MotoGP - Laguna Seca 2008

[ChrisS]

I think its time to get over the who's better arguments that are going on lately and focus on the racing so I'm starting a laguna race thread.

No 125 or 250s this weekend.

This is one of the few circuits Rossi never won. Stoner is looking to continue his great form, Pedrosa has been passed fit to race.

2 US wildcard/replacement riders will be looking to take advantage of their track knowledge

The weather is going to be sunny all weekend.

Hopefully there will be some close racing

[MrJan]

I'm going out on a limb and saying it'll be either Nicky or Colin, and expecting a good finish for JT. Rossi has always looked out of sorts and I don't think that the track is a Duke circuit so Stoner will be a bit further back than in recent races.

[NinjaMaster]

I'm going out on a limb and saying it'll be either Nicky or Colin, and expecting a good finish for JT. Rossi has always looked out of sorts and I don't think that the track is a Duke circuit so Stoner will be a bit further back than in recent races.

Forgotten last year already have we? :D For mine it will be Stoner from Nicky and Colin.
Kind of a shame there's no 125's and 250's going to race there but can you imagine the chaos of a horde of 'em going through the corkscrew! :eek:

[patnicholls]

Chris Vermeulen always goes well at Laguna, wet or dry. He took the double there in WSB in 2004 but unfortunately instead of the Aussie National Anthem, 'Waltzing Matilda' was played...! :D

Jan, it's not much of a Ducati track...aside from Casey's dominant win there last year! Marco also finished on the podium last year [seems like a lifetime ago], interestingly.

But seriously, home knowledge will play a part so I expect to see Colin and Nicky up there too.

[The Phantom]

Edwards definitely a podium favourite. Hayden perhaps not so likely, given the continuing problems he is having with the pneumatic valve motor. Which is a shame, it's always good to see riders having a go at their home race.

Stoner to win, Vermeulen in the top six, probably Edwards and Rossi to complete the podium unless Pedrosa's injuries aren't severe enough to slow him down, in which case he's a definite podium threat.

Lorenzo hasn't been there before as far as I'm aware, so will probably finish midfield in the top ten.

Toseland could surprise; he knows the track and his bike is plenty quick.

[quote="patnicholls"]Chris Vermeulen always goes well at Laguna, wet or dry. He took the double there in WSB in 2004 but unfortunately instead of the Aussie National Anthem, 'Waltzing Matilda' was played...! :D

Vermeulen would have loved it.........There was initially a big push for Waltzing Matilda to be our national anthem.

The song's about a crook who was knocking off sheep (while fully dressed) and jumped into the drink to escape the cops.....I believe he was intending to either sell the sheep to one of our Kiwi cousins (possibly for breeding purposes) or eat the thing.
:ninja:
PS: On the topic, it will no doubt be another top race at LS.

[MrJan]

Jan, it's not much of a Ducati track...aside from Casey's dominant win there last year! Marco also finished on the podium last year [seems like a lifetime ago], interestingly.

Well I sort of forgot that :D But the point stands because last year the Ducati was strong in most places where as this year it's been a struggle. I seriously think that Casey will be off the rostrum, here to be proved wrong :)

[neninja]

I'm really looking forward to this race. Hopefully it'll be some really close fought racing with no mechanical gremlins deciding matters.

Laguna does seem to be a leveller and often serves up a few surprises. Hopefully Nicky and Colin will be up front and able to put on a show for the fans. Based on his current form I do expect Casey to win the race but not by much.

[Roby44]

Forgotten last year already have we? :D For mine it will be Stoner from Nicky and Colin.
Kind of a shame there's no 125's and 250's going to race there but can you imagine the chaos of a horde of 'em going through the corkscrew! :eek:

Wouldn't that be great!! :eek:

[gco0307]

For me, Laguna is very difficult to predict as no one rider or make of motorcycle has ever really dominated so it is one of those circuits that make it difficult.

On form one would have to say CS but for some damn stupid reason I also feel that CV could really cause a major upset given his past performances on both WSBK and last year.Throw into the mix the US riders, Rossi, an injured Pedrosa an increasingly healthy Lorenzo and it gets more difficult so here goes.

Stoner
Rossi
Dovisioso/Edwards/Hayden - so hope it is Dovi





Garrry

[Corny]

1 Stoner
2 Rossi
3 Edwards

:p

[Roby44]

For me, Laguna is very difficult to predict as no one rider or make of motorcycle has ever really dominated so it is one of those circuits that make it difficult.

On form one would have to say CS but for some damn stupid reason I also feel that CV could really cause a major upset given his past performances on both WSBK and last year.Throw into the mix the US riders, Rossi, an injured Pedrosa an increasingly healthy Lorenzo and it gets more difficult so here goes.

Stoner
Rossi
Dovisioso/Edwards/Hayden - so hope it is Dovi
Garrry

I'm hoping for Dovi too..

[markabilly]

I'm really looking forward to this race. Hopefully it'll be some really close fought racing with no mechanical gremlins deciding matters.

Laguna does seem to be a leveller and often serves up a few surprises. Hopefully Nicky and Colin will be up front and able to put on a show for the fans. Based on his current form I do expect Casey to win the race but not by much.
clearly the best answer, look for me uphill of the bridge on tv

Also Rossi hates the track because in his words (repeatedly to local press) the track is too dangerous because it is impossible to walk on the track at the corkscrew without falling down....

My suspicion is that the corkscrew messes with the mind of some riders so that they are a bit thrown off....OTOH, last year, Stoner seemed to have gotten over the "messing with the mind"......one reason that locals do well, is their famialrity with the track, plus the dust issue (as sometimes the track gets dust from the wind), that can change the traction a bit from one lap to the next, hence another reason why TC plays a role in Seca....and gives an advantage to those who have ridden it over the years...

[T-D]

I'm not so sure that track messes with the riders as much as some think. Rossi has performed well here. last year was all about his crap tires, but before that, he podium-ed. Marco once fell three times in 2 days, then rebounded to have a podium last year. Stoner won when he had the bike to win and will do the same this year. He was never going to contend for a win in his first year on the LCR honda. The riders can learn laguna fairly easily, if they follow someone who knows the track. Sachsenring is more technically challenging for new riders, according to james toseland.

CRUNCH!!!!!!! QP times
Stoner laps below 1.21……must have sat on a hot chilli-pepper. :hot:

1 1 Casey STONER (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Casey+Stoner) 1'20.700
2 46 Valentino ROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Valentino+Rossi)1'21.147
3 69 Nicky HAYDEN[ (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicky+Hayden) 1'21.430
4 48 Jorge LORENZO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Jorge+Lorenzo) 1'21.636
5 52 James TOSELAND (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/James+Toseland) 1'21.848
6 14 Randy DE PUNIET (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Randy+de+Puniet) 1'21.921
7 5 Colin EDWARDS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Colin+Edwards) 1'21.947
8 7 Chris VERMEULEN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Chris+Vermeulen) 1'21.971
9 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Andrea+Dovizioso) 1'21.974
10 24 Toni ELIAS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Toni+Elias) 1'21.999

[markabilly]

I'm not so sure that track messes with the riders as much as some think. Rossi has performed well here. last year was all about his crap tires, but before that, he podium-ed. Marco once fell three times in 2 days, then rebounded to have a podium last year. Stoner won when he had the bike to win and will do the same this year. He was never going to contend for a win in his first year on the LCR honda. The riders can learn laguna fairly easily, if they follow someone who knows the track. Sachsenring is more technically challenging for new riders, according to james toseland.


rossi has overcome it but all you got to do is watch him do it slow and easy down the corkscrew for the first couple of practices

[ozrevhead]

CRUNCH!!!!!!! QP times
Stoner laps below 1.21……must have sat on a hot chilli-pepper. :hot:

1 1 Casey STONER (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Casey+Stoner) 1'20.700
2 46 Valentino ROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Valentino+Rossi)1'21.147
3 69 Nicky HAYDEN[ (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicky+Hayden) 1'21.430
4 48 Jorge LORENZO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Jorge+Lorenzo) 1'21.636
5 52 James TOSELAND (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/James+Toseland) 1'21.848
6 14 Randy DE PUNIET (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Randy+de+Puniet) 1'21.921
7 5 Colin EDWARDS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Colin+Edwards) 1'21.947
8 7 Chris VERMEULEN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Chris+Vermeulen) 1'21.971
9 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Andrea+Dovizioso) 1'21.974
10 24 Toni ELIAS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Toni+Elias) 1'21.999
there is only one word for that...

WOW!

[jonny hurlock]

sad to see pedrosa out for this race, despite i'm not a big pedrosa fan,

[ozrevhead]

yeah hopefully Danni's can comeback next race

[The Phantom]

LAGUNA SECA, California (AFP) — Reigning world champion Casey Stoner of Australia captured his fifth straight pole position Saturday in qualifying for Sunday's US MotoGP.

Stoner, who dominated the free practice on Friday, clocked the fastest qualifying time of 1min 20.700sec.

Stoner, winner here last year, had broken his track record in every practice, and he did it again in qualifying after just nine laps.

His eventual pole position record improved the previous qualifying record by more than 1.5sec.

Italian Valentino Rossi, the Yamaha rider who currently leads the overall standings, was second quickest in 1:21.147, and American Nicky Hayden (Honda) was third-fastest with a time of 1:21.430.

From http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ghvm6ZuF6c9ZNiwAnG4d1fxx0mYw

[Wim_Impreza]

It seems it will be a boring race, even the Dutch Eurosport pair said that. Stoner was almost a second faster in one lap in race trim than Rossi.

[ChrisS]

It seems Michelin made a mistake with the tyres they took to Laguna so I think the race for 2nd (or even just for 3rd) will be a Bridgestone affair.

[gco0307]

From: http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi%20To%20stop%20Stoner%20you%20d%20have%20to%2 0shoot%20him


The quote below is from an article on MotoGP.com (link above) and describes a brief impromptu interview given by VR after qualifying.


when questioned in the immediate live international press feed as to whether he had a plan for victory over Stoner, the five-time MotoGP World Champion quickly replied: `Yes. Start 30 seconds earlier than him.´
Kinda say a lot really.





Garry

[jonny hurlock]

sad to see pedrosa out for this race, despite i'm not a big pedrosa fan,

tom cruse and katie holmes (not sure about her last name)is at leguna seca today, his looks like dani, same height, he could replace dani, he drives bikes, nobody will notice the difference it he was dani or not? (btw being funny)

my money is casey to win

[jonny hurlock]

i screamed out loud on lorenzo crash, hope he haven't broke his ankle

[Daniel]

Wow! What a race. Soured only by the fact that Stoner had a whinge about one of the best bits of racing I've ever seen.....

[jonny hurlock]

boy that was the best race of the year until stoner crashed out, still great race, casey not happy about rossi moves early in the race, funny bit rossi kissing the middle of the Corkscrew.

[Daniel]

I think Casey has calmed down now. It's all good :)

[jim mcglinchey]

Rossi, hate him or loathe him ( just kidding ) that was a hell of a performance, and all credit to him for keeping Stoner honest. Pity the battle hadnt gone to the wire because that was gripping, and Suzuki the best of the rest again!

[osg]

Lets see if we have any whinging from other members about that race being "boring".......

Che Spettacolo Vale and Casey..... that was awesome to watch.

[markabilly]

Great race....better than any F1 race this year, by far

[ShiftingGears]

Great race - unfortunate about Casey running wide, I would've loved a few more laps of that madness. That was a hell of a race. Best dice for the lead in the 800's since Catalunya 2007.


Also, how long before Lorenzo regains that confidence?

[Dr. Gellar]

Lets see if we have any whinging from other members about that race being "boring".......

Once Casey laid the bike down after trying to outbrake Rossi, the race honestly was "boring" :laugh: . But...that was a hell of a battle between Rossi and Stoner while it lasted.

[osg]

Great race - unfortunate about Casey running wide, I would've loved a few more laps of that madness. That was a hell of a race. Best dice for the lead in the 800's since Catalunya 2007.


Also, how long before Lorenzo regains that confidence?

geez...... a while yet, as that was a hell of a highside once again. Has been confirmed as a broken 3rd and 5th metatarsal on the left foot...... doubtful he'll be 100% for the returning round at brno after summer break....

[F1boat]

A fantastic race. I am a Stoner fan, but Rossi won my hearth today. His overtaking was exactly the same as the one Zanardi di to Herta so many years ago.
It was a tremendous race.

[leopard]

Tremendous race ever performed by Rossi and Stoner. Rossi might get motivated once Yamaha announce that they are keen to extend his contract in seasons onward. Ducati looks still dominant on power and the skilled Stoner would be still the main hardship for Rossi in many races of future. What touched me, continuous support from Stoner's wife, trying to divert him from disappointment after being defeated, although he wasn't a loser at all. Good for them both :up:

A mistake that have prompted him to the crash probably an over-confidence that the bike have the power to make overtaking, a normal mistake as Rossi have made too getting out of the track and racing at the tarmac.

Being trapped at the gravel wouldn't mean finishing the race up, but rather get back at the track to pick up more rubber and accept the challenge to win the race, like stoner did. ;)

[F1boat]

Stoner's wife is very cute and gentle. He seemed extremely nervous to me when he enterted the pits, yet she calmed him somehow. A lucky guy.
He was also damn impressive yesterday, fast, bold and relentless. But Rossi - Rossi was magic.
And there some chemistry between Italians and the cockscrew ;)

[leopard]

JPM is also the lucky guy, but she looks typically different with that of Stoner.

Oh ... I know your taste now. ;)

[F1boat]

JPM is a VERY lucky guy. :)

But let's go back on racing. I think that the Laguna is a great track, my fave. What do you think?

[Roby44]

Dovi did good too!! :D

[sal]

I'm a rally fan but watch the Moto GP footage whenever I can and that was some of the best motorsport footage that I've ever seen. Wow!

[leopard]

Dovi did good too!! :D
As the fan of Dovi, you may notice how long he has contract in hand with Honda, or how big chance Honda will retain him or to let him get the better ride? :)

[leopard]

JPM is a VERY lucky guy. :)

But let's go back on racing. I think that the Laguna is a great track, my fave. What do you think?
I think she is the only person who can calm JPM down at the track, and heat him up at different place. ;)

Laguna is good, what was the background so that the track has prohibited two strokes bike of 125 and 250 cc running there. It's only a day of race, perhaps they produce pollutant at very small amount compared to pollutant generated from Industries.

[ChrisS]

What a race that was. IMHO more racing than all the other races this season combined. I wish they went on until the finish line. I was on the edge of my seat watching I was just enjoying the racing I didnt even care who would win.

We also saw classic Rossi using mind games on Stoner as we saw him using on Biaggi and Sete many times before. Initially they seemed to work as Stoner was very pissed at the end of the race but he managed to calm down.

[T-D]

I think she is the only person who can calm JPM down at the track, and heat him up at different place. ;)

Laguna is good, what was the background so that the track has prohibited two strokes bike of 125 and 250 cc running there. It's only a day of race, perhaps they produce pollutant at very small amount compared to pollutant generated from Industries.i was not aware they were prohibited. i thought it was because the joint session with ams sbk doesn't allow enought track time.

when wsbk combined with ama at miller motorsports park earlier this year, the wss didn;t compete there because they couldn't fit them into the schedule either.

ama supercross bikes, which are 2 strokes race in san francisco, which is close to laguna seca, so i'm not certain why this specific track would object, but i could be wrong.

[MrJan]

WOW!!! :eek:












What a great race :up: Does anyone know why Stoner had his arse in a cramp? I'm not even sure that the riders even touched at any point, it was strong and agressive but nothing to moan about. Casey needs to grow a pair and remember that he's a motorcycle racer, not some bloke playing chess in his cardigan.

[ChrisS]

BTW even though he was nowhere in the race Colin's Laguna livery is once again a candidate for the best livery of the year IMHO


http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38406-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1001. jpg

http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38415-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1004. jpg

http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38418-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1005. jpg

[NinjaMaster]

What a great race :up: Does anyone know why Stoner had his arse in a cramp? I'm not even sure that the riders even touched at any point, it was strong and agressive but nothing to moan about. Casey needs to grow a pair and remember that he's a motorcycle racer, not some bloke playing chess in his cardigan.

Dunno bout you, but from where I sat, I was amazed that he and Vale can sit on the bikes with the size their 'pairs' are! I know what you're saying and all I figure is that he thought the pass through the corkscrew was a bit ragged (I think the call we made during the race was "out of control"!). It really was a fantastic race though the wind went out of my sails once Stoner made his mistake. Credit to Rossi though as I think that fighting with Casey and not allowing him a clear run was the only way he could win and he did it perfectly. To see two incredible riders really at the top of their powers is what it's all about.
Vermeulen was sensational in his annual Laguna podium on the underperforming Zook and Dovi's first USA GP was very impressive. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when Lorenzo highsided, similar to when Pedrosa crashed last weekend.

The gloves are well and truly off and if this weekend is anything to go by then the battle to the finish is going to be brutal. Bring it on! :up:

[veeten]

I take it now that everyone knows why Laguna Seca is always looked forward to, by both racers and fans. :)

Non-Stop action, great passes, and stunning scenery (especially the Corkscrew ;) ), some of the best reasons why. And now, all other races will have to live up to this weekend's excitement for the rest of the calendar season.

[Roby44]

WOW!!! :eek:

What a great race :up: Does anyone know why Stoner had his arse in a cramp? I'm not even sure that the riders even touched at any point, it was strong and agressive but nothing to moan about. Casey needs to grow a pair and remember that he's a motorcycle racer, not some bloke playing chess in his cardigan.

He didn't like spme of Valentino's passes... :eek:

THis video from the BBC is not very flattering to Casey or Australians as sportspeople, NOT shaking the hand of a competitor is so NOT ON!!

Hope the link works..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/7516543.stm

[Roby44]

The post-race rider interviews at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix gathered the three podium finishers in close proximity once more, to provide their views on a thrilling race.

Valentino Rossi – Racewinner

For me it has been fantastic. It´s the first time that I´ve been able to win here, and it was an unbelievable race. The crew made some modifications and I was able to take a much better pace. I had a good start, then a great battle with Casey, which was a lot of fun. It´s an important victory –very emotional- and now in the summer break we will relax, because the championship is so long.´


Casey Stoner – Second Placed

'The mistake I made past halfway was mine; I ran a little wide and lost the front on the turn as I tried to get back on track. It was race over after that. I enjoyed a lot of the race, but I felt that some of the passes a bit too much for me. I´ve been racing for a lot of years and have come through a lot of different ranks, and for me just a couple of passes were a little too much. I would have liked to have had a little bit of a cleaner battle, but anyway we are happy with the result. We´re still at the front of the championship and not too far off.´


Chris Vermeulen – Third Placed

'It was difficult starting from the third row, and these guys got away early. I had a bit of a battle with Hayden and Dovizioso for a few laps, and once we got past them then we had more pace than everyone else. These two were too quick for us today. To be back on the podium in the dry proves that Suzuki are improving, and I´m looking forward to Brno now.'

[Roby44]

As the fan of Dovi, you may notice how long he has contract in hand with Honda, or how big chance Honda will retain him or to let him get the better ride? :)

Rumour has it that Dovi's "loyality" to Honda could well see him on a Repsol Honda bike with Dani next year..... :)
Besides he is a good rider too so they will be getting value for their $$$

[leopard]

i was not aware they were prohibited. i thought it was because the joint session with ams sbk doesn't allow enought track time.

when wsbk combined with ama at miller motorsports park earlier this year, the wss didn;t compete there because they couldn't fit them into the schedule either.

ama supercross bikes, which are 2 strokes race in san francisco, which is close to laguna seca, so i'm not certain why this specific track would object, but i could be wrong.
Perhaps, 125 and 250cc do not race because their schedule is used for AMA and other local categories, and their concern on pollutant resulted by 2 strokes bike is a different issue the essence of which might have promoted this placement. That local championships and motoGP package can be held separately if prohibitions is not an issue. :)

[leopard]

We also saw classic Rossi using mind games on Stoner as we saw him using on Biaggi and Sete many times before. Initially they seemed to work as Stoner was very pissed at the end of the race but he managed to calm down.
His wife managed to calm him down. :)

This race could be a first chapter for Stoner, and there should be more chapters to make him get used to race with pressures.

We can imagine without any of Valentino and Casey, yesterdays race would be certainly boring. We may see actually Ducati have their bike fit to perform such competition, let's wait Casey's teammate, whether reincarnation of Sete or whoever is capable of doing a beautiful race like him.

I hope Casey can stand out such pressure, that's racing. :up:

[leopard]

BTW even though he was nowhere in the race Colin's Laguna livery is once again a candidate for the best livery of the year IMHO


http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38406-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1001. jpg

http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38415-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1004. jpg

http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/38418-2/teamtech3_raceday_newlivery_lagunaseca_2008__1005. jpg

yeah, camera gave him once or twice of shoots, clever graphic. Edwards may have sort of syndrome take a performance in front of own public. In last races previously he had constant result to let his teammate left behind.

[Roby44]

Great looking bike..

[leopard]

Rumour has it that Dovi's "loyality" to Honda could well see him on a Repsol Honda bike with Dani next year..... :)
Besides he is a good rider too so they will be getting value for their $$$

You may be right, Dovi has certain level of loyalty, a strong reason for Honda to keep in and to put him in any vacant better seat of Repsol, besides of course his talent is quite up for that designation. Why would he want to stay at the team is that he can't stand the heat of the kitchen. ;)

[ChrisS]

i was not aware they were prohibited. i thought it was because the joint session with ams sbk doesn't allow enought track time.

when wsbk combined with ama at miller motorsports park earlier this year, the wss didn;t compete there because they couldn't fit them into the schedule either.

ama supercross bikes, which are 2 strokes race in san francisco, which is close to laguna seca, so i'm not certain why this specific track would object, but i could be wrong.

I also was under the impression that 2 strokes are prohibited under Californian law but it turns out 2 strokes are prohibited from road use but are allowed to take part in closed circuit racing.

I believe the reason 125 and 250 do not race at laguna is because the circuit did not want to pay to run the classes so they came up with a MotoGP only deal with Dorna.

[leopard]

Perhaps, the Californian law to prohibit the 2 strokes races has been policed, any event particularly performed in closed track probably bears an annexure. If expense is an issue, another two europe races in between Laguna and Indiana do not support this effort, as this would spend more expense to mobilize teams.

[MrJan]

Dunno bout you, but from where I sat, I was amazed that he and Vale can sit on the bikes with the size their 'pairs' are! I know what you're saying and all I figure is that he thought the pass through the corkscrew was a bit ragged (I think the call we made during the race was "out of control"!).

:up: True :laugh: I've never really paid attention to Casey enough to consider him a whinger but it just seems that it was unecessary to complain. We've all seen far more aggressive racing in GPs (I still don't think that the 2 touched) and with the exception of running wide on the Corkscrew I think Vale was doing a great job of keeping it clean (although me and my Dad both agreed that the battle would end with one, or both, falling off). Let's not forget that Casey was out of control enough to drop the bike, and nearly take the back of Rossi's bike off in the process.

It was fantastic stuff to watch, like a couple of years back, but at the end of the day if Stoner didn't want to fight he could have shut the throttle off and taken second. He didn't because he's a racer and was giving as good as he was getting so I don't see why he's being a Shirley about it.

Oh and this opinion isn't because I'm a CS hater, I think he's one of the best bike riders I've ever seen and would love to see more racing like at Laguna, just don't interview him :D

[neninja]

Ducati need to educate Casey in the ways of PR. He came across pretty badly by not shaking Rossi's hand and the 'We'll see' comment.

According to Toby Moodie in his Autosport column, Stoner also was pretty rude to him during a post race interview in Shanghai and suggested that Lorenzo was putting on his injuries.



He was pushed around in a wheelchair for heaven's sake, and still he had time to make a joke about the cheap hotel slippers he was wearing after the race. Class.

Heroic indeed, but as I said on the TV during Saturday's qualifying broadcast when he made some mistakes, was it correct that the FIM let him ride if he couldn't operate the bike properly?

In the end it didn't matter, but just let's think about how others may feel about potentially being skittled by an out-of-control Lorenzo because he can't properly control his Yamaha.

I asked the reigning World Champion if he thought it correct that someone should be allowed to ride a 148kg, 230bhp motorcycle with knackered ankles that left him unable to walk, potentially not be able to turn the bike and potentially crashing into fit and able riders out there - like the World Champion for example - who are minding their own business.
Remember Alex Hofmann's angst last year at Laguna when even a fit and able rider brought an end to his racing career?
What happened next took my breath away.

Stoner jumped at the casual question brusquely snapping that Lorenzo was perfectly alright. "Are you kidding me?" he said, lifting a lip. "He's perfectly OK. He qualified in fourth position, for crying out loud."
Fair point, I thought. Stoner's the rider, not me. He's seen Lorenzo out there on the race track, not me from my view, 100 feet up in the Shanghai commentary box with TV screens and a grand vista for comfort.
He had been in a mood and was now vexed with me, but all I did was ask a cool, calm and rational question. But what then arrived was pretty stunning.
"It's all an act, all this rolling around in the gravel trap for five minutes, y' know?" he snapped with the eyes fixed, the lip still turned. "They've got him in a wheelchair and they're pushing him around the paddock. It's all a joke ..."
I interrupted that I'd only asked a simple question to a MotoGP rider, stressing that I had (unfortunately) never ridden a MotoGP bike and so was asking someone far more experienced than me. A World Champion, no less.
At this point LAT photographer Martin Heath was taking photos and caught the moment with me pointing out the simplicity of the question. One question. You can see the results here:

http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/mx2008chi1/image/l_481C5C70B0885716792372-2

The 22-year-old continued to have a bit of a rant.
I am pretty hard to offend and will move on pretty quickly with things like this, but as my colleague Julian Ryder will attest, it bugged me for the rest of the weekend. But can you even begin to imagine what Jorge Lorenzo will think when he hears that 'It was all an act'?

After the race Stoner went on to quip to the BBC in parc ferme that "A podium this far off is just about not worth it."
I'm sure the man in fourth, Lorenzo with ankles throbbing like hell, would love the extra three points for third place. Especially after he discovered that he had even more injuries when returning home top Spain and undergoing further X-Rays in Barcelona - damaged ligaments and tendons adding to the already painful list.

And what about the thousands of hours work that the Ducati Corse team put in to preparing a 2007 Championship bike for him, never mind a Qatar 2008 race-winning bike?

Racers are a different breed, but Stoner is tightly wound, and even some insiders from within the team say he needs to cool off a little.
So where has this come from? By not being on course to win another ten races again this year? No. Did he not think that the Japanese factories may just catch up a little over the winter? Of course he factored that in. So where has it come from?

The rumours that Rossi is getting special treatment from Bridgestone are now inevitably swirling around the press office. For crying out loud, it was only a matter of time before that one started, eh?
I don't seem to remember anyone saying that about Ducati last year when they were en route to 11 victories when Stoner outrode the rest of them fair and square. I remind you he did win the title by 125 points - five race wins!
And what's wrong with someone outriding the next guy, just as Stoner himself brilliantly did last year?

In case some riders have forgotten, Rossi is a master of out-psyching people. Think back to his battles with Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau. Rossi even had mythical powers after Qatar 2004, when he was so peed off with Gibernau that he said after the race that the Spaniard would never win another GP. Over the next two and a bit years, he was right, psychologically crushing Gibernau at the very first race of the 2005 season with that Jerez last corner move. He beat him with one manoeuvre.

In 2008 though, the way Rossi may well have irked Stoner is by starting with Stoner's Ducati-spec tyres at the sole test the Yamaha did in November on Bridgestones. Here we are a few months later, and with just data from his own No.46 Yamaha and no others, Rossi and the crew have outfoxed the rest of them again.

The Doctor is back on form and taking the pills. Lorenzo has taken bucket worth of them over Shanghai weekend to get that incredible fourth place, while Stoner needs to take a chill pill.

[Daniel]

Certainly agree with that. By the sounds of it Casey needs to chill a bit.

[gco0307]

This article was first raised a month or so ago in another forum where the same question was asked then as I will ask now, and that is for audio proof of the comments.

The only person who has ever reported the alleged comments is Moody and with the alleged history between him and Stoner, unless their is backup evidence (either others or audio), then it is not worth anything.

When this was asked in the other forum the poster was unable to supply any audio links and a search of various other forums finds no mention of the alleged comments, which if we are honest would definitely have caused a ruckus because of who said them.






Garry

[MrJan]

If it was unsubstantiated then Stoner's legal people would be down on Autosport quicker than Lorenzo hits the gravel. We've already had the defamation thread a few weeks back and I reckon those are some pretty serious claims to make unless you can back it up. Remember that media publications these days use lawyers as much as sub-editors when checking through articles :)

[Daniel]

I see no reason for this to be made up.

[gco0307]

If it was unsubstantiated then Stoner's legal people would be down on Autosport quicker than Lorenzo hits the gravel. We've already had the defamation thread a few weeks back and I reckon those are some pretty serious claims to make unless you can back it up. Remember that media publications these days use lawyers as much as sub-editors when checking through articles :)

Realise all that, but where is the substantiation?

Aside from that there is not much in it as it becomes a he said/he said scenario which are very difficult to prove and/or defend.

Additionally, what was the context of the question as the posted article is a 'snippet' or 'recollection' of the conversation. Was there a leading question, did CS respond in jest etc. Without audio substantiation one cannot tell and therefore one should not judge.

My point is that were it a comment that was 'believed' by other media to have been made they would have jumped on it, yet the only person and/or source that has claimed the comments were made is Moody. Given the dislike of CS within the media, do you believe that a comment of this nature would have 'gone un-noticed' for so long?

It has been said that there is some history between Moody/Stoner who have apparently had numerous 'discussions' in the past.

A good journalist keeps notes and/or audio and my point is that if such a comment could be proven that it was made, it would be pure dynamite for the person holding the comment. To my knowledge the only reprinting of this comment was on a webblog from where it has been picked up once or twice.

I am an absolute forum whore and even in those where CS is despised to the degree of pure hate, the majority of posters were hesitant to believe the comments.



EDIT: threw in an extra paragraph


Garry

[MrJan]

Even the article says that he couldn't believe it.

I still feel that if Casey knew about this (Autosport is fairly widely read) and it wasn't true then he would sue for defamation. The legal burden of proof would then be on Autosport (Moody) to prove that Stoner did say it, rather than Casey proving that he didn't. Effectively the he said/he said element is gone in a court of law :)

I realise that we still only have Moody's word for it but the fact that Stoner hasn't reacted speaks volumes for me.

[alfa155btcc]

Ive been away for little while but im back now guys and all i can say is WOW what a F**k*ng Race, the best race i have seen in Moto GP for a Long, long time, unbeleivable.

Where do i start, well this race had me on the edge of my seat up and till 8 laps left which gave me time to calm down a bit, this is what you call proper racing, Stoner had the slightly quicker bike my my word this was Proper Rossi racing back to his best and he definately was 100% if not more all race long. The bit through the cork screw which Stoner had a problem with was well said on UK comentry that he did`nt intentionaly push Stoner wide for god sake he had come down this part of the track on the sand and still managed to keep it going. I think Stoner needs to grow up a bit you can`t have it all your own way which i think he expects, Toby Moody mentioned it in earlier races this year that he (Stoner) did not like what he called rough racing, well if all races are gonna be like this then bring it on the is proper racing. I never saw them touch Rossi raced like he had too he had to keep Stoner behind him and nothing was wrong or dirty about his racing or dangerous as he would of been black flagged if this was so.

Also, as it has been mentioned before in this Post the after race interview on BBC 2 did not make me warm to him any more than i do already, when he said (we will see) was he trying to be threatening or try and play mind games, well let me say if he`s trying mind won`t work with Rossi. at least he looked (stoner) like he had calmed down a bit on podium.

Great Race guys wish there was`nt a summer Break.

:s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin:

[ArmchairBikeFan]

Moody can be pretty pompous, I can see how he'd get up Stoner's hooter, and how much fun it would be for a rider to wind him up a bit. What would Jorge think about Stoner's comments? Gimme a break, he couldn't give two hoots! Stoner's always good for a bit of a whinge, but I don't think you can tell him to chill out. He's 2nd in the championship, he won it last year, it's just his way of doing business. Anyway, he's a kitten compared to Biaggi.

I fully agree with the comments of gco0307 in respect of the Moody article not necessarily reflecting the comments allegedly made by Stoner in Shanghai accurately.

I don't see either a tape-recorder, mike or even a note-pad in the photo provided.

It took a couple of minutes for me to read the article but I'm sure the interview would have taken longer.

It is unwise to assume that those quotes were accurate and in response to Moody's specific questions unless an unedited transcript of the entire interview is produced.

If it was such hot news and was true, then why hasn't it been picked up by other scribes who are always hungry for such information and been folowed through.

Could it possibly be a load of cod's-wallop?

Comments like Stoner "lifting a lip" can only be intended to suggest that he was sneering about JL being in such bad shape and is (IMO) refeclive of biased reporting.

I happen to open my mouth when I am talking and move my lips a bit...........I find it really handy when I want to speak.

[leopard]

Did he assault someone physically, like pushing over photographer ? :)

Did he assault someone physically, like pushing over photographer ? :)

No mate! The author of the article in one of the previous posts does not seem to like Casey Stoner and suggests that he was being nasty when Casey made comments in China about Jorge Lorenzo's injuries not being as serious as Jorge Lorenzo was pretending they were.

The author also suggests that the photographer took the photograph in that article as Casey was making those comments but there is doubt about the accuracy of the contents of the article.
The article smells like a load of elephant dung to me. :imubash:

[Ranger]

No mate! The author of the article in one of the previous posts does not seem to like Casey Stoner and suggests that he was being nasty when Casey made comments in China about Jorge Lorenzo's injuries not being as serious as Jorge Lorenzo was pretending they were.

The author also suggests that the photographer took the photograph in that article as Casey was making those comments but there is doubt about the accuracy of the contents of the article.
The article smells like a load of elephant dung to me. :imubash:

I don't think you quite got the jist of his joke. :p :

At the British F1 Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen pushed over a photographer (a decent shove) on the grid for coming within his personal space. No news reporters or mainstream journalists wrote up an entire article condemning his actions.

Likewise at the German GP, a woman walked up to Kimi wanting an autograph, with her little infant getting in the way. Kimi bumped into the woman's clipboard which sconed the kid, knocking it to the ground crying, which the woman then attended to. So in the end, there was a crying child, no autograph and no apology from Kimi.

And yet, in most news sources, they just turn a blind eye to it. Especially Autosport itself, which goes down the line of "Geez, what's with these people running into Kimi?". Both incidents are only mentioned in a short paragraph summarising the GP weekend.

And yet, Casey has a bit of a whinge and its deserving of an entire article of condemnation.

To me, that doesn't quite add up.

[leopard]

Hehe... I asked the real question because it was too long to read trough. :)

Lorenzo had a nasty crash so he was very likely bearing down to ride in Shanghai with that serious injuries. He paid the podium very expensive.


He might not be able to stand out the pain on the podium ...but... seeing that he can endure the race and finished for podium, being in wheelchair sounds strange and Casey was probably right at some extent.

But... to call someone is pretending sounds nasty too, Lorenzo was good playing drama, it's hilarious. :laugh:

[neninja]

I see no reason why Moody would fabricate such a story. Not his style at all.

Also Casey has developed a reputation for being abrasive with fans and riders alike. Probably just immaturity combined with a blinkered will to win.

However his team and sponsors will no doubt want him to temper this for PR purposes. Rossi has been successful financially not only because he wins but because he promotes himself and as a result his sponsors very favourably.

Rossi has now hit back at Stoner and Suppo's comments in the press conference and in interviews.


In an interview with Corriere dello Sport Rossi dismissed Stoner's comments about the unfairness of certain moves.

'On the podium he told me that he'd lost respect for me because he's been racing for many years and he doesn't remember ever having a race like that,' said the Italian.

'Well if he's been racing for many years, I've been racing for a lifetime and I don't know who he's been racing against but I remember all my races being like that and my rivals always fought that way.'

'He's used to the mentality of racing at the front with a four second advantage over the field but racing shoulder-to-shoulder brings other factors into play,' said Rossi.

'Hence this time I won and I'm happy.'

Rossi also said that he felt his move at Cavatappi was his best of all time.

'It's difficult to classify races especially as this season I've had many back and forth battles,' he said.

'But for sure this was one of my best five victories because Stoner is a tough cookie.

'And the pass at Cavatappi was the best of my career; he barely braked on the bend and me even less so, so little in fact that my wheels touched the gravel.'

[NinjaMaster]

I was really disappointed when Stoner wouldn't shake Rossi's hand after the race. Even though he was angry he should have done it, even as a token gesture and I'm sure Casey would be disappointed and embarassed by it. At least he calmed down by the podium and gave Vale a few genuine handshakes and a friendly conversation. A learning experience I'm sure. Also, the 'we'll see' bit he said to Vale in Parc Ferme is a completely throw-away line. I remember when Haga started racing WSB years ago and put a brutal pass on Corser at Laguna, Corser called him dangerous and said that payback's a bitch. Of course it sounded threatening but he was angry and nothing ever came of it.

The Moody article seems odd to me given the media's habit of taking an issue and blowing it up. Take this weekends race for instance, where Casey mentions that he thought a couple of Vale's overtaking manouvre's were a bit rough and every media outlet dedicates a whole article just to this and how scathing it was. I'd be pretty sure that if his so-called comments to Moody were crediable then articles of 'Lorenzo is faking it' would spread across the internet like wildfire.

And for those attacking Stoner for being soft, get a grip. He said he enjoyed the race but for a couple of moves. He has his limits or ideas of what clean and hard racing is, the same as all riders to but some of their boundary's are different. Remember that Stoner (as with all the riders) is the one putting his neck on the line and they'd all like to do it without any further risks. From where I sat, thousands of miles away :) , most of it looked fine to me though Rossi's corkscrew move was the most desperate I've seen from him for years.

[MrJan]

Comments like Stoner "lifting a lip" can only be intended to suggest that he was sneering about JL being in such bad shape and is (IMO) refeclive of biased reporting.

I happen to open my mouth when I am talking and move my lips a bit...........I find it really handy when I want to speak.

It's a column, they're supposed to contain bias because they are effectively the opinion of the writer. This wasn't written as a report, merely Moody's experience of interviewing Stoner.

I still don't find the story that far fetched, we all know that CS can fly off the handle occassionally and he could quite easily have had a go at JL (I know I'd like to, the smug little.... ;) :

[ArmchairBikeFan]

I'm with neninja on this one. People outside the UK might not know that Toby Moody has been a MotoGP commentator for the British Eurosport TV channel for donkeys. We've listened to him for countless hours, and he's certainly not a liar.

However...

He does have a bit of a tendency to climb up on his high horse and start dishing out moral judgements, as slightly pompous Middle England types sometimes do.

If you strip away the judgemental tone, you see that Casey actually made reasonable points, just in a way that annoyed that particular interviewer. Moody often likes to talk about how he chatted with this rider, and had breakfast with that rider, so I don't think he'll take it well that the plain-speaking reigning world champion doesn't think much of him.

After all, what did Casey really say in that interview? Lorenzo was exaggerating his injuries? Well, you're not going to jump from footpeg to footpeg on a MotoGP bike and bring it to 4th place if you're crippled, are you? And a distant 3rd place isn't worth showing up for? Well, not if you're fighting for world championships, it isn't.

I think it's just a case of Moody talking to a rider who has no time for him, and getting a bit hot under the collar about the answers. Total non-story.

[leopard]

Is it only me who see stoner quite often in face with a lip lifted, if not the mids of eyebrows. It might happen by its nature without tendency of being rude against someone.

[gco0307]

Also Casey has developed a reputation for being abrasive with fans and riders alike. Probably just immaturity combined with a blinkered will to win.


As someone who knows a number of people who have met CS I can state now that every one has expressed nothing but admiration for the time and courtesy that they were provided by CS. This even applies to the race officials who have had dealings with him over the years he has been in GP.

As for the riders, it was mentioned in the coverage over the weekend by Chaz Davies that CS is one of the nicer riders he has come across, just that he is private and not the 'party animal' type of a Hopkins etc.

CS also has helped a number of young riders over the last few years including (from memory) 2 in the Red Bull Rookies cup this year, Glenn Scott in the Australian championships in 2007 and Chaz Davies at Laguna Seca last year.

But, there is a darker side to all top sportsman when they will be abrasive or arrogant. This dark side will generally appear when the sportsman is 'at work' which for some may simply be during a session, but for others may be the entire race weekend. Given CS' intensity I suspect that for him, the entire weekend is work related and therefore he is 'on edge'.

In years past try to approach Mick Doohan, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson etc at a race meeting and you would likely be told to 'go forth and multiply' pretty damn quickly.





Garry

No other riders or team personnel that I know of have criticized Stoner either as a person, rider or manufacturer's/team-owner's front-line man nor have I seen or heard a direct quote from a fan Stoner has either shunned or been rude to.

If people want to blindly believe heresay from journo's and commentator's articles or comments or take on board personal opinion(s) or interpretations of rumours without any form of corroboration then so be it.

Ma pappy always said "Believe nothing of what you hear, half of what you read, three quarters of what you see and only what's been verified!"

[ArmchairBikeFan]

Wasn't it somebody like Plato who didn't believe anything whatsoever that his senses told him, only what he could deduce using pure logic? :)

[gco0307]

Wasn't it somebody like Plato who didn't believe anything whatsoever that his senses told him, only what he could deduce using pure logic? :)

Ok, this is getting to deep for me.

Wasn't Plato the offsider of Mickey Mouse. :D




Garry

[MrJan]

I thought Plato drove in the BTCC, busy bloke obviously :D

[maxu05]

I thought that Plato was that stuff that kids play with. Oops, thats Playdough :D I do not believe half of it. Casey can come across as arrogant at times, but he is just focusing on the job at hand IMO. Sure, he may have thought that Vale dusted him up, but, he is not the only rider to spit the dummy after a race he feels he should have won. I am sure he will just get his head down and carry on with the business.

[ArmchairBikeFan]

There are 2 kinds of rider. Those that do their bitching in front of journalists, and those that do their bitching behind closed doors. :)

What are your thoughts about the following FIM rule in relation to "that pass" at Laguna Seca? FIM Rule 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race

"3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine-disqualification –withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed."

What are your thoughts about the following FIM rule in relation to "that pass" at Laguna Seca?

FIM Rule 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race

"3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine-disqualification –withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed."

[Roby44]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69369

[gco0307]

What are your thoughts about the following FIM rule in relation to "that pass" at Laguna Seca?

FIM Rule 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race

"3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine-disqualification –withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed."

Will assume that this refers to the Corkscrew incident so will throw my interpretations in for discussion.

IMO, VR was fractionally in front or equal with CS when they started the corkscrew (CS had been in front entering the braking zone). VR ran in hot and stodd up slightly thereby forcing CS to do the same. VR ran wide and off track to rejoin in front of CS.

IMO, I suspect that the rule you mention is not intended or aimed at incidents of this nature but rather a rider 'short cutting' and rejoining or a rider who 'runs through' a gravel trap type of scenario.

It could be argued that VR did gain an advantage as CS was forced wide on VR's re-entry to the circuit but IMO that was a consequence of the incident/re-entry and not a deliberate attampt to gain an advantage. As such I do feel that there was no penalty warranted by officialdom.

But I will say that for me, that very moment was the defining moment of the race as it showed the pure will and determination that VR had with him on the day and highlighted to CS that this was going to be a fight. Again, I felt that this was the pivotal moment for the race.





Garry

[markabilly]

What are your thoughts about the following FIM rule in relation to "that pass" at Laguna Seca?

FIM Rule 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race

"3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine-disqualification –withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed."
So does the rule apply to Stoner when he ran off track and jumped back in??

Anyway Rossi learned something from Colin ed and put it to good use.

[markabilly]

:up:
Will assume that this refers to the Corkscrew incident so will throw my interpretations in for discussion.

IMO, VR was fractionally in front or equal with CS when they started the corkscrew (CS had been in front entering the braking zone). VR ran in hot and stodd up slightly thereby forcing CS to do the same. VR ran wide and off track to rejoin in front of CS.

IMO, I suspect that the rule you mention is not intended or aimed at incidents of this nature but rather a rider 'short cutting' and rejoining or a rider who 'runs through' a gravel trap type of scenario.

It could be argued that VR did gain an advantage as CS was forced wide on VR's re-entry to the circuit but IMO that was a consequence of the incident/re-entry and not a deliberate attampt to gain an advantage. As such I do feel that there was no penalty warranted by officialdom.

But I will say that for me, that very moment was the defining moment of the race as it showed the pure will and determination that VR had with him on the day and highlighted to CS that this was going to be a fight. Again, I felt that this was the pivotal moment for the race.





Garry


:up:

[markabilly]

The year that Colin beat troy for the superbike title, he won at laquana seca by getting in front of Troy and using braking and position to ruin troy's drive out of the corners, and to use brakes going in to throw him off. Troy clearly had the faster bike at Seca that year.....Much of this race, it looked like Rossi had learned well those tricks from his old teammate...

Difference was Troy was not whinning after the race, nor was he whinning after what had to be two of the absolute best all time races at the final of the WSBK championship that year.

[ChrisS]

I hope Storer is not as stack to the Laguna race as some of his supporters seem to be because if he is Rossi will mindf*** him like he did to other riders in the past.

The race is over, Rossi won. Just watch the highlights video again (that MotoGP.com has for free) and enjoy the racing.

[Daniel]

What are your thoughts about the following FIM rule in relation to "that pass" at Laguna Seca?

FIM Rule 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race

"3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine-disqualification –withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed."

I'm sorry but that's nothing to do with this incident. This is to do with incidents like the one Lewis had a few weeks ago in F1 overtaking and then running out of road and not giving the place back. It's pretty obvious that Rossi didn't mean to go off on the corkscrew. Anyone who did this would have to be an absolute fool as more often than not you'll be the one going off.

[Roby44]

The year that Colin beat troy for the superbike title, he won at laquana seca by getting in front of Troy and using braking and position to ruin troy's drive out of the corners, and to use brakes going in to throw him off. Troy clearly had the faster bike at Seca that year.....Much of this race, it looked like Rossi had learned well those tricks from his old teammate...

Difference was Troy was not whinning after the race, nor was he whinning after what had to be two of the absolute best all time races at the final of the WSBK championship that year.

Troy isn't a whinger, he just gets on with the job at hand....

[DezinerPaul]

A few things came from the USGP. One and most important, Vali is not finished, he was stunning. In a slower bike, he gave us the best race in a great many years. While I am sure that Stoner was upset, that he got waxed, If he is honest, he knows he was beat fair and square and if he wants tobeat Vali, he will need to toughen up. The big question, did Vali get inside Stoner's head, if he did, the guy will be hearing huge footsteps, every time he is in front!
Bottom line, Vali has added some real spice to what was appearing to be a rather average year. Bet the viewership will go up for the next race!

[markabilly]

Troy isn't a whinger, he just gets on with the job at hand....
Yes, speaking of hand, it was either that race (with Colin and his Honda) or the race before, (I can not remember which) Troy had fallen and severly busted his hand in practice at Seca, and since it was back in the old days, the old cargo containers for pit boxes, I stood there and saw just how bad and swollen his hand was...as in yuk...but not one bit of whinning was there.

Casey needs to be careful he is not imitating the whining of the 7 time winner of the Indy 500, DP, as someone might toss a towel in his face.....twice :eek: Ouch, now that would really hurt!!!

[jim mcglinchey]

It's pretty obvious that Rossi didn't mean to go off on the corkscrew. Anyone who did this would have to be an absolute fool as more often than not you'll be the one going off.

Yeah, look at Rossis back wheel come round while hes on the grass, and the way he just gets it back onto the track before he crashes probably bringing the two of them down. It was a very lucky / skillful bit of riding but it couldve ended in disaster for them both.

[leopard]

I hope Storer is not as stack to the Laguna race as some of his supporters seem to be because if he is Rossi will mindf*** him like he did to other riders in the past.

The race is over, Rossi won. Just watch the highlights video again (that MotoGP.com has for free) and enjoy the racing.

Stoner is still in the learning stage on how to respond favorably on the Rossi's game. I hope he will race with more maturity, when someone overtake him it wouldn't always mean that he has to push ambitiously to take it back, wait for the more proper time until it gives him possibility that it is safe for him to perform such doing.