A real MotoGP question...... AT LAST. Rider power rules.?

Question

This is from Soup : http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Mar/080327a.htm

You have to admit, " driver " aids were banned from F1 due to the sport going down the shiter, or was that just Bernie Ecclestone ? After all he killed MotoGP ( or the 500 GP as it was known ) so badley that Honda could not even get a sponsor.

Do you think the cut back of rider aids is a good thing? For some things I do, yes. As for telemetry setting's and so forth, no. These are just for engineers to make the bike better ...... for the rider to ride, rather then beating the rider at his own game.

Your thoughts ?

NeilGTI , Proc , Dingo , 51 , Ninky , Barry M, & Cheryl. ( plus anybody else !! )

I await your real racing fans reply's !

Answer 1

Cut the traction control, fly by wire etc and the see if Pedrosa, Stoner and the rest of the new boys can keep up.

I think nowadays it's power to weight all the front runners weigh about 7st wet through.

Gone are the days of rear wheel steering and wheelies out of corners.

Bring back the 2 stroke 500cc or even 4 stroke 990cc

Answer 2

I think that the "driver aids" have gone too far. they have virtually replaced driver skill. the things that have trickled down into the cars you and I drive intrude way too much into the driving experience..... so far now that I cannot really control the simple things like when my headlights are on....I would like to see the best drivers in the best built cars competing against each other.....not who has the best  traction control and wheelie control software.... of course noone wants to see any racer get hurt at the same time I want the sport to be safe so I would like to see the devlopment of better tracks and safety barriers ( remember the pics from Datona??? was it???)instead of steel cable with thos nasty Uconnectors.....

Answer 3

Indeed, the rise of intensified electronic use has dramatically changed Moto GP racing. It's now a case of which teams have 'invested' the most in the electronics managing the engines, then in the riders skill and abilities.

From the point of launching, to achieving top speed and acceleration, to even the fuel consumption !!

Where's it all leading ?  - How long before you won't even need a rider on the machine !!!!!!!!!

Do you think that Ducati would really welcome the intrusion of banning such abilities of traction control ????????

As GOD once replied, when asked about traction control "All traction control I am needing, I

already 'ave here - in my right wrist".

Answer 4

Hi wiggysan,

I'm with proc on this one. In my humble opinion, it doesn't make any difference what technical aids there are, the best riders will still come out on top. You can't (or shouldn't) stop progress.

F1 is a completely different kettle of fish. The sheer forces involved with cornering, accelerating and braking one of those machines  were getting towards the limits of what the human body can take. It needed to be slowed down, and as a welcome side effect it produced a better spectacle for the fans. And it seems to have worked. (I may even watch a race or two this season).

But I don't think its the way forward for Moto GP. Pure physics suggests that because of the rubber contact patch a bike has, it will never get anywhere near the limits of human capabilities. i.e. you're not gong to black out because you're pulling 7-8 G going round a corner. A bike will never be capable of that no matter what techno gizmo's it has.

All this talk of reducing rider aids is just sour grapes because a little Italian outfit is kicking Japanese butt. And you can't credit rider aids for that either. Its only one of the four Ducati's that is succeeding. The other three are languishing at the back. They have the same kit available to them as Casey. The Ducati/Stoner outfit is the complete package!

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Casey still kicked butt if all the aids were taken away. Sure he'd crash a little more, but I reckon he would probably still be quickest.

The other teams / manufacturers / riders, need to stop whinging and get on with the job of beating him. Whether thats with technology or just getting a rider with bigger stones and/or talent, doesn't matter......just do it!

Answer 5

Evening Wiggy

I think I will have to echo Neil and Proc's thoughts here.

Whilst different series can have different reg's about specifications - this is the acme of racing (and technology) and love it or hate it - why try to stop progress?

As to F1 - I'd choose watching my lawn grow over an afternoon watching that!

Answer 6

Hi Wiggysan. I think you know my view on development. Bring it on. traction control Anti lock/Dive Engine mapping. the older riders either adapt or get swamped by the new kids brought up on the new stuff. Like you i think its not a straight forward motorcycle race.... its cutting edge prototype racing. put restrictions on supersport if you have to. but Moto GP is to be allowed as much freedom as possible within the relms of safety.  If the big names cant deal with youngsters who can handle the equipment, then Tough.

As I say.... Technology..... Yes, Bring it on

Answer 7

I have to admit that after reading MCN this week and seeing what all had to be changed or altered on Rossis bike to make it competitive - I was completely shocked! I know that it is all about technology and developing, but I think that the rider is being totally taken out of the race (Im not saying that anyone could jump on and ride, because they couldnt).

Of course, the sport needs to be safe to a certain degree, but I really want to see the TC being the right hand again and good, close, exciting racing coming back.