MotoGP: Down Under (Spoilers, Mite!)

[K0m4]

Well, congratulations to Lorenzo. Makes me wonder, Pedrosa just doesn't seem to have that little extra it takes to be a winner.

Amazing how it appeared that Stoner didn't even want to be there during the celebrations. Winning a gp in front of your home crowd, standing at the top of the podium listening to your national anthem.. everybody who'se ever done any competitive sport dreams of that, but it looked like a chore to him. Still, he was obviously unbeatable this weekend, so well done to him.

The race was rather dull indeed. When virtually the only battle you have is one for fourth (ok, De Puniet and Espargaro too, but it was barely shown), they can rave all they want about how scenic the track is. It's racing I want to see.

[Davi5678]

Actually I think he was just embarrassed by Lorenzo's over the top antics and trying restore some dignity to the proceedings, if I could lip read I imagine he said to Crutchlow "thank fuck he's pissed off downstairs"

[Pecha72]

Originally Posted by K0m4

Pedrosa just doesn't seem to have that little extra it takes to be a winner.

I see that in a bit of a different light.

This year Pedrosa has shown, that he´s NOT settling for second, like he has done many times before. Today was a good example, and though it´s easy to say now in hindsight, that he went too fast too early on, he was just 100% determined to keep the others behind, at whatever cost.

That was his one and only chance to take the title decision to Valencia anyway. And he probably knew fully well, that Stoner was just about to set a blistering pace, and that he was already in danger of getting passed.

BTW, that was Dani´s one and only real mistake on track all year (I don´t think what happened in Misano was his fault at all). Also keep in mind, that Jorge came really close to crashing in Sepang just a week ago, and had that happened, the whole championship would´ve been blown wide open, so there really isn´t much separating these two. Just a bit of good luck/bad luck, that was decisive.

It kinda sucked for Dani, that Casey had to win this one, cos if it would´ve been any other track, then maybe there would have been hope of some sort of help from Casey? But Stoner wanting to get this one was understandable, too.

The only ones, who never make mistakes, are the people, who don´t even try. I take my hat off for Dani, because he´s really tried as hard as he could, and put everything on the line. This time it did not work for him, but on the other hand, he was closer than ever. And this is the sort of attitude, that he needs, to finally get that elusive title in MotoGP.

[RTLover]

Originally Posted by Hay Ewe

was a bit dull wasn't it?
Hay Ewe

Unfortunately, most of them are. With only three riders winning all the races so far, very few surprises. Too bad we don't get more camera work on the rest of the bikes.

[K0m4]

Originally Posted by Pecha72

I see that in a bit of a different light.

This year Pedrosa has shown, that he´s NOT settling for second, like he has done many times before. Today was a good example, and though it´s easy to say now in hindsight, that he went too fast too early on, he was just 100% determined to keep the others behind, at whatever cost.

That was his one and only chance to take the title decision to Valencia anyway. And he probably knew fully well, that Stoner was just about to set a blistering pace, and that he was already in danger of getting passed.

BTW, that was Dani´s one and only real mistake on track all year (I don´t think what happened in Misano was his fault at all). Also keep in mind, that Jorge came really close to crashing in Sepang just a week ago, and had that happened, the whole championship would´ve been blown wide open, so there really isn´t much separating these two. Just a bit of good luck/bad luck, that was decisive.

It kinda sucked for Dani, that Casey had to win this one, cos if it would´ve been any other track, then maybe there would have been hope of some sort of help from Casey? But Stoner wanting to get this one was understandable, too.

The only ones, who never make mistakes, are the people, who don´t even try. I take my hat off for Dani, because he´s really tried as hard as he could, and put everything on the line. This time it did not work for him, but on the other hand, he was closer than ever. And this is the sort of attitude, that he needs, to finally get that elusive title in MotoGP.

Yes, that's true. Maybe he will really have learned from this year what it really takes. It's just somehow typical of him that it happened when it mattered the most. He did try very hard, but he waited until the second half of the season to do so. That's what lost him the championship this time. Next year perhaps he will try to put himself in a position where he doesn't HAVE to rack up six-seven straight wins towards the end of the season to even have the chance.

[Pecha72]

Dani´s actually been very consistent this year. But Jorge has been even better still, first and second every time, when he has not been taken out. Both were taken out once, so I guess that makes them even.

But the new champion took 4 victories, and two 2nd places from the first six races, whereas Dani did not win a race before Sachsenring, after that they kept coming. So yeah, that´s probably what made the difference.

[tugboat50]

Lorenzo is a good rider, but why does he have to behave like such an asshole? Didn't the spectators go quiet when Lorenzo arrived back and when he went on the podium, but were cheering for Stoner? Hope he noticed.

I just hope Rossi can be competitive on the Yamaha next season and give Lorenzo a real challenge. I used to love it how Rossi used to screw with Gibernau's head! We need more close racing like that.

[cogitate]

Casey is retiring, I will miss seeing him. A bit grumpy, too the point, but a damn great motorcycle racer.



The shots of him with Adriana and his baby said it all. He was positively glowing when he was with his family. He made his money, fame, he is still in one piece :loll,
go enjoy life now!


Thanks, Casey!

[protondecay123]

Originally Posted by Pecha72

I see that in a bit of a different light.

This year Pedrosa has shown, that he´s NOT settling for second, like he has done many times before. Today was a good example, and though it´s easy to say now in hindsight, that he went too fast too early on, he was just 100% determined to keep the others behind, at whatever cost.

That was his one and only chance to take the title decision to Valencia anyway. And he probably knew fully well, that Stoner was just about to set a blistering pace, and that he was already in danger of getting passed.

BTW, that was Dani´s one and only real mistake on track all year (I don´t think what happened in Misano was his fault at all). Also keep in mind, that Jorge came really close to crashing in Sepang just a week ago, and had that happened, the whole championship would´ve been blown wide open, so there really isn´t much separating these two. Just a bit of good luck/bad luck, that was decisive.

It kinda sucked for Dani, that Casey had to win this one, cos if it would´ve been any other track, then maybe there would have been hope of some sort of help from Casey? But Stoner wanting to get this one was understandable, too.

The only ones, who never make mistakes, are the people, who don´t even try. I take my hat off for Dani, because he´s really tried as hard as he could, and put everything on the line. This time it did not work for him, but on the other hand, he was closer than ever. And this is the sort of attitude, that he needs, to finally get that elusive title in MotoGP.

I think he was using the Rossi Laguna Seca 2008 tactic. He had to finish in front of Lorenzo and hopefully have Stoner between him and Lorenzo. Get in front and hold the other two back.

Unfortunately it was a right turn ( Honda Hairpin IIRC?) and they were on the second lap (IIRC?). Philip Island is basically a left hand turn track, so cold right side of tire, left hand track, ( and perhaps trying a little too hard?), ingredients for a low side for sure.

Lorenzo's consistency is amazing and surely something for the record books depending on how he finishes in Valencia. One bike, One rider in first or second place for that many races? Amazing.

Hopefully Dani with continue with this fine form for next year with some truly epic battles for the championship.

He's starting to remind me of Sete Gibernau however.

[UngaWunga]

So Pedro cracked under the pressure. The pressure of knowing that this year is the last chance he has for a championship. Next year Lorenzo and Rossi on the Yamahas, and Marquez on his own team to steal points from him. If Stoner didn't retire this year, Pedrosa would be looking for a job.

[protondecay123]

Originally Posted by UngaWunga

So Pedro cracked under the pressure. The pressure of knowing that this year is the last chance he has for a championship. Next year Lorenzo and Rossi on the Yamahas, and Marquez on his own team to steal points from him. If Stoner didn't retire this year, Pedrosa would be looking for a job.

I think that Pedrosa's job is safe and probably safe if he doesn't win a race next year. The Repsol sponsorship is solid with Pedrosa and Puig seems to be in good with HRC.

With the machines moving to 1000cc, it would be nice to see Aprilia, Kawasaki and Suzuki back into the series.

[Crisis management]

Originally Posted by UngaWunga

So Pedro cracked under the pressure. The pressure of knowing that this year is the last chance he has for a championship. Next year Lorenzo and Rossi on the Yamahas, and Marquez on his own team to steal points from him. If Stoner didn't retire this year, Pedrosa would be looking for a job.

I disagree and am with Pecha on Danis' performance, he has made a race of it at every chance and proved his ability by being a title contender, had Casey not been injured it would have been a 3 way fight, not a 2 way.
Next year will be interesting (please god!), Marquez may well underwhelm, how often have we seen the transition from a lesser class to GP take several years for a newcomer?
I hope Valentino, Cal (who else is on Tech 3?), Bradl, Bautista and Dani can liven it up, for all of Jorges skill I want close racing, the sort of fire we have seen in Sandro Cortese the last few races.

More fairing bashing!

[RaY YreKa]

Well done Lorenzo.

For whatever reason he doesn't get many props on ADV, but if he finishes 1st or 2nd at Valencia he will do something Rossi and Stoner never have.

I'm really looking forward to #1 and #46 at Yamaha next year; the shoe is well and truly on the other foot.

[azkiwi]

Originally Posted by protondecay123

I think he was using the Rossi Laguna Seca 2008 tactic. He had to finish in front of Lorenzo and hopefully have Stoner between him and Lorenzo. Get in front and hold the other two back.

Unfortunately it was a right turn ( Honda Hairpin IIRC?) and they were on the second lap (IIRC?). Philip Island is basically a left hand turn track, so cold right side of tire, left hand track, ( and perhaps trying a little too hard?), ingredients for a low side for sure.

Stoner's ankle made him weakest on right turns and this was basically his last best shot at the title. If he was going to be able to get Lorenzo to be third it had to be there and early. He made the calculation and went all in, hero or zero. Can't fault the strategy or commitment.

[cogitate]

Originally Posted by protondecay123

I think that Pedrosa's job is safe and probably safe if he doesn't win a race next year. The Repsol sponsorship is solid with Pedrosa and Puig seems to be in good with HRC.

With the machines moving to 1000cc, it would be nice to see Aprilia, Kawasaki and Suzuki back into the series.

They are already 1000cc