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The 2 Wheels 2006 Thread - MotoGP, AMA, WSBK, WSS, BSB

Started by smithy , Nov 07 2005 22:33

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4167 replies to this topic

#1 smithy

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Posted 07 November 2005 - 22:33

With testing already started I guess it's time for a new thread. We set a pretty high bar with over 2600 posts for the 2005 thread (which is here), hopefully we can do the business again.

A different title this year to better reflect the scope of discussions and hopefully make it clear to noobies that any form of motorcycle discussion is welcome. *sigh* I wish Autosport-Atlas had a proper motorcycling channel..... maybe that's something to push for.

Tradition dictates that we have a wrap up of current rider movements, which I suppose for MotoGP needs to include sponsorship movements as well:

MotoGP:
Yamaha, Nastro?- Rossi
Yamaha ? - Edwards, ??

Repsol Honda - Hayden, Pedrosa
Pons Honda - Stoner?, ??
Fortuna Honda - Melandri, Elias
Konica Honda - Tamada?

?? Ducati - Capirossi, Gibernau

Camel? Suzuki - Hopkins, Vermeulen. What is Kr Roberts doing in there?

Kawasaki - Nakano, De Puniet

Team Roberts - ??, ??

D'Antin Ducati - ??, ??

WCM out?

250cc:
A total blank

125cc:
Even blanker

WSBK
Suzuki - Corser, Kagayama?, 3rd rider?

DFX Extreme Honda - PF Chili, Fabrizio

Ten Kate Honda - Toseland, Muggeridge?

Xerox Ducati - Lanzi, Bayliss

Yamaha Italia - Haga, Pitt

Foggy Petronas - Martin, McCoy out?

WSS
Yamaha Germany - Curtain, Parkes

Ten Kate Honda - ??, ??

AMA
????????

BSB
????????

#2 Cosmograph

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Posted 07 November 2005 - 23:16

What's up with Mad Max next year?

#3 smithy

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 00:40

MacZippy,

Can we look forward to PI images on your website sometime soon?

#4 Moanaman

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 00:55

Originally posted by smithy
MacZippy,
Can we look forward to PI images on your website sometime soon?

Yes Please! Its my daily source of Bike porn!

#5 AdrianM

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 03:46

The way I see it -

MotoGP:

Yamaha

Yamaha (M) - Rossi and Edwards

Comments - Now with Altadis moving to Gresini there is no need for Rossi to go on his own. Both riders will stay with Alice, Nastro Azzurro and possibly McDonalds in line to provide cash. Still no word on a second Yamaha team with both Stoner and Rolfo linked to the junior team. Future of Tech 3, without Fortuna, is still up in the air.

Repsol Honda (M) - Hayden and Pedrosa

Gresini Fortuna Honda (M) - Melandri and Elias

Konica Honda (M) - Tamada

Pons Honda (M) - Checa?, Stoner?, Biaggi?

Comments - All confirmed except for the huge cloud above Pons. Camel has gone meaning Biaggi is probably out of Honda. Checa is free while HRC is keen on Stoner. Riders are secondary though. The team must find funds.

Marlboro Ducati (B) - Capirossi and Gibernau

D'Antin Ducati (B or D?) - Ellison?, Rolfo?, Biaggi?

Comments - All confirmed in the factory team. D'Antin may run '06 machinery on Bridgestone tyres.

Kawasaki (B) - Nakano and de Puniet

Comments - Still no title sponsor. Camel is available but more likely for Suzuki.

Suzuki (B) - Hopkins and Vermeulen.

Comments - Camel may join while Red Bull is still floating around.

Team Roberts KR (?) - Roberts Jnr.?

Comments - Has an option to use Honda engines but must find funds.

WCM - (D?) - Ellison?, Battaini?

Comments - According to Twin Window could use year old Ducati's on Dunlops. Blata never got off the ground.

250

- Simoncelli may join De Angelis in factory Aprilia team.
- Poggiali and Aoyama both linked to KTM
- Future of Pedrosa - Puig team in doubt with Movistar off to F1.
- Pedrosa and De Puniet leave for MotoGP. Stoner may join them.

125

Still open in the air.

WSBK

Suzuki - Corser and Kagayama and Hoffman?

DFX Extreme Honda - Chili and Fabrizio

Ten Kate Honda - Toseland and Muggeridge?

Xerox Ducati - Lanzi, Bayliss

Yamaha Italia - Haga, Pitt

Foggy Petronas - Martin and Jones

#6 LeD

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 05:22

I preferred the old thread: I don't see the need for a new one.

#7 santori

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 09:36

How about Max Biaggi and Colin Edwards in the factory Yamaha team (Rossi having his own, one rider team)? With a bit of sponsorship juggling.

#8 santori

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 09:48

Can anyone recommend a website about the Japanese championships? They have a big influence on Motogp and WSBK but I know very little about them.

#9 smithy

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 11:33

Originally posted by giddyup409 in the 2005 thread

The tone.... http://www.ducati.co...ci_straight.mp3

Played this to my son just a moment ago and the following conversation ensued:

Son (unimpressed) : Wow
Me: That's a bike, not a car
Son (eyes widen, rapid change of attitude) :

That's ridiculous!
Me: :lol:

Also, I've been catching up to the rest of you over the past two nights watching "Faster" and then "Faster & Faster"

:love:

* Wish the bikes still slid around like they used to....
* Wish Garry McCoy didn't fall off so often....
* Wish someone (Yamaha - I'm looking in your direction) had looked after WCM a lot better....

If you still haven't seen it, get out to your local video store quick smart. Amazing footage and some very candid insights from riders, mechanics and team managers. My favourite bit:

Rossi: "Before, racing was fast but then I get on the 500 and..... ****!"

#10 bigbrickz

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 16:24

Originally posted by smithy
250cc:
A total blank

125cc:
Even blanker

Crash.net say that Kallio is to join the KTM 250cc effort next season. Luthi is due to test a Honda MotoGP tomorrow, but said in a post race interview that he'll have number 1 on his bike next season. I guess that means he'll be staying in 125cc, but that doesn't make sense to me ?

#11 Scoots

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 16:43

Originally posted by smithy

Rossi: "Before, racing was fast but then I get on the 500 and..... ****!"

My favorite quote from the movie too, although he says it more like FACK

#12 Bob Brzezinski

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:08

I seem to watch either "Faster" or "Faster and Faster" about once a month. I can't seem to get enough of shots like McCoy spinning up his rear tire on corner exits. I read somewhere a while back that there was another installment in the works; I hope it becomes an informal, annual "video yearbook" for MotoGP.

Beanoid, I can't wait to see how the Hayden boys fare against Mladin et al in Superbike. I'm praying we have a finish or two like Tommy and Roger did at Road America this past season--

#13 Ninja2b

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:19

So this is where everyone has been hiding! And there was me wondering why the OT: MotoGP 2006 thread never appeared!

Im with you Bob, I watch both Faster and the sequel every few weeks. I love their saturated slow motions shots..... really beautiful movie. And I also agree with scoots, its more of a Fack!

#14 miniman

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:21

Lets not forget the Paris-Dakar rally (Lisbon-Dakar, really). In spite of the speed restrictions on the motorcycles it promises to be another hugely entertaining event.

#15 HP

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:27

Originally posted by bigbrickz

Crash.net say that Kallio is to join the KTM 250cc effort next season. Luthi is due to test a Honda MotoGP tomorrow, but said in a post race interview that he'll have number 1 on his bike next season. I guess that means he'll be staying in 125cc, but that doesn't make sense to me ?

Daniel Epp, the Elit team manager also said that next years challenge is to defend the title.

If that doesn't make sense to you for him to stay, just look at 2 other Swiss champs. Maybe you see a pattern involved?

Luigi Taveri. 3 times 125cc champ in 62, 64 and 66
Stefan DÃ¶rflinger. Won in 82/83 the 50cc championship and 84/85 the 80cc.

Albeit his wins are long ago, DÃ¶rflinger mentioned in an interview done before the last race of the 2005 season, that his sponsors asked him to focus on his speciality discipline. Especially when it looked he could win the title again (He started in several categories, up to 250cc)

#16 RedIsTheColour

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:40

I knew about Faster (I've been saving it up for Winter) but I hadn't heard the sequel was out. Is it an update or a whole new film? Anyone got a link? Ta!

#17 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 17:51

Yeah I cant find anything about it...

#18 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 18:05

So how are other people already watching it :confused:

#19 Alaweni

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 18:32

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
So how are other people already watching it

Maybe they are referring to the Special Edition 2nd disk that was released a couple months after the main release of Disk 1. I'm still pissed I got burned on that deal...the company said on their website they would email people who had bought the previous version but they never did.

#20 Bob Brzezinski

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 18:44

Originally posted by Alaweni

Maybe they are referring to the Special Edition 2nd disk that was released a couple months after the main release of Disk 1. I'm still pissed I got burned on that deal...the company said on their website they would email people who had bought the previous version but they never did.

You are correct. The "Collector's Edition" disc contains not only the original "Faster" movie, but also the sequel "Faster and Faster", which covers the '03-'04 season and is as enjoyable as the original, IMHO.

Here is a link to the "official" website, although it's available through places like Amazon as well:

http://www.fastermovie.com/dvd.html

I bought the original a month or so before I discovered the 2-disc set. I was a bit pissed, too, but then I decided to do a good deed and gave the original disc to my 16-year-old nephew. He is now hooked, much to his parents' dismay.;)

#21 smithy

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 22:29

Originally posted by Ninja2b
... its more of a Fack!

True.

I'm no good with phonetics!

#22 LandOfSnow

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 22:51

Originally posted by bigbrickz

Crash.net say that Kallio is to join the KTM 250cc effort next season. Luthi is due to test a Honda MotoGP tomorrow, but said in a post race interview that he'll have number 1 on his bike next season. I guess that means he'll be staying in 125cc, but that doesn't make sense to me ?

Kallio himself says he has signed a two year contract with KTM. 2006 125cc, 2007 250. He said the KTM 250 won't yet be competitive in 2006, so no point to waste a year with it.

#23 Levike

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 06:06

Originally posted by LandOfSnow

Kallio himself says he has signed a two year contract with KTM. 2006 125cc, 2007 250. He said the KTM 250 won't yet be competitive in 2006, so no point to waste a year with it.

Yes this is why is better for Talma to leave KTM....it would have been totally unnecessary to test the 250 next year , just to give it to Kallio when the bike become good.

So it's a good thing that KTM eventually fired Talmacsi, so he can go to Honda next year.

#24 Ben

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 06:29

Aoyama has had his Honda chance (2 years) and could be on KTM 250. His Brother will be on Honda. Fortuna 250 money going to Aprillia. Repsol will sponsor Honda 250s Porto sounds like he´s on board. He was actually in our hotel on thursday night and a few of the guys chatted to him.

Tech 3, 1 bike possibly on Ds, possibly Rolfo.

Keep an eye on Sepang towards the end of the month.

WCM engineers told me they´re aiming to be back.

Ben

#25 Ben

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 18:34

Today´s summary:

Suzuki - Aoki, Hopkins and CV
Pons - Stoner and Checa (Big off for Carlos)
Repsol - Haydon and Pedrosa
Kawasaki - De Puniet, and Jacques I think.
D´Antin - Ellison and Rolfo
Marlboro Ducati - Capirossi, Sete plus Italian test rider

Gresini trucks were leaving at the end of the day, they ran Elias in Fortuna colours and Luthi and Dovi on Movistar bikes.

Aprillia were the only 250 manufacturer still here, running Simoncelli (05 bike) and DeAngelis (06 bike). Barbera and Lorenzo were also on Fortuna Aprillias.

Ellison was doing similar times to Rolfo in the race and was very impressive once he got going.

Forecast looks pants for tomorrow. We lost a couple of hours today as it was with rain.

Ben

#26 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 18:48

From MotoGP.com

1. Nicky Hayden, Honda - 1'34.4 / 53 laps
2. Marco Melandri, Honda - 1'34.7 / 8
3. John Hopkins, Suzuki - 1'34.9
4. Casey Stoner, Honda - 1'35.0 / 69
5. Carlos Checa, Honda - 1'35.1 / 33
6. Sete Gibernau, Ducati - 1'35.2 / 32
7. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda - 1'35.5 / 62
8. Toni Elías, Honda - 1'35.7 / 34
9. James Ellison, Ducati - 1'35.7 / 74
10. Roberto Rolfo, Ducati - 1'35.7 / 55
11. Nobuatsu Aoki, Suzuki - 1'35.8 / 41
12. Olivier Jacque, Kawasaki - 1'35.9 / 32
13. Chris Vermeulen, Suzuki - 1'36.3
14. Randy De Puniet, Kawasaki - 1'36.5 / 58
15. Loris Capirossi, Ducati - 1'36.8 / 17
16. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda - 1'39.5 / 27
17. Thomas Luthi, Honda - 1'44.2 / 27

#27 DamattaSpeed

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 19:32

looks like my subscription still works. :up:

nice testing vids.

dani pedrosa looked really odd on the motogp machine. :lol:

i wonder how they'll configure his bike.

69 laps for stoner? :eek:

#28 Ben

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 21:16

Originally posted by DamattaSpeed
looks like my subscription still works.

nice testing vids.

dani pedrosa looked really odd on the motogp machine. i wonder how they'll configure his bike.

69 laps for stoner?

Pedrosa couldn´t touch his feet down off the bike. We saw Gibernau on the pitwall having a laugh at that. The obvious response being - "Who´s got the HRC equipment now?"

Pedrosa has taken his engineer from 250 with him and they already seemed to be working well with the HRC guys today.

Ben

#29 xflow7

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 21:17

Man. How small is Pedrosa anyway? Anyone know his height?

#30 smithy

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 22:29

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
From MotoGP.com

1. Nicky Hayden, Honda - 1'34.4 / 53 laps
2. Marco Melandri, Honda - 1'34.7 / 8
3. John Hopkins, Suzuki - 1'34.9
4. Casey Stoner, Honda - 1'35.0 / 69
5. Carlos Checa, Honda - 1'35.1 / 33
6. Sete Gibernau, Ducati - 1'35.2 / 32
7. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda - 1'35.5 / 62
8. Toni Elías, Honda - 1'35.7 / 34
9. James Ellison, Ducati - 1'35.7 / 74
10. Roberto Rolfo, Ducati - 1'35.7 / 55
11. Nobuatsu Aoki, Suzuki - 1'35.8 / 41
12. Olivier Jacque, Kawasaki - 1'35.9 / 32
13. Chris Vermeulen, Suzuki - 1'36.3
14. Randy De Puniet, Kawasaki - 1'36.5 / 58
15. Loris Capirossi, Ducati - 1'36.8 / 17
16. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda - 1'39.5 / 27
17. Thomas Luthi, Honda - 1'44.2 / 27

Wow... awesome time from Stoner!

#31 Twin Window

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 22:48

Originally posted by Ben on the old thread

The highlight of my weekend had to be spending second qualifying in Pedrosa´s garage.

The highlight of mine was Chaz returning to the villa from the end-of-season party at 6:30 Monday morning, and managing not to wake me up!

The 2006 team line-ups as I understand it, based on *knowledge* gleaned at Valencia;

Repsol HRC Honda: Hayden & Pedrosa

Fortuna Gresini Honda: Melandri & Elias

Pons Honda: Stoner & TBA

Checa looks favourite to partner Casey (who has a three year, 1m Euro/year HRC contract), unless there's an HRC reversal over Biaggi. I heard the 'Pons will pull out' rumours too, but I can't see it happening. The JT/Camel situation is a complete farce; it became apparent during the weekend that the son of JT Europe is Biaggi's best mate. :rolleyes:

Completely pathetic...

Yamaha Factory Racing: Rossi & Edwards

Momentum was gaining that - following the withdrawal of Altadis/Gauloises - that there is no longer a *need* for Rossi to be run as a privateer. If that's the case, then Edwards will be his partner on another Alice bike, unless - of course - that Vale wants to go with Bridgestone.

Tech 3: TBA (& TBA?)

Rumours to the effect that Tech 3 could even end up running bikes in World SuperSports were prevelent in Valencia... However, a singleton Tech 3 Yamaha for Rolfo would make sense given that Lucio Cecchinello has conceded defeat in elevating his team to MotoGP.

Konica-Minolta JiR Honda:

Luca Monitron told me he's sorted for 2006, and is sticking with a single bike for Tamada "because we owe him a second year".

Ducati Marlboro Team: Capirossi & Gibernau

Kawasaki Racing Team: Nakano & de Puniet

Team Roberts: K. Roberts Jr (& TBA?)

Their MD told to me on Friday that they have Honda engines and will use their own frames. As I understood it at the time, they were planning to run two bikes - but I gather that it now maybe just the one...

Team Suzuki: Hopkins & Vermeulen

Given that Paul Denning has already rejected the Camel money because it included Biaggi, I find it hard to believe that he'll consider running three bikes in order to accomodate him. Having said that, these days anything's possible...

Team d'Antin Pramac: Ellison & TBA

James signed at the weekend, and I heard that, thanks to a big wedge of his family's *old sherry* cash, Cardoso was favourite to expand the team back to two bikes. However, he's not tested yet, so... you'd have to believe Rolfo's in with a shout. They'll have 2006 bikes on Bridgestones, I'm informed.

WCM: TBA (& TBA?)

Not looking too good here, although I did hear an outgoing member of staff say on Monday that he thought they might be using KTM engines next season. Battaini is reverting to 250s, I gather...

In 250s, Aspar are supposedly the new factory Aprilia team, thus replacing the outgoing MS Italia squad. This was offered firstly to LCR over the weekend, but - being the [unusually, in racing terms] honest 'spag' that he is - Lucio told them the truth; namely that he still had MotoGP aspirations. When those plans collapsed on Saturday night, he got back to Aprilia on Sunday only to be told that not only a) he wouldn't get the factory status, but b) he wouldn't be getting any Aprilias at all; full stop! The last statement is thought to be most likely reversed, but nevertheless it's an uncomfortable situation for Lucio to find himself in.

Originally posted by xflow7

How small is Pedrosa anyway?

He's a very quick midget.

#32 smithy

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 23:23

Twinny,

Can you tell us anything more about LCR trying to get to MotoGP? What brought the deal down?

Did Casey going to HRC have anything to do with it, or did he got to Honda only after Lucio was unable to get a deal up?

#33 AdrianM

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 02:17

So am I correct in saying Aspar Repsol switch from Aprilia to Honda with Porto while Fortuna go from Honda to Aprilia with Barbera and Lorenzo?

#34 Moanaman

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 03:53

I Give up! Someone wake me on March 20th! :cat:

#35 Twin Window

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 07:14

Originally posted by smithy
Twinny,

Can you tell us anything more about LCR trying to get to MotoGP? What brought the deal down?

Did Casey going to HRC have anything to do with it, or did he got to Honda only after Lucio was unable to get a deal up?

As far as I'm aware, Lucio had enough money to run a bike for Casey but not enough for the bike. He was negotiating with Yamaha on the basis he needed a donor bike when firstly Pons and then HRC entered the equation in Valencia. Senior staff at Yamaha were pro-Casey and anti-Poncheral and so there was definately a basis but, from Casey's perspective, a ride for no money on a private Yamaha versus a seven figure HRC deal was a no-brainer...

Originally posted by AdrianM

So am I correct in saying Aspar Repsol switch from Aprilia to Honda with Porto while Fortuna go from Honda to Aprilia with Barbera and Lorenzo?

Aspar are staying with Aprilia, but I think that's what you meant. Yes; as I understand it the two sponsors have swapped taking their riders with them.

#36 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 07:34

Amazing that a 'young driver' that didnt win the title (not a slight against him mind you) could step into a seven figure euro deal with a good privateer. Wish that worked in auto racing!

The updated Fortuna colors on the Gresini are awesome.

Watched a very amusing AMA SuperMoto race this morning from a very wet Elkhart Lake gokart track. I wouldnt want to be going that fast on a bike and racing other people without leathers and protectors. We've seen guys come out of dirt tracking into road racing, what chance we would ever see a guy with a SuperMoto background do well? Is it not developed enough a sport, likewise why isnt there cross over from motocross?

#37 Youichi

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 11:58

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Amazing that a 'young driver' that didnt win the title (not a slight against him mind you) could step into a seven figure euro deal with a good privateer. Wish that worked in auto racing!

It IS quite amasing, but his testing time would seem to indicate he's worth it and ready too.

I was quite amazed by Luthi's Time 10 seconds off the quickest time, from the guy whose just won the 125 world championship. It certainly puts Schumachers Ducati time in a whole new light....

#38 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 13:03

I guess I meant it in the sense that if we had a Dani Pedrosa in autoracing, he'd have a good chance of making it; but a Casey Stoner wouldnt.

#39 Twin Window

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 20:31

This is very funny!

(Max fans need not bother looking, mind...)

#40 Bob Brzezinski

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 20:49

Thanks for the link, Twinny. Another website to keep me from accomplishing anything this afternoon.

A warped but pretty funny take on Hopper:

http://www.motogpnew....php?pageid=361

#41 giddyup409

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Posted 11 November 2005 - 12:48

blimey... absent for a few days and late to sign in on the 1st page of the 2006 2-wheel thread
smithy, again many thanks for keeping it up.

yamaha disappoints me. only 2 bikes for 06? passing on developing new talents? no post-rossi rider plans? honda gets all the props there!

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Amazing that a 'young driver' that didnt win the title (not a slight against him mind you) could step into a seven figure euro deal with a good privateer. Wish that worked in auto racing!

stoner showed that he was the best rider by miles on the same brand bike.

#42 DamattaSpeed

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Posted 11 November 2005 - 21:32

More on the silly (literally) season politics and economics that drive this fan of moto gp crazy.
http://www.speedtv.c...mmentary/20718/

$50M in Sponsorship lost. :rolleyes:

#43 subh

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 00:25

In response to santori (hello again) -

Try this site for news and results in the Japanese championships: http://www.motoracing-japan.com/

#44 condor

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 00:37

Originally posted by DamattaSpeed
More on the silly (literally) season politics and economics that drive this fan of moto gp crazy.
http://www.speedtv.c...mmentary/20718/

$50M in Sponsorship lost.

Thanks for posting the article link :up:

Very interesting

#45 Ben

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 09:24

Originally posted by DamattaSpeed
More on the silly (literally) season politics and economics that drive this fan of moto gp crazy.
http://www.speedtv.c...mmentary/20718/

$50M in Sponsorship lost.

Great article. I think the biggest problem is that MotoGP has never had a decent plan to remove tobacco advertising.

I think Noyes made a good point went he said the sponsorship deals are like "tips". The idea that a manufacturer should spend hundreds of millions on motorcycle development along with the 8 figure sums some of the tyre manufacturers spend for a mobile phone company to then come in and say for my 15 mill I wish to dictate who rides your bikes is pretty rediculous.

The most interesting thing to see wil be what happens if Alonso has a moderate season next year and fails to win the WDC and Pedrosa or even SG have a strong MotoGP season, what will Telefonica's market be saying?

As for Camel, if it's Max Biaggi or bust, bust makes sense to me.

Ben

#46 santori

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 10:35

Originally posted by subh
In response to santori (hello again) -

Try this site for news and results in the Japanese championships: http://www.motoracing-japan.com/

Thanks!

I'm not sure how I feel about sponsors influencing rider line-ups. I agree with all the above but at the same time you can't expect companies to pour millions of euros into your team (team, not manufacturer) and not want an influence.

And though Max didn't have the best year, he was still only marginally outperformed by his team-mate, who is now, apparently, at last, the Next Big Thing.

Honda seems to me to be behaving very scuzzily.

#47 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 11:39

The tobacco situation at Valencia had me wondering. The track is in Spain, but since its the GP of the Communitat de Valencia, is the race technically in Spain ;)

#48 ehagar

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Posted 12 November 2005 - 16:01

Originally posted by santori

And though Max didn't have the best year, he was still only marginally outperformed by his team-mate, who is now, apparently, at last, the Next Big Thing.

Honda seems to me to be behaving very scuzzily.

Problem is, when you get outperformed and start mouthing off...

the difference in attitude between the two is night and day. If I had a rider say the things he did off the record, I would have fired his ass immediately. Apparently, if what Noyes said was true, Honda was ready to replace Biaggi at Valencia as well...

#49 giddyup409

Member

2,500 posts
Joined: May 02

Posted 12 November 2005 - 16:57

methinks motogp is heading in right direction in terms of pay-riders and washed out riders :up:

now if the manufacturers, teams and sponsors can get together and use one of the opportunities like the one in valencia, where hrc tested 6 (what they think) most talented riders on their horses, to invite possible sponsors to pick their jockey on whom they want to throw money at.
i'd actually love to see the same trend in f1.

#50 ehagar

Member

7,759 posts
Joined: April 01

Posted 12 November 2005 - 18:48

I'm not so sure... I don't like the trend.

Take a close look at race videos from the early to mid 90s. I lost count of how many bikes were in the 500cc class. Eg:

1992:

http://www.sportnetw...180/st53225.htm

1993:

http://www.sportnetw...180/st51641.htm

Yes there are asteriks here and there for Wildcard and one off rides, but watch some race videos and start counting the number of bikes at a round. It gets close to 30 a race.

I understand the reasoning for canning the 500s, Superbike was putting on a better show in the post Rainey-Schwantz era. But they reached the zenith of their development and costs were manageable. Now cost way outstrip the amount of sponsorship money available. It seems wrong that at a time when the series has resergent popularity it is on the verge of comitting seppuku

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