the most competitive that MotoGP has ever been while ignoring the fact that we all know who is going to win the championship within the first couple of races of the season is just indefensible. Are you claiming that Lorenzo is just as good today as he was in 2013; a year where Honda had the best bike but Jorge was still the rider who was most impressive; winning the most races and only losing the championship due to missing a race with injuries? Basically a Lewis Hamilton 2016 type of season (complete with trying to back up the points leader in the final race in hopes that someone would overtake him)? How can you defend that position? It's patently absurd. Lorenzo spends most of his time trundling around at the back now. Rossi in 2014-2015 still had days where he was the quickest guy out there. Nowadays that doesn't really happen anymore. Pedrosa is gone and Vinales is not the complete package that the riders we're talking about are. Neither is Rins as he never even managed to win titles in Moto3 or Moto2.

You seem to be jumping to the conclusion that I am trying to attack Marquez but I have categorically stated that he is easily the best in the world and has been since his second year in the premiere class. That's why this is not the most competitive that MotoGP has ever been. He will sew up the championship with several races to go this year. The sport is in a good place with the bikes though.

I disagree with your rating of the riders, it's too convenient to say that riders became less then what they were when they barely turned 30 in assessing the riders that Marquez beat.

In respect to Lorenzo he was both good on the Yamaha and on the Bridgestone tyres, put him back on the Yamaha and don't be too surprised to start seeing him doing much better again, also I don't understand why you take the view that in 2013 the Honda was better, because a mentally battered Rossi performed poorly?

It's a kind of strange praise when you look to play down how good the riders are that Marquez is beating?

These are bikes poker; not cars. It's not just about age; it's about the absolute beating that your body takes. Age isn't what slowed down Dani Pedrosa. Breaking almost every bone in his body at least once is what did that. Lorenzo is starting to give Dani a run for his money in terms of accumulated wear and tear and his performance speaks for itself really. To go from years of fighting at the front for titles to being absolutely nowhere more often than not, is something that leaves no room for doubt as to his performance today relative to back then.

As for 2013; the Honda was obviously the top overall bike that year. Much like F1, in MotoGP, a rider's rookie year is the one year where you know they will improve. There is a big adjustment to racing liter bikes and Marc was substantially better in 2014 than he was in 2013. In 2013; Dani was competition for Marc. By 2014; he wasn't. 2013 and 2014 were the best bikes Marc ever had relative to the field. His other 3 titles were on bikes that were not the best. You still seem to be claiming that I am trying to take something away from Marc but your logic is baffling to me. he was winning titles back then too.

Lorenzo style makes him hero or zero not injuries. He had some horrific performances whilst riding the Yamaha its just he finished near the front still because the gap between the haves and have nots was massive

Marquez is an absolute freak and if he stays healthy will obliterate all modern records. If it hadnt been for blurred vision at the end of 2011 he'd be an 8 time world champion before turning 26.

Id rather watching more exciting racing but I can still appreciate watching something very special

More exciting racing? I thought Sunday's GP race was extremely exciting. As an aside, it baffles me how many people find any kind of racing boring if there isn't a colossal duel for the lead going down to the last lap, as if those racing for the podium or those fighting for the midfeld spots are trying any less hard to finish as high as they possibly can. This isn't a knock against you, Zazu, but it seems like such a common refrain from so many. As most of us here have said ad nauseum, Marc Marquez is a talent you rarely see combined with the best motorcycle in Grand Prix racing at the moment. A combination that will kick the posterior of the competition 10 times out of 10, unless Marquez puts it down. Frankly, watching him ride is exciting in and of itself. Sure I'd like to see someone challenge him this year, but if they don't, it won't be their fault, to me. He's just that good.

As for sunday's race, it was extremely exciting, to me, that Miller brought the fight to Marquez. I surmised he would not have the tires and the speed to challenge him over the distance, but it was nice to see him take the gloves off and have a go, and it was aggressive and clean. Kudos to him for a strong race. I also was a bit disappointed the factory Ducati guys could not make any real impression on Marquez but their duel was enthralling and I was really hoping Petrucci would not take out Dovi. Great battle for the podium, and overall, a very good result for them. Rins had a shocker, to say nothing of his teammate, and Lorenzo is obviously still having problems despite improving a bit. I think at this point we have to all say that Quarataro, if this form continues, is going to be the next big thing. Especially with Zarco floundering on the KTM. Making Espargaro's performance all the more worthy----what a ride from him on Sunday, that was a fabulous result for him and the KTM project. I really wish Zarco could come to grips with it sooner. He can race, we all know, but this just proves going to a different manufacturer can be a career-ending proposition if you aren't careful. Zarco really should have taken the HRC offer, if they indeed made it (rumored but never confirmed, to my knowledge).

I didn't get to watch the Moto 2 or Moto 3 races as my oldest had a soccer tournament and the rest of my sunday was very busy. I know the results, but looking forward to watching tonight!

^^^^

I think both Quartararo and Morbidelli have bright futures but I am losing confidence in Vinales by the day. He just can't seem to get it together and, at this point, I think Yamaha have to consider whether or not it's best for them to part ways. I know he is under contract for next year but his performances are just awful and they are not getting better. His issues at the starts have persisted for 2 years!

Marquez was dominant yet again. I think that the Ducati is at least on par with the Honda but Marquez makes the difference. Ducati should consider promoting Miller to the factory bike. He might be their quickest rider.

I'm not sold on Miller. He's fast, but is prone to making mistakes and as a personality, well, he lives up to his nickname. Would this fit into the culture of Ducati? Possibly, but it is another consideration. Regarding the fastest rider for the Ducatis at the moment, I don't feel Petrucci or Miller have the speed or racecraft of Dovizioso. That being said, let's see at the halfway point of this season. Both Miller and Petrucci are on one-year deals, and they are both obviously eyeing the factory Ducati seat for next year. If Miller gets the Ducati ride, I don't think Petrucci goes back to Pramac. By the way, regarding Pramac, look at this bit of news that popped up this morning:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/mo ... onda-2020/

I'm torn on Vinales. I don't disagree with you regarding his results, but his upside is that he is a bonafide race winner and can be blindingly quick He started FP1 in Le Mans at P1. Maybe his future isn't on the Yamaha....who knows, would he return to Suzuki?Mir isn't exactly setting the world on fire. Is he in line for a seat at Ducati and we just don't know it?

I was really revved up for this season but it's not gripped me the way I'd hoped. Think the problem is that Marquez is always there, so it's really just a question of who can challenge him on the day. Fact is, no one can. Behind him though there's not really been any battles emerging. Rossi is sill Rossi - doing the best he can with what he's got. Dovi is Dovi - always good, occasionally brilliant. Lorenzo is the Button of MotoGP it seems - unbeatable when all is working well, almost nowhere when it isn't. I still enjoy watching and trying to wrap my head round what they are able to do on those bikes, but just not getting the buzz I was hoping for.

Honda's improvement in engine power has been impressive, and since that was really the only thing they lacked vs. Ducati, it's now really, REALLY a foregone conclusion that Marquez flies off into the distance each race.

The rest of the season will be interesting to see who emerges, if anyone, to unseat Rossi as the top Yamaha rider. Vinales is so unreliable, so its probably not him. Morbidelli is improving---and certainly could get a podium if at some point, but Quartararo is the one to watch, for me. If he can knock off the mistakes and have a reliable fun of races with no issues, I wonder if he can beat Rossi---which obviously the Factory Yamaha team won't like one bit. The kid has really surprised me, and on top of that, his engine is detuned a bit compared to the factory guys AND Morbidelli.

I really wish Suzuki could get a satellite team together and provide them two factory bikes, as the rules allow. I just don't think it's in the pipeline this year or next, and the VR46 Academy is in line for a team in MotoGP when Rossi hangs up his leathers. Which we all have to think will happen at the end of 2020.

Cold Gin wrote:...

Quartararo is the one to watch, for me

He had the bke in qualifying/attack mode in the race apparently! He does look like he's got potential but then do/did the likes of Vinales, Zarco, Melandri a few years back etc. Guess we will see.

Mugello front straight causing safety concerns for the riders:

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/92128 ... mit-motogp


Mugello is an absolutely majestic track, my favorite on the calendar, top five in the world regardless of motorsport. However, at these speeds, I think they should grind the rise of the track so there isn't this "jump" any longer. At 220+ mph, it's simply far too dangerous. Seing Pirro's crash is horrifying, how many more of those can happen before someone gets killed.

That being said, if they modify that, I hope they leave the rest of the track alone, it's beautiful, and the gravel serves very well.

What a race!!! I’m not a huge Petrucci fan but I was thrilled for him to get a win, in Italy, on this bike. If he does nothing else the rest of his career he will always have this day, and what a day it was.

Probably settles the issue with Miller, too.

It was a brilliant race. Not a single lap passed without something to watch. Incredible.

Moto3-I think it's becoming a bit of a joke now. Skill doesn't determine the winner in this class because the engines are so weak that slipstreaming is overpowered. It's just a slipstream lottery and there have now been 10 different winners from the last 10 races. They need to up the power on these bikes. 250cc in a 4-stroke is just too weak. Going to the KTM 373cc engine is the way forward IMO because they now have a class that cannot reliably indicate who the strongest riders are. That's bad and I believe we are starting to see the consequences of that.

Moto2-Well Alex has certainly found his groove at long last in Moto2. He has been in very impressive form and if he can keep this up, he will truly earn his spot in MotoGP next year by taking the title. I have to admit that I didn't see this coming. I get the sense that Alex is a bit of a head case and if he can keep himself in the right frame of mind, his ceiling is actually pretty high.

MotoGP-Race of the season! I'm very impressed with Petrucci. He was aggressive, quick and smart. Excellent performance and even more impressive when contrasted against Miller's crash. They probably will give Jack that seat next year but it won't be because Petrucci didn't perform. For Marc, this is not that big of a deal. Okay he didn't win the race but he still beat Dovi and that's what really matters to him. I'm not so sure Ducati will be happy about this result to be honest. Dovi probably could have won that race with a little help from Petrucci. I think it's every man for himself (as it should be) but Ducati will know that this was a good chance for Dovi to gain points on Marc and he didn't do it.

Don't think that many (if anyone!) will begrudge Petrucci that win even if it didn't do Dovi any favours in the grand scheme of things. Was also very impressed by Rins' effort on what is essentially a power circuit. Marquez rode a pretty mature race; that attitude should ensure that he ends up with another title at the end of the year. Enjoyable race all in all!

I agree that Moto3 is a bit of a lottery but still think that the cream will rise to the top over the course of the year. Younger Marquez is starting to show some form on Moto2; hope that he does keep up that consistently. If he is to step up to MotoGP next year he does need the results to back it up.

You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Surprise surgery for Fabio Quartararo.

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/92176 ... quartararo

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

Cold Gin wrote:Surprise surgery for Fabio Quartararo.

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/92176 ... quartararo

On reflection that's quite interesting at the time nothing was really said about his apparent lack of pace.

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

Yeah Rins was impressive in 2013 and was favourite to win the Moto3 title the year after but it was his teammate Alex Marquez that won the title instead, Rins inferred there was favouritism within the Honda powered team towards Marc Marquez's brother.

Both Rins and Marquez moved into Moto2 the following year in different teams but both with top teams, Rins finished 2nd in the series Marquez was 14th so make of that as you will. Rins was probbaly the favourite for the title the following year but he got badly hurt half way through the season soon after he got signed up for the Suzuki MotoGP team. I kind of got the impression after that a combination of him carrying an injury and no longer needing to prove himself in Moto2 that he perhaps just coasted a bit and saw the season out?

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

Yeah Rins was impressive in 2013 and was favourite to win the Moto3 title the year after but it was his teammate Alex Marquez that won the title instead, Rins inferred there was favouritism within the Honda powered team towards Marc Marquez's brother.

Both Rins and Marquez moved into Moto2 the following year in different teams but both with top teams, Rins finished 2nd in the series Marquez was 14th so make of that as you will. Rins was probbaly the favourite for the title the following year but he got badly hurt half way through the season soon after he got signed up for the Suzuki MotoGP team. I kind of got the impression after that a combination of him carrying an injury and no longer needing to prove himself in Moto2 that he perhaps just coasted a bit and saw the season out?

That's possible. He definitely was plagued with injuries in 2016 but it's just hard to fathom that this guy hasn't won a World Championship yet in either category. He does look like a future MotoGP champ though if he can get his hands on a good enough bike.

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

Cold Gin wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

I believe that Zarco simply didn't want to go up against Marquez which can be career suicide in itself?

In regards to Yamaha Quartararo qualified second and apparently had arm pump issues in the race for which he now has had surgery, the bike looks fast enough when he's riding it.

pokerman wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

I believe that Zarco simply didn't want to go up against Marquez which can be career suicide in itself?

In regards to Yamaha Quartararo qualified second and apparently had arm pump issues in the race for which he now has had surgery, the bike looks fast enough when he's riding it.

Fast enough for what? A quick single lap? Sure, they have had some strong qualifying performances but if you look at those laps; they are using a lot of tire to pull them off. The bike is not as good in the races. It lacks power on the straights and cannot fight with Ducati or Honda for position very effectively most of the time. Unlike the Suzuki; it's not particularly good on tires either so any strength that they have in terms of edge grip doesn't really carry over to the race. I'd say Ducati and Honda clearly have the top bikes this year with Yamaha and Suzuki a bit behind; Yamaha being the better qualifying bike and Suzuki being the better race bike.

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:You aren’t kidding about Rins—man the kid’s got monstrous corner speed and his overtaking is sublime. If they could just squeeze some more power out of the Suzi, and qualify consistently in the top 4-8 positions, he’d challenge for the podium every weekend. As it is, the calendar will visit tracks without such a penalty in terms of long straights and you have to figure he’s going to be a serious contender.
He nearly got Dovi in the last corner on the last lap!!! Truly great battling.

Rins is an interesting rider to watch. If you go back to the 2013 Moto3 season; Vinales won the championship but for me it was Rins who was the most impressive rider. He seemed to have the most speed. I was disappointed to see that he did not go on to win the title that next year and even more disappointed with his inability to beat Zarco to the Moto2 title in either 2015 or 2016. I was beginning to think that he was almost an Ianonne-like figure. Plenty of speed but not enough consistency to become champion. The way that he has performed this season has been an eye-opener though. I think the Suzuki has really come good. That bike is really strong in terms of edge grip and cornering performance. It's like the Yamaha used to be a few years back. It's also way down on power. I agree with your suggestion that if they can improve the power unit, Rins can be a contender. For me; he looks like the second best rider on the grid at the moment and that's not something I expected coming into the year. Rins is in a good position and I can't help but feel that Maverick must be kicking himself. Things really haven't worked out at Yamaha for Vinales and he might wish that he stayed with Suzuki.

Speaking of Zarco; his decision to sign with KTM must be the worst career move that I've seen since Rossi going to Ducati back in 2011. He has taken himself right out of the conversation in MotoGP and I don't think it will be easy for him to get an opportunity with a top team. He was in really good form in 2017 and also for parts of last year but he has squandered the moment when his stock was high enough to get a top seat and he's not young for a guy in his third year. Zarco will be 29 next month and he is absolutely nowhere on that bike.

I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

I believe that Zarco simply didn't want to go up against Marquez which can be career suicide in itself?

In regards to Yamaha Quartararo qualified second and apparently had arm pump issues in the race for which he now has had surgery, the bike looks fast enough when he's riding it.

Fast enough for what? A quick single lap? Sure, they have had some strong qualifying performances but if you look at those laps; they are using a lot of tire to pull them off. The bike is not as good in the races. It lacks power on the straights and cannot fight with Ducati or Honda for position very effectively most of the time. Unlike the Suzuki; it's not particularly good on tires either so any strength that they have in terms of edge grip doesn't really carry over to the race. I'd say Ducati and Honda clearly have the top bikes this year with Yamaha and Suzuki a bit behind; Yamaha being the better qualifying bike and Suzuki being the better race bike.

In the last 3 races I would say the Quartararo/Yamaha combination have been second fastest behind Marquez, in Jerez he qualified on pole and was running in second place when I believe he had an engine failure?

In France he had a problem with his bike and had to start from the pit lane, in the second half of the race he was lapping as quick as runaway leader Marquez and finished 8th with fastest lap of the race so nothing wrong with race pace.

Last time out he qualified second, had a bad start but the lack of race pace was because of the rider and not the bike, he had arm pump issues, a common problem for riders, and since has had an operation to cure his problem.

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:
I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

I believe that Zarco simply didn't want to go up against Marquez which can be career suicide in itself?

In regards to Yamaha Quartararo qualified second and apparently had arm pump issues in the race for which he now has had surgery, the bike looks fast enough when he's riding it.

Fast enough for what? A quick single lap? Sure, they have had some strong qualifying performances but if you look at those laps; they are using a lot of tire to pull them off. The bike is not as good in the races. It lacks power on the straights and cannot fight with Ducati or Honda for position very effectively most of the time. Unlike the Suzuki; it's not particularly good on tires either so any strength that they have in terms of edge grip doesn't really carry over to the race. I'd say Ducati and Honda clearly have the top bikes this year with Yamaha and Suzuki a bit behind; Yamaha being the better qualifying bike and Suzuki being the better race bike.

In the last 3 races I would say the Quartararo/Yamaha combination have been second fastest behind Marquez, in Jerez he qualified on pole and was running in second place when I believe he had an engine failure?

In France he had a problem with his bike and had to start from the pit lane, in the second half of the race he was lapping as quick as runaway leader Marquez and finished 8th with fastest lap of the race so nothing wrong with race pace.

Last time out he qualified second, had a bad start but the lack of race pace was because of the rider and not the bike, he had arm pump issues, a common problem for riders, and since has had an operation to cure his problem.

Quartararo was running the bike in qualifying mode during the race in France. He has yet to actually convert a race-distance performance into a big result. As I said, the bike can do fairly quick laps but it isn't particularly strong in the race. It's also clutching at straws to take a couple of quick laps and suggest that those laps represent the bike's level of performance while ignoring the fact that none of the 4 Yamaha riders have won a race this year and that they struggle to fight with the more powerful bikes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the bike is terrible. As we've already discussed, the factory bikes are all pretty competitive this year (other than KTM). I just think Ducati and Honda are clearly a bit ahead at the moment. Truth be told, all signs point to Ducati still being the quickest bike by a touch. While Honda have clearly improved a lot, you don't see their riders (other than Marquez) finishing on the podium.

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

sandman1347 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Cold Gin wrote:
I'm at a loss about Zarco; he clearly isn't that slow, but he just cannot get on with that bike, and it is indeed a horror show. I wonder if he might be able to void out his second year with them and try and go elsewhere, but I can't see where else he'd be able to go. So he may just stick it out (if they let him stay?), and in so doing, potentially write off his career in the class. It is very likely a career-ending decision for him there, and I cannot for the life of me understand why he'd pick that bike over HRC, which was the ride that was rumored to be offered to him that he turned down. Surely competing towards the front of the grid, even if you are getting your butt handed to you by Marquez, is superior to this reality, no?

As far Yamaha, it's becoming quite the horror show itself. Rossi's race in Mugello was at best a nightmare, and they are lost, and don't seem to be able to generate any midseason improvement unlike other teams. Yes, the engine is sealed, but there are some engineering changes that can be made to set up. I feel bad for Rossi especially. I don't think he beats Marquez on his best day, but he'd compete for the podium if they could give him the bike to do it. As far Vinales, he's a mystery. His race wasn't actually to bad on Sunday, but he's just so inconsistent. Being a Yamaha fan has got to be difficult.

Back to Rins---I expect him to take major points at Catalunya, Assen and the Sachsenring. All of those tracks have fast corners that the Suzuki can profit from. If they can just learn to qualify well.

I believe that Zarco simply didn't want to go up against Marquez which can be career suicide in itself?

In regards to Yamaha Quartararo qualified second and apparently had arm pump issues in the race for which he now has had surgery, the bike looks fast enough when he's riding it.

Fast enough for what? A quick single lap? Sure, they have had some strong qualifying performances but if you look at those laps; they are using a lot of tire to pull them off. The bike is not as good in the races. It lacks power on the straights and cannot fight with Ducati or Honda for position very effectively most of the time. Unlike the Suzuki; it's not particularly good on tires either so any strength that they have in terms of edge grip doesn't really carry over to the race. I'd say Ducati and Honda clearly have the top bikes this year with Yamaha and Suzuki a bit behind; Yamaha being the better qualifying bike and Suzuki being the better race bike.

In the last 3 races I would say the Quartararo/Yamaha combination have been second fastest behind Marquez, in Jerez he qualified on pole and was running in second place when I believe he had an engine failure?

In France he had a problem with his bike and had to start from the pit lane, in the second half of the race he was lapping as quick as runaway leader Marquez and finished 8th with fastest lap of the race so nothing wrong with race pace.

Last time out he qualified second, had a bad start but the lack of race pace was because of the rider and not the bike, he had arm pump issues, a common problem for riders, and since has had an operation to cure his problem.

Quartararo was running the bike in qualifying mode during the race in France. He has yet to actually convert a race-distance performance into a big result. As I said, the bike can do fairly quick laps but it isn't particularly strong in the race. It's also clutching at straws to take a couple of quick laps and suggest that those laps represent the bike's level of performance while ignoring the fact that none of the 4 Yamaha riders have won a race this year and that they struggle to fight with the more powerful bikes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the bike is terrible. As we've already discussed, the factory bikes are all pretty competitive this year (other than KTM). I just think Ducati and Honda are clearly a bit ahead at the moment. Truth be told, all signs point to Ducati still being the quickest bike by a touch. While Honda have clearly improved a lot, you don't see their riders (other than Marquez) finishing on the podium.

The point being that in France the tyres were with Quartararo throughout the race, one race the bike failed mechanically, the other race Quartararo failed physically not the bike itself.

I'm saying that perhaps Quartararo is showing what Marquez might do on the Yamaha and like you say who else is doing anything on the Honda, as an overview I agree the Ducati looks like the best bike then you also have Marquez which makes getting podiums difficult for Yamaha riders.

Quartararo on pole!! Yamaha looks like they have good pace in Barcelona, let’s see if they can last the race.

In other news, looks like Petrucci has done enough to see off Miller to retain the factory seat. Not yet confirmed, but this is compelling:

https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/1 ... i-contract

Season is now officially over. What a blunder by Lorenzo and it took away any possibility of a championship battle in 2019.

It's also impressive to see that Alex Marquez has well and truly taken control of the Moto2 championship. He will need to hang on to win the title if he wants to really convince me that he has the potential to be champion at the next level but what a run of form. I suppose it's somewhat of an indictment of the current field in Moto2 that two men who have been also-rans for the last few years are now 1-2 in the standings (Marquez and Luthi).

Cold Gin wrote:Quartararo on pole!! Yamaha looks like they have good pace in Barcelona, let’s see if they can last the race.

In other news, looks like Petrucci has done enough to see off Miller to retain the factory seat. Not yet confirmed, but this is compelling:

https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/1 ... i-contract

That doesn't surprise me I wouldn't be one that's sold on Miller.

sandman1347 wrote:Season is now officially over. What a blunder by Lorenzo and it took away any possibility of a championship battle in 2019.

It's also impressive to see that Alex Marquez has well and truly taken control of the Moto2 championship. He will need to hang on to win the title if he wants to really convince me that he has the potential to be champion at the next level but what a run of form. I suppose it's somewhat of an indictment of the current field in Moto2 that two men who have been also-rans for the last few years are now 1-2 in the standings (Marquez and Luthi).

I see Lorenzo has no penalty for it, for me he should have got a grid penalty for the next race, with Alex Marquez it is probably a case of all the best riders have moved up to MotoGP but nevertheless if he continues in the same vein then that probably rubber stamps him into MotoGP next season.

Lorenzo had the kind of spill that happens in every race. I personally don't see it as requiring a penalty.

Asphalt_World wrote:Lorenzo had the kind of spill that happens in every race. I personally don't see it as requiring a penalty.

Same here. A slight lock up partially due to the bike in front braking hard. And the Honda has been throwing all the riders off on a regular basis as the front end is so unpredictable.

Why does Petrucci do the 'dangly leg' thing when approaching the corner? It must be really tiring. Is it some sort of air braking thing or just his personal affliction?

Option or Prime wrote:Why does Petrucci do the 'dangly leg' thing when approaching the corner? It must be really tiring. Is it some sort of air braking thing or just his personal affliction?

I think Rossi was the first to do such a thing regularly, a few years back now. Part balance, part air resistance and I guess it makes you a wider object to pass!

Option or Prime wrote:Why does Petrucci do the 'dangly leg' thing when approaching the corner? It must be really tiring. Is it some sort of air braking thing or just his personal affliction?

The 'Doctors Dangle'. Rossi made it popular in MotoGP, but its been around for years. The leg is about 20% of the bodies weight, so thats a lot of mass you can throw around to aid balance. To a limited extent speedway riders have used the left leg to move the weight to the front or the back of the bike since the 60s.

Maverick Vinales looking mighty fast. Sad for Jorge.

https://us.motorsport.com/motogp/news/l ... e/4483973/

Cold Gin wrote:Maverick Vinales looking mighty fast. Sad for Jorge.

https://us.motorsport.com/motogp/news/l ... e/4483973/

Those injuries are starting to really pile up for Jorge. I think he's going through the same thing Danny went through. His body is breaking down on him.

What a day in racing it was. First an epic F1 race and then three exciting races in MotoGP.

I think Toba is the fastest rider in Moto3. The series is a joke with the way the slipstream just dominates the outcomes but Toba would pull away from these guys if the bikes allowed it.

Moto2 was amazing!. It was great to see Jorge Martin have a great run. Shame about the crash but it was one of many today. Alex Marquez will be tiddled. He was on for 4 wins in a row until Baldassarri took him out. Very foolish move from Baldassarri there. That's why he's another Ionnone. He has the speed but he just makes too many mistakes.

MotoGP also produced an exciting race. Epic run from Marquez to finish second in a race where the Honda was not very strong at all. Vinales though was brilliant. His speed on the Yamaha has really come on here at the mid point of the season and his starts have finally improved a bit. I'm hoping he can start to be up front consistently now challenging for wins. Yamaha need it.

Quartararo was also very good on that satellite bike. His pole yesterday was awesome and he is showing that, in terms of raw speed, he is top shelf. Back to back podiums now and he has truly established the upper hand over Morbidelli.

Rins absolutely bottled it today. This is my issue with Rins. He always seems to find a way to let things slip through his fingers. Whether it's for a race win or a championship, he needs to become someone who converts his opportunities.

I think the signs suggest that it's time for Rossi to hang up the helmet. Sure he still has the occasional strong race performance but he usually gets trounced in qualifying by every other Yamaha rider be they satellite or factory and he has now crashed out of 5 of his last 10 races. They say Father Time is undefeated and I think he's coming in for the knockout right about now.