MotoGP 2013 is go!

[Apriliaer]

Sepang test is underway for the CRT machines with the standard ECU, who get two extra days of testing. Pity some of the machines are still being assembled!

Hope the teams get some meaningful track time; finally see an early indication if Brad Smith has 'IT.'

Also, the Rossi come-back, Mad Marc Marquez mixing it and no Stoner - meaning it's Pedro's best chance surely!?

Although MotoGP is not in great shape, it will be an interesting season I'm sure....

My punt at a prediction;

1. Pedro
2. Lorenzo
3. Marquez
4. Crutchlow
5. Rossi
6. Dovi
7. Spies
8. Hayden
9. Smith
10. Iannone

[RemaL]

Always good when the season kicks off, ok only testing but it's a Start

I feel with regards to Dani, this is going to be his last year at the title but still think he won't get it. Just a feeling.

Would he then become to best rider to never win the top flight title over what 6 plus years of trying

[Apriliaer]

If the Honda is good and he maintains his form from last season, then he'll have an excellent chance. Know what you mean about having a feeling that he'll miss out again though.....

I'd love to see Marquez in the championship running.

You might be right on the best rider never to win a championship thing; Randy Mamola sprung to mind but Pedro's been alot more successful, statistically, and if you consider he's spent all his time on the Repsol Honda....

Edited by Apriliaer on Sunday 3rd February 12:12

[egor110]

Any idea when the mcn fantasy league starts again?

Can't wait for marquez and rossi stir things up. although i fear crutchlow's not going to have as good a year.

[joema]

You forgot Bradl. I think he should beat Hayden, smith, iannone, spies and maybe dovi, Bautista.

If pedrosa carries on from '12 I think he should win. Honda should still have the bike. Can't wait to see how Marquez gets on!

[Turn7]

CRT boys had lots if issued yesterday and only turned about 19 laps between them.

Parts and electrical issues.

[Turn7]

VR46's bike in Test livery...

[Rick448]

RemaL said:

Always good when the season kicks off, ok only testing but it's a Start

I feel with regards to Dani, this is going to be his last year at the title but still think he won't get it. Just a feeling.

Would he then become to best rider to never win the top flight title over what 6 plus years of trying

For me that will still be Randy Mamola.

[macdeb]

[Apriliaer]

joema said:

You forgot Bradl. I think he should beat Hayden, smith, iannone, spies and maybe dovi, Bautista.

Ah yes, be interesting to see how he advances, think you're spot on with that prediction. I was talking about the test, as I understand it Ducati aren't fielding the completed 2013 bike, so I'd certainly expect Stefan B to be ahead of Dovi in this test.

[egor110]

Apriliaer said:

Ah yes, be interesting to see how he advances, think you're spot on with that prediction. I was talking about the test, as I understand it Ducati aren't fielding the completed 2013 bike, so I'd certainly expect Stefan B to be ahead of Dovi in this test.

Do you think Bradl will be beating Crutchlow?

Isn't Bradl's bike pretty much a works honda?

[Apriliaer]

egor110 said:

Do you think Bradl will be beating Crutchlow?

Isn't Bradl's bike pretty much a works honda?

Not sure mate, I'd expect it to be pretty close between them. That Tech3 bike was pretty good last season, best non-factory machine maybe? Hopefully they'll bag a couple of podiums each when things go their way.

[egor110]

I'm not so sure, last year stoner was out for a while so he had pedrosa and lorenzo on the podium then whoever was next quickest, this year to get on the podium you've also got to beat marquez and rossi.

[Apriliaer]

egor110 said:

I'm not so sure, last year stoner was out for a while so he had pedrosa and lorenzo on the podium then whoever was next quickest, this year to get on the podium you've also got to beat marquez and rossi.

Aye, that was what I meant by if things go their way. Spies was absent last season, which made the podium task a bit easier.

[egor110]

How about wsbk, can sykes do it this year? will melandri self destruct again end last few races?

[Apriliaer]

Hope so, lots of variables there too. How will Aprilia cope, post-Max? How will the Panigalelyly fare?

I think it's a safe-bet that Melandri will be the main threat, class rider, despite the unforced self-destruction last year!

Hoping Loris Baz will put in some solid rides too.

[curlie467]

I am going to go for another Lorenzo title.

Even with Dani chasing him down at the latter half of last year, he had such an advantage that I don`t think we saw him dig down really deep. I still think he is the fastest guy out there over the year and thinks more of points and what they mean overall than the single race win.

[998420]

Going to be real interesting, I think Rossi will be back at the sharp end, no question, Bradl and Crutch both guys to watch.

Marquez had a big machine and weight advantage, Smith a big machine disadvantage, we will see what happens, Brad is a sensible lad who will hopefully get up to a decent speed, Marquez is not, you just wonder who or how many people he will take out learning.

[egor110]

Surely smith and marquez must weigh roughly the same? neither are big chaps.

Is it just me or do you see a little bit of simoncelli in marquez's riding style? he's going to be spectacular or crash , no middle ground.

I can't wait

[joema]

There is a good piece by matt oxley in Motorsport this month about MM. He has the raw speed of stoner and the fight of simoncelli, Rossi. I can't wait once he's finished high siding, although I think it will be easier than jorge's transition.

About tech 3, last year was the closest they will be to actors due to new regs. I just hope yam are going to give them good support, crutchlow was positive about his deal so I think there must be some sort of factory tie in. I see no benefit for Yamaha having slow satellite bikes