Stephens: I'm privy to some of the teams private test data. Watch how this plays out. A few of those guys competing are clients of mine. Art
Someone posted on the nspeedzilla board that rain was forecast for 2nd qualifying. Could be BS but we'll see.
Both suzukis on the 4th row. John seems to think that he can go as fast on the race tires as the qualifiers. Tomorrow should tell the tail. I think top 5 maybe, top 10 for sure. He picked up 1.5 seconds today. No rain. Art
1 Valentino Rossi Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Yamaha 1:32.647 2 Sete Gibernau Telefonica Movistar Honda Honda 1:32.682 3 Max Biaggi Camel Honda Honda 1:32.919 4 Nicky Hayden Repsol Honda Honda 1:33.098 5 Colin Edwards Telefonica Movistar Honda Honda 1:33.111 6 Shinya Nakano Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki 1:33.276 7 Marco Melandri Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 Yamaha 1:33.296 8 Alex Barros Repsol Honda Honda 1:33.359 9 Loris Capirossi Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1:33.522 10 Kenny Roberts Team Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 1:33.543 2.2 seconds separated first from twentieth
It is interesting that Biaggi doesn't have the latest parts in his Honda. Anyone want to bet that next race he does? He's on the B+ bike, not quite the works bike, but better than the for sale unit. I suspect they'll upgrade him for the next race, since he's the only rider that can stay with Rossi at the present time. 1. Rossi 2. Biaggi 2/100s behind at the finish. Art
Now that was some of the most exiting racing I have seen in ages! Makes ALL car races look dull, dull, dull.... I switched to the DTM season opener after the MotoGP but switched it off... not enough action to keep me interested! http://www.MotoGPMerchandise.com is our latest project... ;-)
Biaggi always has a reason to be second to Rossi. I wondered if it was the machine up til this race. Now I know.
It's a long way down to the next Yamahas of Norick and Checa in 9th and 10th, respectively. It seemed like an awesome race, wish I could have watched it.
I missed the race today but what happened to Vale? 4th place, 58 seconds behind Gibernau, Biaggi and Barros !? !? !? I guess Biaggi broke the spell of being second behind Rossi... He's now second behind Gibernau.... So, Honda = 1 - 2 - 3...
