MOTOGP questions here we come.......?

Question

So in the first of the 3 day day at Jerez, Nicky Hayden topped the time sheets. 2 nd it was Casey.

3rd & final day, Nicky on top again : http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/motogp_news.htm?menu=news&news_id=22095&championship_id=3&section=2

As a few of us [ us = real racing answer type dude's ! ] have noticed before, Nicky is a great tester and l always knuckle down and give it 110 %. I have said it on this site already that I reckon in this years title, Nicky will beat Casey and be second to only Vale.

Do you think Im miles out with that idea ? Or near enough ?

What are you thoughts on this matter ?

P.S Look at who is in second place ............. http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/news/159804-0/jerez_motogp_test_times_-_monday.html

and whats more alarming : Michilin 1.2.3 & 4th !

Answer 1

I would love to see Nicky in the top 3 (well 2nd or 3rd) but I really cant see it. I was watching the live timings and Casey & Nicky did have a few really fast laps, but Vale was consisent with his times during most of the test. I really hope that there is not one rider who runs away with it this season.

Randy De Puniet has really surprised me during the test and I dont think he had many (if any) big offs. I think he could well be the surprise this season and I think if he keeps it together, he could get a few podiums. They have apparently found out why he couldnt qualify and have supposedly fixed it!! If he keeps it on two wheels, he could do really well.

Answer 2

no doubting nicky gets stuck in and he really is a mr consistent when everything is going well for him, where as rossi and stoner seem to be able to pull that extra tenth when everything isnt 100%. Who spoke of stoner for title last year maybe this year we will have more surprises in store, were all in the beleif the doctor will win the title due to his superhuman abilities on board a motorcycle. my surprise package this yerar will be that of vermuelen

Answer 3

I just check out the web site out. It's good. Cheer's

(The first site, com/en/motogp/motogp_n...

Answer 4

Hi Wiggysan Look where Dovi is too.      But that Stoner is sooooo Quick to get going.   and this is quallifying tyres.  Mitchelin seem to have the edge there. cant wait to see how Bradley does now.  what it didnt say was hayden beat Capirosi 's pole time 1.39.064 from 2006. and that is fast.

Answer 5

I still don't think Nicky has the speed on race rubber. He works harder than anyone else on the grid (no question), and he pulls off the odd blindingly fast lap. But not consistently enough. Every time he appears on top (or top 3) of the timing sheets, he's on qualifiers. On race rubber he's nearly always further down the order. And it was the same last year. A great qualifying session turned into a mediocre race result.

I don't like knocking Nicky. He's a great ambassador for the sport. Modest, and a spot on human being. In 2006 he deserved the championship. He was consistently quick enough to get plenty of podiums. But the fact remains, he only won 2 races. He needed the bad luck of others (namely Rossi and Capirossi) to win.

I just can't see him being champion unless we get what happened in 2006. i.e. the major players having a complete dog of a season except Nicky who plods along getting loads of seconds and thirds.  

All being equal, I think that his team mate will beat him a majority of the time.

If I had to bet on it I'd put Casey on top closely followed by Vale, then Dani. A bit predictable I know.

Nicky for me will be anywhere between 4th & 7th. But if I'm wrong I won't mind eating humble pie. He's a great bloke.

Answer 6

Hey Wiggysan

D'ya know what? After Saturday testing I looked at the timesheets and went " M M M M" (not hmmm!) as I too was surprised at the way the Michelin's handled - good news all round that they have managed to do the same again on the last day!

As for Hayden, I like the guy - but think Neil has hit that answer on the head, so will say nowt! As a Yorkshireman, you'll appreciate the brevity no doubt!