Moto Gp development?

Question

Claudio Domenicali said this

As an engineer (it is nicer to win) with a prototype because MotoGP is 'freer'. It allows one to use one's imagination and to anticipate evolutions of the future. The main difference with a super bike is you must race with a bike that is already manufactured. So you cannot do an extreme developement.

I think this sums up the holding back developement debate perfectly.

What are you thoughts on his point of view ?

Answer 1

I think that is an excellent approach....the trouble is, as with Formula 1, it is so expensive and the Sponsors want instant success, which is hard to achieve with radical new ideas.....but it is more likely to come from Moto GP than many other forms of motor racing.

Answer 2

It is so true, but as the the other manufacturers hadnt caught up with Ducati, the racing wasnt as good as it has been in previous years. But as MotoGP is about development and evolution and you cant stop that and "punish" one manufacturer for getting it right, while the other catch up. Im hoping that the others have learned from 2007 and surpass all my hopes for this year!

The superbike racing was excellent in 2007. I enjoy really close, exciting racing.

Answer 3

Its so nice to to hear an engineer saying what I have been saying for some time.

Superbikes are good and there is some amazing talent in that championship, but the bikes STOP at a certain point of development. They will never have the free development of the MotoGP grid. Hence the two divisions.

Proc, my good man, if I may change from your theme on MotoGP 4 strokes and move down to the 250cc class, Lorenzo lapped quicker on his Factory RSV [ last year ] then Rossi did on the animal that was the 500cc Honda NSR.

This was not in the rule book. Yes Lorenzo is talent, but that was incredible.

My point is it just goes to show what engineers can do when you let them. In " form " the RSV has not really changed since the days of J.P Ruggia.

Hand built frame / swingarm.

Suzuki [ very based ] V Twin.

Ohlins f-r....... etc.

I could go on. The bike has just got better and better, but dont you think that they may have reached there pinicle now ?

We all know [ even though denied ] Honda are already testing there 450cc 4 stroke " 250 "

Time will tell.