Riders Of Vision

General => Off Topic => Topic started by: Walt_M. on January 29, 2018, 04:34:18 AM

Title: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on January 29, 2018, 04:34:18 AM
The old post was getting too long. First day of testing at Sepang and everyone just loves their new bike, surprise!
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Ron_McCoy on January 29, 2018, 12:15:43 PM
Second day, ViƱales and Rossi first and second fastest



Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on January 29, 2018, 04:15:47 PM
Well, that looks good for Yamaha.  But wait!  There will be more to come.  Jorge Lorenzo is still trying to master the new Ducati, and maybe the factory has found a way to get them to turn better and hold corner speed.  I guess everyone has found how to use the Magnetti Marelli spec electronics.  That still seems a blurry area, but progress has been made and those guys are going very fast. 

I think the tires are the weak link in the equation.  Lots of horsepower, and that wears on the tires.  Maybe if they were limited to a bit less fuel . . . . oh yeah, they already tried that. 
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on January 29, 2018, 05:42:30 PM
Jorge said the Ducati is much more to his liking, improved in every way.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on January 29, 2018, 11:39:09 PM
Well, they will lineup on March 18, and we will see what shakes out.  So far it sounds like things will be competitive between the teams.  Ducati has made significant progress, as well as KTM and Apprillia.  Yamaha has done some 'homework' and Honda will be there too.  So it looks like no significant domination by one machine, yet.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on March 18, 2018, 04:01:36 PM
First race of the season is in the books and it seems like 2017 2.0. I won't reveal the results but it was a good race.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on March 20, 2018, 04:43:47 PM
Much improved motors for Honda and Suzuki.  Comments by some of the riders say they are now able to accelerate with the Ducatis!  More manageable power characteristics mean a LOT when considering lap times.  Back in the 70s when Yoshimura was a factor in US road racing I recall reading a short article about the various stages of race tune they offered.  Stage 1 was basically a finely tuned street stock, stage 2 was cams and exhaust, stage 3 was a deeper dig into the motor and stage 4 was the "ultimate" race tune and produced the most power.  The odd thing was the stage 4 was not the fastest around the track because it was too difficult to manage.  This is much of what Honda has experienced over the past couple years with the factory providing an engine with MORE power but it was not as usable as the previous issue motor. 

I have ridden bikes with that extreme state of tune and can say from my experience they will wear you out quickly.  They can go fast but it is sooo much work to keep them on line and on the track.  Very difficult to keep that up for the 40 odd minutes that a race takes.  Because of this I look to see the Suzuki team to do fairly well compared to where it has been. 

I suspect that Jorge Lorenzo could win the championship if he were on the Suzuki because it would suit his smooth style and it has more power this season.  More money at Ducati, and I suspect Vinales went to Yamaha for the same reason.  What would be more important for one season; winning the championship, or getting paid more now? 

Oh, this is delicious, savoring the possibilities and watching the 'ground shift' as technical developments evolve and players change seats. :)
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on April 07, 2018, 04:43:39 PM
Wet qualifying in Argentina. Jack Miller is on pole, quick learner on the Ducati,  Pedrosa seemed to have figured how to get his tires to work in the wet and got second with Zarco third. Rins is fourth, Marquez (I think) Espargaro on the Aprilla,  Dovizioso, Vinales, Crutchlow and Rossi. Lorenzo didn't make it to Q2 and is starting 14th. Don't know what the forecast is but it could be another good race.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on April 08, 2018, 03:16:20 PM
Well,  that was just a goat rodeo. Marquez once again proved his immense talent is backed by immense arrogance. He got 3 penalties in one race. He turned what could have been a 30+ second win into a possible fifth then a penalty 18th.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on April 09, 2018, 03:04:16 AM
From what I have read there will likely be some "discussion" about this race in the week to come.  I'll get some popcorn and settle in.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on April 22, 2018, 08:17:00 PM
Marquez runaway at COTA. Yawner.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on May 06, 2018, 01:30:36 AM
The factory team Yamahas seem to be struggling.  The competition in general seems much closer than in years past, as the qualifying times show.  With the hot weather we will see who can manage to finish with functional tires.  It all gets sorted out tomorrow. 
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on May 06, 2018, 12:49:00 PM
Jerez was also a bit of a yawner except for lap 18 when Lorenzo went bowling. The factory Yamahas still have problems,  Zarco beat them both easily. He will be on KTM next year.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on May 07, 2018, 01:18:10 AM
It seems that the drama never ceases.  More speculation of Jorge Lorenzo moving to the Suzuki team, and the 'musical chairs' goes on.  Will Honda drop Dani Pedrosa?  Tune in next week to find out what new gossip is going around. 8)
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on May 21, 2018, 01:14:24 AM
MOTO GP Le Mans, France.  Another win for Marquez.  Jorge Lorenzo led the race the first few laps but couldn't hold on to the lead as several riders got by him.  Jack Miller got 4th.  Pretty good result as he shows his stuff.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on May 21, 2018, 06:44:12 AM
Seeing Dovizioso and Zarco crashing out was sad, almost forgot Iannone crashed too.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Ron_McCoy on May 21, 2018, 11:30:07 PM
Lots of crashes over the weekend, 81 before the races started. 19 for moto3, 39 for Moto 2, and 23 for Moto gp. Also first eight in Moto gp qualifying were under the old lap record.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on May 22, 2018, 04:22:57 AM
Marquez credited his last crash for helping him win. He said it showed him what he couldn't do.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on May 22, 2018, 04:09:47 PM
It's all about finding the limits, and not exceeding them too much.  An up close examination of the physics involved would be fascinating.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on June 03, 2018, 03:22:59 AM
So they are going to line up this Sunday in Mugello, Italy, and there are several possible winners as the performance of the machines is much closer than in past years.  Valentino Rossi has the pole and will share the front row with Lorenzo and Vinales, while Marquez is on the 2nd row with Ianone (Suzuki) and Petrucci (Ducati).It looks to me like it will be a crowded pack chasing the checkered flag.  Also, the results may well determine more than one rider's future.  It seems there are more riders than seats available for next season, so there may be some movement to SuperBike or retirement.  It is rumored that Jonathan Rea is interested in moving to MotoGP.  The plot thickens as the clock ticks off the minutes and days.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on June 04, 2018, 01:07:58 AM
Big surprise is Jorge Lorenzo (factory Ducati) won the race!  Marquez(factory Honda) crashed out and rejoined the race to finish just out of the points.(16th)

It seems that Jorge has found the way to ride the Ducati, and now he may actually begin winning again.  He needs to show he can be a winner if he wants a ride next season.  Of course, several other riders need to do that too.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on June 04, 2018, 08:13:08 AM
Good to see Jorge win but he is finished on factory Ducati. Marquez crash was only a minor inconvenience. He has scored zero points in two of the six rounds this year and is still leading by 23 with 13 races to go. Yamaha is still trying to get things figured out. Rossi's talent and experience put him on the podium,  only luck would get him a win.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on June 06, 2018, 12:18:04 AM
Rumors and some verification: Well, for next season Pedrosa out at Honda (official announcement) and Lorenzo in(still needs confirmation) .  Well, let's see if he can wield the Honda as a tool or a weapon.  From what I hear it is a rather physically demanding bike to ride.  The Ducati is easier to ride and still the riders complain it too is a physically demanding bike to ride.  It makes ya wonder some. ;)
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on July 01, 2018, 08:48:22 AM
Finally, an exciting race. Lots of passing. Looked a little like Moto3 there for a while.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: iain on July 03, 2018, 02:44:50 AM
That's the best race yet....

Iain
NZ
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on August 25, 2018, 11:58:17 PM
Sunday is the British round of the world championship motorcycle racing (MotoGP) at the Silverstone track.  The riders are complaining of the bumpy track, caused by the F1 cars.  Also it looks like rain Sunday at Silverstone.  Jorge Lorenzo has made a boast that he can win the championship this year, that Ducati can win all the remaining races.  That will be a huge job IF he can even get close.  The Ducati is working well for Jorge, and mathematically it is POSSIBLE, but he would have to beat Marc Marquez every race.   
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on August 26, 2018, 03:18:56 PM
Water Water Everywhere!  Hydroplaning and crashes!  Rained out the British round of MotoGP (all races).  It seems the recent resurfacing of the track might have been partly the reason so much water collected in critical braking zones and on the straight.  Just wait til next time!
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on August 26, 2018, 06:44:55 PM
Too bad they had cancel but you can't race motorcycles in ankle deep water.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on August 27, 2018, 12:59:16 AM
I suppose that to cancel a race creates a financial strain on the promoter and the track.  I know it takes a lot to get all the "boxes" delivered and put in place, but there are many other aspects to consider too.  Like the food and other vendors, all the track personnel, and of course the fans attending the race.  Then everyone has to go home with no race.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on September 23, 2018, 02:23:10 PM
Another win by Marquez, and Suzuki showing well(3rd. & 4th).  Lorenzo crashed before finishing the first lap.  It seriously looks to be Marquez heading for the championship again with the advantage of 72 points ahead of  Andrea Dovisioso, the nearest rival.  Five races yet to be run. (Thailand, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and finally Spain).
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on October 07, 2018, 01:10:12 AM
The stage is set, now we are just waiting to hear who comes out on top. Marc Marquez has pole position and another Tissot watch (award for pole position at each MotoGP).  It was reported this is his 50th Tissot earned in GP.  That's a lot of pole positions!  That makes me wonder how many Valentino Rossi has from his 9 championships.

Marquez messed up a bit in the qualifying laps of practice and had to go through Q1 in order to get into Q2, the 'real' round that sets the grid positions.  The top 10 fastest guys automatically get into Q2 without having to go through Q1, and Marc is so far the only one ever to achieve pole position from Q1.  Not fast enough in practice to get into Q2, yet somehow fast enough to beat everyone else. 
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on November 04, 2018, 12:29:43 AM
Next to the final race is happening in the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, and it looks like the Yamaha bikes have found the missing mojo that has plagued them for most of this season.  Vinales just won at Philip Island, and is looking very good at the Malaysia round.  We will know very soon as the Moto3 race has already been run.  Oh, the jet lag!

Marquez qualified fastest (pole position) but was penalized 3 grid positions for apparently causing another rider to not do so well on his 'fast lap' for qualifying.  The fast riders will be there at the finish line.

Hey Walt, are you out there?
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on November 04, 2018, 09:04:04 AM
Yes, I am still here but the season has been so disastrous for Yamaha that, combined with the loss of TV coverage, I have somewhat lost interest. I was beginning to think Suzuki would win before Yamaha. 
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on November 05, 2018, 02:22:55 AM
Yeah, the Yamahas have had a difficult time but now look like they are getting it together.  Rossi had been leading the race for a long time when he fell, and Vinales worked himself up through the pack to finish 4th, right behind Zarco on a satellite Yamaha (Tech3).
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on November 05, 2018, 05:01:27 AM
Rossi said he didn't know why he crashed but he may have been thinking about adding another win to his total that Marquez would have to beat.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on November 16, 2018, 02:27:37 AM
The final race of the 2018 season will take place this weekend in Valencia, Spain.  Most of the excitement is already worn off as the championship was decided a few races ago, but there will be testing on the following Monday of the new machines for the 2019 season.  Oh yeah, there will be the race too on Sunday.  So one season begins as the previous one fades into history.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on November 16, 2018, 04:45:47 AM
Have not seen much about the race or qualifying yet, other than that it is expected to be wet and Lorenzo will race. His last for Ducati. I  guess he will test the Honda on Monday?
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on November 17, 2018, 01:36:26 AM
I hope Lorenzo can do well on the Honda next season.  I think we will see some competition between Jorge and Marc, and I hope it doesn't go sour.  Who will go quicker? 8)
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on November 17, 2018, 09:10:58 AM
Yes,  Lorenzo to Honda should be interesting. Stoner got off a very different Ducati for Honda and won so I don't see a problem for Lorenzo,  except for Mr Marquez! Lorenzo has never been much of a team player and I doubt he will change. Could be good fun. There will still be some good competition. Yamaha seem to finally be back in the mix and Suzuki is right in there.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: fret not on November 18, 2018, 12:45:27 AM
I would like to see Suzuki do well, they seem to have sufficient engineering depth, and with luck they will have good riders that can put them on the podium more frequently. There seems to me some obstacle in communication/understanding between riders and the "factory" which means more frequent rider turn over.  Ducati too, but I guess this is pretty universal among the teams.
Title: Re: MotoGp 2018
Post by: Walt_M. on November 20, 2018, 08:07:21 AM
And they will have the riders. Rins has matured and Mir is fast. Today is test day at Valencia.