MotoGP - the year that was

[Captain]

What a year. This was my first full year back into riding, and ditto re following the motoGP on the telly (during my long absence I didnt really follow it, well not very closely).

I will not write a detailed analysis of 2008 today, 'cos I'm much too lazy and I will wait to plagirise it from someone else, soon enough I'm sure. Enough to say that I've really enjoyed it. I do hope that next year Suzuki and Kawasaki are a little more competitive though, and that the single-tyre rule - disliked by me - results in close racing at the very least.

On Kawasaki and Suzuki, this sketch says it all (I don't think I need to translate it, do I?) :lmao:

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/suzuki_kawasaki_ruggeri.jpg

[aznoz]

Personally, i was pretty disappointed with this years season. Was expecting so much more. We saw some glimpes of greatness but overall "NOT HAPPY JAN!" :cursing:

MotoGP hasnt been the same since they went down to the 800's and brought out all these electronics. WSBK seems to be where its at now.

Although next year is shaping up to be a good one with the single tyre rule and some interesting moves by riders. Then again, i said the same thing about last year.

[noz]

Personally, i was pretty disappointed with this years season. Was expecting so much more. We saw some glimpes of greatness but overall "NOT HAPPY JAN!" :cursing:

MotoGP hasnt been the same since they went down to the 800's and brought out all these electronics. WSBK seems to be where its at now.

I though MotoGP was pretty good, but I must say the 250s fucking rullllllled this year (despite the absence of Aussies). Fuck yeah! And I didn't get to Phillip Island, but got to Catalunya (250s was good) and Assen (Stoner victory!).

And an aside: at a recent safety meeting with premier class riders (before Indianapolis I believe) all riders unanimously voted for a return to 1L engine capacities. The factories will, behind closed doors, probably disagree to another change, and frankly, I agree. Can't keep changing shit (even if it's not the best): hopefully Dorna learn from their mistakes and get the 250s change right (though in my opinion they have already fucked it up). Meh.

[aznoz]

250's and 125's are as good as gone.

250cc will be replaced with 600cc four-cylinder four-strokes and now there's talk of replacing the 125cc with 400cc twin-cylinder 4-stokes.

The days of the two-strokes are goin the way of the dodo.

[Captain]

You know noz, I was thinking that they fucked up with the 250's by going to 600's ... too much like WSS .... but I'm thinking that it was intentional, to take the shine off WSS and take them head-on, so to speak.

[Dr freedom]

When the premier riding competition (motogp) is threatened by a competition (wsbk) that is rated 2nd to it (ie: wsbk ratings obviously must be going great), then the premier class will have to make changes, to stay at the top.. its part of my reasoning they went to 600's

[hoffy]

Kawasaki's are shit at the moment in GP's...why would you buy one, Im just not confident they know how to develop a bike anymore..

[zRoYz]

I found motogp as boring as bat shit this year & I don't think it's going to be much better 09 with the single tyre rule. I hope I'm proven wrong but the electronics they use & changing to 800's has destroyed the class. Before more riders could get away with things & make up time with hp to burn, now once someone makes a break thats it game over. Motogp you have Duk, Honda & Yamaha factory teams the only ones that are competitive race in race out, Kawa & Suz might as well pull out because they just make up the numbers unless they can find a way to make competitive bikes.

Superbike on the other hand is getting better & better with 09 shaping up to be a year it will leave motogp for dead from a spectator point of view. BMW & Aprilia entering the ranks are swelling.

[Naked Twin]

What short memories we have, Honda dominated throughout the 90's and into the new millienium with the likes of Doohan and Rossi, I don't hear how bad that was. At that point there was ONE manufacturer to be on and that was Honda. A couple of years ago along come Yamaha with Rossi then Ducati with Stoner. This year they have found Lorenzo, the only twats who are making it less competitive at twats who are ex WSB who can not develop a bike

Seriously WSB is great but it is clearly not the top end, Bayliss is a good rider, Corser is a good rider but in Motogp they are back markers. WSB is where back markers of Motogp go to ride, not wanting take away from these guys but lets be serious Motogp is the premier class. They are going away from 2 stroke for the simple reason, who makes them as a road going bike anymore? Aprilla and maybe one other, the rest are off road manufacturers so why would you continue with something that doesn't meet the EU emission standards?

Nick

[Kat00]

This pic just about sums up motoGP this year.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Rossi_Stoner_corkscrew.jpg

[oz r1]

Well i absolutely loved the moto gp 08 and wsbk :ayyy:and am going to be hangin for the 09 seasons to begin , a few changes in both catagories (gp,wsbk) new riders, riders changing teams and new manufacturers , it's all going to be good :clap:.

[Captain]

Classic pic Kat00 :ayyy:
That was the dirt with 'good grip', from memory :)

[clarkey]

What short memories we have, Honda dominated throughout the 90's and into the new millienium with the likes of Doohan and Rossi, I don't hear how bad that was. At that point there was ONE manufacturer to be on and that was Honda. A couple of years ago along come Yamaha with Rossi then Ducati with Stoner. This year they have found Lorenzo, the only twats who are making it less competitive at twats who are ex WSB who can not develop a bike

Seriously WSB is great but it is clearly not the top end, Bayliss is a good rider, Corser is a good rider but in Motogp they are back markers. WSB is where back markers of Motogp go to ride, not wanting take away from these guys but lets be serious Motogp is the premier class. They are going away from 2 stroke for the simple reason, who makes them as a road going bike anymore? Aprilla and maybe one other, the rest are off road manufacturers so why would you continue with something that doesn't meet the EU emission standards?

Nick

Bayliss , Backmarker ....how goods your memory:confused1:

[Naked Twin]

One race win when it didn't matter. Back marker was a little harsh but let's be honest Casey did what he and others couldn't get near.

Nick

[Captain]

http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=MzxWmw7SZ84

Can't wait till 2009 http://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/1954.gif

[Mrs Mozz]

It is 2009,LOL
Cant wait for the racing to start either:ayyy:

[clarkey]

One race win when it didn't matter. Back marker was a little harsh but let's be honest Casey did what he and others couldn't get near.

Nick

I have to disagree, i reckon bayliss could have held casey,s crown , not takin anything away from stoner , but Bayliss can ride that duc and with the advantage they had over the field that year ( 07 ) it would have been some interesting times between the two , bring on Nicky and 09 .
I have thouroughlly enjoyed the WSS series especially super sport this year , Has to be the most even and exciitng racing I saw all season ,though some of the Superbike races were pretty good :ayyy:

[Lopeman]

it was an incredible year in WSBK. bayliss winning the crown again, double race win in his last race. Auzzies winning everything in superbike and the unfortunate death of craig jones at Brands

RIP

[gazujc]

One race win when it didn't matter. Back marker was a little harsh but let's be honest Casey did what he and others couldn't get near.

Nick



It has been reported times that Bayliss asked for and got the crew and bike preparation he wanted for that last guess ride. If this is the case it means.

Bayliss only ever raced one GP with the crew and bike preparation he wanted.

He won that one race.

Says a lot.


But, that doesn't mean that he could have been the messiah for Ducati but needs to be considered as IMO Bayliss and Stoner have a lot more similarity in riding style than most.



But, as for 2008 season. For me it was a little ho-hum in some aspects but showed that MotoGP is still the pinnacle. It may not have been the greatest season but it was far from the worst as well and I look forward to the 2009 season, although I am somewhat hesitant given the rul changes and ever diminishing field.

As for WSBK, I reckon on form thus far Spies will kick it.







Garry

[Johnny]

2008 was crap for gp ( I think anyway), and not saying this cause Cassie didnt take the title, well he may of if there was a title for the biggest sook ( he has to compete with sete for it this year, LOL), but again, there was just no competetion. Racing is not a just a two or three horse race, and thats what making it 800cc has done.
2009 ? I dont think it will change much, they will still be 800s, only difference we can hope for is more competetion, With Sete coming in, Lorenze stop the sucking, Hayden on the ducati which hopefully suits him better than pedrosa bike, and new blood coming through to stir it up a little..
Heres hoping anyway.
Shame the WSB doesnt get the coverage the GP gets, here in oz anyway.

[Lopeman]

Shame the WSB doesnt get the coverage the GP gets, here in oz anyway.

It does if you have FOX :mod_smilie_rockwoot

[BART]

I watched every MotoGP & SBK race in 08 and MotoGP was left behind.

Good racing is all about close racing and the 250's & SBK & Supersport was brilliant.

The Irish Road racing series was even better than MotoGP.

[slow bro]

Good racing is all about close racing and the 250's & SBK & Supersport was brilliant.

+1

[Lopeman]

I watched every MotoGP & SBK race in 08 and MotoGP was left behind.

Good racing is all about close racing and the 250's & SBK & Supersport was brilliant.

The Irish Road racing series was even better than MotoGP.


where abouts did you get the irish road racing. TV? or internet?

[Cedric]

I was pretty disappointed this year, but maybe the problem was with my expectations. I'm not the first to say it but the 800cc's have done nothing for close racing when compared with the 990ccs's.. obviously on the odd occasion they have provided some close exciting racing but I believe this to be the exception rather than the norm.. yes, I am bemoaning something that's been done and dusted with anyhow..

I'll definitely watch MotoGP 09 but think I'll place greater emphasis on WSBK and local racing comps that I can get excited watching, rather than knowing who's going to win from the 5th lap in..

[Captain]

Life moves on .... Hayden's new colors:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/219040/images/Hayden.jpg

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/219042/images/Hayden-Stoner.jpg

(I prefer Stoner's baseball cap .... those 'trucker' hats just don't sit right IMO)

I notice the pics are taken at WROOM - Madonna di Campiglio - where they were going to show the new Ducati Desmosedici (the motoGP one), so a photo shouldn't be too far away. Probably won't look any different.

[Stu23]

Love the comments re WSBK backmarkers !!! What a tool !! sorry couldnt resist :)

WSBK already removing some electronics, putting more control back into the riders right hand, the way it should be..

I got a video for xmas, 500cc and MotoGP highlights, 98 to 2003, Now that was RACING, so many high sides hahaha all the riders who came up from 250cc's would be NOWHERE today if they had to ride 500's, wonder why they are so quick ( lorenzo the only guy to find out ), my kids could NOT believe how vicious the 500's really were.....MotoGP riders are becoming a little soft, Gee they wouldnt last 2 seconds in 600 World supersport let alone Superbikes... Never heard so much whining from riders who thought the pass was a little close !!!

Get over it, They are all stunning riders, some just race a little closer thats all !!

[Naked Twin]

Well no name calling please, but how many from WSBK have been successful in Motogp, by successful have finished in the top 3 in points?

WSBK will provide closer racing as the races are shorter so naturally you can go flat out for longer plus there is not as much time for a rider to break away. Whilst it is not sprint racing it is a much shorter version. Technology is also not as high, they are meant to be production based bikes so that keeps the field closer.

If you want to see real close racing get out a local race meet in the superstock or some club level like new era, they may not be as fast but they do race close from the pointy end to the back.

Not saying WSBK isn't great to watch but if you ask any budding rider where would love to race they would say Motogp.

Nick

[Stu23]

Times are a changing.................reports are that Rossi is eying up at least a one off ride in WSBK.....Simmoncelli also looking for a one off in WSBK for fun

[Captain]

And here's the new bike

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/ducati-desmosedici-gp9-le-prime-immagini/big_ducati_desmosedici_gp9_005.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/ducati-desmosedici-gp9-le-prime-immagini/big_ducati_desmosedici_gp9_006.jpg

[Lopeman]

Sex on wheels!

[McNuffin]

Life moves on .... Hayden's new colors:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/219040/images/Hayden.jpg

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/219042/images/Hayden-Stoner.jpg

(I prefer Stoner's baseball cap .... those 'trucker' hats just don't sit right IMO)


It just hasn't been shaped yet! :)

[Mrs Mozz]

Last years was sexier IMO

[Captain]

It just hasn't been shaped yet! :)

Wish that was the case .... sadly it's not, have a closer look, they're a different design. Our technicians at work are supplied with caps, and the younger guys want to wear the 'trucker' ones. Bloody hell, do we have to copy the US with all their crap?

[Captain]

Desmosedici GP9 specifics explained at Ducati launch
Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Ducati chief Claudio Domenicali outlined the improvements which have been made to the Desmosedici GP9 in preparation for the 2009 MotoGP World Championship, at the Ducati Wrooom event in Italy.

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/stoner-e-hayden-sulla-neve-di-madonna-di-campiglio/big_ducati_wroom_200900017.jpg


With the Desmosedici GP9 officially unveiled to the press at Ducati´s annual Wrooom event in the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio this week, Ducati Corse CEO and Ducati Motor Holding Product Director Claudio Domenicali has explained the updates that have been made to the machinery ahead of the 2009 season.

The Italian boss told the media on Wednesday, `The new bike is a major change, and it is the first time for many years that we are changing our concept. The trellis frame is part of the Ducati DNA, we have done lots of tests, and there are lots more still to do, but it seems to us that it is the right way to go.´

He continued, `It presents us with quite an innovative structure, with the new carbon fibre frame linking the upper part of the engine with the steering block. It´s complex image-wise, as the trellis frame has been the basis of our bikes for a long time, but it also demonstrates that the best solutions can come from innovation. The old style frame is still good and will continue to be in our road-bikes but we are keen to test the new system.´

On the specifics of the 2009 motor itself Domenicali revealed the that the work of Filippo Preziosi, General Director of Ducati Corse, is ongoing, stating, `In the engine itself we are working on new mapping settings, and we are trying to flatten out the torque curve as much as possible. We want to make the engine as driveable as possible, we have the power, but we are now focusing on a linear engine response.´

The factory leader also explained that cost control also affects the current engine development philosophy, noting, `Along with the other members of the MSMA we are working on making changes, mainly for 2010, to improve the economic situation mainly for the satellite teams but also for the sport in general. It is important to have strict cost control and balance as much as possible the costs versus the revenues, and all manufacturers have to find this common goal.´

`We think one way of doing this may be to make the engines last longer, to last more races. This will help reduce costs significantly. Currently we get about 600-800km out of one engine, but we hope to be able to double that.´

Speaking openly about the figures involved in the Ducati racing programme Domenicali said, `Out of our budget of 40 million euros, about 70-75% is dedicated to the MotoGP project, but we must not forget that in amongst that is revenue from sponsors, from organisers and from licensing. We think we have a good balance but know that most important is to look at the management costs to try and reduce them.´

Giving his opinion on what had prevented Casey Stoner and the Ducati team from retaining the MotoGP crown which was won so spectacularly in 2007 Domenicali acknowledged the brilliance of one of his compatriots as the key factor, declaring, `If we had not encountered Valentino Rossi in our way last year we would have been there again. He found incredible strength and all credit to him for that. Casey Stoner is still young and has a massive potential for growth and improvement, and he and the team will learn from last year.´

The major news in the Ducati camp this winter has been the arrival of another big star amongst their ranks, namely Nicky Hayden, of whom Domenicali enthused, `We are very happy to have Nicky in our squad as we have wanted him for a long time. He is a World Champion, a real fighter and I think he will be a perfect partner to Casey. They can communicate well and he is also very fast so he will push Casey along too.´

`It was hard at first in the tests for him, but on the final day in Jerez we were very happy with the results and look forward to testing once again in February. Our bike is peculiar, we know this, and we know that not all riders have always got on with it, but we know it can go fast and think Nicky is capable of doing that.´

Meanwhile, describing the relationship with the factory´s satellite partners and the decision to run five bikes in 2009 Domenicali admitted, `The satellite GP9 will not be exactly the same bike as the factory machines, but it is very similar. It will look practically the same and will be able to do good races. Having the input from five riders instead of two is of course a help, but it will be Filippo who will make the decisions on which direction we go with the machine.´

[Lopeman]

Desmosedici GP9 specifics explained at Ducati launch
Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Ducati chief Claudio Domenicali outlined the improvements which have been made to the Desmosedici GP9 in preparation for the 2009 MotoGP World Championship, at the Ducati Wrooom event in Italy.

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/stoner-e-hayden-sulla-neve-di-madonna-di-campiglio/big_ducati_wroom_200900017.jpg

´

GIMME GIMME GIMMEE!!!!!!!!!:mod_smilie_rockwoot

[Captain]

What's with the bar code anyway? Is that what it is?

[Lopeman]

Thats cause they cant show tobacco sponsorship. Its a loophole that Marlboro came up with.

They arnt displaying a tobacco company name so its allowed but everyone (except you :)) knows its Marlboro and they can still sponsor and ducati get the big sponsorship money

[BART]

where abouts did you get the irish road racing. TV? or internet?

Foxtel

Everything from MotoGP, SBK, AMA & Irish Road racing. I only keep Foxtel for the bikes & the footy. Hopefully the PANTHERS will have a better year :ayyy:

[BART]

Well no name calling please, but how many from WSBK have been successful in Motogp, by successful have finished in the top 3 in points?

WSBK will provide closer racing as the races are shorter so naturally you can go flat out for longer plus there is not as much time for a rider to break away. Whilst it is not sprint racing it is a much shorter version. Technology is also not as high, they are meant to be production based bikes so that keeps the field closer.

If you want to see real close racing get out a local race meet in the superstock or some club level like new era, they may not be as fast but they do race close from the pointy end to the back.

Not saying WSBK isn't great to watch but if you ask any budding rider where would love to race they would say Motogp.

Nick


There is no doubt that MotoGP is the pinnacle of racing but unfortunately MotoGP is heading the way of F1.............boring.