Portimao this week-end; sprint race today and full race tomorrow. Marc Marquez is back, so we'll see how the Ducati / Honda fight turns out. KTM and Aprilia may also disturb this duel, not so sure about Yamaha in spite of Quartararo.
I think Quartararo was a flash in the pan, and his title may just stay a one-off. He reminds me of Cecotto who burst in GP (350cc), and humiliated Ago, never to win another title after that.
Mainly depends on the bike he will ride in the future. For now Japanese bikes are totally dominated by European’s ones. His skills are still undeniable and I don’t doubt he won’t last long without a competitive bikes in the coming years.
So already two wins for Bagnaia (sprint and race). Ducati seems to be the manufacturer to beat, Aprilia and KTM are also there and with Marc Marquez's crash (also too bad for Miguel Oliveira) Honda is a question mark for now. Zarco's comeback to fourth was impressive and, TBH, unexpected after the first half of the race.
Yes, the Japanese bikes are on the back foot now. Their success in racing started in the 60s, and the have dominated motorcycling since, so I won't shed a tear for them ! It led to the decline of the motorcycle industry in Europe. I am very glad to see European manufacturers at the forefront (Ducati, Aprilia, KTM) and I hope they stay for a long time. Maybe some more will join. Quartararo and Marquez have thrown their lot with Yamaha and Honda, and indicated they wanted to stay put for the moment.
For years Marquez is doing very bad move against others drivers. Dorna do nothing because he’s protected for wathever reasons .. I fear something really bad will occurs because of this.
Especially the Bagnaia-Ducati duo looks like a strong combination to beat. So sad that quite few riders eg. Bastianini, not even had a chance to really race this weekend, being just taken out by other riders, and they will miss next race as well due to fractured bones etc. I really want to see full grid of contenders to enjoy the races. I hope that introduction of sprint races did not start a trend of some drivers taking unnecessary risk to move up a position. It should be just the opposite - sprint races are the additional chance to win points, so take your time, if not today, you can get better prepared move tomorrow.
Possibly Honda has lost its edge, and Marquez tries harder and harder to stay in touch with the leaders. These 2 last years have seen him in surgery after bad falls.
Well, first race of the season; I thought the Portigual track looked great fun to ride. FWIW I hope for an active MotoGP forum here on this FerrariChat site; as active as the F1 section. I'll echo above, M Marquez may be over rising his Honda. He really had a bad first lap, causing too many incidents and then the crash. But he is the "elder" racer, so I dream of his returning success. Quatro and his Yamaha, well, they are my "underdogs", I am rooting for him. The Euro bikes seem to be faster than the Yama. Last season was not Q's best either, and I too wonder if he'll be a repeat champion. I also like to see GasGas now in the pits, and await the one day, if ever, Kawasaki will join. It sure would be entertaining to see Harley enter LOL. Bag and his duck; similar to MV and his Redbull, upcoming domination? 9 month season, 28 races? Yes, I am a fan.
Apl 02 2023 rain race Argentina. I love rain riding as it shows who is "smooth" with bike control. But at this level, it seems tire care was a key factor. Super congrats to Val Rossi owner of VR race winner. A Marq in weel in 2nd, until that tire-saving skill showed. Yep the rain, sad for # 1 Duck. My underdog, Quat, no luck for first laps, so sad too, but great recovery to 6th. Surprising the penalty differences between F1 and GP stewards and rules. I enjoyed this racing over F1 Australia. Seemed the rain really made the racers stay on the tarmac an off any painted surface. Although I understand, I am still amazed that the rear tire lifts under breaking. Gotta love rain races. I believe next race is 2 weeks at COTA Texas USA.
Results do not seem to be as predictable as in F1... and there is real racing, too. Ducati is the best bike, but many riders are able to perform with it; for the rest, Aprilia, KTM and apparently even occasionally Yamaha or Honda can also score points. In spite of this week-end result, Bagnaia still looks like a solid championship leader; Ducati points may be shared between many, but other points are also shared so there is no obvious challenger so far.
Looking forward next week to Austin. Arrive a little early and do some dual sport riding in Hill Country with a break for pie at Blue Bonnet Cafe (my tradition). Breakfast at the Monument in Georgetown, too. Pick up a paddock pass on Thursday and hopefully Thriller Miller (pit box 16) has a great weekend. Realistically, the top speed of Ducati will be difficult to beat.
I went about 10 years ago to the COTA USGP. We stood on the hill near turn 9 and watched them go down the long straight in one view. Amazing how fast they accelerated out of turn 11 and flew down the straight like rockets. Can't catch that on TV.
Cota USA was yesterday Apl 16. The racing for 1st place was very close, until.... opps. I found an edited version of the Sprint race on NBS Sports Utube (ditto for the race if interested). There was one lap I noticed during the sprint where Ducati just accelerated away on the straight with horsepower, power in reserve perhaps. Me, I noticed more than usual heavy front braking on Cota, compared to other tracks. El Diablo bonused with the retirements during the race.
Too many riders in MotoGP race tucked the front end. No one in the paddock is going to challenge Michelin but... I know Miller and Pecco lost the front with no warning. Talked to the engineers that said the data shows nothing and they each went through those corners faster on previous laps. These are the best riders in the world and know how to push the limit. Lots of complaints about the track. T12- you could bounce up and down on pavement at the apex and feel the sponginess due to water. I have read comments doubting Quartararo's skills but he is a great rider. Personally, I don't particularly care for his personality but he can ride. It was great catching up with friends at the track and overall a great weekend. It is interesting to hear about Martin and Marquez not feeling well but I saw both of them out at Red Bull party on Sunday night downtown.
Bagnaia seems to imply that the front end issue may have to do with the bike being too rigid, which somehow hides the feedback; and other riders echo that feeling (well, I translate my understanding with my own words, which may not be the most effective...)
KTM-s had absolutely rocket start in both sprint race and Sunday's race. Binder & Miller duo led in both races from the start. Bagnaia managed to get from 5th to the 2nd in sprint. And in today's main race he also didn't disappoint. Ducati didn't look the strongest during the weekend, but that man (Bagnaia) really made a difference. MotoGP, also WSBK, are the racing series to watch!
MotoGP sprint race to me was more entertaining than F1 sprint. Last laps in GP were great...4 bikes within 4 bike lengths (until last lap). I especially enjoyed seeing Miller "light up" his rear tire on acceleration.
