**Spoiler inside**MotoGP of China

[Yamadog]

China is underway now with some super fast speeds, and a spectacular highside for Lorenzo. Go to http://www.crash.net/picture~cid~0~id~162775~f~~pid~1.htm and have a look at the pics posted. Ouch! Broken ankle--no news on whether or not he'll be able to race.

Stoner and Vale fastest in practice http://blogger.xs4all.nl/daisy/archive/2008/05/02/384781.aspx

[Tyrroneous]

   That highside was huge!  I hope he can get bandaged up well enough to race.

[squeezer]

Wow.  Talk about serious air.  Thanks for the post and I hope he heals soon.

Ouch! Broken ankle--no news on whether or not he'll be able to race.

Just the fact that we could say such a thing and have it make sense makes me shake my head in amazement at what these guys do.  If I broke my ankle, I wouldn't ride to the mailbox.

[Jeff N]

Dude got tossed!  

[DogBoy]

Countdown to launch...10...9...8...7...




The good news is that Lorenzo is not as badly injured as first thought and may be able to ride this weekend. Heal up quick, Jorge.

[shah269]

Amazing! That high that fast and a fractured bone!
Wow! Just WOW!

[heinee]

Vale went    

Hope Jorge is well enough to ride this weekend.

[squeezer]

Amazing! That high that fast and a fractured bone!
Wow! Just WOW!

Absolutely.  The video is even more mind boggling.

Of course, it wouldn't have happened if he had louder pipes.

[pearsonm]

I've never seen anyone land that hard. How does he not have two blown knees and a fractured neck?    (Thank goodness he doesn't.)

I'd love to know exactly what happened.

[Jeff N]

I've never seen anyone land that hard. How does he not have two blown knees and a fractured neck?    (Thank goodness he doesn't.)

Exceptionally good gear and youth are on his side. Out of shape 45 year olds don't bounce, supremely fit 21 year olds do.

[heinee]

Exceptionally good gear and youth are on his side. Out of shape 45 year olds don't bounce, supremely fit 21 year olds do.

WORD!! +1,000,000  

[Orson]

Exceptionally good gear and youth are on his side. Out of shape 45 year olds don't bounce, supremely fit 21 year olds do.

 

I remember mountain biking with an 18 year old when he biffed it hard into a boulder strewn river bed.

The guy pops up onto his feet laughing...more embarrassed than hurt.

I just shook my head in disgust. If it had been me, I'd have lay prone saying something about a medivac.

[Yamadog]

Amazing as it seems Lorenzo qualified 4th and will race! Can you say drugs?! BTW Edwards on pole, Vale, Stoner. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32261 Nicky 10th.

[falcofred]

Hopefully Edwards can do well in the race, seems to qualify so well, then in the race the qualifying position doesn't equal the podium postion. I'd like to see Colin win his first race.

[veefer800canuck]

Hopefully Edwards can do well in the race, seems to qualify so well, then in the race the qualifying position doesn't equal the podium postion. I'd like to see Colin win his first race.

Me too. Was just watching the battle in Imola '02 with Bayliss. Watta race that was!

Hopefully he'll have an epic battle with Vale' and pass him in a braking duel coming into turn 1 on the last lap and lead it to the checkers!

[tomek]

Inline 4 Yamahas dominate qualifying  

[Tyrroneous]

Forecasts are calling for (acid) rain tomorrow.  Hopefully, Colin can utilize his pole and do well, but the rain might put a damper on things.      I'm happy for Colin though.  Seems he's enjoying racing again and according to Soup, he might stay in MotoGP a little longer.    

[Ralf]

I read on a German online news provider that Rossi wants to make some sort of "statement" or protest, if you will, regarding China's actions in Tibet. He's asked for a riders' meeting to address the matter. Rather curious as to what he's planning ...

http://www.n-tv.de/MotorradWM_chinakritisch_Rossi_faehrt_politisch/020520085511/957689.html

[Yamadog]

Inline 4 Yamahas dominate qualifying  

I'll have some whilst awaiting v4defender

[pearsonm]

Inline 4 Yamahas dominate qualifying  

I can't remember who said it in what thread, but they stated that it was choice of valve train that was separating GP machines, not piston arrangement. With Yamaha's newfound speed via pneumatic valves, it appears that person was correct.

My question is, how long do we have to wait before they make their way into streetbikes?

[Jeff N]

I read on a German online news provider that Rossi wants to make some sort of "statement" or protest, if you will, regarding China's actions in Tibet. He's asked for a riders' meeting to address the matter. Rather curious as to what he's planning ...

http://www.n-tv.de/MotorradWM_chinakritisch_Rossi_faehrt_politisch/020520085511/957689.html

I wonder how the Chinese authorities would react. If some form of protest takes place after the event, what can they do? Not let them leave the country? And if the protest is pre-race, will the Chinese army march out and block the track and cancel the event? In either case, the highly sensitive Chinese will be very embarressed.

This is the last Chinese MotoGP event. They're not going back next year because of poor attendance and other inconveniences, so who knows what could happen?

[DogBoy]

Current forecast is 100% chance of rain at race time. Headline: Vermeulen Thrilled!

[DogBoy]

Injured Lorenzo pushing it in qualifying.  

[pearsonm]

That guy is freaking possessed!

[veefer800canuck]

I betcha he was feeling the ankles after that!  

[miles]

I can't remember who said it in what thread, but they stated that it was choice of valve train that was separating GP machines, not piston arrangement. With Yamaha's newfound speed via pneumatic valves, it appears that person was correct.

My question is, how long do we have to wait before they make their way into streetbikes?

Don't hold your breath.

[miles]

Rossi finally won one.  And not just won, but dominated.  He beat Pedrosa by about an hour and a half at the end.

Well, the monkey's off his (and Bridgestone's, and Burgess') back.

[Playinthestreet]

Looking at the gaps in the official finish it doesn't appear that it was much of a "race".  

[Yamadog]

Dang! That M1 was handling down the straights too!

My rider of the race though would have to be Lorenzo. Balls ride in what had to be major pain; and it couldn't hardly have started worse, killing the engine and having to push start on broken ankles!

Ducati well and truly beaten--again. I'm predicting now that he cannot repeat, so there goes my preseason predictions. Melandri finally showed some speed though.

And finally an admission from me about Nicky. The boys over on MotoGP News talk absolutely awful about him, and I have always thought they were too harsh. But I'm throwing in the towel--Nicky is only a top five rider at best. There it is I feel terrible now.

Edited to add: There were no spectators at that race! Bye bye Shanghai!

[Busy Little Whiner]

For me I4s are the past like drum brakes and the V4s are new like disc brakes... even
though drum wins over disc now and then you know which technology has the
advantage and represents OUR future...

[LicketySplat]

Edited to add: There were no spectators at that race! Bye bye Shanghai!

Not about the spectators. These new tracks in bizarre countries are all about the tobacco advertising.

[Tyrroneous]

Jorge is definitely the real deal.  Considering his condition, 4th place is amazing.  

Hats off to Rossi.  He rode like a man possessed and really earned that victory.  

[Jeff N]

Looking at the gaps in the official finish it doesn't appear that it was much of a "race".  

The race only spread out in the last few laps. Pedrosa was right with Rossi most of the race, Stoner was all alone in 3rd but behind him 4th through 10th were swapping places pretty regularly. Hayden went from 4th to 10th to end up 6th, which was typical of the guys he was racing against.

Don't worry about China. They're not going back next year.

[Playinthestreet]

Race = http://www.amaflattrack.com/picture.php?n=Photo+Gallery&f=bkhqt6pbns_1180359425.jpg

[Yamadog]

Not about the spectators. These new tracks in bizarre countries are all about the tobacco advertising.

Well for Dorna that may be true, but what about the promoter? Not quite sure how it works...

[phoenix]

Pos. Rider Nation Team Total time
1 V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 44'08.061
2 D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team + 3.890
3 C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team + 15.928
4 J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team + 22.494
5 M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team + 26.957
6 N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team + 28.369
7 C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha + 29.780
8 T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team + 30.225
9 L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 31.440
10 S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini + 35.969
11 A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP + 36.246
12 J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha + 43.191
13 R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP + 43.442
14 J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team + 45.855
15 S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team + 46.330
16 A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini + 50.593
17 A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team + 1'05.593

[desert_rider]

I can't remember who said it in what thread, but they stated that it was choice of valve train that was separating GP machines, not piston arrangement. With Yamaha's newfound speed via pneumatic valves, it appears that person was correct.

It not just about the valves or just about the tires, it's about the right package for a particular track.  Take Suzuki, they've been running pneumatic valves for a while and look at their results.  

[pearsonm]

It not just about the valves or just about the tires, it's about the right package for a particular track.  Take Suzuki, they've been running pneumatic valves for a while and look at their results.  

It’s also about context.

Last year, Rossi would gain on Stoner thru the curves only to give it all back on the straights. The piston layouts haven’t changed, but Yamaha’s valvetrain has. Yes, the tires have changed, as well as the ECU’s..

Aprillia’s pneumatic valves bombed before Suzuki’s, by the way.

[hobbes]

Edited to add: There were no spectators at that race! Bye bye Shanghai!

According to the broadcast, there were 125,000 spectators at the event.

[buckeye]

Not about the spectators. These new tracks in bizarre countries are all about the tobacco advertising.

Huh? What's so "bizarre" about China (and perhaps Qatar if that's what you were implying)?  

[Tyrroneous]

According to the broadcast, there were 125,000 spectators at the event.

I noticed that too and thought "That can't be right.  There is no way there were 125,000 folks in the stands during the MotoGP race"  A little later in the broadcast, they list the day's attendance at a little over 21,000, which sounds far more plausible.  

Perhaps the 125,000 was for the entire race weekend and included EVERYBODY even remotely associated with the racing, from team managers down to the dude sweeping the floors.  

[LicketySplat]

Huh? What's so "bizarre" about China (and perhaps Qatar if that's what you were implying)?  

New tracks being built at massive expense in places where there's little to no fan base or expectation of spectators? The series signing on in a heartbeat to travel halfway across the world at an expense probably running in the millions per team, at the same time they're making noises about controlling costs to prevent further attrition of private teams? That's bizarre in my book. That is, until you look at the paint and the leathers of the factory Ducati riders, and the Yammies two years ago.

[hobbes]

New tracks being built at massive expense in places where there's little to no fan base or expectation of spectators? The series signing on in a heartbeat to travel halfway across the world at an expense probably running in the millions per team, at the same time they're making noises about controlling costs to prevent further attrition of private teams? That's bizarre in my book. That is, until you look at the paint and the leathers of the factory Ducati riders, and the Yammies two years ago.

China has 3 brazillion people. I'm sure there are plenty of MotoGP fans to attend. Maybe they need to let the races develop a "run" at a track for a few years before they are yanked.

Either way, I heard that the Chinese GP will be gone next year.

[buckeye]

New tracks being built at massive expense in places where there's little to no fan base or expectation of spectators? The series signing on in a heartbeat to travel halfway across the world at an expense probably running in the millions per team, at the same time they're making noises about controlling costs to prevent further attrition of private teams? That's bizarre in my book. That is, until you look at the paint and the leathers of the factory Ducati riders, and the Yammies two years ago.

I agree that running GP races in places like Shanghai and Qatar mostly for commercial benefit is a "bizarre" practice (to utilize your terminology), but the involved countries themselves are not bizarre. A bit nitpicky, perhaps, but your original phrasing could be insulting to a lot of people on this board.

[LicketySplat]

Okay, okay. For the record. China and Qatar are not bizarre countries in and of themselves.

[Mookie]

Meh, Qatar is bizarre.  Perhaps the very definition of bizarre  

Anyways, turns out Lorenzo had not one, but TWO broken ankles and a torn ligament.  Much respect.  Plus I like that he and Pedrosa hate each other.  Finally bringing back some of the rider drama that's been missing since Biaggi quit being Rossi's bitch.  

[miles]

Meh, Qatar is bizarre.  Perhaps the very definition of bizarre  

Anyways, turns out Lorenzo had not one, but TWO broken ankles and a torn ligament.  Much respect.  Plus I like that he and Pedrosa hate each other.  Finally bringing back some of the rider drama that's been missing since Biaggi Gibernau quit being Rossi's bitch.  

Fixed that for you.

[JoBu]

Anyways, turns out Lorenzo had not one, but TWO broken ankles and a torn ligament.  Much respect.  Plus I like that he and Pedrosa hate each other.  Finally bringing back some of the rider drama that's been missing since Biaggi quit being Rossi's bitch.  

I have HUGE respect for Lorenzo riding with those injuries...incredible.  I didn't realize he and Pedrobot hated one another so much.  I wasn't a huge fan of Jorge's when he was in the 250 class, as he seemed a bit of a jerk.  But now that I know he hates Pedrobot...I'm warming up to the nice fellow.  

Cheers,

Joe

[Yamadog]

^ +1

[dnlwthrn]

You mean you guys didn't see in Jerez when the King made the two of them shake hands?  They were shooting daggers at each other with their eyes.  The commentators were talking all about the animosity between the two as well.  Of course, that was on the feed from the website, so I have no idea what was shown on Speed.

[pearsonm]

Until Lorenzo shows a lack of concern for a fellow rider he just torpedoed like Pedrosa did Hayden in ’06 I’ll have a hard time not cheering for Lorenzo to win his dual with Pedrosa. I typically try not to get into the rider personality/drama thing, but what Pedrosa did was classless.

[DredheadV2.0]

And finally an admission from me about Nicky. The boys over on MotoGP News talk absolutely awful about him, and I have always thought they were too harsh. But I'm throwing in the towel--Nicky is only a top five rider at best. There it is I feel terrible now.

I'm not done with Nicky.  I was all gonna be, after he started shooting backwards in the ranks.  But then - unlike every other time he's run out of steam halfway through a race lately - he got it together and started retaking positions.  Was going to finish 10th or 11th, ended up finishing 6th.

There's still some spark there, and I think he might be able to pull something together this season.  I expect he'll have a few podiums before 2008 is through.

[TheGoose]

Yep, two: Laguna and Indianapolis.  

[DredheadV2.0]

Yep, two: Laguna and Indianapolis.  

Unless a team-mate takes him out in the first lap, of course.