The MotoGP Newbies

[jhansen]

We have a fairly diverse group of new riders this year. Since we are in the midst of the summer break it's a good time to take a look at how they're doing. Here they are in championship order:

Ben Spies - Tech 3 Yamaha - 77 Points
Marco Simoncelli - Gresini Honda - 49 Points
Hector Barbera - Aspar Ducati - 41 Points
Aleix Espargaro - Pramac Ducati - 28 Points
Alvaro Bautista - Rizla Suzuki - 25 Points
Hiroshi Aoyama - Intw. Honda - 18 Points

They're all on privateer bikes with the exception of Bautista, but the Suzuki is very privateerish. Obviously Spies has easily put himself on top, but I think that was to be expected given his experience on bigger bikes. Plus, the Yamaha is definitely the best privateer package. Simoncelli is getting better and better though. I'm curious to see how he finishes the year.

The other four are tougher to figure out for me. They all seem so far off the pace it's difficult to rate them. I think Barbera deserves a shout, given that his team is also on a learning curve.

[GORDON STREETER]

Its difficult to tell seeing that the points go down to 15th place. What has been the highest number of starters this year ? and the lowest number of finishers ?

[jhansen]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

What has been the highest number of starters this year ? and the lowest number of finishers ?

That's a good question. Can you tell us the answer?

[jhansen]

Rider – Pts. – Top 10’s – DNF’s – Top QP – Top FP
Spies – 77 – 7 – 2 – 4th – 3rd
Simc. – 49 – 5 – 2 – 8th – 6th
Barb. – 41 – 3 – 1 – 10th – 8th
Espr. – 28 – 4 – 4 – 9th – 8th
Baut. – 25 – 2 – 3 – 9th – 5th
Aoym. – 18 – 1 – 0 – 10th – 10th

Top QP = Best Qualifying Position
Top FP = Best Finishing Position

Aoyama comes out on the short end of the stick, as he's missed the most races.

[ghinzani]

Hector has surprised me the most - I thought he would be in the hedge all the time but hes stayed on and been very quick on occasion.