Rossi still a Fast MoFo

[Rapid Dog]

WoW!


> On the final day of his first factory test with Yamaha at Sepang
> Valentino Rossi lapped inside his own lap record and edged to within
> three tenths of a second of his pole position record set at the 2003
> Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix. Rossi's best time of 2'02.75 was also
> unofficially the fastest lap of the circuit by any rider on the M1
> machine, with Carlos Checa having set a 2'02.885 to qualify second
> behind the Italian in October. Checa was second quickest again today
> with a time of 2'03.72 and both riders are now looking forward to
> returning to the same circuit for their next test in two weeks' time.
>
> From Honda's test last week,
> Max Biaggi - 2'02.585 (50 laps)
> Sete Gibernau - 2'02.7
>

[Eron Flory]

It will be an interesting season for sure! I think Colin Edwards went slightly faster than Nicky Hayden on the Hondas as well.

[Rapid Dog]

Go USA!

[Kenyapret]

It will be very interesting to see everyone race in MotoGP this season. Not that I expect a lot from him, but Kurtis Roberts will be out to prove that he is better than all of the Americans. Aggressiveness, he has the edge on everyone except Colin. IMO, his brother Kenny Jr, whines way too much. I pick Colin to be the top American and Nicky close behind. Valentino will do well, but the Yamaha is not proven at all the tracks, nor will they get the opportunity to test the new M1 at each track.

[The Sea Dog]

Yeah but lets face it, Vali knows the tracks and he is an awesome rider with amazing talent, I think he's going to do a lot better on the Yam than most people think, his talent will make up for a lot of failings on the machine, which is very fast to start with.

My bet for the title this year is either Torando, Baros, or Sete. Haden, well he's got talent, but he's too inconsistent, and I'm not sure he'll make the grade this year either, though he is talented for sure. I don't think it's going to be the Emperors year either, though he'll be there or there abouts. If Ducati can sort out tyre wear they've got to be right up there as well, as both Capi & Bayliss are awesome riders.

In my heart, I hope Colin wins it, but no matter what I think this is going to be one of the most exciting seasons ever, I can't wait !

Cheers
PAul


Keep it sticky side down.

[Rapid Dog]

I really like what Rossi said last nght on 2WT.

"Newa bike
Gooda
Newa team
Gooda
Bikea needsa leetle worka
Gooda
My first timea to ridea de Ya Ma Ha
Itsa Gooda."

And he goes out and breaks (unofficially) the track record...

Awesome Dude.

[markjenn]

If Yamaha can advance the bike a little, don't have any doubt, Rossi can win it all on it. There's a precedent for a really good rider taking a fast -- but borderline dangerous -- machine to the next level, witness what Eddie Lawson did in 89 when he went from his dominant Yamaha to the absolute wicked-handling Honda NSR and wrestled it to the top.

Rossi rode last year with tremendous reserves, as evidence by his lack of crashes (didn't he run off the circuit once and that's it?) and ability to lap 1-2 seconds faster than everybody when he puts his head down and charges. I don't think the Yamaha, even today, is more than 1-2 seconds back of the Hondas, and if Yamaha spent the money to get Rossi, you can damn well be sure they're spending money now to improve the bike.

He's not an odds-on favorite like most years, but he's got a good a chance as anybody. Should be a great season - too bad superbikes and, to some extent AMA, will pale in comparison.

- Mark

[Rapid Dog]

Bring back USGP to Laguna Seca, PLEASE!

[Kenyapret]

I think they'll do Barber in 05. Just think, they will have a round in Sunny Qatar this year!!! I was there a year ago and they did not have a track, but it looks like with all the money the US pumps into that country, they can build and get a round of MOTOGP in the same year!!!!

My personal favorite is the Texas Tornado. I like Sete and Bayliss as well. I still think Kurtis Roberts will be hell bent to out-ride his brother!!!! He has lot's of balls!!!

[Rapid Dog]

which team did Kurtis go to?

Kurtis has been signed by daddys Proton team.

http://www.teamkr.com/

[Kenyapret]

We'll see if the Proton V-5 is better than the Suzuki GSV-R?? I was hoping Mat Mladin would have rode the wheels off the GSV-R when he rode it at the Sepang test. That would have made Kenny Jr and John Hopkins a little nervous.

[Rapid Dog]

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

[Kenyapret]

That's King Kenny for ya!!!!!!!

[GUS]

I'm hoping edwards does well,looks like he's been stiffed by honda again.Honda said that all the bikes would be the same spec when he signed with telefonica,yeah right!But he seems to put that extra bit in when things are tough.Hoping hodgson does well,but he will be learning the first season.To win the title?I'm gonna stick me neck out and say sete.
gus

[Rapid Dog]

I guess old Pops KR needs the backing...

So where's KRJR gone?


"sellin' my ass down on Hollwood Blvd"
...Black Randy and the Metro Squad

[itchybro]

His comments live here:

http://tinyurl.com/2spyc