MotoGP 2017

[Dani Filth]

I think we can already start the 2017 MotoGP thread as we're already testing the 2017 bikes.

and regarding testing .. very good signs already for Vinalez.. i wasn't expecting to be this fast .. so fast
Tech3 guys very close to each other on both days
Aprilia quite up there with Aleix
Rins a bit slow on both days

[chunder]

Honda using a closed firing order engine is the biggest news really.

And obviously teams running without aero, but that wont happen likely until next test/

[Dani Filth]

so Stoner fastest after day 1 of testing in Sepang
where are our Aussie friends when we need them

[S griffin]

Proves he's still got it and doesn't mind still doing the occasional tests

[Dani Filth]

well .. it's easier to be fastest by being the only one that went for a soft tyre :P

[GORDON STREETER]

As usual, the season starts in Qatar (March 26) and finishes in Valencia (November 12), with 16 races in between, and no significant changes from last year. Austria is back for a second run at the Red Bull Ring, Phillip Island third from last on October 22. There are 23 riders in 13 teams, representing six different manufacturers.
Ducatis are the most numerous, with eight Desmosedicis ranging from three of the latest GP17s to sundry older models.
Next up, five Hondas; and at the tests the latest RC213V came with two different variants of the new Big Bang engine. It remains to be seen whether HRC will settle on just one when the real racing begins, when engine design is frozen for the year.

Marquez has been consistently fast in testing despite finishing behind Vinales at the Sepang and Phillip Island tests. Come Qatar, he’ll be on it.
Four Yamahas for two teams; then two each from Suzuki and Aprilia. And another two from the all-new KTM team, adding a quirky steel-chassised V4 to make three European factories against three from Japan.
Tech rules are generally as for last year, with Aprilia and KTM escaping most of the strictures that apply to established race-winning teams—joined this year by Suzuki after the company’s success with Vinales last year. As well as riders not being able to test outside officially designated times, the factories are limited to seven engines, with design frozen from race one.

[justracing]

As far as the tech rules are concerned, the little I know about it is that the most significant change from the casual observers point of view, has been to ban the ridiculous front wing appendages although looking at some 2017 pictures I see that some manufacturers have tried to compensate by adding the inboard strakes inside the fairing. I'm afraid that this level of performance gain leaves me absolutely nonplussed as does the same minute performance gains in Formula 1 which is why I've pretty much lost interest in that form of 4 wheel action. The level of sophistication of the current MotoGP machinery has me boggling and although I still follow the series with interest my heart lies with the 2 wheel entertainment provided by the WSBK with the top six comprised of five Brits in the opening round. If that form is anything to go by, we are in for a cracker in WSBK and for that matter with the British SBK. Having said all that I'm still a big Rossi fan!

[justracing]

As an additional comment, the latest aero development from Ducati looks absolutely ridiculous. Anything as ugly as is this should not be allowed on the grid. That front fairing looks like a squashed trash can.

[GORDON STREETER]

Well the first race of the season was a turn up for the books ! however the guy that they were all talking about before the race did win, but what a race !

[Dani Filth]

What a start from Zarco .. leading the race and pulling a gap .. such a shame he dropped it
Yamaha seems favorite for the season .. but I think I said the same last year
it was interesting that some riders managed to keep the softs competitive and other melted the mediums, especially Marquez

Moto2 .. first win for Morbidelli, quite convincing
Moto3 .. the usual randomness

[S griffin]

Saw the highlights on C5, good job I rechecked my Radio Times after finding nothing on the ITV4 schedules. Great win by Vinales, him and Rossi seem to be a great combo on and off the track. Zarco is definitely gonna star this season, can even see a win this season, after 2016 anything is possible. Quite a number of crashes but that usually happens at Qatar. At least there were no rain delays

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by S griffin

At least there were no rain delays

You should have watched the complete thing as the Moto GP main event was held up for ages by rain for almost an hour !

[chunder]

Zarco would possibly have fallen way he was on a softer set of tyres I think.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

You should have watched the complete thing as the Moto GP main event was held up for ages by rain for almost an hour !

What I meant was that it wasn't delayed by a day like it was in 09

[Dani Filth]

Originally Posted by chunder

Zarco would possibly have fallen way he was on a softer set of tyres I think.

so was Dovi and Aleix and as both of them did their fastest laps late in the race most probably the tires would've kept at least decent in the latter stages of the race

[Dani Filth]

so Rossi now leader of the championship .. how long can he stay there?
till "december" hopefully

[Dani Filth]

what a shitty race for factory Yamaha .. genuine lack of pace .. don't think i've seen this since the 500cc era

[S griffin]

Not the best race by Yamaha, but best race so far for Jorge and Dani shows he can still win a title if he can stay fit for once

[wnut]

Thoroughly enjoyed this race, nice to see Pedrosa going so well.

Rossi clearly missing Jorge's setup info ....

[Dani Filth]

yeah . right

[Dani Filth]

2 from 2 for Dovi
it it looked Vinalez all the way after 4-5 races .. now not so much
Ducati don't seem to suffer from tyres and track specifics like Honda and Yamaha

[DV_08]

Fun race, championship has really tightened up.

[S griffin]

Dovi really looking good, he's been so consistent and putting George in the shade.

Zarco did well in quali, shame the race didn't go to plan

[Dani Filth]

no need to guess who won
with over 20 years since his first win in the GP world

[justracing]

I thought it was great race, really good performance from VR and a fantastic tussle for the final podium spot. Would have loved to have seen Cal get the spot after a great ride.