Discussion
Just interested in peoples thoughts about Melandri and his future. Why can't he ride the bike and how can he be at the opposite end of the grid to his team mate? There's talk Hayden might take his place but what a risk - it's a seat that ends careers if Melandri is anything to go by.. I realise that the other Ducati's are at the rear as well so what is going on..?
At Donington, Melandri's bike was spanking the traction control on corner exits, Stoner's wasn't. I think this may have a lot to do with it. I think Stoner has just mastered the art of not letting the electronics kick in, despite what a lot of people want to think, it was clearly visible at Donington.
As for Melandri himself, I'd be surprised if this wasn't his last outing with Ducati this weekend and we see a return by Gibernau for the rest of the season. I think Hayden is possibly the only other rider on the grid that could potentially get the hang of the Ducati. Look at the similarity in Stoner's and Hayden's backgrounds.
As for Melandri himself, I'd be surprised if this wasn't his last outing with Ducati this weekend and we see a return by Gibernau for the rest of the season. I think Hayden is possibly the only other rider on the grid that could potentially get the hang of the Ducati. Look at the similarity in Stoner's and Hayden's backgrounds.
That's interesting about the traction control. They must have tried everything though, even turning it off to see if he rides any faster.. As for Hayden, you might be right. The Ducati needs a certain style which obviously only Stoner has mastered.. What next for Melandri though? Wonder if he'll get another ride..
MattOz said:
Just been watching the practice session for Assen. Melandri was just over 3 seconds off the pace and dead last. The top two 250 riders were circulating quicker than Marco! He's having a nightmare, that's for sure.
Matt
Poor guy Matt
Edited by MattOz on Thursday 26th June 15:21
Don't know too much about his history but 2008 isn't his year.Rawwr said:
I don't doubt he could get another ride... if he wanted one.
agreedkawasaki publicly announcing that they want him as no 1 rider for 2009, gresini want him back i think he could walk into pretty much any ride bar the top two teams.
Edited by castrolcraig on Thursday 26th June 18:42
castrolcraig said:
Rawwr said:
I don't doubt he could get another ride... if he wanted one.
really??kawasaki publicly announcing that they want him as no 1 rider for 2009, gresini want him back i think he could walk into pretty much any ride bar the top two teams.
Anyways, it's one thing to have trouble with a bike, and it's one thing for any of US to be beaten round a track by a 250GP rider when we're on "big" bikes, but what on earth can be that badly wrong with Marco that he's lapping slower than some of the 250 boys? And THREE seconds off the pace? Honestly, if anyone has a genuine insight into how the difference could be that huge I'd love to hear it.
Centurion07 said:
castrolcraig said:
Rawwr said:
I don't doubt he could get another ride... if he wanted one.
really??kawasaki publicly announcing that they want him as no 1 rider for 2009, gresini want him back i think he could walk into pretty much any ride bar the top two teams.
Anyways, it's one thing to have trouble with a bike, and it's one thing for any of US to be beaten round a track by a 250GP rider when we're on "big" bikes, but what on earth can be that badly wrong with Marco that he's lapping slower than some of the 250 boys? And THREE seconds off the pace? Honestly, if anyone has a genuine insight into how the difference could be that huge I'd love to hear it.
One bike in first and the other last; Ducati can't allow that to continue much longer.
I know it's easy to say from the sidelines, but it sounds as if Melandri is going his own way with settings; why can't he copy Stoners setup then examine the telemetry until he figures out how to make the time up?
I know it's easy to say from the sidelines, but it sounds as if Melandri is going his own way with settings; why can't he copy Stoners setup then examine the telemetry until he figures out how to make the time up?
Centurion07 said:
And THREE seconds off the pace? Honestly, if anyone has a genuine insight into how the difference could be that huge I'd love to hear it.
Ditto.3 seconds a lap is a lifetime in Moto GP! Reckon he's just loss ALL confidence with the thing and doesn't know whether the changes he makes help or not.
Even if he does end up leaving Ducati, it would be good to see him get the hang of it and be competitive just once.
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