Author Topic: 2020 MotoGP Thread (Read 10833 times)

Black Hills · « **Reply #100 on:** July 23, 2020, 09:32:32 AM »

that's insane!

viffergyrl · « **Reply #101 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:29:40 AM »

Yup. MM cleared to race this weekend.

Well.

(I can't help but think that this is just more psychological warfare on his part.)

Black Hills · « **Reply #102 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:31:06 AM »

I imagine, psychologically, it will work.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #103 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:39:41 AM »

The higher the stakes, the more Marc loves it.

But it looks like his internal traction-o-meter was set a little too low... and the crash-o-meter was set a little too high. Not too mention that barely-under-control competitiveness. The 'old Marc' definitely showed up last week.

I hope that cooler heads at Honda have had a firm talk with him about 'hey... just concentrate on finishing this time... mmmmkay?' Some points are better than another DNF....

Oy.

Black Hills · « **Reply #104 on:** July 23, 2020, 11:28:18 AM »

I see Cal was suggesting the gravel being to deep as the reason he, Rins, and MM ended up with injuries? this weekend should be interesting.

garry · « **Reply #105 on:** July 23, 2020, 01:45:37 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on July 23, 2020, 11:28:18 AM

This weekend should be interesting.

If MM93 doesn't have to withdraw due to pain/etc, then I predict he'll be on the podium. He's well and truly from another planet...

kendenton · « **Reply #106 on:** July 23, 2020, 08:23:47 PM »

If he wins this weekend just give him the 2020 title and spare the other riders the heartache.

Black Hills · « **Reply #107 on:** July 24, 2020, 08:59:24 AM »

Quote from: kendenton on July 23, 2020, 08:23:47 PM

If he wins this weekend just give him the 2020 title and spare the other riders the heartache.

On a side note I see Lorenzo is implying his collarbone fracture and 4th(?) place finish in 2013 is more impressive than MM's arm...

R Doug · « **Reply #108 on:** July 24, 2020, 06:33:21 PM »

Quote from: garry on July 23, 2020, 01:45:37 PM

He's well and truly from another planet...

Yeah, I remember before MM, folks used to refer to the front runners as a group of aliens. MM is from the mothership.

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squeezer · « **Reply #109 on:** July 25, 2020, 01:32:06 PM »

Marquez has withdrawn from the weekend. I didn't watch the practices but I hear he did several laps in FP4. He did one lap in Q1, not setting a time, then went straight to the trailer. HRC released a statement right after qualifying that he was withdrawing from the rest of the weekend due to pain. No shit.

They showed him coming out of the trailer, hopping on the back of a scooter, and being driven away. No sling, just holding his busted arm out to the side. From the back, you could tell from the TV shot how swollen that arm was compared to the other.

You know, the last time I broke a bone (collarbone, 3 years ago), at this point I was still sleeping in a chair because it hurt so much to fricking LAY DOWN. These guys -- Marquez, Crutchlow, Rins -- pushing MotoGP bikes around the track -- it's astounding. I'm going to go put on a hat just so I can tip it to them.

garry · « **Reply #110 on:** July 25, 2020, 01:50:43 PM »

Quote from: squeezer on July 25, 2020, 01:32:06 PM

Marquez has withdrawn from the weekend. I didn't watch the practices but I hear he did several laps in FP4. He did one lap in Q1, not setting a time, then went straight to the trailer. HRC released a statement right after qualifying that he was withdrawing from the rest of the weekend due to pain. No shit.

They showed him coming out of the trailer, hopping on the back of a scooter, and being driven away. No sling, just holding his busted arm out to the side. From the back, you could tell from the TV shot how swollen that arm was compared to the other.

You know, the last time I broke a bone (collarbone, 3 years ago), at this point I was still sleeping in a chair because it hurt so much to fricking LAY DOWN. These guys -- Marquez, Crutchlow, Rins -- pushing MotoGP bikes around the track -- it's astounding. I'm going to go put on a hat just so I can tip it to them.

Marquez did a bunch of laps in FP3 and was only a second or so off the pace. Impressive... But then his arm started acting up in the afternoon, so he bagged it.

squeezer · « **Reply #111 on:** July 25, 2020, 01:58:04 PM »

Quote from: garry on July 25, 2020, 01:50:43 PM

Quote from: squeezer on July 25, 2020, 01:32:06 PM
Marquez has withdrawn from the weekend. I didn't watch the practices but I hear he did several laps in FP4. He did one lap in Q1, not setting a time, then went straight to the trailer. HRC released a statement right after qualifying that he was withdrawing from the rest of the weekend due to pain. No shit.

They showed him coming out of the trailer, hopping on the back of a scooter, and being driven away. No sling, just holding his busted arm out to the side. From the back, you could tell from the TV shot how swollen that arm was compared to the other.

You know, the last time I broke a bone (collarbone, 3 years ago), at this point I was still sleeping in a chair because it hurt so much to fricking LAY DOWN. These guys -- Marquez, Crutchlow, Rins -- pushing MotoGP bikes around the track -- it's astounding. I'm going to go put on a hat just so I can tip it to them.

Marquez did a bunch of laps in FP3 and was only a second or so off the pace. Impressive... But then his arm started acting up in the afternoon, so he bagged it.

Ah, it was FP3. I may go watch some of that just to be amazed.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #112 on:** July 25, 2020, 02:17:34 PM »

<whew>

Kinda relieved.

motociclista · « **Reply #113 on:** July 25, 2020, 07:29:09 PM »

Yeah, honestly I'm kind of relieved, too. I didn't want to see him get hurt worse.

He already has dodged a couple of potential career-ending bullets. Imagine if the double vision back in his Moto2 days hadn't cleared up? Instead of a potential MotoGP GOAT he'd be a mostly forgotten Moto2 phenom.

Then there's reality, which had to set in. Sure he could lap a second off the pace, for a few laps. Which is well and truly incredible. But the field is so tight this year that a second a lap puts you at the tail end of the points. And it became obvious that he wasn't going to be likely to be a second off the pace for race distance. So no, he couldn't win or get on the podium, and he would have been fortunate to get a handful of points. The risk wasn't worth it for a handful of points.

All that's just my wild-ass speculation, of course.

garry · « **Reply #114 on:** July 25, 2020, 08:33:03 PM »

Quote from: motociclista on July 25, 2020, 07:29:09 PM

All that's just my wild-ass speculation, of course.

No, I think that's pretty much what Puig said. At best, he would score a few points and it wasn't worth the risk.

Smoothie · « **Reply #115 on:** July 26, 2020, 08:12:27 PM »

Crazy race, right? If you managed to finish you were in the points!

Second race in a row where I had to assure my wife that they are not all like this

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #116 on:** July 27, 2020, 12:17:00 AM »

The field was dropping like flies! Crazy indeed.

Black Hills · « **Reply #117 on:** July 27, 2020, 07:59:47 AM »

it appears high sides have made a return? I don;t recall seeing this many in past seasons? or maybe my memory is just bad?

garry · « **Reply #118 on:** July 27, 2020, 08:40:46 AM »

Quote from: Black Hills on July 27, 2020, 07:59:47 AM

it appears high sides have made a return? I don;t recall seeing this many in past seasons? or maybe my memory is just bad?

There have been a bunch of late. Could the tire just be sliding sideways from too much corner speed on a greasy track rather than too much throttle causing wheelspin?

Black Hills · « **Reply #119 on:** July 27, 2020, 08:59:37 AM »

not sure? just seemed like more than usual? reminds me of the 500 2stroke days.

PatM · « **Reply #120 on:** July 27, 2020, 12:39:46 PM »

I'm wondering if the new tire compounds have anything to do with that?

https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motogp-michelin-debuting-new-tires-at-jerez/

Black Hills · « **Reply #121 on:** July 27, 2020, 12:54:17 PM »

That probably had something to do with it too. I think Garry is right. Most of them appeared to happen before they got on the gas? it will be interesting at the next race.

squeezer · « **Reply #122 on:** July 27, 2020, 01:26:06 PM »

I'm guessing Garry's got it since all three classes were crashfests.

Skee · « **Reply #123 on:** July 27, 2020, 03:46:21 PM »

I’d buy new tire compounds making the track greasy as a plausible explanation.

garry · « **Reply #124 on:** July 27, 2020, 04:06:50 PM »

Quote from: Skee on July 27, 2020, 03:46:21 PM

I’d buy new tire compounds making the track greasy as a plausible explanation.

Note that the track surface temperature was insane. 135 degF maybe? Off the charts extreme temps. Air temps were high 90s.

miles · « **Reply #125 on:** July 27, 2020, 06:53:38 PM »

Quote from: squeezer on July 27, 2020, 01:26:06 PM

I'm guessing Garry's got it since all three classes were crashfests.

Michelin only provides the MotoGP class with tires. Dunlops are used in Moto3 and Moto2.

squeezer · « **Reply #126 on:** July 27, 2020, 10:51:21 PM »

Quote from: miles on July 27, 2020, 06:53:38 PM

Quote from: squeezer on July 27, 2020, 01:26:06 PM
I'm guessing Garry's got it since all three classes were crashfests.

Michelin only provides the MotoGP class with tires. Dunlops are used in Moto3 and Moto2.

Yeah, that's why I think the greasy track theory sounds better. Maybe just wishful thinking. I'd hate to see those guys chucked around like that all season.

By the way, if you have VideoPass and skipped the MotoE race, it's fun.

garry · « **Reply #127 on:** July 28, 2020, 05:43:43 AM »

Quote from: squeezer on July 27, 2020, 10:51:21 PM

By the way, if you have VideoPass and skipped the MotoE race, it's fun.

What do they give that one MoteE commentator that sounds like he is ready to explode all the time? Good Lord he's hyper...

squeezer · « **Reply #128 on:** July 29, 2020, 02:01:19 PM »

Quote from: garry on July 28, 2020, 05:43:43 AM

Quote from: squeezer on July 27, 2020, 10:51:21 PM
By the way, if you have VideoPass and skipped the MotoE race, it's fun.

What do they give that one MoteE commentator that sounds like he is ready to explode all the time? Good Lord he's hyper...

Yeah, I could use some of that right now.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #129 on:** August 03, 2020, 06:12:11 PM »

Marquez undergoes second surgery to replace titanium plate that got damaged because of 'stress accumulation'.

Really.

https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/08/03/marc-marquez-undergoes-second-operation/336779?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=MarcMarquezundergoessecondoperation&utm_campaign=Traffic&utm_term=Story

PatM · « **Reply #130 on:** August 03, 2020, 06:16:33 PM »

It seems he's been a bit too eager to return to racing. I wouldn't be surprised if Honda said no for Brno.

Black Hills · « **Reply #131 on:** August 04, 2020, 08:03:48 AM »

He's been ruled out for the weekend, his championship hopes are starting to fade.

garry · « **Reply #132 on:** August 04, 2020, 08:41:19 AM »

Quote from: Black Hills on August 04, 2020, 08:03:48 AM

He's been ruled out for the weekend, his championship hopes are starting to fade.

We have races three weekends a row looming, so if he's not fit for next weekend either, then he's pretty much screwed from a championship perspective. Of course, Dovi/Miller/Vinales/Fabio can crash/DNF/get hurt just like him. Then there is the Yamaha engine (lack of) reliability issue. It's not over until the fat lady sings.

Black Hills · « **Reply #133 on:** August 04, 2020, 08:44:17 AM »

squeezer · « **Reply #134 on:** August 09, 2020, 02:33:03 AM »

I'm guessing we all predicted this grid, right?

BTW, MotoGP had its 1st positive covid case on a race weekend. One of the Dorna staff. Primary contacts are all in Isolation.

motodog650 · « **Reply #135 on:** August 09, 2020, 11:54:41 AM »

Quote from: squeezer on August 09, 2020, 02:33:03 AM

I'm guessing we all predicted this grid, right?

Nailed it

Good on ya BB33

That penalty on Zarco was BS but loved how he handled it. Guess if your name isn't Marquez you have to pay the price. Good thing it didn't happen at the Red Bull Ring or he probably would've been black flagged

squeezer · « **Reply #136 on:** August 09, 2020, 02:24:11 PM »

I'm glad someone else thinks that. The commentators were all over Zarco for it. And, yeah, the way he took the long lap was awesome.

Black Hills · « **Reply #137 on:** August 09, 2020, 04:19:21 PM »

Not Zarco’s fault at all IMO

biking sailor · « **Reply #138 on:** August 09, 2020, 04:48:50 PM »

Quote from: squeezer on August 09, 2020, 02:24:11 PM

I'm glad someone else thinks that. The commentators were all over Zarco for it. And, yeah, the way he took the long lap was awesome.

They said something like his front wheel had to get in front of Pols, and it didn't. I don't know the specific rules, but in the Racing Rules of Sailing, which I do know, your bow has to cross in front of a leading boats stern for you to have overtaking rights and can claim right of way. Sounds like in GP MC racing, you have to be leading them to have rights.

Zarco got inside but Pol cut back in to the apex definitely leading.

Smoothie · « **Reply #139 on:** August 09, 2020, 04:49:26 PM »

Quote from: squeezer on August 09, 2020, 02:24:11 PM

I'm glad someone else thinks that. The commentators were all over Zarco for it. And, yeah, the way he took the long lap was awesome.

Plus one. And yeah, knee down on the long lap? Awesome!!

Smoothie · « **Reply #140 on:** August 09, 2020, 04:53:03 PM »

Quote from: biking sailor on August 09, 2020, 04:48:50 PM

Quote from: squeezer on August 09, 2020, 02:24:11 PM
I'm glad someone else thinks that. The commentators were all over Zarco for it. And, yeah, the way he took the long lap was awesome.

They said something like his front wheel had to get in front of Pols, and it didn't. I don't know the specific rules, but in the Racing Rules of Sailing, which I do know, your bow has to cross in front of a leading boats stern for you to have overtaking rights and can claim right of way. Sounds like in GP MC racing, you have to be leading them to have rights.

Zarco got inside but Pol cut back in to the apex definitely leading.

Hmmm. So, in this case because Zarco’s front wheel was not leading Pol’s, he’s supposed to back off?

That sort of makes sense, although in real time it sure looked like Zarco had established inside position. I was surprised that the commentators were so sure Zarco was in the wrong.

garry · « **Reply #141 on:** August 09, 2020, 06:03:58 PM »

Crafar changed his mind and apologized to Zarco after reviewing helicopter video...

biking sailor · « **Reply #142 on:** August 09, 2020, 07:57:50 PM »

Quote from: garry on August 09, 2020, 06:03:58 PM

Crafar changed his mind and apologized to Zarco after reviewing helicopter video...

I could imagine a former racer might have a different opinion than race direction, after both have scrutinized all the replays.

When I saw it live, I thought Zarco got inside and Pol shouldn't have cut back in and must not have seen Zarco there (unless he was seeing a little red). After seeing replays many times, my opinion hasn't changed. Looked similar to most block passes with plenty of overlap. However, I don't know the details of the rules so my opinion means squat.

I'll probably get to read a lot of articles with more technical details of the rules before the fun starts again next Friday.

Skee · « **Reply #143 on:** August 09, 2020, 08:39:53 PM »

it looked like a dumbass move on Pol’s part to me, and yeah, I would have been seeing red if I was in his position because it looked like Zarco was squeezing inside, but then it’s a race.

I don’t know the rules, so my opinion don’t mean squat either.

Sure has been an exciting season to watch.

slayman · « **Reply #144 on:** August 10, 2020, 06:42:32 AM »

Quote from: garry on July 28, 2020, 05:43:43 AM

Quote from: squeezer on July 27, 2020, 10:51:21 PM
By the way, if you have VideoPass and skipped the MotoE race, it's fun.

What do they give that one MoteE commentator that sounds like he is ready to explode all the time? Good Lord he's hyper...

Have you watched an F1 race lately? I believe they call him Crofty. I don't think there's been anything exciting enough in F1 in the past 20 years to deserve the level of hyper excitement to which he ascends. I think if he called a MotoGP race his head would explode.

PatM · « **Reply #145 on:** August 12, 2020, 10:18:10 AM »

Interesting comment about the Michelin tires vs the previous Bridgestone, how they affect braking.

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/fabios-rear-brake-trick

biking sailor · « **Reply #146 on:** August 15, 2020, 07:38:11 AM »

Just in, Dovi out of Ducati.

garry · « **Reply #147 on:** August 15, 2020, 08:24:13 AM »

That's a bit of a surprise, as Dovi chose to leave (not released). Aprilia would be keen to sign him but I bet he's not a cheap date. He previously said he was prepared to take a year off if needed.

There will more than a bit of competition for that factory seat. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds over the coming weeks.

biking sailor · « **Reply #148 on:** August 15, 2020, 08:41:36 AM »

From Simon Crafar's interview this morning with Ducati chief, sounds like it was all about $$$. I wouldn't be surprised if they came to a deal later.

Bet Zarco's eyes lit up a bit. He's shown he can make a Ducati get around the track pretty well. Most likely take Millers place as he moves up to the factory seat. Who gets the other?

squeezer · « **Reply #149 on:** August 15, 2020, 01:02:27 PM »

Tardozzi said earlier this week it would be Dovi, Bagnaia, or Lorenzo. And he said the announcement would come after the two Austria races. So I guess we've narrowed the choice to two.

I'm betting Zarco gets a better bike, but not the factory.