@MotoGPTweetmotogp news updateSPOKES: MotoGP report from Brno - Auction Central News
BRNO, Czech Republic (ACNI) - It’s always a bit odd when the second half of the season gets underway following the three-week summer break. It's like that feeling you had when you were a kid starting back to school after an endless holiday of hanging out and not really doing that much. You’re looking forward to seeing all your mates again, but the problems you left behind all those weeks ago haven’t gone away; in fact, due to the constraints of time, they may have gotten a whole lot worse.
But there will always be one kid dying to get back on it, the goody two shoes that can’t do wrong. While you’ve spent the summer worrying about what the new semester will bring, he’s remained focused with his eyes on the prize.
Welcome back to the second half. Quietly take out your study books and recap on where we’re at. You, at the back, are you chewing something? See me after class...
As predicted, the championship leaders, Casey Stoner and current world champion Jorge Lorenzo, have continued with their U-turn regarding the boycotting of the Japanese GP. In some respects, Stoner could afford to. Even before this weekend's Czech Grand Prix in Brno, he’s 20 whole points ahead of Lorenzo. But the latter certainly can’t. It further transpired over the summer that Stoner may have actually had grounds for his reluctance to attend the GP in question, as his wife is pregnant, something I didn’t know when I questioned his attitude a few months ago. This, of course, changes things in some respects, as at least Stoner had his reasons. It’s perfectly understandable he and his wife didn’t want to prejudice the future of their unborn child, and in the heat of the moment, he issued a flat ‘no.’ Still, his wife doesn’t have to come with him if he’s that bothered.
The story doesn’t end here though. In the last 24 hours, Valentino Rossi has announced that he won’t go to Japan. Unlike Stoner and Lorenzo, Rossi isn’t ethically (though contractually) obliged to go to Japan, as he’s riding an Italian machine. Nonetheless, it’s a very disappointing state of affairs and may say more about Rossi’s attitude regarding his career than simply missing Japan over radiation fears. Over the summer, Ducati has been busily working/panicking in order to improve the bikes' inconsistent handling. The big change for the Czech GP is an improved headstock. But Rossi seems reluctant to discuss his relationship with Ducati, and the rumor mill has been churning out snippets of gossip to fill the gaps, such as his planning on quitting MotoGP if 2012 doesn’t work out for him with Ducati, or discreetly approaching Honda for a 2013 ride. His decision to veto Japan implies he’s more or less written off 2011.
Despite this, he seemed to be looking forward to Brno, it was where he had his first pole position, his first win and where he won his first World Championship. While not attaining a front row after qualifying, he at least started sixth on the second row, his best so far this year. So are things looking up? Teammate Nicky Hayden started on the third row in ninth, so the jury remains out.
Dani Pedrosa, the comeback kid, also seemed in good spirits before the start of the race. Another fan of Brno, he feels rested and good to go, which he demonstrated by grabbing pole from under the nose of an equally keen Lorenzo, who won here last year. Stoner, unhappy with his set-up, finished the front row with a third place; and Ben Spies, the quiet American, lined up next to his best mate Marco Simoncelli, fourth and fifth respectively.
Andrea Dovizioso, the virtually invisible Italian on the third Repsol Honda (uncertain if he’ll get a ride with his current team in 2012) leads the third row with Mr. Ice Cool Colin Edwards next to him in eighth.
No John Hopkins on the Rizla Suzuki this time, as he managed to dislocate and break some of his fingers when he slid off during practice. Brno has this thing for unpredictability. It’s a very up and down circuit with a lot of second-gear corners that can easily catch a rider out on entry. But at least on race day it was dry - very hot, in fact, with a 37 degree track temperature, which means that tires will get good and grippy early on but fade towards the end. Why on earth, then, did Lorenzo opt for a soft front? Even if you’re new to Moto GP it’s not hard to work out that ‘soft and hot = faster wear.’ Only one other rider made this decision and that was Alvaro Bautista at the back of the grid.
Right, class. When you’re settled we’ll get going.
The bell goes and they’re off. Excellent start from Lorenzo, who takes the lead from Pedrosa, leaving Casey in third. Hayden has made an commanding start from ninth and has pushed teammate Rossi back into seventh. On the second lap Pedrosa takes advantage of a wobble from Lorenzo and undertakes his way to the lead. Stoner come through too and then, out of the blue, Dani low-sides his Honda and crashes out.
You’ve got to feel for him, really. Poor little fella, he didn’t deserve that. Nor do we; we’ve spent four races without Dani mixing it up at the top and now we’ve another race without his talents to challenge Stoner and Lorenzo’s domination of the 2011 season, who now ride in first and second respectively. Behind them a fantastic grid-busting third for Andrea who’d come up from nowhere and right behind him, oh lordy, it’s Marco Simoncelli on a charge. Brace yourselves!
Two laps later Dovizioso has pushed Lorenzo back into third and is looking at Casey who riding his bike by the seat of his pants. When it comes to powering a bike round a corner and getting right down onto the tarmac, Stoner has been unsurpassed this year. He’s a pleasure to watch, caramel smooth and, I daresay, assured. It’s not clear if Andrea was under team orders to leave Stoner well alone, but the leader starts to pull away and, unsurprisingly, wound up winning following a championship busting ride.
We lose (my) fellow countryman Cal Crutchlow to another low-side with 16 laps to go. He started the season with so much promise, it’s just not working for him presently. The battle for second intensifies with Lorenzo, Dovizioso and Simoncelli all in the running. Slightly out of the picture is Ben Spies who’s been cagily following the front runners. If any put one tire out of place, he’ll be in the thick of it. Behind him the only Rizla Suzuki, piloted by Bautista, is having a go at sixth-place man Rossi. With six laps remaining his soft front tire lets him down and, disappointingly, he joins the other non-finishers for an early bath.
As we’ve already learned. Lorenzo also made the bizarre decision to run with a soft front. Before Bautista’s off, with 11 laps remaining, Lorenzo paid the price for his choice, too. First Dovizioso slips past, then barely half a lap later Simoncelli makes a squeaky-clean pass on one of his major detractors, a pleasure to watch. Jorge’s body language suggested that he’d rather finish in fourth than fight. Marco had similar ideas too. For a while he looked like he might take his fellow countryman for second, but he was due his first podium and he wisely held on to third until the end.
It’s been a very long time coming but Marco finally got a taste of champagne, for me this was the highlight of the day. As has been previously mentioned, I think Marco has been treated very harshly by some of his colleagues and I’ve no doubt this has affected his confidence. Getting this podium will re-address that. And I hope it does. We need riders like Marco in Moto GP. It needs the spice that's lacking with Rossi in the doldrums and Pedrosa currently as reliable as a politician's promise... Which is why Honda should take a closer look at statistics. Dovizioso may not have Pedrosa’s edge, but he’s injury free and more pertinently, finishing races and good getting points, despite being largely ignored by the press and having a the name of a girl.
After Bautista’s faux pas, the field is pretty much the same until the chequered flag. Ben Spies rolled in a respectable fifth and Rossi finishes where he started, with Hayden behind, so an OK result for Ducati. Honda get first and second, despite losing Dani, which puts them well ahead of second-place constructor Yamaha. Unless something unpredictable occurs, and this isn’t out of the realms of possibility (it’s motorsport after all), Casey is looking poised to take the 2011 crown, with Honda swiping the constructor’s championship. They’ve got an excellent package and, quite frankly, Casey is out-riding the field.
Right, homework. After the race Honda and Yamaha tested their 1000cc 2012 machines. How did they fare? Did the riders come away feeling positive about the forthcoming season? We can discuss in fortnight when the Moto GP circus rolls into Indianapolis. Until then, ride hard sports fans.
BRNO RESULTS:
1. Casey Stoner AUS Repsol Honda 43m 16.796s
2. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda 43m 23.328s
3. Marco Simoncelli ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 43m 24.588s
4. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory Racing 43m 25.309s
5. Ben Spies USA Yamaha Factory Racing 43m 26.982s
6. Valentino Rossi ITA Ducati Marlboro 43m 29.428s
7. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro 43m 39.833s
8. Colin Edwards USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 43m 40.985s
9. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini 43m 41.998s
10. Hector Barbera ESP Mapfre Aspar 43m 53.362s
11. Toni Elias ESP LCR Honda 43m 53.475s
12. Randy de Puniet FRA Pramac Racing 43m 53.905s
13. Loris Capirossi ITA Pramac Racing 44m 5.707s
DNF:
Alvaro Bautista ESP Rizla Suzuki
Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB Motoracing
Cal Crutchlow GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda
But there will always be one kid dying to get back on it, the goody two shoes that can’t do wrong. While you’ve spent the summer worrying about what the new semester will bring, he’s remained focused with his eyes on the prize.
Welcome back to the second half. Quietly take out your study books and recap on where we’re at. You, at the back, are you chewing something? See me after class...
As predicted, the championship leaders, Casey Stoner and current world champion Jorge Lorenzo, have continued with their U-turn regarding the boycotting of the Japanese GP. In some respects, Stoner could afford to. Even before this weekend's Czech Grand Prix in Brno, he’s 20 whole points ahead of Lorenzo. But the latter certainly can’t. It further transpired over the summer that Stoner may have actually had grounds for his reluctance to attend the GP in question, as his wife is pregnant, something I didn’t know when I questioned his attitude a few months ago. This, of course, changes things in some respects, as at least Stoner had his reasons. It’s perfectly understandable he and his wife didn’t want to prejudice the future of their unborn child, and in the heat of the moment, he issued a flat ‘no.’ Still, his wife doesn’t have to come with him if he’s that bothered.
The story doesn’t end here though. In the last 24 hours, Valentino Rossi has announced that he won’t go to Japan. Unlike Stoner and Lorenzo, Rossi isn’t ethically (though contractually) obliged to go to Japan, as he’s riding an Italian machine. Nonetheless, it’s a very disappointing state of affairs and may say more about Rossi’s attitude regarding his career than simply missing Japan over radiation fears. Over the summer, Ducati has been busily working/panicking in order to improve the bikes' inconsistent handling. The big change for the Czech GP is an improved headstock. But Rossi seems reluctant to discuss his relationship with Ducati, and the rumor mill has been churning out snippets of gossip to fill the gaps, such as his planning on quitting MotoGP if 2012 doesn’t work out for him with Ducati, or discreetly approaching Honda for a 2013 ride. His decision to veto Japan implies he’s more or less written off 2011.
Despite this, he seemed to be looking forward to Brno, it was where he had his first pole position, his first win and where he won his first World Championship. While not attaining a front row after qualifying, he at least started sixth on the second row, his best so far this year. So are things looking up? Teammate Nicky Hayden started on the third row in ninth, so the jury remains out.
Dani Pedrosa, the comeback kid, also seemed in good spirits before the start of the race. Another fan of Brno, he feels rested and good to go, which he demonstrated by grabbing pole from under the nose of an equally keen Lorenzo, who won here last year. Stoner, unhappy with his set-up, finished the front row with a third place; and Ben Spies, the quiet American, lined up next to his best mate Marco Simoncelli, fourth and fifth respectively.
Andrea Dovizioso, the virtually invisible Italian on the third Repsol Honda (uncertain if he’ll get a ride with his current team in 2012) leads the third row with Mr. Ice Cool Colin Edwards next to him in eighth.
No John Hopkins on the Rizla Suzuki this time, as he managed to dislocate and break some of his fingers when he slid off during practice. Brno has this thing for unpredictability. It’s a very up and down circuit with a lot of second-gear corners that can easily catch a rider out on entry. But at least on race day it was dry - very hot, in fact, with a 37 degree track temperature, which means that tires will get good and grippy early on but fade towards the end. Why on earth, then, did Lorenzo opt for a soft front? Even if you’re new to Moto GP it’s not hard to work out that ‘soft and hot = faster wear.’ Only one other rider made this decision and that was Alvaro Bautista at the back of the grid.
Right, class. When you’re settled we’ll get going.
The bell goes and they’re off. Excellent start from Lorenzo, who takes the lead from Pedrosa, leaving Casey in third. Hayden has made an commanding start from ninth and has pushed teammate Rossi back into seventh. On the second lap Pedrosa takes advantage of a wobble from Lorenzo and undertakes his way to the lead. Stoner come through too and then, out of the blue, Dani low-sides his Honda and crashes out.
You’ve got to feel for him, really. Poor little fella, he didn’t deserve that. Nor do we; we’ve spent four races without Dani mixing it up at the top and now we’ve another race without his talents to challenge Stoner and Lorenzo’s domination of the 2011 season, who now ride in first and second respectively. Behind them a fantastic grid-busting third for Andrea who’d come up from nowhere and right behind him, oh lordy, it’s Marco Simoncelli on a charge. Brace yourselves!
Two laps later Dovizioso has pushed Lorenzo back into third and is looking at Casey who riding his bike by the seat of his pants. When it comes to powering a bike round a corner and getting right down onto the tarmac, Stoner has been unsurpassed this year. He’s a pleasure to watch, caramel smooth and, I daresay, assured. It’s not clear if Andrea was under team orders to leave Stoner well alone, but the leader starts to pull away and, unsurprisingly, wound up winning following a championship busting ride.
We lose (my) fellow countryman Cal Crutchlow to another low-side with 16 laps to go. He started the season with so much promise, it’s just not working for him presently. The battle for second intensifies with Lorenzo, Dovizioso and Simoncelli all in the running. Slightly out of the picture is Ben Spies who’s been cagily following the front runners. If any put one tire out of place, he’ll be in the thick of it. Behind him the only Rizla Suzuki, piloted by Bautista, is having a go at sixth-place man Rossi. With six laps remaining his soft front tire lets him down and, disappointingly, he joins the other non-finishers for an early bath.
As we’ve already learned. Lorenzo also made the bizarre decision to run with a soft front. Before Bautista’s off, with 11 laps remaining, Lorenzo paid the price for his choice, too. First Dovizioso slips past, then barely half a lap later Simoncelli makes a squeaky-clean pass on one of his major detractors, a pleasure to watch. Jorge’s body language suggested that he’d rather finish in fourth than fight. Marco had similar ideas too. For a while he looked like he might take his fellow countryman for second, but he was due his first podium and he wisely held on to third until the end.
It’s been a very long time coming but Marco finally got a taste of champagne, for me this was the highlight of the day. As has been previously mentioned, I think Marco has been treated very harshly by some of his colleagues and I’ve no doubt this has affected his confidence. Getting this podium will re-address that. And I hope it does. We need riders like Marco in Moto GP. It needs the spice that's lacking with Rossi in the doldrums and Pedrosa currently as reliable as a politician's promise... Which is why Honda should take a closer look at statistics. Dovizioso may not have Pedrosa’s edge, but he’s injury free and more pertinently, finishing races and good getting points, despite being largely ignored by the press and having a the name of a girl.
After Bautista’s faux pas, the field is pretty much the same until the chequered flag. Ben Spies rolled in a respectable fifth and Rossi finishes where he started, with Hayden behind, so an OK result for Ducati. Honda get first and second, despite losing Dani, which puts them well ahead of second-place constructor Yamaha. Unless something unpredictable occurs, and this isn’t out of the realms of possibility (it’s motorsport after all), Casey is looking poised to take the 2011 crown, with Honda swiping the constructor’s championship. They’ve got an excellent package and, quite frankly, Casey is out-riding the field.
Right, homework. After the race Honda and Yamaha tested their 1000cc 2012 machines. How did they fare? Did the riders come away feeling positive about the forthcoming season? We can discuss in fortnight when the Moto GP circus rolls into Indianapolis. Until then, ride hard sports fans.
BRNO RESULTS:
1. Casey Stoner AUS Repsol Honda 43m 16.796s
2. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda 43m 23.328s
3. Marco Simoncelli ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 43m 24.588s
4. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory Racing 43m 25.309s
5. Ben Spies USA Yamaha Factory Racing 43m 26.982s
6. Valentino Rossi ITA Ducati Marlboro 43m 29.428s
7. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro 43m 39.833s
8. Colin Edwards USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 43m 40.985s
9. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini 43m 41.998s
10. Hector Barbera ESP Mapfre Aspar 43m 53.362s
11. Toni Elias ESP LCR Honda 43m 53.475s
12. Randy de Puniet FRA Pramac Racing 43m 53.905s
13. Loris Capirossi ITA Pramac Racing 44m 5.707s
DNF:
Alvaro Bautista ESP Rizla Suzuki
Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB Motoracing
Cal Crutchlow GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda
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