Round 15 - Moto GP 2011, Motegi

[jhansen]

Well, the time has finally come for the Japanese Grand Prix. It was a miserable situation in Japan after March of this year. It was truly spine tingling stuff that unfolded there. The original race date was delayed and rescheduled for this coming weekend. What ensued over the course of this season regarding Motegi is a bit sad (my opinion), with the talk of rider and team boycotts, all while displaying “we are with you Japan” on bikes and shirts. In the end, it seems most people are going, including staunch holdouts Lorenzo, Rossi and Stoner.

On to the race. On paper Honda, in the shape of Casey Stoner, should be unstoppable. Perhaps only Pedrosa having a real chance of beating him. In fact, I think we have a real possibility of seeing three Honda riders on the podium. HRC are bringing two wildcard rides for their test riders (8 RC212V’s total), which I think is a nice gesture for the locals. As far as I know, Yamaha and Suzuki are not adding riders. Speaking of Yamaha, they will need to do something special here I think in order to limit the damage. Suzuki, well they just do their best I suppose. That leaves Ducati, which is just sad any way you look at. But they are pushing on with little thought of 2011. I believe Hayden is now getting close to the window where we might also see him start from pit lane. Of the satellite Duc riders, we have lost Capirossi for this round due to his Aragon injury. As of yet, I have heard nothing of a replacement. They should have put a Japanese rider on the bike, which would have been cool.

Anyways, the area still has its shakes and rumbles, but the race is on and I am sure the people are eager to see something inspiring. And while most of the fireworks regarding Motegi have been in press conferences, here’s hoping that we get some action on track for a change.

[jhansen]

Nicky Hayden tweeted earlier today:

"I have taken a very difficult decision not to go to japan out safety concerns & radiation levels. Hope the fans understand & will support me"

He followed that up later with:

"Gotcha... I was kidding with all that Nonsense bout not going to japan. Most saw thru the BS, but a few of ya bite on it pretty hard"

And most recently:

"Sorry to any fans who took that joke wrong 2 much airport bordom. Please except & if not just unfollow me..."

I think he'd like a re-do on that one.

[jhansen]

Damian Cudlin will be on the second Pramac Ducati this weekend.

[cg7aa]

Originally Posted by jhansen

I think he'd like a re-do on that one.

I don't think he should feel any regret, it was what it was, a joke. If some folk can't take it as such and accept that for a moment they were had and instead insist on foaming at that mouth then it's their problem quite frankly.

I bet some of those kicking off about it are doing so because they can't bare the thought of being 'had', egos too bruised. Get over yourselves.

[GORDON STREETER]

I think the less said about this race the better !

[chunder]

I do really think that these bikes are far too close to the edge. Far too many crashes, far too many.

Even with the the rubbish the electronics are not saving these guys. You really can't save it, which is why I hate it so much.

People complained about the 500's when they started highsiding people, but front end crashes can still be very dangerous.

A race with lots of crashes doesn't entertain me, if I wanted that I would go and watch banger racing.

Nice to see Zarco win at last, he had the measure completely of Terol despite that Aspar being still being a bullet in a straight line.

And for Iannone a good win too, not sure why Marques wasnt there, but I feel so sorry for Bradl, the bike has obviously been overtaken by the Suters and there is nothing he can do seemingly. So frustrating

[gossie]

Originally Posted by chunder

I do really think that these bikes are far too close to the edge. Far too many crashes, far too many.

Even with the the rubbish the electronics are not saving these guys. You really can't save it, which is why I hate it so much.

People complained about the 500's when they started highsiding people, but front end crashes can still be very dangerous.

A race with lots of crashes doesn't entertain me, if I wanted that I would go and watch banger racing.

Nice to see Zarco win at last, he had the measure completely of Terol despite that Aspar being still being a bullet in a straight line.

And for Iannone a good win too, not sure why Marques wasnt there, but I feel so sorry for Bradl, the bike has obviously been overtaken by the Suters and there is nothing he can do seemingly. So frustrating

Fully agree with all you say "Chunder".

Was fabulous to see Zarco win for sure, and I too hate seeing these guys drop the bike.......that does not entertain me at all.

[GTRMagic]

Not much of a crowd in the stands though, ~34k spectators would have meant a largg-ish loss for Motegi

[bestfit]

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

Not much of a crowd in the stands though, ~34k spectators would have meant a largg-ish loss for Motegi

I thought the crowd was quite good under the circumstances and considering that up until a fortnight ago there was no guarantee of a race being held at all.
Motegi was never going to make money this year after the earthquake and the meltdown.

[chunder]

To be fair there has never been a big crowd at Motegi, it's in the middle of nowhere after all, part of the reason I think that many riders at least dont like going there!

Suzuka suffered towards the end aswell with crowds, but it is such a massive place you hardly notice!

And they hardly need to make money do they, its owned by Honda!!

[jhansen]

Ok, I need a ruling. I thought if a rider stayed inside the box before the lights go out, then it's a fair start. For sure Dovi moved, but he seemed to stay in the box?

Feel bad for him. He was quick for a change.

[bestfit]

No forward movement of the bike is allowed before the lights go out. Whether they cross their box line or not.

[ghinzani]

Pleased as cheese for Zarco, the kids a real trier, much like Cluzel. He has been sleeping in his managers couch fior last couple years allegedly. Wish Poncharel would pick him up, much better prospect than Smith, for instance. Guess monet talks...

[chunder]

Cluzel is a crasher to be honest, dont rate him at all! Had some good results but very inconsistent. Bradley is good, but I dont think yet he has shown enough to warrant a GP ride. But he does have good agents and sponsors, and that counts for a lot! It's what gets the Spanish rides regularly.

Zarco is top drawer, they seem to find these guys at AJO, but lets hope he doesnt do a di Meglio and fade to oblivion on a 4 stroke!

[Dani Filth]

Originally Posted by jhansen

Ok, I need a ruling. I thought if a rider stayed inside the box before the lights go out, then it's a fair start. For sure Dovi moved, but he seemed to stay in the box?

Feel bad for him. He was quick for a change.

the rules changed a few years back .. I seem to remember monster starts from Abe this way

[Mopar]

Originally Posted by chunder

I do really think that these bikes are far too close to the edge. Far too many crashes, far too many.

Even with the the rubbish the electronics are not saving these guys. You really can't save it, which is why I hate it so much.

People complained about the 500's when they started highsiding people, but front end crashes can still be very dangerous.

A race with lots of crashes doesn't entertain me, if I wanted that I would go and watch banger racing.

Nice to see Zarco win at last, he had the measure completely of Terol despite that Aspar being still being a bullet in a straight line.

And for Iannone a good win too, not sure why Marques wasnt there, but I feel so sorry for Bradl, the bike has obviously been overtaken by the Suters and there is nothing he can do seemingly. So frustrating

Well this gives a good insight into what is required from a tyre to keep the riders close to/on the edge

http://www.bridgestonemotorsport.com/Statistics