Pedrosa takes #2 plate?

Question

For years we've seen champion racers keep their "lucky numbers". A trend started by a certain Mr Sheene. And you dont have to be a race fan to know who 46 is associated with.

But in 2006 the trend was bucked by Nicky Hayden. And now Stoner has taken the #1 plate.

But they are Champions, and the #1 does have a certain prestige. A little known fact is that the lower placings are entitled to run with the no corresponding to their position in the championship.

Its been announced that Pedrosa is gonna run with the #2. So my question is why?

Do you think he's trying to rub Vale's nose in the fact that he beat him? Or is it some kind of self flagellation. He's only #2, not 1! Are todays breed of racers less superstitious than the old sweats? Or does he now see #26 as unlucky?

Your thoughts please.

Answer 1

cant see it bothering vale dani gonna be behind him all season so he not gonna see his number....mr charisma pedrosa probably hasnt got a say in his number the might of hrc will decide

Answer 2

i don't think pedrosa actually cares about #2, he really wants #1

Answer 3

Hi Neilgtti. I'm going down the rubbing Vallies nose in it route.

In the same way Nicky got the championship. Consistency over supremacy. I think he thinks even if it is just slight, if it rubs Rossi enough to spoil his game plan. its worth it. any advantage is still an advantage. Rossi has to look at it all season. A reminder... enough to make him try a bit too  hard.

I would do it..

Answer 4

I see what you mean about trying to Vale's nose in it.

I dont think Vale would really be that bothered.

According to this : http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/motogp_r... Dani is going to be running his standard #26.

Things can change so quickly though, as we all know!

Answer 5

Hmm...it's strange indeed.Rubbing Vale's nose???May be,it might be some kind of a strategy to put Rossi under more pressure, but Dani was only 1 point ahead of Rossi and I wouldn't call it beating(we all know what happened in Valencia).I don't think that any of the guys would be happy being only #2, it's  a sport in which the fight is " all or nothing".I'd count on some superstition or sth of the kind.May be Pedrosa is just looking for a change and wants to start clear.

Answer 6

Hi Neil,

In all honesty I have no idea at all why he would go to the effort of taking it up. I suspect it would show less to the world about his position relative to Vale but more the fact that he was not the winner. Let's face it whilst being number two in a Moto GP championship is no mean achievement, in the overall scheme of things it was still a runner up slot - it is like beige trousers, Formula One, train spotting and so on, in that OK it is real but not very interesting.

I have no idea if he is superstitious or not but judging by the fact that he has the charisma of a haddock, then I am not sure that he has the imagination to be.

Answer 7

Can't see him upsetting Rossi in anyway, he will race with #26, think you'll find #2 wont be up for grabs, spot on Pedrosa has had a charisma bypass

Answer 8

Hey Neil

Not sure on this one, it would appear that when he could "move up" the numbers in other classes he did, so maybe he feels it's like wearing your end of term report card on your machine.

As for a psyche out or superstition, he doesn't seem the type to care one way or another!

Like you say - there's only one No. 7 really (sorry Mr. Vermuelin!)

http://www.biketrader.co.nz/barry-sheene...

sigh!