The MotoGP Thread

I continue to find the quality of competition in Moto2 far more interesting and instructive than the Premier class. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop watching the Premier class but rather that I look forward to continue paying more attention to Moto2.
 

Laszlo

Member
Totally agree that Moto2 has good comp!

Any thoughts on whether Nakagami will be renewed in 2025? And if so…why? Not throwing shade b/c they’re all athletes, I’m not sure just performance wise why the team would renew.
 
Totally agree that Moto2 has good comp!

Any thoughts on whether Nakagami will be renewed in 2025? And if so…why? Not throwing shade b/c they’re all athletes, I’m not sure just performance wise why the team would renew.
I think he’s staying for continuity and sponsorship. Sadly, the bike is so far off the pace that it probably makes more sense to have the rider with the most experience on the bike remain through the slow slog back towards the front.
 

Laszlo

Member
I think he’s staying for continuity and sponsorship. Sadly, the bike is so far off the pace that it probably makes more sense to have the rider with the most experience on the bike remain through the slow slog back towards the front.
Yeah; great point.
 
Looking out at the 2027 horizon, I wonder what the impact will be on Moto2 when the Premier class bikes with 850cc engines are only slightly more powerful than the Triumph 765 lump? IOW, will the lap times be that different to maintain fan attention?
 
I continue to find the quality of competition in Moto2 far more interesting and instructive than the Premier class. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop watching the Premier class but rather that I look forward to continue paying more attention to Moto2.
This season is certainly playing out differently than my favorite/classic seasons - but still has enough to keep me hooked.

It's interesting to watch the championship shift from being led by the outright fastest rider - to one that seems to be dominated by riders managing catastrophic mistakes.

Early/mid 2000’s there was a stat that showed the dominant riders at the height of their powers (stoner, Rossi, Lorenzo after the first year or two etc) rarely fell off the bike. This season seems to be a new combo of blisteringly fast riders who frequently crash.

This weird shift has kept me on the edge of my seat. Rarely do we see one of the guys take the lead and clear off into the distance - without wondering whether they will bin it with a 3 second lead.

I suppose It’s a bit more like a soap opera than I’d prefer…. “This time, on As the Wheel Turns…” :)
 

ctk62

Member
Looking out at the 2027 horizon, I wonder what the impact will be on Moto2 when the Premier class bikes with 850cc engines are only slightly more powerful than the Triumph 765 lump? IOW, will the lap times be that different to maintain fan attention?
I think MotoGP will still have a cool 100HP advantage over the Triumph lumps for various reasons (mostly revs but also more valve area).
 
The quotes I read a while back from McGuiness about following Rossi were amazing. “Best lap time I’ve done around that track ever…”. From a guy who does 200mph through old ladies hedges and stone walls :)
 

ctk62

Member
Pecco's impatience is gonna cost him the championship. Reminds me of his clash with Marc earlier in the season. 13 points might be less than 16 but it's much better than 0.
 
I agree with @ctk62 - pecco needs to stop throwing away points.

My initial thought during replay was that I didn’t see anywhere for AM73 to go. He was already so close to the corner, and with the track as greasy/sandy as it was, hitting the brakes would have likely sent him straight - causing a similar outcome.

Regardless of whether Pecco was entitled to the corner (being ahead), thoughts of the championship and sketchy track conditions should have suggested he leave a bit of room. He had plenty of time to safely pass him later.
 

bmart

Control Rider
I've watched it in slow mow from a few angles a few times. It seems to me that Alex had plenty of room on the right side and got taken away from that line visually, stayed on the gas, and changed trajectory.

Looking right how these guys are riding really keeps a rider from seeing anything on their left, even if they're a little in front. Seems like Pecco planned for this and left enough room.

I haven't heard (surprisingly) that Alex could be helping Marc/team periwinkle with a move like that. I wouldn't think that it was true, but you know the media...stay tuned!
 
He has made a statement regarding “on purpose” comments online. Said it just wasn’t in his DNA to crash on purpose. I can’t imagine he would - especially considering MM didn’t need the help :)

You make a good point about vision. Every rider knows that if they’re approaching a right hander, the inside guy is not looking left. That’s why I see it as Pecco potentially being a little less responsible at the corner, but a whole lot more responsible for his championship standings.
 
Top