Monday 16th July 2012
PH2: Mugello MotoGP
Lorenzo wins, but it's time for musical saddles as Moto GP riders sort out their 2013 seats
Back in the good old days, Rossi won the Mugello GP seven times in a row - how long ago those days must now seem to Valentino...
The big Mugello news was Dani Pedrosa signing up to partner Marc Marquez in the factory HRC team for the next two years. The 2013 season promises to be quite entertaining at Honda, especially if Marc starts sticking it to Dani on track.
Two Spaniards vying for top spot...pass the handbags... But where does that leave Rossi? The smart money is on Vale staying with Ducati for a year or two more, most likely alongside Britain's Cal Crutchlow. The factory Yamaha team looks like Jorge Lorenzo and Texan Ben Spies, something that must really upset Andrea Dovizioso, especially as Ben is suffering a bit of a crisis of confidence on track...
Away from the paddock and out on track, Jorge Lorenzo looked to capitalise on Stoner's poor qualifying, leading the way while Casey languished in sixth. After last week's disaster, Stoner wasn't in the mood for giving up any more points to Jorge, but in trying to bridge the gap to the leading five the Aussie ran into the gravel, demoting him to tenth place.
At the sharp end only Dani Pedrosa looked able to stay near Jorge on track, but after building up a gap of more than a second, it was pretty unlikely that Jorge would ever give it up. And sure enough he didn't, winning the race by a fair distance from Dani in second. Third went to Dovi, ahead of the seriously impressive looking Stefan Bradl - just. How good was that last lap? Fifth for Rossi was a great result and sixth for Cal wasn't bad - although his season has been so good for Cal so far we kind of expect better. Stoner's eighth was little less than a disaster for the Aussie.
In Moto2 it was great to see Bradley Smith up at the sharp end. Despite destroying his new more aerodynamic fairing during practice, Bradders still rode a cracking race to finish fourth with Scott Redding in sixth. Andrea 'Crazy Joe' Iannone won, with Pol Espargaro in second and Thomas Luthi in third. Runaway championship leader Marquez seemed a little off-colour back in fifth place. Mind you, he does have a factory contract in his back pocket; it much have been weighing the little chap down...
Moto3 was always going to be a battle of the slipstreams at Mugello and, true to form, a seven-bike dice soon ensued with Brit Danny Kent well in the battle and actually hitting the front on lap nine. Despite Maverick Vinales, Romano Fenati and Sandro Cortese breaking clear with six to go they still set up a grandstand finish.
Vinales snatched the lead and win by a wheel from local hero Fenati with Cortese in third and only 0.071 seconds between them all. Kent finished a strong fifth with Danny Webb in 20th spot.
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Janosh
Original Poster
572 posts
36 months
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Forgot to mention Stoner's desperate 'bump pass' past Bautista...
It's amazing how Stoner suddenly looks to be struggling after such a long period of domination. At least Rossi can blame his tools..
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BBS-LM
3,490 posts
93 months
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I must admit to watching the race and thinking to myself, when did MOTOGP become boring, the only thing interesting in the race was when stoner tried to make up for his mistake. And when all the italians got on the track with there bikes at the end of the race whichv was hilarious.
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The Danimal
165 posts
24 months
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I thought I saw the Telly Tubbies on scooters during the post race track invasion???
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marsdalebear
110 posts
116 months
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MotoGB might be boring but MotoGP is not so I suggest that you watch it instead.
Oh, and by the way, it is "their" not "there"
HTH.
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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Janosh said: Forgot to mention Stoner's desperate 'bump pass' past Bautista...
It's amazing how Stoner suddenly looks to be struggling after such a long period of domination. At least Rossi can blame his tools.. So did Stoner blame his tools when he was on the Ducati? Oh no, of course not, he won the championship and was a regular on the podium! This latest Honda is a dog of a bike, perhaps Pedrosa is coping better, but maybe his 7 stone weight doesnt affect the chatter so much and if you dont think this Honda is such a dog, ask yourself why they are giving Stoner and Pedrosa brand new chassis's and engines to test today, a whole new bike in essence! It would seem Rossi will stay at Ducati perhaps with promises from Audi's recent purchase! Perhaps more investment or tech etc
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BBS-LM
3,490 posts
93 months
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marsdalebear said: MotoGB might be boring but MotoGP is not so I suggest that you watch it instead.
Oh, and by the way, it is "their" not "there"
HTH. Oh, by the way, I just don't give a s  t.
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egor110
2,027 posts
72 months
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BBS-LM said: Oh, by the way, I just don't give a s t. The motogp race was boring, moto2 and 3 was good as usual. Fingers crossed hayden,spies and edwards loose their seats and end up in world superbikes in 2013, what a season that would be.
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ZX10Ben
37 posts
10 months
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BBS-LM said: I must admit to watching the race and thinking to myself, when did MOTOGP become boring, the only thing interesting in the race was when stoner tried to make up for his mistake. And when all the italians got on the track with there bikes at the end of the race whichv was hilarious.
Agreed. For me, Moto GP hasn’t been as good as previous years. 1 of 3 riders hits the front (usually by the first corner) then takes off unchallenged unless they make a mistake, with all the real action happening about 20 seconds behind them. WSB, BSB, Moto 2 and Moto 3 have been so much closer and more exciting.
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digitalrurouni
17 posts
16 months
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I am not super knowledgeable about MotoGP especially what the difference is between last years and this year's Honda other than the obvious engine changes...and the late decision to bump up the weight of the bikes...but how is it that with such dominant form displayed last year Stoner is having so much trouble?
On the other hand, I seem to gravitate more towards Lorenzo despite his post race Rossi copying antics annoy the heck out of me mainly because of his super smooth style. He just always seems unfazed on the track. And also the hard work that he puts in. I was reading on a site that his manager had to step in and tell him to take it easy because he put in 4 race distances worth of laps during practice and qualifying so as he doesn't wear himself out! Sign of hard core dedication.
Stoner is talented no doubt, but he is such a moaner. Seems he is rather desperate. Maybe he needs a proper manager or something to help him sort out whatever demons that he may be battling with. Amazing talent but not a complete all rounder in my opinion. Fastest rider ever though in my mind but to be a champion, consistency also matters and Jorge at this point seems to be the most well rounded.
Wish Rossi and Ducati would get their game sorted so that he could be in contention!
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btdk5
1,179 posts
59 months
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ZX10Ben said: Agreed.
For me, Moto GP hasn’t been as good as previous years. 1 of 3 riders hits the front (usually by the first corner) then takes off unchallenged unless they make a mistake, with all the real action happening about 20 seconds behind them.
WSB, BSB, Moto 2 and Moto 3 have been so much closer and more exciting. They need to sort out the tv coverage direction. There are plenty of battles going on in the middle of the pack or even let us see some of the crt scraps. When the aliens are 5 seconds adrift I don't need to see them loop round again and again, I've watched enough of that in free practice.
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Schuey M
178 posts
11 months
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RX7 said: Janosh said: Forgot to mention Stoner's desperate 'bump pass' past Bautista...
It's amazing how Stoner suddenly looks to be struggling after such a long period of domination. At least Rossi can blame his tools.. So did Stoner blame his tools when he was on the Ducati? Oh no, of course not, he won the championship and was a regular on the podium! This latest Honda is a dog of a bike, perhaps Pedrosa is coping better, but maybe his 7 stone weight doesnt affect the chatter so much and if you dont think this Honda is such a dog, ask yourself why they are giving Stoner and Pedrosa brand new chassis's and engines to test today, a whole new bike in essence! It would seem Rossi will stay at Ducati perhaps with promises from Audi's recent purchase! Perhaps more investment or tech etc  The honda is a "dog" of a bike?! Are you serious! It's the best bike on the grid. Stoner cant hack it anymore hence his very early retirement. Stoner is just a moaner who makes excuses, and a hipocrit. Put Rossi on the yam or honda and you'll have a real challenge, 9 world titles is more than stoner could ever dream of. Marquez will be in the top 3 next year imo, he's a special talent who will be a superb wing man for Pedrosa. The ducati is the dog bike on the grid, Rossi and Hayden cant make it competitive and they are both superb riders with very different styles.
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moanthebairns
4,249 posts
67 months
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marsdalebear said: MotoGB might be boring but MotoGP is not so I suggest that you watch it instead.
Oh, and by the way, it is "their" not "there"
HTH. Moto GP has been s t for the last couple of years. Moto 2 and 3 are great however. I actually enjoy watching F1 more than the Moto Gp now. I cant for the life of me remember the last great race. Think it was Rossi v lorenzo at barca that was almost 3 years ago.
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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digitalrurouni said: I am not super knowledgeable about MotoGP especially what the difference is between last years and this year's Honda other than the obvious engine changes...and the late decision to bump up the weight of the bikes...but how is it that with such dominant form displayed last year Stoner is having so much trouble?
On the other hand, I seem to gravitate more towards Lorenzo despite his post race Rossi copying antics annoy the heck out of me mainly because of his super smooth style. He just always seems unfazed on the track. And also the hard work that he puts in. I was reading on a site that his manager had to step in and tell him to take it easy because he put in 4 race distances worth of laps during practice and qualifying so as he doesn't wear himself out! Sign of hard core dedication.
Stoner is talented no doubt, but he is such a moaner. Seems he is rather desperate. Maybe he needs a proper manager or something to help him sort out whatever demons that he may be battling with. Amazing talent but not a complete all rounder in my opinion. Fastest rider ever though in my mind but to be a champion, consistency also matters and Jorge at this point seems to be the most well rounded.
Wish Rossi and Ducati would get their game sorted so that he could be in contention! Whilst no expert myself it very much seems this years Honda is not all that, by all accounts this is down to the new control tyre construction. Honda were the only team who didnt want it (hence why the have a whole new bike coming today) It apparently runs a softer carcass and its perfect operating temperature is more easily achieved. It was a very fine line on the old tyre apparently, push just enough to get the tyre working well but not too much that it spits you off (Rossi's leg break)! Tony Elias was your perfect example last year and to a lesser extent the Suzukis, they just couldnt get the tyre working at its optimum. This years tyre is easier to get into, but it has created "chatter" on the Hondas. I guess its a lot like this years F1 season, who can set the car up to get the best out of the tyre, it is the dominant factor rather than the tyre being less crucial to set up ! I think you can be fairly sure after what Stoner showed was possible on the Ducati and last years Honda, that if he could be up the sharp end, he would and for a Honda to be slower than a Yamaha through the speed traps, there must be some workers in HRC committing Hari Kari, that just doesnt happen! So maybe in MotoGp and F1 the tyre is ruining our viewing and we should go back to the good old days of Dunlop, Michelin, Bridgestones etc were we saw some proper dices at the front because in all honesty, i dont really want to watch a MotoGp to see who comes 5th, its about watching the best riders win imho, but would be good to see them having to mix it up for sure!
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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Schuey M said: The honda is a "dog" of a bike?! Are you serious! It's the beStoner cant hack it anymore hence his very early retirement. Put Rossi on the yam or honda and you'll have a real challenge. Marquez will be in the top 3 next year imo. The ducati is the dog bike on the grid Sure, unless you can explain why Honda has a completely brand new bike, chassis and engine for Stoner and Pedrosa to test today!
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Schuey M
178 posts
11 months
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The honda factory team has the biggest budget and best technical expertise in the world. They constantly improve all the time and the new parts are to complement the new "yamaha tyre". If you think honda are in trouble then take a look at ducati.
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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Schuey M said: The honda factory team has the biggest budget and best technical expertise in the world. They constantly improve all the time and the new parts are to complement the new "yamaha tyre". If you think honda are in trouble then take a look at ducati. Its a whole new bike, not parts, not a cush drive here or swingarm there! If you really think Honda are releasing a whole new bike even though the current one is good because they have the biggest budget i would stick to watching your man on F1! Ducati were doing great (world champion great) until Stoner went and if you go by what Rossi said after his first test on the Duke, "whatever you were paying Stoner wasnt enough" speaks volumes about what Stoner can and cant do!
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Rat_Fink_67
1,283 posts
75 months
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RX7 said:
Ducati were doing great (world champion great) until Stoner went and if you go by what Rossi said after his first test on the Duke, "whatever you were paying Stoner wasnt enough" speaks volumes about what Stoner can and cant do!
I'm sorry but i have to pick you up on this. Ducati were doing great until Stoner left? Seriously? You're obviously a Casey fan which is fine, this isn't about that. World champion great? One title in 2007 for the only person who could figure out how to ride the 800cc Desmosedici would suggest otherwise to be honest, especially when you take in to account the results of everyone else who rode the bike. Stoner did well on it without a doubt, but from 2007 onwards even his race win results declined with each season. Ducati have been in trouble with that bike long before Rossi threw his leg over it (look at Melandri in WSBK this year, it's not like he forgot how to ride). Singing Casey Stoner's praise is one thing, but to suggest that the Ducati and the Honda are in the same ballpark is madness.
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Schuey M
178 posts
11 months
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Don't forget the doctor turned yam around when he left honda. The japanese marques have much better electronic traction control systems and that makes them more rideable and easier on the tyres.
Stoner was a crasher on the duke lets not forget.
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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Rat_Fink_67 said: Singing Casey Stoner's praise is one thing, but to suggest that the Ducati and the Honda are in the same ballpark is madness. If you can point me in the direction of where i said that i would me more than happy to address it  Sure i am a Casey fan, the guy is awesome, whats not to be a fan of, more so in what you mentioned above, he is the only person who made the Duke work, it takes a lot to win a championship not just a few podiums, especially against the likes of Lorenzo, Rossi, Pedrosa on i would say, better bikes at the time!
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RX7
227 posts
113 months
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Schuey M said: Don't forget the doctor turned yam around when he left honda. The japanese marques have much better electronic traction control systems and that makes them more rideable and easier on the tyres.
Stoner was a crasher on the duke lets not forget. Yamaha turned it round with the use of the flat-plane crank shaft, not just Rossi! Hence why he cant turn the Duke around! Why does everyone insist on putting Yamahas success just down to Rossi. Are you forgetting Lorenzo beat Rossi on the same bike? Whats your point about traction control and Japanese bikes?
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