2018 Moto GP/WSBK/BSB etc thread

Ducati fairings galore at Buriram in Thailand. Check out the welding too on the chassis.

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Carbon_6
Kicking off in 2019, the Enel MotoE World Cup will be contested on electric bikes built by Italian firm Energica in 5 races across Europe, with a view to expand the calendar into new territories in the future. 14 of the 18 spots on the grid have been allocated to satellite MotoGP teams and a further two each to Moto2 and Moto3 teams.

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I recognise that voice!
 
Let's hope so 👍

Any predictions for WSBK next weekend? Rea will have to be the favourite of course, hopefully Chaz Davies will push him all race.

It will be interesting to see if the new regulations this season will make much difference in terms of bringing the pack closer together also. If that happens though I can't see it happening until the mid-point of the season.
 
Combined times from this weekends testing in Thailand.

1. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 29.781s [Day 3]
2. Johann Zarco FRA Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1) 1m 29.867s +0.086s [Day 3]
3. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 29.969s +0.188s [Day 2]
4. Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 30.064s +0.283s [Day 3]
5. Alex Rins ESP Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 30.178s +0.397s [Day 3]
6. Jack Miller AUS Pramac Ducati (GP17) 1m 30.185s +0.404s [Day 2]
7. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (GP18) 1m 30.192s +0.411s [Day 3]
8. Maverick Viñales ESP Movistar Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 30.274s +0.493s [Day 2]
9. Danilo Petrucci ITA Pramac Ducati (GP18) 1m 30.367s +0.586s [Day 2]
10. Takaaki Nakagami JPN LCR Honda (RC213V)* 1m 30.456s +0.675s [Day 3]
11. Tito Rabat ESP Reale Avintia (GP17) 1m 30.476s +0.695s [Day 3]
12. Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 30.511s +0.730s [Day 3]
13. Franco Morbidelli ITA EG 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V)* 1m 30.648s +0.867s [Day 3]
14. Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 30.701s +0.920s [Day 3]
15. Andrea Iannone ITA Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 30.718s +0.937s [Day 3]
16. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Ducati Team (GP18) 1m 30.729s +0.948s [Day 2]
17. Alvaro Bautista ESP Angel Nieto Team (GP17) 1m 30.883s +1.102s [Day 2]
18. Bradley Smith GBR Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 30.921s +1.140s [Day 3]
19. Mika Kallio FIN Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 31.169s +1.388s [Day 3]
20. Scott Redding GBR Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 31.311s +1.530s [Day 3]
21. Tom Luthi SWI EG 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V)* 1m 31.354s +1.573s [Day 3]
22. Hafizh Syahrin MAL Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1)* 1m 31.537s +1.756s [Day 3]
23. Karel Abraham CZE Angel Nieto Team (GP16) 1m 31.661s +1.880s [Day 2]
24. Xavier Simeon ESP Reale Avintia (GP16)* 1m 32.019s +2.238s [Day 3]


The Repsol Honda boys where we'd expect them. Zarco putting in a solid performance, much to the dismay of the factory Yamaha riders I'm sure. Also nice to see Crutchlow setting some solid laps as well 👍
 
Ryanswannell
Combined times from this weekends testing in Thailand.

1. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 29.781s [Day 3]
2. Johann Zarco FRA Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1) 1m 29.867s +0.086s [Day 3]
3. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 1m 29.969s +0.188s [Day 2]
4. Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 30.064s +0.283s [Day 3]
5. Alex Rins ESP Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 30.178s +0.397s [Day 3]
6. Jack Miller AUS Pramac Ducati (GP17) 1m 30.185s +0.404s [Day 2]
7. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (GP18) 1m 30.192s +0.411s [Day 3]
8. Maverick Viñales ESP Movistar Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 30.274s +0.493s [Day 2]
9. Danilo Petrucci ITA Pramac Ducati (GP18) 1m 30.367s +0.586s [Day 2]
10. Takaaki Nakagami JPN LCR Honda (RC213V)* 1m 30.456s +0.675s [Day 3]
11. Tito Rabat ESP Reale Avintia (GP17) 1m 30.476s +0.695s [Day 3]
12. Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha (YZR-M1) 1m 30.511s +0.730s [Day 3]
13. Franco Morbidelli ITA EG 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V)* 1m 30.648s +0.867s [Day 3]
14. Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 30.701s +0.920s [Day 3]
15. Andrea Iannone ITA Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 30.718s +0.937s [Day 3]
16. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Ducati Team (GP18) 1m 30.729s +0.948s [Day 2]
17. Alvaro Bautista ESP Angel Nieto Team (GP17) 1m 30.883s +1.102s [Day 2]
18. Bradley Smith GBR Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 30.921s +1.140s [Day 3]
19. Mika Kallio FIN Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) 1m 31.169s +1.388s [Day 3]
20. Scott Redding GBR Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 31.311s +1.530s [Day 3]
21. Tom Luthi SWI EG 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V)* 1m 31.354s +1.573s [Day 3]
22. Hafizh Syahrin MAL Monster Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1)* 1m 31.537s +1.756s [Day 3]
23. Karel Abraham CZE Angel Nieto Team (GP16) 1m 31.661s +1.880s [Day 2]
24. Xavier Simeon ESP Reale Avintia (GP16)* 1m 32.019s +2.238s [Day 3]


The Repsol Honda boys where we'd expect them. Zarco putting in a solid performance, much to the dismay of the factory Yamaha riders I'm sure. Also nice to see Crutchlow setting some solid laps as well 👍
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It's testing, not really much to gleam from that.
 
Yup, I would wait until at least Qatar FP3 or even race day, but honestly I feel like we are in for a year similar to 2014, Honda making a good engine combined with Marquez, I think nobody can touch him
 
I think it will become a KTM junior team, they may become a top tier manufacturer within next few years, but then, if they become a championship contender I guess KTM would cut the support and they will be back to where they were with Yamaha. So I don’t think it’s a deal he couldn’t refuse, it’s more about avoiding inevitable, which is being pushed over for VR46 team
 
Whilst it's a big shame the Tech 3/Yamaha alliance is coming to an end (after 18 years!), it's probably not that surprising if Poncharal's comments about Yamaha supporting a potential VR46 MotoGP team over them, carry any weight.

With Rossi's strength within Yamaha being as strong as it is, it's little wonder that they'd perhaps be so willing to facilitate a pair of bikes for any of his upcoming academy riders (not including Bagnaia now he's heading for Pramac in 2019). Trouble is, Dorna have made it clear the grid will not expand beyond 24 riders, as they've already guaranteed the grid slots to the current teams for a five-year period ending in 2020. So if VR46 does come into MotoGP, it would have to either partner with a current satellite team, buy the slots from said team, or wait until 2021.

As for Tech 3, I suspect the clincher in the details of this new deal was to have a much closer relationship with a factory team, akin perhaps to how LCR is currently treated by Honda compared to Marc VDS. Personally, it looks like their future has a distinct orange glow to it. With Honda and Ducati pretty much fully booked, and Aprilia and Suzuki not really strong enough to be considering satellite teams, KTM show the most promise, and have the budget to back up said promise.

Plus, if Zarco really was on KTM's radar, this would make the job all the more easier: take him on as a factory rider, and free up the space at Tech 3 to the likes of Oliveira and possibly Binder as they graduate from Moto2, making Tech 3 the Toro Rosso of MotoGP if you will. Minus the whole engine debacle. :P
 
Tech3 thing is a bit surprising, but I think we will have more similar stories over next few years. Reading stories about Tech3 in recent days I felt like people are forgetting one major thing that happened few years ago. Dorna limited lease prices and introduced subsidiaries for satellite teams. In beginning of 4 stroke era, leasing a Yamaha or Honda bike was very expensive. Now it's more equal which will lead to some satellite team moves.
Also much more focused comeback of Suzuki and the first legit attempt of KTM promise a number of competitive customer bikes. I'm keeping Aprilia out of this conversation as they give me this vibe similar to Kawasaki and Suzuki of late noughties early 10s.

So yeah, I feel we are in for more of the same
 
Fantastic weekend for Melandri at Phillip Island, what a finish for race 2! Gutted Chaz Davies didn't finish though, would have been a brilliant weekend for Ducati had he stayed on the bike.

Now just a month wait for the next round :(
 
Ryanswannell
Fantastic weekend for Melandri at Phillip Island, what a finish for race 2! Gutted Chaz Davies didn't finish though, would have been a brilliant weekend for Ducati had he stayed on the bike.

Now just a month wait for the next round :(
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Yeah great racing!! looks like the new rules of limiting the kawasaki rpm's makes the racing more fun!!



Spy.
 
A little something for the fans.

Our 4day weekend at Silverstone it was supposed to be the last time held here before moving to the new circuit.

Sorry about the quality as I was running at full zoom on my camcorder and being disabled it's hard for me to keep the cam still, more so when moving on my mobility scooter. But it has it's benefits we get our own high up parking platform to view from.

pt0mYEp70PaEbSm41NgiuU4_FzjYxO5W6Ku70i5dmmzBqfiE1RVuOe5fMacyDROxpsb61dcBEREzRHC9eVa1xC9P-d7EJBgU12kNgubaUwcuX2sG30o0WdVdywwW2ToDg8h3XvSa92NPfp0BZVbu2UdkQsbymb3iZqOyS16bE7ccthR01JB2JCe7zjEEe585Z7As2wm0ACb4EMZgECem64iQRqnmRcizk5J5keNdNzWlizSBywNg-ne-BDPliADabHJTUny8QU8KJ7Y5l1cuywnYf8QDBdoQ8P6zo5p2ac3aWMg3tvJnfqL9qWpqWD0XaCYsXjsptubUg7DkOn7h6uNsK0VICIldn1Qx2RjP8hV14P_DocfADJjDLcvVOkx4T8No_Aso2paYVObJYu92sItzW-rrGv1XGW1e7AlpK6Idzq17DcaY3-zJPa02W9-JPAsdnfm3YmnZco2PETf3kGxWPmOrscxMAmYJH1KtzYL0vn4OcOPrZDPv5e4saDyvmTS7RiF_xev1r8zBVSnJUuQRocUCLzxGuHcPJbh33Uvd5_IkQ-7oS7y-2ud2sr2OaDEOSHqsHnMfl9QQAY9sSUXzkPQnfpv-ItgXshI=w620-h1102-no



Marquex / Doctor / Lorenzo / Crutchlow / Pedrosa

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM5CktD8vtx9sZCWKFWgxHnbu_nW65KcXMVfCAU

Now for the 200mph section.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOe1P39DgyrR5QokcCrvbAoFtRspRZ-o1xPABHs

The bit no one likes to see.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOVvujdwEsau8uW6KMRFUerZyhmsFtsxADnMQB3

And it's never complete without a full walk round the track, well in my case a drive being on my MS.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOc_IaxcvpwtmmcaPX5R5W6Qa8AU3J9nhY6yTR2

Can't be bothered with all that youtube malarkey hope the links work for you.

Phillip. (dranddad / Eriba)
 
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dranddad
A little something for the fans.

Our 4day weekend at Silverstone it was supposed to be the last time held here before moving to the new circuit.

Sorry about the quality as I was running at full zoom on my camcorder and being disabled it's hard for me to keep the cam still, more so when moving on my mobility scooter. But it has it's benefits we get our own high up parking platform to view from.

pt0mYEp70PaEbSm41NgiuU4_FzjYxO5W6Ku70i5dmmzBqfiE1RVuOe5fMacyDROxpsb61dcBEREzRHC9eVa1xC9P-d7EJBgU12kNgubaUwcuX2sG30o0WdVdywwW2ToDg8h3XvSa92NPfp0BZVbu2UdkQsbymb3iZqOyS16bE7ccthR01JB2JCe7zjEEe585Z7As2wm0ACb4EMZgECem64iQRqnmRcizk5J5keNdNzWlizSBywNg-ne-BDPliADabHJTUny8QU8KJ7Y5l1cuywnYf8QDBdoQ8P6zo5p2ac3aWMg3tvJnfqL9qWpqWD0XaCYsXjsptubUg7DkOn7h6uNsK0VICIldn1Qx2RjP8hV14P_DocfADJjDLcvVOkx4T8No_Aso2paYVObJYu92sItzW-rrGv1XGW1e7AlpK6Idzq17DcaY3-zJPa02W9-JPAsdnfm3YmnZco2PETf3kGxWPmOrscxMAmYJH1KtzYL0vn4OcOPrZDPv5e4saDyvmTS7RiF_xev1r8zBVSnJUuQRocUCLzxGuHcPJbh33Uvd5_IkQ-7oS7y-2ud2sr2OaDEOSHqsHnMfl9QQAY9sSUXzkPQnfpv-ItgXshI=w620-h1102-no



Marquex / Doctor / Lorenzo / Crutchlow / Pedrosa

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM5CktD8vtx9sZCWKFWgxHnbu_nW65KcXMVfCAU

Now for the 200mph section.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOe1P39DgyrR5QokcCrvbAoFtRspRZ-o1xPABHs

The bit no one likes to see.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOVvujdwEsau8uW6KMRFUerZyhmsFtsxADnMQB3

And it's never complete without a full walk round the track, well in my case a drive being on my MS.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOc_IaxcvpwtmmcaPX5R5W6Qa8AU3J9nhY6yTR2

Can't be bothered with all that youtube malarkey hope the links work for you.

Phillip. (dranddad / Eriba)
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Links don't appear to be working mate.

Was it MotoGP from last summer? Went on the Sunday and the weather was fantastic, as was the whole day actually 👍.
 
spyrrari
Yeah great racing!! looks like the new rules of limiting the kawasaki rpm's makes the racing more fun!!



Spy.
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Hopefully. Although it is Phillip Island which never produces a bad race.

Regarding Tech 3, my prediction is they will run KTM satellite bikes and Aspar will take the Yamaha.
Carbon_6
With Rossi's strength within Yamaha being as strong as it is, it's little wonder that they'd perhaps be so willing to facilitate a pair of bikes for any of his upcoming academy riders (not including Bagnaia now he's heading for Pramac in 2019). Trouble is, Dorna have made it clear the grid will not expand beyond 24 riders, as they've already guaranteed the grid slots to the current teams for a five-year period ending in 2020. So if VR46 does come into MotoGP, it would have to either partner with a current satellite team, buy the slots from said team, or wait until 2021.
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You're probably right about Rossi waiting until 2021 to put in a team, but only because he will be racing until then. However, if not then Dorna would break all their own rules to keep him in the paddock.
 
adamp93
Regarding Tech 3, my prediction is they will run KTM satellite bikes and Aspar will take the Yamaha.
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There was actually a press release confirming it few days ago but it got pulled for some reason (can PM a cache link, don't want to post it as to not cause anybody problems), so I think it's happening.
I'm guessing Aspar Yamaha, to be bought by VR46 for 2021
 
Wouldn't be surprised if Zarco stayed with Tech3, I'm sure he feels at home with his crew, combined with factory support it wouldn't be wrong to stay.

What worries me is how low key KTM's pre-seasone was, makes me wonder whether it's Espagaro's injury and Smith going through his usual schedule, or they just didn't make the step up.
 
adb
Wouldn't be surprised if Zarco stayed with Tech3, I'm sure he feels at home with his crew, combined with factory support it wouldn't be wrong to stay.

What worries me is how low key KTM's pre-seasone was, makes me wonder whether it's Espagaro's injury and Smith going through his usual schedule, or they just didn't make the step up.
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Good points regarding Zaco and his crew, never thought about that.

I'm unsure on KTM as well, there was loads of talk of them making a significant leap this season, of course we won't really know until the season gets underway.
On another forum I visit there was a lot of talk of Red Bull pumping a lot of money into KTMs development, much like what they've done in F1 in the past. If true I'm sure we can expect some rapid development throughout the next few years.
 
Ryanswannell
Good points regarding Zaco and his crew, never thought about that.

I'm unsure on KTM as well, there was loads of talk of them making a significant leap this season, of course we won't really know until the season gets underway.
On another forum I visit there was a lot of talk of Red Bull pumping a lot of money into KTMs development, much like what they've done in F1 in the past. If true I'm sure we can expect some rapid development throughout the next few years.
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We’ll see, Bradley was 1,1 off in both Thailand and Qatar, while Pol was 1,4 off in Sepang and he didn’t ride on final day. Maybe they’re just going through testing schedule, but an up and coming factory being this confident and not going for a hot lap would scream arrogance, so I fear that’s the reality, hope not.

I’m in two minds about KTM, on one hand there is rapid development pace, the amount of parts they bring to each test, each race is impressive, possibly topped only by HRC when they’re in troubles. But in other hand I have this feeling they have missed the boat to bridge the gap easily. Had they joined, say in 2014, they would struggle miserably, Bridgestones and custom ECU, it would be awful, but they would gain a lot of experience and get a chance to catch everybody out in 2016, where all manufactures at some point struggled with Michelin and common software. Ducati is the perfect example of that, even though they made huge progress in 2015, the 2016 tyre and software change was IMO what allowed them to make that final step.

Hope KTM proves me wrong, I really do.
 

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