Moto GP first race
Discussion
Was an enjoyable race and Dovi did a cracking job keeping in front of Marquez. Impressed with Rossi's third as well, especially as I had him down as being fourth or fifth behind Pedrobot or Vinales.
Only race one, but I still the think the title will go to Marquex and he will obliterate Rossi's records in years to come. However, more people will be upset by Rossi's retirement than Marquez, at least that's my view.
Only race one, but I still the think the title will go to Marquex and he will obliterate Rossi's records in years to come. However, more people will be upset by Rossi's retirement than Marquez, at least that's my view.
I would have thought that Tech3 ditching Yamaha has played right into Dorna's hands there though - They must be worried about Rossi retiring from the grid
Love him or hate him, he has a huge, very loyal following, who only have an interest in him winning. If he crashes during a race, people leave the circuit... Not exactly good for the future of the sport from a financial point of view.
Rossi has now publically said that he won't run a MotoGP team whilst he is still racing, so if Yamaha can find a way to run a satellite team, even if only one bike for 2019/20, then Rossi could take on the team and it would keep him in the paddock and therefore keep the fans watching. But it would require Dorna to increase the number of bikes on the grid for next year...
Love him or hate him, he has a huge, very loyal following, who only have an interest in him winning. If he crashes during a race, people leave the circuit... Not exactly good for the future of the sport from a financial point of view.
Rossi has now publically said that he won't run a MotoGP team whilst he is still racing, so if Yamaha can find a way to run a satellite team, even if only one bike for 2019/20, then Rossi could take on the team and it would keep him in the paddock and therefore keep the fans watching. But it would require Dorna to increase the number of bikes on the grid for next year...
The amazing statistic they mentioned on the MotoGP coverage was that since his win at Mugello last year Dovi had won 7 of the last 14 races, a 50% win record. I know that's not quite the 10 in a row that Marquez did at the start of 2014 but it's only 1 less than what Stoner achieved over 14 races for Ducati (and for Honda).
The thing is Rossi Can not start an entirely new team, he will have to either go in with someone else or convince DORNA to create a new opening.
I expect him to go in with Aspar, he has great respect for him (after hating him as a rider) and they would surely rather have a Yamaha deal with Rossi than yonk old Ducati's and pay riders.
Bagnaia rode there a few years back for Mahindra aswell and though on a Duke for two years I expect him to ride a Yam for Vale eventually, unless he is startling on the Duke and gets a factory Duke ride
I expect him to go in with Aspar, he has great respect for him (after hating him as a rider) and they would surely rather have a Yamaha deal with Rossi than yonk old Ducati's and pay riders.
Bagnaia rode there a few years back for Mahindra aswell and though on a Duke for two years I expect him to ride a Yam for Vale eventually, unless he is startling on the Duke and gets a factory Duke ride
FourWheelDrift said:
The amazing statistic they mentioned on the MotoGP coverage was that since his win at Mugello last year Dovi had won 7 of the last 14 races, a 50% win record.
Amazing, isn't it? On top of that, Neil Morrison just tweeted: 'Dovizioso's win percentage in #MotoGP after nine seasons (2008-'16) stood at 1.25%. Since last year's Italian Grand Prix, that number has risen to 50%. Some turnaround.'It was incredible that he got the win on the last corner (again....!), but I think it's just as impressive that Marquez came second on a track that is far from his or Honda's strongest circuit. It's going to be close this year, but as an early prediction I think Marquez will have the most consistency between circuits - which will seal the Championship.
benjobanjo said:
Amazing, isn't it? On top of that, Neil Morrison just tweeted: 'Dovizioso's win percentage in #MotoGP after nine seasons (2008-'16) stood at 1.25%. Since last year's Italian Grand Prix, that number has risen to 50%. Some turnaround.'
It was incredible that he got the win on the last corner (again....!), but I think it's just as impressive that Marquez came second on a track that is far from his or Honda's strongest circuit. It's going to be close this year, but as an early prediction I think Marquez will have the most consistency between circuits - which will seal the Championship.
I don't think that overall percentage is quite right but I get what you're saying.It was incredible that he got the win on the last corner (again....!), but I think it's just as impressive that Marquez came second on a track that is far from his or Honda's strongest circuit. It's going to be close this year, but as an early prediction I think Marquez will have the most consistency between circuits - which will seal the Championship.
joema said:
Marquez's result is ominous for the others. The Honda looks like its going to be the best all round package this year with strong showings from Dani and Cal.
Is it? Dovizioso said it's a worry that Marquez finished second, but Marquez finished fourth last year and Pedrosa 5th. Pedrosa finished 7th this time. The Yamahas did well last year (1st place!) but went a bit awry this year - maybe the Yamaha has 'lost' a bit of pace rather than the Honda gaining it?egor110 said:
Trouble is dovi knows it's coming and that marquez then runs wide , plus the ducati has the grunt to pull away to the finish line.
Dovizioso looked like he was expecting that move from Marquez. And appeared to lean on Marquez a bit more aggressively on the exit than he might have in the past.So chuffed for Dovi, he really seems to develop year on year, and whilst I'd love him to win, even if he doesn't it will make a for a great year.
Zarco did so well for 3/4 of that race and to have so many riders in with a chance down to the last few laps speak volumes (hopefully) for this season
Zarco did so well for 3/4 of that race and to have so many riders in with a chance down to the last few laps speak volumes (hopefully) for this season
curlie467 said:
benjobanjo said:
Amazing, isn't it? On top of that, Neil Morrison just tweeted: 'Dovizioso's win percentage in #MotoGP after nine seasons (2008-'16) stood at 1.25%. Since last year's Italian Grand Prix, that number has risen to 50%. Some turnaround.'
It was incredible that he got the win on the last corner (again....!), but I think it's just as impressive that Marquez came second on a track that is far from his or Honda's strongest circuit. It's going to be close this year, but as an early prediction I think Marquez will have the most consistency between circuits - which will seal the Championship.
I don't think that overall percentage is quite right but I get what you're saying.It was incredible that he got the win on the last corner (again....!), but I think it's just as impressive that Marquez came second on a track that is far from his or Honda's strongest circuit. It's going to be close this year, but as an early prediction I think Marquez will have the most consistency between circuits - which will seal the Championship.
Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
benjobanjo said:
Neil's spot on, he won twice in 160 starts - 2008-'16. Crazy, isn't it?
Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
I wonder if they regret not keeping both Andrea's ?Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
Yes Iannone was a bit of a loose cannon but with more time on the bike would he now be a regular top 5 plus he'd be a lot cheaper than Lorenzo.
egor110 said:
I wonder if they regret not keeping both Andrea's ?
Yes Iannone was a bit of a loose cannon but with more time on the bike would he now be a regular top 5 plus he'd be a lot cheaper than Lorenzo.
I saw something mentioned on motomatters that Lorenzo is being asked to take a pay cut... Petrucci was also publicly saying that he wants a Factory Ducati seat, and I doubt he was talking about Andrea's...Yes Iannone was a bit of a loose cannon but with more time on the bike would he now be a regular top 5 plus he'd be a lot cheaper than Lorenzo.
I think Dovi has been a bit of a revelation. I always marked him down as a 'division' below Rossi, Stoner etc. and he's been around a while, so I'll be honest I thought we'd seen his best. However, last year and this race, he's really come alive.. Good on him.
I still have that hope that Rossi will give one more flash of brilliance but hey ho..
I still have that hope that Rossi will give one more flash of brilliance but hey ho..
egor110 said:
benjobanjo said:
Neil's spot on, he won twice in 160 starts - 2008-'16. Crazy, isn't it?
Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
I wonder if they regret not keeping both Andrea's ?Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
Yes Iannone was a bit of a loose cannon but with more time on the bike would he now be a regular top 5 plus he'd be a lot cheaper than Lorenzo.
Dakkon said:
egor110 said:
benjobanjo said:
Neil's spot on, he won twice in 160 starts - 2008-'16. Crazy, isn't it?
Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
I wonder if they regret not keeping both Andrea's ?Also, strange to think that a couple of years ago they were arguing over which Andrea to keep...
Yes Iannone was a bit of a loose cannon but with more time on the bike would he now be a regular top 5 plus he'd be a lot cheaper than Lorenzo.
rodericb said:
joema said:
Marquez's result is ominous for the others. The Honda looks like its going to be the best all round package this year with strong showings from Dani and Cal.
Is it? Dovizioso said it's a worry that Marquez finished second, but Marquez finished fourth last year and Pedrosa 5th. Pedrosa finished 7th this time. The Yamahas did well last year (1st place!) but went a bit awry this year - maybe the Yamaha has 'lost' a bit of pace rather than the Honda gaining it?egor110 said:
Trouble is dovi knows it's coming and that marquez then runs wide , plus the ducati has the grunt to pull away to the finish line.
Dovizioso looked like he was expecting that move from Marquez. And appeared to lean on Marquez a bit more aggressively on the exit than he might have in the past.Cal was about 10th the last couple of years and binned it last year. This year he was far better...
And we all now the troubles Yam have had.
Gavia said:
It’s great to see everyone already writing Lorenzo off after he had a mechanical issue with his bike.
Amazing how it’s Ok to be so negative towards him, but should anyone question Rossi, it’s instant death.
I'm sure Lorenzo and Rossi don't need valiant warriors of the keyboard defending there honour .Amazing how it’s Ok to be so negative towards him, but should anyone question Rossi, it’s instant death.
Personally i couldn't give a s
t who wins the title as long as it's a good season long fight.Gavia said:
It’s great to see everyone already writing Lorenzo off after he had a mechanical issue with his bike.
Amazing how it’s Ok to be so negative towards him, but should anyone question Rossi, it’s instant death.
When did this mechanical problem start then? On the warm-up lap I presume.Amazing how it’s Ok to be so negative towards him, but should anyone question Rossi, it’s instant death.
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