Do you put any credence into Carl Fogarty's opinion?

Question

Carl Fogarty has stated that he thinks James Toseland can win his first outing on a Moto GP bike

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06012008/58/season-2008-fogarty-toseland-win-debut.html

I am a big JT fan but I like to think for all the right reasons and not just because he is a Brit but I think that this is just a stupid thing to come out and say in public. Do I want James to win the opening GP? Yes I do. Do I really think that he can do it? There is little to say that he will but of course nothing is impossible. The Tech 3 Yamaha's were no where last year, it will be JT's first outing in the class, there is a field around him with much more experience than he has.

Carl was a great rider who rode a tide of nationality based following. He has done little of note since retiring and I have yet to hear anything from him that has turned out to make sense.

Even if JT does win I still stand by this as this is not the time to be setting him up for a fall. Support yes - stupidness no!

Answer 1

JT will not have a competitive package to compete for wins this year. his bike will be nowhere near the standard of Ducati, Honda or the factory Yamaha. Even the Kawasaki and Suzuki will be more competitive than his bike. What JT has to do this year is learn the set-up of Motogp, the tracks etc. his performances should be judged on how he does against his team mate Edwards. What i can see happening though is JT getting Rossi's ride next year and Rossi either retiring, move to Ducati or try his luck with rally cars. My Prediction is JT to be solidly in top ten, occasionally pushing top 5.

Answer 2

Hey Shuggie

Credence in Foggy's opinions? Hmmmm, I didn't think he was renowned for them. I think he was probably just glad to be asked for one, and wanted to sound encouraging.

Only a few days back, you had Rossi telling MCN (what are they like lately? Proper stirrers!) that Toseland had made the wrong move going to tech 3, that he should have gone to a Honda team (like he had a choice!)

I think they (MCN) have a bad case of "no news isn't good news" if you're in the news business. There's bugger all else for them to write about!

As for Toseland winning? Yep, top step at least once this year, but 1st time out? hmmmmmm!

Answer 3

Carl is a great racer, and has lots of connections in the racing world, but Im sure not even the the great one has the power to turn JT52 into Vale 46.

I hope to god JT come up with the goods, [ i have the St George's Cross Tatto'ed on my arm ! ] but it will be a tall order.

I hate to say this ............ [ for British fans ] ....... roll on 200 " 9 "  !!

Answer 4

Hi Shuggie Mac.   I agree with all you have said. I think James will learn a lot very quickly. I think Colin will help and teach. I think Your assumptions are better founded than Foggy's. And I  think the Tech3 team are going to improve immensely but I probably think too much.

Answer 5

I agree, but should definatley support him he is a fantastic rider

Answer 6

I think Foggy doesn't always engage his brain before he speaks.

I'm a huge JT fan, but I reckon the best we can hope for this season is that towards the end he will have a shout at a top five position, maybe even a podium. After all the team is supposedly getting factory support, and has Michelin tyres. Add to that JT's incredible focus and commitment and anything is possible.

But I think Vale hit the nail on the head when he said that of all the Rookies, JT will struggle the most. I hope he's wrong, but somehow I just can't see it, and I very much doubt he'll win one. (Yet!!)

Answer 7

Yes I do put credence in Foggies opinion, it is possible, particularly regarding Toseland`s form from last year, where, to my mind he was outstanding in his bravery and effort everywhere he went.

But...

It is a bloody different game altogether in GPs, getting a set up and squeezing the best from the tyres over a GP distance is an acquired art that some never seem to master. Those things are a darn sight different from a WSB. Of course, he could do it and I hope he does, but on a Tech3 Yammy ?

Maybe Foggy knows something that we don`t eh ?

Answer 8

I'd love to see it, but the chances are very very slim when you consider the competition, his experience and the team he is with.