The motorsports thread.

[sk_tle]

I agree. I still can't understand why he re-entered the race line so abruptly.

Well he wanted to beat Dovizioso in the drag race to the next braking point. I think what he did was natural. The mistake was probably trying that hard in a close battle against his teammate who was leading the championship while he is already far far away. I know they are racers but being teammates there is some sort of responsibility and I would have let Dovi get a rythm and see if he can manage to bridge to Marquez

I don't think Dovizioso did anything wrong, he had to pass Lorenzo if he wanted to have a go at trying to catch Marquez. Lorenzo being one of those hard to pass riders he had to be a little creative. Judging from the onboard camera it looked like Pedrosa was a tad optimistic. Although the ducati riders had lost a lot of speed he was far away when entering the corner so maybe he should have backed off a little and would have had enough speed to pass them in the small straight after that corner. All this is very easy to say from an armchair rider the race, having analysed the lines from the helicam, onboard and fixed cameras. In reality there was no big mistake but small judgement errors from all riders involved that led to that spectacular crash.

[jscottyk]

Well he wanted to beat Dovizioso in the drag race to the next braking point. I think what he did was natural.

Ha! Point taken.

I agree, it was a "race incident" and as unfortunate as it was no blame is to be made. Race Control made the right call on this one, IMO.

[shorelocal]

Lorenzo is notorious for blocking his teammates ... pretty sure he did this last year to Dovi (can't remember which race it was). He's a rolling roadblock ... and his ego won't let him "pull over" for a faster teammate.

As for the crash, I would suspect Pedrosa was looking far up the road, through the corner and probably didn't even see Lorenzo coming over on him until he got slammed by the Ducati. Dani has to be one of the unluckiest MotoGP racers ever ... fortunately he didn't break anything this time.

[dogrange]

Lorenzo is notorious for blocking his teammates ... pretty sure he did this last year to Dovi (can't remember which race it was). He's a rolling roadblock ... and his ego won't let him "pull over" for a faster teammate.

Agreed, one thing I have never liked about him. He is so controlled that he can be counted on to perfectly block the racing line, no matter how slow he is going.

[pdxmech13]

I read last night that Dovi was trying to pass him for the better part of 10 laps but the track itself is very difficult to find passing lanes that are safe.

The fact that the slower rider was blocking a faster rider from the same team and someone with a real chance at the championship spells Lorenzo's fate.

If I were Suzuki I would think long and hard about that hire. You have a young talent like Rins in your paddock with good sense and skill and a bike that keeps getting better and better.

Ianonne is somewhat of a wild card in all the senses but hey, the guy has 2 podiums in 3 weeks so why not stick it out vs. paying the money for Jorge.

Would be funny to see Lorenzo without a factory ride come 2019 but I doubt it will happen.

[sk_tle]

Problem is Rins seems to go down way to often. Similar to Cal Crutchlow.

[pdxmech13]

Yeah but he is only 20.........

[XR2]

Lorenzo finds it difficult to win unless everything is suited to his bike and style. At that point he becomes virtually unbeatable. However the fact remains (made clear by the Ducati) he is a one trick pony. Remember the battles about bike set up and design at Yamaha w/Rossi? That is what made it clear he must have exactly what he wants or he won't be on the top step. I think he's almost done. The fire is dying.

[jscottyk]

Problem is Rins seems to go down way to often. Similar to Cal Crutchlow.

And similar to Marquez in the early years of the big bike.

[pdxmech13]

Cal wouldn't go down as often if he was using the carbon swing arm.....just sayin'

BTW. I"m a Cal fan!

[jscottyk]

Grand Prix de France predictions?

[pdxmech13]

Zarco.........could only dream.

[shorelocal]

Grand Prix de France predictions?

My guess is Dovi will come back to his winning ways this w/e [crosses fingers].

[jscottyk]

I'll wait a few hours to comment further on qualifying in case anyone is watching today, but wow!

And that Crutchlow highside! And "500GP High" highside.

[pdxmech13]

Zarco on Pole........

[jscottyk]

That was a heckuva race. As good as it was it couldn't compare to the Moto3 race!

With two laps to go this happened!

IMG_0C2CA7EF4D49-1.jpg

From the other side.

IMG_0127.jpg


And, he lands it!

IMG_8010F883776A-1.jpg

[pdxmech13]

No idea how Crutchlow was able to push through on Sunday.

Reading about the injuries he should have been in a hospital bed.

[jscottyk]

So, Mugello. Any chance Marquez doesn't dominate?

[pdxmech13]

Rossi.....Rossi......Rossi........but basically Marquez.......

[jscottyk]

Rossi.....Rossi......Rossi........but basically Marquez.......

I think you are probably right. At least P2 through P10 will be interesting.

And Moto3!