MotoGP: Down Under (Spoilers, Mite!)

I maybe wrong, but that looks like a 749r monop.

100% ! You can tell by the carbon fairings if not the fact it sez it. i was reffering to the shape not the size so much. Was so close to owning a 2006 999s . ive not ridden a 749 But have raced a 748 s and they are super fun bikes with great bits. Just get slayed down the straights .

This is one of the few truly “classic” GP tracks left on the calendar... and come to think of it, there really aren´t too many of those left, are there (downsized Assen, though in a way still great, somehow doesn´t count for me)?

-Mugello

-Phillip Island

-Laguna Seca (that sadly will be gone)

-Brno

-Jerez

-Catalunya (I guess you could count it in nowadays)

PI, with its ocean views, is probably the most spectacular of all to view on the telly (and I can imagine it will be even more so live – I´ve been to Melbourne, but sadly I couldn´t arrange to visit the track!)... Mugello and Laguna also work very well for me on the TV, and those tracks I have also visited myself.

Sure is a great track and unforgettable to go to and watch the real racers show us how it's done! i 'll never ever forget the first time i arrived at Phillip Island . We just rode down from Brisbane leaft on Monday morning and arrived Friday in the middle of practice for the 500's and first motogp bikes , i looked left over at turn 12 and could'nt believe how much speed these loonies were carrying and how they did'nt for a split second back off the gas thru the gears it was so loud and fast it just shook my whole surroundings. I could'nt wait to get inside!
I did'nt sleep that night AT ALL, watched the sun come up and i was totally in this fuel burning speed hungry freespirted experience.There was no agro no women ..oh.. only 2 before race day and one was with us for their hoonyemoon. Thats changed a bit!

If your at the track, Doohan crnr is mind warping when you stand as close to the fence as you can on the apex. Even more demanding of the peanut when riding it.

Bradl has been cleared to ride in FP1.

She's gunna need more than a wash mate!

Not a good look.

FP 1 is underway!

Looking forward to more of your pics Bootlace. Be sure and get the guy from Flock of Seagulls who painted the curbs (kerbs).

I know it's early but that is a rather familiar name at the top of the leader board!!

+1!
Have fun

Troublemakers this mob.....

Awesome Boots, keep those pics coming... Wish I was there to have an ice coldie witchya!

These blokes could have a real busy weekend, me thinks.

Good stuff, keep em coming,,,,, PLEASE

Bradl unfit after FP1.

Does that make room for the Kangaroo?

MotoGP QP2 and Lorenzo has half a second on the field. Next come Bautista, Pedrosa and Rossi, a tenth covering all three.

Marquez reported to have crashed at Lukey Heights, which is the off-camber left over a crest round the back. MotoGP website says he "escaped" the incident. Any updates from those on the ground?

Bootlace, thanks for the pix! How's the weather?

Edit: okay, motomatters has the details already:

"The young Spaniard had a very fast high side over the top of Lukey Heights but managed to land relatively softly on the grass run-off area, slide to a halt and walk away completely unharmed."

And Pedrosa had a late-session mechanical.

It looks like the dip that BOOT-y warned them about which got MM. A few others had "moments" too.

Bautista and Barbera both crashed that session, also.

Pedrosa had a linkage or something come loose, which dragged on the ground sparking, and which ultimately left him parked on the inside of the exit of T2.

BTW-next time around MM had the rear lit right up through Lukey. :eek1

Hey, that was quick! Thank you.

Love this site!