Dakar 2013 - Official Event Coverage - thank you ALL TeamF5, lurkers and posters!

[Brodovitch]

Originally Posted by orlando_orange

that's what i was trying to find out earlier - what was the quote from faria? we sure it wasn't a mistranslation? seems like an odd thing to admit on tv...

He said, and I quote freely, "I am here for Cyril, this is my job" in french

[Flood]

Originally Posted by PackMule

Has anyone seen LUDO around this year? It was always nice to get the inside scoop from the Casteu camp.

He commented on my Barreda tire screengrab on FB. I shouted out to him, but haven't heard back. Looks like he's still following the rally world a bit, though.

[Brodovitch]

Originally Posted by orlando_orange

do we think he'll try adn pass if he catches CDP or just hang on his coat tails?

Hard to tell, it might depend on the conditions & how much dust there is

[PackMule]

Originally Posted by 8340SU

I think he was 3rd in 2011 and 2012

Whoops, Quite correct!

[Drif10]

Originally Posted by Flanny

An no reason for CDP to risk trying to stay in front. CDP has the whole Dakar to lose, and BB can only hope to win a stage.

Looks like Despres is just running his pace. Barreda catches up, no big, as you said.

And his closest competitor in the times has repeatedly sworn fealty. That don't hurt.

[yardracer]

so far there's only # 61 Xavier Moreau (FRA) on the withdrawal list today (not starting)

[Drif10]

Originally Posted by Brodovitch

He said, and I quote freely, "I am here for Cyril, this is my job" in french

I watched the same clip, Brodo is correct.

[Deadly99]

Luis should be starting soon and once again carrying the red lantern

[PackMule]

Originally Posted by Drif10

I think it is pretty simple: He doesn't trust the bike yet. And the bike hasn't been all that reliable. If we extrapolate from the known issues and the way the engineers are doing things the HRC way, then perhaps the bike is not the way he needs it to be? Not comfortable with it, which really affects everything.

That's the way it was striking me, as a comfort issue (whether riding, mechanical, or both). It will be interesting to see how the development curve goes, for the bike, riders, and Honda's long term interest in the project.

[Drif10]

WP8 shows as CP2. That was a refuel point, wasn't it?

[Brodovitch]

Originally Posted by Balkan Boy

I'd also add that he manages his bad luck very well. His team structure and experience obviously helps, but a lot of credit to him for that.

What was that quote about luck, "It's where preparation and opportunity meet"...? I sort of see it apply for the top riders in the orange camp, and I don't just mean the riders. That whole team must be a case study in minimizing bad luck / losses and dealing with unfortunate events professionally

[8340SU]

Originally Posted by PackMule

Whoops, Quite correct!

Hélder

5th 2009
4th 2010
3rd 2011
3rd 2012

he already lost 15 to 20 minutes in 2 different stages due to fuel issues, he could be 4th now... who knows?

[Deadly99]

Originally Posted by PackMule

That's the way it was striking me, as a comfort issue (whether riding, mechanical, or both). It will be interesting to see how the development curve goes, for the bike, riders, and Honda's long term interest in the project.

I think he is self conscience of those ugly rear tanks. It's preventing him from getting into the zone.

[Brodovitch]

Originally Posted by Drif10

WP8 shows as CP2. That was a refuel point, wasn't it?

I'm getting the same, CP3 same times as WP8, with refuel point about 20-30kms down the road

[Drif10]

Originally Posted by PackMule

That's the way it was striking me, as a comfort issue (whether riding, mechanical, or both). It will be interesting to see how the development curve goes, for the bike, riders, and Honda's long term interest in the project.

My worry for Helder is that HRC has always made the bike the way they want, usually pointing the finger at the rider until he 'gets with the program' and rides it their way. At least in motogp, that's how they've been.

It's funny: when they've listened to the rider and given him what he wants, they win.

Funny, that.