Evs7

Hey, I'm all for a bit of bonding, crowd huging pitch invasions but not when theres still bikes doing 180mph down the straight. Not a health and safety robot, I can't stand it, I can't stand all this where theres blame theres a claim nonsense, especially those adverts, the woman who trips over the box tie isn't looking wheres she's going, she's walking with a box and looking over her shoulder. Check it out next time. I would say thats no claim, it was her fault. Quite happy for the track invasion but let the guys get back in the pits first. Then you can swamp over and try to mount the pit wall.

yeah gotta agree, I think there was a video on you tube although I can't find it now of a rider I believe it was in the 125cc category and was waving at the crowd and rode straight into a fan. not good, stay behind the barriers.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5mn1b_this-is-the-way-simoncelli-wins_sport looks worse from the helicopter view. I can see both points it wasn't the worst I've seen but I just don't think unless they were going for the flag he needed to do it. If you were in Barbara's position you wouldn't have been too happy

I see it from a different point of view. It may still be classed as a racing incident but that makes the Dovi/Toseland one back at france seem very clear cut. I think Simoncelli was a lucky lad to get away with that. He may still get the stewards take that away from him, it was a dangerous move and in the post race interview he admitted that he knew that Barbara was attempting a slipstream. you can't just weave across the track like that. especially as it wasn't even the last lap. I'd be surprised if he doesn't turn up at Catalunya with a fist print on his face, I'd be down the garage having a few choice words with him. He may get away with it, but I expect the law will be laid down to all riders about weaving now. Thankfully no one was hurt

So funny flying down the main straight and all you can see if Rossi's face eyes wide mouth open starring at you from behind the screen. I'm sure it will be really good fun tomorrow in the race. Imagine looking back to see that chasing up behind you. The lads picked a good 'un this year

When was that write up done? Haslam leading the pack? brimming with confidence? I fully expect the title will be wrapped up either before or at that meeting but it won't be a Honda that will be at the front. Silverstone need someone to update their websites. Might pop along if it's not all over by then.

I hope Rossi wins and makes it a hat trick and also 7 out of 7.... But I'm betting different I think Ukara on the Honda will win. nah just kidding. but my top three is outrageous. 1. Lorenzo (He might of won last year had Bautista not have stuck him on a damp curve) 2. Rossi 3. Pedrosa Unless that Honda is so good in practise tomorrow that Pedrosa demands that he rides it, then he might take it. Where was the top Bridgestone last year?

I second that!! I fourth that. I was hoping Akey was going to post cause I've seen your post before and know that you know alot about the internal workings of motorbike engines. I could listen to someone talk about engines all night. I love to know how it all works together, I guess I should go on a night course somewhere but I doubt they would go into the stuff I want to know and would instead give you a general overview. Anyway Akey feel free to talk engines anytime mate. So just to go over your points and make sure I understand it. The slower pulse of the piston on the Ducati (twin) means more grip under acceleration therefore better drive, meaning their not wasting their acceleration by sliding like a japanese 4 cylinder? by the way I agree with Techno's point, did Ducati ever try racing the road going 1098? which is closer to the 1000cc limit?

I think he didn't have a choice, as far as he knew Airwaves Ducati was no more, got the offer from HM Plant and took it, thinking that a Factory Honda ride was good, then Airwaves come back and rejoin the series after the Ducati is allowed. I think your right though he probably is sitting there thinking "oh c***"

Well Shakeys done the double again in BSB, and in one sense I'm pleased for him, he's doing well and the bike it working well for him, it's not as if every race is a 1-2-3 for Ducati. Byrne is the only one really scoring well. So maybe Byrne is just good on Ducati's. Anyways on to my question about the mighty talk of the Ducati, which gives it a great punch out of the corners. Imagine Cal Crutchlow on the Honda and Shakey on the Ducati both go into a corner with the characteristics of the Ducati with it's extra torque meaning (please someone correct me if I'm wrong here) that Byrne can get more usable power down earlier, meaning that although he may not have top end speed (which the Ducati clearly doesn't) he will be able to get to 70mph quicker with more torque and grip than the slippery sliding Honda? If thats the case then it's surely just good bike development from Ducati and the reason the bike is dominating more in BSB than in WSB is because of the tight twisty British track configurations, not shakeys or Ducati's fault, although it's making for one boring championship.

2010/2011 I think it's planned for. no more 250cc are they planning on going over to a supersport championship? 600cc If so will that lead to good MotoGP riders cause they say that with the 800cc bikes a 250cc style is good?

Alright Fella, Where did you hear that? couldn't see anything on motogp.com Would be awesome to have Aprilia back in the top class of MotoGP again, it would mean that they wouldn't have to lose all their good riders from the 250cc class. I know they are going into the WSB championship next year but MotoGP would be cool.

I think it needed to be done, the way Shakey has made up close to 4 seconds in a handful of laps in the last 3 races has been silly. Clearly there is an advantage and it needs balancing out. There was always going to be problems like this with the Ducati this year. the 999 seemed competitive last year, Now everyone seems shocked they have run away with it. BTW though Byrne is doing a good job, I'm sure he'd be leading the championship whatever bike he was on, and will continue to do so even with a weight penalty.

http://londonbikers.com/news/8334/ducati-announce-1098r-support-package Ducati are so worried about getting kicked out of the BSB championship as they haven't and aren't going to sell the needed bikes in time they are offering a load of goodies trying to help along with the sales. paddock passes and signed stuff from all the Ducati race teams.

Yeah Stoner tied himself into a contract with Ducati for 2/3 years last season. I don't think Honda will attempt to take Stoner when they could take Dovi who is a Honda man through and through. The lad has got some serious talent, I mean he's finishing usually as the second Honda in the field. Only second to Pedrosa and importantly ahead of Hayden on the Factory bike. I'd like to see Dovi get a factory ride next year after all his hard work in the 250's busting his balls on a Honda that was rubbish. I also hope Yamaha don't rest on their lorals next season as if they do, Toseland, Lorenzo could suffer. Anyone know if that new contract Toseland signed meant that he will get Factory support in 2009? Hopefully Tech 3 can get some good results and justify factory support in 2009

well I know we are only 5 races into the season but it never stops, so here is a quick breakdown of rumours so far. Melandri will be sacked or disposed of at the end of the season - Rumour Dovi will take Haydens factory ride - Rumour Suzuki to run third bike with Spies as likely rider, although Martinez wants Bautista to ride MotoGP - Rumour Ideas : Dovi is a hell of a talent and will be a MotoGP champion one day I think, I think he wants the Repsol ride and if he gets offered it why not take it, but if not as the best of the rest of the Honda's I expect he will get the new factory bike and full HRC support in his JiR team. I think it's safe to say that Hayden won't be retained and he's never going to get back to the days of the 990cc bike, Hayden loves a big powerful bike, so why not talk to Ducati, maybe Nicky could conquer the powerful beast and what a team for Ducati 2 world champions. This would leave Melandri without a ride but a seat at either JiR Honda or Repsol Honda free. I think Melandri would jump at the chance to get back on a Honda. Spies, I'm not convinced about, I'm afraid I don't rate the AMA series and I think he would be better served spending a year in WSB with Suzuki before jumping up to MotoGP. Suzuki isn't the best bike and I could see his talent being wasted. Any thoughts? opinions? more rumours?

yeah was a shame to see Toseland going down the road. HOWEVER I must say after looking at it a couple of times, I think that one was Toselands fault. From what I could see Toseland only half wheeled him and Dovi may not of even known Toseland was there. Its the risk you take Racing incident. BBC made Dovi out to be a bit of a villian which I think was a bit out of order. Come on just cause he's British doesn't mean he doesn't ever put a wheel out of place

yeah i picked up on that aswell =/ Nah he's alright, I used to think that but if you actually take time to study him he's just a mini Rossi in every sense. What do you think makes him kn0bish out of interest?

I must admit I was on a bit of a down, after getting up early to watch again with Bradley being on the front row only to see him drop to 19th. I wasn't best pleased. Was well pleased when it got stopped and he had another chance. Also jumped off the sofa when he hit the front with 3 laps to go. Here's hoping that Mugello brings that first win for Bradley and puts him right in contention for the title.

I know there will be a lot of people claiming that road racing isn't safe and there will probably be people looking to stop it. But from what I've read on both accidents both we're technical issues with the bikes. It's clearly another terrible day for the sport and my deepest sympathy goes to his family.

A video compilation of the action from China. It includes the two massive moments from Jorge Lorenzo. Seriously how the hell did he not crash the second one? the bike was almost over and he pulled it back upright.

How many times did Nori have to sit up cause he was gonna run in the back of the rider in front. Plus I was so scared his Mud guard was gonna jam the rear wheel and send him down in front of Kiyo. Poor bloke would of probably been killed being hit at that speed. Glad he won although wouldn't of been bad if Kiyo would of won. But I still think Nori will be Bayliss' biggest challenger with Neukirchner. what a day for that pair. moved from 6th and 7th in the championship to 2nd and 3rd.

gixxergal good point well made, The Chris Jones rider fund does raise money to help. They have managed to buy some very important medical equipment which has helped to save riders lives since then. But surely it shouldn't be left down to the family of a bereaved rider to raise money. Surely the sport should be pro-active and make safety changes. I believe there were still two deaths in the BSB and support series last year Akey I do agree with your point mate, but I still think some of the tracks could do with some of the safety barriers moving back a bit. It may be an optical illusion of the camera but the BSB tracks don't look as wide as WSB tracks. Brands and Donington are great I think some tracks that need an update are Mondello Park, Mallory Park and maybe somthing at Snetterton or Croft

Good questions, my opinion is that no the BSB tracks aren't safe when you compare them to the WSB or MotoGP stage tracks. Run off areas are alot smaller and little of the track is covered with air fences. Bikes are getting quicker and quicker, look at how the lap times are falling each year it's time some of these tracks done some development work before they become too dangerous. I know alot of them will say they don't have the money. but then why not apply for a lottery grant. I've seen lottery grants given to a lot more stupid causes. as for you second question, I was thinking the same thing. How come McGuinness doesn't blitz the field every week. But then again the lads who finish in front of him don't do road racing. probably think it's too risky.

I saw another report that the BBC had up that it looked like it was a bike fault that caused the crash. Ryan Farquhar said there was oil all over his back tyre. Sad loss indeed, he will be missed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7382870.stm