MotoGP Spoiler

For most of the Agostini era the works MV Agustas were so far ahead of everyone else in terms of performance that unless you were on one, you simply had no chance. The Europeans could build a fine-handling machine that generally used an antiquated or unreliable engine. The Japanese (Honda) could build great engines in scary chassis. The MV was unique in that it combined the best of both.

Even Hailwood struggled when he switched to RC181.

 

Amazing race in Spain.

Rossi showed why he is the class of the field right now. Lorenzo put up a great battle, but should have known that leading the race going into the last couple of laps with Rossi +0 on your tail is a recipe for 2nd place. I guess he thought he had the juice to hold him off... well, almost, but not quite. Rossi had passed him before in the final turn, so Lorenzo should have seen it coming.

the wife and I were screaming at the TV for the last couple of laps. I dont know if Speed got any interviews after the race.. we watched the BBC feed and they did... Lorenzo was NOT happy in the winners box. Rossi was bouncing around like a little kid.

will be watching the final laps of this race for some time.

 

Lorenzo is giving Rossi all he can handle this year, meanwhile Stoner is somewhat quietly tied with both of them in points.

Both Stoner and Lorenzo had ran wide in the late laps of the race trying to make passes or outbrake each other. Lorenzo did everything he could, Rossi made a bold pass and luckily made it stick. Had he been just a fraction hotter in the corner he would have went wide again and Lorenzo would have passed him back and won. Both guys were 100%, it took everything Rossi had to win that race, not unlike Laguna last year.

 

Art,

I have to say that having a former rider contribute to this board is incredible! Your insight is always very interesting to read, as you have a perspective that no one else here has. Excellent stuff!

 

Let me start off by saying that I wish Speed would broadcast the qualifying sessions, as it was great to watch. Stoner and Lorenzo took some pretty nasty spills in qualifying, I was surprised to see them both look so healthy in the race. They must have sure been beat up by the time the race was over. Glad they were both ok.

Was a nice race........I love that track. Hats off to Pedrosa, he rode a near flawless race, that is, until the very last lap where he allowed Rossi to come close enough to make for a very close finish. Great ride by Hayden - of course, he knows this track like the back of his hand. Regardless, I hope this is the beginning of some better finishes for him. I am rooting for him. Lorenzo made it interesting as well. Him and Rossi had a pretty good battle. The kid has got some talent, no doubt. He just needs to learn how to ride a little smarter.

I'd love to make it out to Laguna to see that race live one of these days, and I'd like to do it while Rossi is still riding.

 

Lorenzo has a dislocated collarbone and broken bone in his foot. Next race is in two weeks and those injuries will still be nagging him. Riding a short warm-up and toughing it out for the race is one thing, hopefully he can make it through the next race weekend with all the sessions and seat time required. Lorenzo has really impressed me this year, on the same bike as Rossi he has taken it to him on several occasions and looks to be almost on par with him. Rossi has never had a teammate push him this hard so it is great to watch.

The other rider that has impressed the hell out of me this year is Pedrosa. I haven't liked him or rooted for him since his rookie year, but man is he tough. Broken bones, torn ligaments, and he just rides through the pain to win. His other races (all have been riding "hurt" in '09) have been notable, beating the golden boy Divizoso on almost every occasion. Many are predicting his Pedrosa's sacking from Honda after this year, but who would they get to replace him? He remains one of the four best in the world and I don't see Rossi, Stoner, or Lorenzo changing teams.

Speaking of Stoner, it will be interesting to eventually find out what his mystery illness is that seems to be sapping his strength. I thought it was odd that his whole garage was applauding when he finished fourth, not sure if they did the same for Hayden's fifth. Toseland may have sealed his MotoGP fate by his disqualification. WSBK teams will come calling for his services.

The AMA Superbike race was a crash-filled joke. Mladin, even normally outspoken Mat Mladin, wouldn't comment on the idiocy of the pace car placement for fear of retribution. I hope he clinches the championship a few races early and then lets DMG have it in every form of print media, Wind Tunnel, Youtube rants, etc. These guys in their incompetence will eventually get a rider killed.

 

Lorenzo talking with Honda about 2010: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76747

 

More on Lorenzo: http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/2009/07/07/lorenzo_rumors_increasing_telefonica_hon.html

 

One more: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10112613&postcount=1428

 

MotoGP Qualifying Practice Classification
Pos. Num. Rider Nation Team Motorcycle Lap time Km/h Gap
1 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1'32.520 269.326
2 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1'33.160 269.595 0.640
3 27 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1'33.759 264.835 1.239
4 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1'34.404 266.140 1.884
5 15 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1'34.490 256.288 1.970
6 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 1'34.564 266.337 2.044
7 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 1'34.607 261.311 2.087
8 3 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1'34.725 262.263 2.205
9 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 1'34.741 268.056 2.221
10 36 Mika KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing Ducati 1'34.771 267.062 2.251


Look at that gap between Rossi and Lorenzo! And nice surprise - Hayden qualifying 4th. Maybe he's starting to come to grips with the bike.

 

Rossi pole by 6 tenths!!!

A lot went down today, nearly everyone after the 1st row!

 

Incredible race yet again. Such a close finish. Fantastic!

 

Stunning race yet again

 

It was a great race! Watched it this morning. Very tight there for a bit up front.

 

When everyone went to a control Bridgestone tire with two compound choices during a race weekend, Q's were eliminated.

 

Well, what a race once again. Where did Edwards come from? Before Rossi fell off I'd thought Dovisioso had the better position over Rossi. But seeing the last part of the race, where Dovi was struggling and Rossi fought back through the field, I'm quite sure that Rossi would have won it.
A gamble on the rain tires by Ducati that didn't pay off. Why they kept both drivers out so long is beyond me.
Rossi now one race win clear of Lorenzo. Can Lorenzo still do it? Or has he hit a mental wall after constantly being beaten by Rossi?

 

That was a HUGE gamble by Ducati, and a stupid one at that. Sure, they would have come off looking like geniuses if it worked, however taking a chance of taking Stoner out of the points entirely was not worth it. He is fast enough to fight it out on equal terms, he doesn't need to take such a risk.

 

I would have to agree, if anyone doubts that Rossi remains the best rider in the world you only have to look at this race. The guy is amazing. No real weakness in any area. In fact in most aspects he is the best in the business, or at least second or third best.

I admire his talent, but I still do enjoy when he gets beaten as well.

Heavy rumor is that during the break Lorenzo will announce he is going to a factory Honda next year (presumably Elias' bike, but on one-rider Telefonica team). The vacant Fiat Yamaha ride would have to be the most sought-after machine in the paddock. Melandri perhaps?