The official 2009 season MotoGP thread!

[Karoug]

I agree with Colin Edwards: "These bikes shouldn't be 800cc, they should have a 1500cc engine and NO TC!"

I read that in an interview..

[DarkReaper]

Hmm, lets see over 350-400hp in a 160kg chassis. Would definitely be fun on the straights but would be murder in a corner. The engine is too wide and the stabilising effect of the engine would also be too large.

[Mally Dangerous]

Originally Posted by Karoug

I agree with Colin Edwards: "These bikes shouldn't be 800cc, they should have a 1500cc engine and NO TC!"

I read that in an interview..

In my opinion, they shouldn't have moved from the 990 in the first place.

[motogpboy]

Rossi has been quoted as saying the 800s are too easy to ride.

That being said I do like the smaller frames and the faster cornering speeds of the 800s. There was an obvious difference especially around the flat 3/4 complex at Laguna from 2006 to 2007.

Though... I really miss the sound of the 990 big bang engines...Those things just sounded MEAN.

[Mally Dangerous]

I just think that they are fiddling around with the sport too much. And I don't see any real improvements coming out of that fiddling. It's like they are bored or something. I still watch and enjoy every race but it has lost some spark with me.

[Karoug]

News about Silverstone!
Klikk

Track modifications at the Silverstone circuit look set to make it one of the fastest circuits on the MotoGP calendar, when the World Championship heads to the Northamptonshire venue from 2010 onwards.

The new Silverstone circuit, which will feature a spectacular new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a tightening ‘Arrowhead’ hairpin at the inside of Becketts, will measure 5.67km in length, 0.53km longer than the existing 5.14km Grand Prix circuit.

Scientifically measured data, based on mathematical simulations, has calculated that the average lap time for MotoGP riders around the new track would be 1’51.456, racing at an average speed of 182km/h - 3 km/h faster than at Phillip Island, which is currently the fastest circuit in MotoGP.

The data is based on simulations and interpolations provided by HOK Sport, one of the world’s leading sports architecture firms.

[avanti]

Kawasaki returns with 1 rider, Marco Melandri!

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/M...+Kawasaki+team

[Redliner]

Those bikes in naked carbon look soooooo mean....

[motogpboy]

sooo...any news on what Hopper is doing?

There must be something else going on behind the scenes... Hopper is a little injury prone... But how Melandri raced last season it makes little sense to me why they'd keep him as the single rider.

[DarkReaper]

Maybe Melandri was the only one that didn't get a contract for 2009 or the Ducati didn't suit him, so Kawasaki just took whats left.
Anyway Melandri was very successfull on the Hondas.

[avanti]

Hopper was too greedy, Melandri accepted the terms and got a ride.

[Karoug]

I wish Sook would give Hopper a bike.. They need more data if they wanna compete with the big boys..

[motogpboy]

I've always felt that if Hopper had gotten a decent bike he could have been a contender.

Just a shame

[justvisiting]

Pos Rider Bike Time Laps
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:57.139 37
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:57.747 51
3. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:57.817 41
4. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1:57.879 60
5. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:58.018 24
6. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 1:58.264 42
7. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1:58.400 63
8. Alex de Angelis Honda 1:58.441 53
9. Nicky Hayden Ducati 1:58.577 54
10. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:58.619 28
11. Randy De Puniet Honda 1:58.936 55
12. Toni Elias Honda 1:59.036 56
13. Yuki Takahashi Honda 1:59.153 65
14. Marco Melandri Kawasaki 1:59.195 63
15. Niccolo Canepa Ducati 1:59.266 36
16. Mika Kallio Ducati 1:59.764 48
17. James Toseland Yamaha 2:00.234 51

Autosport

Toseland is making himself look like a fool with these testing times in comparison to Edwards.

I know Toseland and Edwards swapped tech's, at the demand of toseland - but what created such tension? Did toseland think the switch was gonna make him that much better? cuz it's not showing.

also pedrosa is so frail, dovi is the one to watch for this year.

Casey's performance over Nicky is also amazing.. I hope Nicky can get a handle on the Ducati before april

[motogpboy]

The best season in history would be if Colin Edwards wins the Moto GP world title on a Tech 3.

Actually...I really hope he gets his first win... after years and years of trying, and 2006 Assen..he deserves it.

[Karoug]

With the risk of sounding like a fanboy (well i am): I'm really happy that Suzuki is showing good pace so far! Hopefully they can keep it up when the real season starts!!

[DarkReaper]

Where is Sete Gibernau on that list? I was a fan of his when he was still racing.

[justvisiting]

Originally Posted by DarkReaper

Where is Sete Gibernau on that list? I was a fan of his when he was still racing.

He had to sit out qatar due to a ripped shoulder from the last test. I think he will be back by jerez.

He was doing pretty good last test out; he still needs to get to grips with the electronics though. I don't think we will see him at full potential until a few races into the season, if it does happens.

[motogpboy]

So apparently Dovizioso has an insane amount of balls...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73618

He pretty much just laid the smack down right there. Seems like a breath of fresh air for Pedrosa and Puig. All this backhanded subversive comments finally coming a little bit their way.

All I can say is...Go Dovizioso.

[justvisiting]

I've only been watching GP for 3 seasons now, but this sort of clicks for me how weak of a package pedrosa really is.

I mean he is frail, his speed is generally due to his weight, which takes him off the line brilliantly and allows him to have clear road out in front. Sometimes we see him concentrate a bit and hold off pretty well, but this power to weight advantage should really help him more.

I understand its more difficult for him to pick the bike up and his smaller size may hinder his stamina - leading to his many crashes, but still. Can we assume that his lack of thought on the bike is due to his inability to properly setup the bike or do we blame it on his lack of running?

I say give Dovi the lead position for development; it will only help dani