Dutch TT-Assen

[Corny]

unfortunately I can only be there on thursday :( who from you guys are going to this weekend's gp?

And who's going to win in Assen? Will Rossi take some points back? Will Stoner extend his lead even more? I'm sure there will be good races on Assen, one like MGP 2006 would do good if you ask me!

Roll on Assen!

[maxu05]

No matter who wins, it's going to be a ripper race for sure. Can't wait. Remember everyone, the race is on SATURDAY this weekend. Don't forget to get the beer in for it :beer:

[Corny]

BTW, weather forcast for saturday is 20 degrees and dry! the other days are not so good though

[Mach24]

unfortunately I can only be there on thursday :( who from you guys are going to this weekend's gp?
Roll on Assen!

Corny, I wish I could go, but the trip is a bit long and expensive from Australia..... One day!

Have a great day out on Thursday, shame you won't be there race day.

I have a Pedrosa feeling about Assen.

[tha_jackal]

Nicky Hayden to repeat last years win when Casey Stoner freakishly runs wide at the last chicane while winning, he gasses it on the astroturf, hence being spat into the gravel. Hayden is handed the win, Rossi is handed second and Pedrosa third, blowing the championship wide open again!

Yer not much chance of that happening but itd be funny! Sort of? No?

Anyway, heres my tips:

Dry:
1. Rossi
2. Pedrosa
3. Hayden

Wet:
1. West
2. Stoner
3. Hayden

Rain is ALWAYS a chance at Assen, even if the forecast is for a dry race.. If its wet on thurs/fri Westy has a good chance to have a reasonable starting position anyway :p Either way, its going to be another great race and one things for sure, tipping in this class is f*cking impossible! :D (I love being on holidays!)

[Corny]

Dutch weatherforecast:

thursday 40% chance sunshine 60% chance on rain (1 millimeter rain) with 11 degrees in morning, 18 in afternoon

friday 30% chance sunshine 90% chance on rain (5-10 millimeter rain) with 11 degrees in morning, 17 in afternoon

saturday 30% chance sunshine 50% chance on rain (1-2 millimeter rain) with 12 degrees in morning, 19 in afternoon


which tyres work best on cold conditions? :D

[Ranger]

It'll be the first Dutch TT I have seen, even on TV, hopefully it is great!

It would be nice to have a new winner like Pedders or Hayden to put Honda on the map this year, but Stoner's not looking too flappable so far this year.

So Hopefully:

1. Pedrosa
2. Rossi
3. Stoner
Pole: Edwards or Rossi, unless it is wet. (what is the record for most PP's in a year for 1 team?)

[leopard]

unfortunately I can only be there on thursday :( who from you guys are going to this weekend's gp?


What else benefit we can get from going there? :)

I am waiting Hondas, like Melandri can give Assen a battle

[Mach24]

Stoner, Rossi, Hayden

[Mach24]

Stoner, Rossi, Hayden

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:38.323
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:38.369 + 0.046
3. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:38.507 + 0.184
4. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:38.739 + 0.416
5. Alex Hofmann Ducati 1:38.894 + 0.571
6. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:39.045 + 0.722
7. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1:39.139 + 0.816
8. Alex Barros Ducati 1:39.145 + 0.822
9. Loris Capirossi Ducati 1:39.327 + 1.004
10. John Hopkins Suzuki 1:39.483 + 1.160
11. Marco Melandri Honda 1:39.523 + 1.200
12. Toni Elias Honda 1:39.716 + 1.393
13. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:39.930 + 1.607
14. Carlos Checa Honda 1:40.165 + 1.842
15. Makoto Tamada Yamaha 1:40.182 + 1.859
16. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha 1:40.324 + 2.001
17. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:40.330 + 2.007
18. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:41.450 + 3.127
19. Kurtis Roberts KR 1:43.604 + 5.281

[tha_jackal]

Elias broke his leg in a crash.. His bad relationship with Assen continues..

[NinjaMaster]

Elias broke his leg in a crash.. His bad relationship with Assen continues..
Leg actually... :p

Great to see Stoner up top straight away. Also, the field is so close. West "only" 2 seconds down on fastest Stoner (and beating Nakkers!) so early is promising as he will only get quicker and most likely quite substantially.
Hopefully this will be a positive turning point for Nicky after a wretched start to his non-existant title defence.

[NinjaMaster]

You changed it Jake! :laugh:

[tha_jackal]

You changed it Jake! :laugh:

Wha? I dunno what your talking about? :confused: :D

[alfa155btcc]

This sport would be alot poorer without all the years Ross has been in it, I allready have paid tribute to Stoner and congrats to him if he wins and becomes Champion, but like others have said and as it was when Rossi won everything you need luck a good bike good rider and good tyres which rossi does not have (tyres) that is, hope he puts a win in this weekend would silence all the stoner lovers all aussies what a suprise, noyt blaming you though but you say that rossi is arrogant you stoner fan`s are worse than that.
:s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin:

[Mach24]

This sport would be alot poorer without all the years Ross has been in it, I allready have paid tribute to Stoner and congrats to him if he wins and becomes Champion, but like others have said and as it was when Rossi won everything you need luck a good bike good rider and good tyres which rossi does not have (tyres) that is, hope he puts a win in this weekend would silence all the stoner lovers all aussies what a suprise, noyt blaming you though but you say that rossi is arrogant you stoner fan`s are worse than that.
:s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin:

Forget to take your medication again hu?

[jim mcglinchey]

I dont hate Rossi, I just got sick of him winning everything. I cheered for him as much as anyone in his first year on the Yam when he rode really heroically, but when he won that year and the following, there was too much of an air of sameness, and even Nicky on the Honda was a refreshing change. Thats me but, I always root for the underdogs ( as Rossi was when new to the Yam) or Ducati, Suzook, Kwak, because you get more more pleasure to see them win

[Mach24]

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:37.828
2. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1:38.040 + 0.212
3. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:38.114 + 0.286
4. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:38.148 + 0.320
5. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:38.221 + 0.393
6. Makoto Tamada Yamaha 1:38.256 + 0.428
7. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:38.341 + 0.513
8. John Hopkins Suzuki 1:38.436 + 0.608
9. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:38.444 + 0.616
10. Alex Barros Ducati 1:38.485 + 0.657
11. Loris Capirossi Ducati 1:38.600 + 0.772
12. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha 1:38.650 + 0.822
13. Carlos Checa Honda 1:38.733 + 0.905
14. Alex Hofmann Ducati 1:38.846 + 1.018
15. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:39.152 + 1.324
16. Marco Melandri Honda 1:39.259 + 1.431
17. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:39.751 + 1.923
18. Kurtis Roberts KR 1:40.835 + 3.007

[Corny]

I was there today, so I think you deserve a day report from me:

Tyres:
it seems that the bridgestone are getting warm quicker than the Michelins, the Michi riders can't do a fast lap in their first few laps.. Maybe an advantage for Stoner?

Stoner:
In the morning practice, Stoner looked good, his bike didn't move in the corners at all.. But it was different in the afternoon, he seemed not satisfied at all when I saw him talking to his engineers, and the front of his bike moved on the exit of the corners for what I could see. Next to that, I think it's not top speed but it's the first two gears where the Ducati is so much faster than the rest of the bikes.. MAN, you should see that speed between the GT chicane and the SF lane.. It's like a rocket!

Rossi was not quit impressive, he drove his laps, but I think he will again not be able to beat Stoner, only if he can get a gap in the beginning of the race..

Hayden on the other hand did very good today! he looked very much in control, and could push the Honda.. His race pace was very good either!

Don't expect something from Hopper on saturday!

It was a nice day on Assen!

[jim mcglinchey]

Why do you single out the Hopp for doubt, sure he was only 0.6 sec's off Stoner.

[Corny]

his race pace wasn't good

[osg]

Hayden was on the money at Donington as well, and ended up throwing it down the road............. i'll reserve judgement until i see him finish.

I've got $50 on Hayden failing to win this year, i think i'm looking safe ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

I am looking forward to the qualifying sessions tomorrow and off course the races on Saturday. Hopefully it will be a bit wet on race day.

[Mach24]

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:37.537
2. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:37.580 + 0.043
3. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:37.816 + 0.279
4. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:38.020 + 0.483
5. John Hopkins Suzuki 1:38.185 + 0.648
6. Makoto Tamada Yamaha 1:38.192 + 0.655
7. Alex Barros Ducati 1:38.238 + 0.701
8. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:38.299 + 0.762
9. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1:38.474 + 0.937
10. Loris Capirossi Ducati 1:38.485 + 0.948
11. Alex Hofmann Ducati 1:38.723 + 1.186
12. Carlos Checa Honda 1:38.752 + 1.215
13. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha 1:38.768 + 1.231
14. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:38.790 + 1.253
15. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:38.900 + 1.363
16. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:39.562 + 2.025
17. Marco Melandri Honda 1:39.630 + 2.093
18. Kurtis Roberts KR 1:40.622 + 3.085

[leopard]

No driver confirmed yet as replacement of Elias?

This year could the terrible season for Honda, they have also an obscure of plans on the smaller class 250 cc post Pedrosa ride up motogp.

[Ranger]

Vermeulen on pole!

Stoner 2nd, but Rossi was 11th and Hayden 13th, with 2 Kawasaki's in the top 10.

[ozrevhead]

BOO YEAH!

Great Stuff from Chris, Casey & Ant
:D

[jim mcglinchey]

If its raining tomorrow, Chris, fercrissakes get a visor set up that wont mist up and we might see another Suzook victory.

[Corny]

no it will be dry tomorrow! exactly thursday's circumstances

[Erki]

with 2 Kawasaki's in the top 10.

That's then de Puniet and West? Oooor...? ;) :p

[osg]

no it will be dry tomorrow! exactly thursday's circumstances

i hope you are right corny...... the forecast is saying drizzle and showers????

Either way, Valentino is in a world of hurt at the moment with these f***ing michelins, and starting 11th in a possibly wet race is far from ideal.

Awesome to see Chris, Casey and Ant in the top 10, Casey continues to stagger me with his consistency.

[Mach24]

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:48.555
2. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:48.572 + 0.017
3. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1:49.579 + 1.024
4. Marco Melandri Honda 1:49.679 + 1.124
5. John Hopkins Suzuki 1:49.684 + 1.129
6. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:49.691 + 1.136
7. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:49.807 + 1.252
8. Alex Hofmann Ducati 1:49.927 + 1.372
9. Daniel Pedrosa Honda 1:50.132 + 1.577
10. Loris Capirossi Ducati 1:50.169 + 1.614
11. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:50.392 + 1.837
12. Alex Barros Ducati 1:50.402 + 1.847
13. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:50.581 + 2.026
14. Kurtis Roberts KR 1:51.259 + 2.704
15. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:51.827 + 3.272
16. Carlos Checa Honda 1:53.271 + 4.716
17. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha 1:54.253 + 5.698
18. Makoto Tamada Yamaha 1:57.525 + 8.970

[The Phantom]

Great headline! ; )

"Vermeulen takes wet pole in Assen in front of Stoner"

[Mach24]

Lets hope it is a dry race, what with a lot of the heavy hitters back in the pack it should be pretty exciting.

Stoner/Ducati/Bridgestone seem to have the goods in all conditions but I reckon Rossi is playing for keeps right about now!

[osg]

Looking dry so far..... 250 WU has just concluded, and they had a dry track.

[tha_jackal]

Looking dry so far..... 250 WU has just concluded, and they had a dry track.

I just watched a bit of the GP warmup with live video and the sky looked pretty clear, a few scattered clouds but nothing too ominous, although, ive heard it can come in pretty quick over there.. 1 second covered the top 13 in GP with Hayden being fastest and Ant West being 13th :up: look forward to a dry race with some hard chargers coming through the field! EXCITING!

[Mach24]

Stoner tossed it away during warmup and ended up on the spare bike........ In 9th

[Mach24]

The Empire Strikes Back!

[tha_jackal]

Fantastic race by both Rossi and Stoner, special mention goes to Nicky Hayden who really got a deserved podium and Hopper who probly didnt get the podium that he deserved .. and of course, props to my man Westy for a gutsy ride into ninth in only his second race! Turned some heads i have NO doubt about! Wooot, bring on the saxonring!!

[osg]

Game On Gentlemen and Ladies, Game On. The Doctor is Back!!!!!!!!

Awesome race allround, with starting with Hayden's ballsy move around the OUTSIDE of turn 1, then through the middle sections by Valentino who had the bit between his teeth, then concluding with the Doctor just riding past Casey after lurking for half a dozen laps or so.

I really thought the Michelens might s**t themselves again after all the effort Vale used to get on the back of Casey, but Vale was masterful indeed.

Props to Hayden though. I can't stand the guy, but a great ride from outside the top 10 to 3rd deserves respect. Mind you, if HRC had of failed here in front of the big boss of HRC, heads would have rolled........ and still might with an "announcement" from the HRC Pres later this week.....

Ant West. Gritty Gritty stuff. Great Ride.

[alfa155btcc]

I`m gonna keep it short

THE DOCTOR IS BACK
:s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin: :s mokin:

[alfa155btcc]

Forgot to mention great job By Passini in 125

[MrJan]

Nice to see Rossi perform his old routine again. Terrible start, storm through the field up to 2nd. Tail th leader for a couple of laps and try a few half hearted moves and then overtake a few laps from the end and pull out a bit of a gap.

Interesting to see a couple of riders run out of petrol near the end, wonder how often we'll be seeing that on fuel burning circuits.

[Mihai]

Simply fabulous riding from Vale! His ability to do a stunning comeback easily overshadows the fact that he usually loses ground at the start. It's very entretaining.

[jim mcglinchey]

.. Colin was very funny on the starting line with his Elvis wig and glasses.

[Allyc85]

Great ride by Rossi, after a lap I thought it was going to be a bit of a snooze, I should of known! Also although im not a major fan of Hayden, I gotta say he rode very well today and it was great to see him sliding the bike around.

But on a bad not RDP...... oh dear!

[osg]

But on a bad not RDP...... oh dear!

De Puniet will be looking for a ride next year.... Ant West is 10 times the rider De Puniet is, and Kawasaki would be mad not to retain West over that twat.

[Ranger]

[quote="osg"] over that {expletive deleted - mod} quote]

That's a little harsh... sure he had a doozy today but this is the same guy that qualified the Kawasaki on the front row twice this year, including once with 10cm swelling of his leg. He's clearly no fool.

[Ranger]

THE DOCTOR IS BACK


He left? :confused: :p :

Great ride from Rossi yesterday, it was nice that he could make the championship a little closer. Kudos to Hayden too, considering where he's been for the majority of this championship.

Stoner did well to keep the clearly faster Rossi behind him for 8 laps - he's clearly got the temperament to take the title.

[The Phantom]

Did Stoner have to wind the map back a little on the Duc to ensure he had the fuel to get over the line?

Great race, good to see Rossi making a fight of it (as if we expected anything else). Bad luck for Vermeulen who lost some ground on Hopkins in the championship table, and great to see HRC back in the game.

[osg]

That's a little harsh... sure he had a doozy today but this is the same guy that qualified the Kawasaki on the front row twice this year, including once with 10cm swelling of his leg. He's clearly no fool.

Harsh yes, but how many times bar the miracle 5th with a busted leg has he converted a good grid position? how many times has he binned it this season?

[osg]

Did Stoner have to wind the map back a little on the Duc to ensure he had the fuel to get over the line?


maybe, given that he ran out of fuel on the celebration lap.......... even so, with enough fuel on board i think he still wouldn't have kept the Doctor at bay today........ he was simply in sublime form.

[Ranger]

Harsh yes, but how many times bar the miracle 5th with a busted leg has he converted a good grid position?

A handful of times this season he was in the top 10. But this is the Kawasaki we are talking about... no world beater at the moment, so I'd say he's doing pretty decently.

[burger]

A handful of times this season he was in the top 10. But this is the Kawasaki we are talking about... no world beater at the moment, so I'd say he's doing pretty decently.

Have to say I disagree on both counts The kwaka is a much better package this year that last year. As you said, Du Puniet rode it into fifth at Catalunya with a bum knee. With good riders it should be up the pointy end, not always off in the kittie litter. In fact I bet Shinya Nakano is wondering what the hell he did switching to Honda ;)

Du Puniet is perhaps not the twat OSG called him, but he's no more talented than his new team mate, or most of the other riders on the motoGP grid.

I was surprised when Kawasaki signed him 18 months ago, after he had a fairly average season in 250's - even with a factory Aprilia (which surprise, surprise he crashed a fair bit). He didn't do much last year.

[osg]

Have to say I disagree on both counts The kwaka is a much better package this year that last year. As you said, Du Puniet rode it into fifth at Catalunya with a bum knee. With good riders it should be up the pointy end, not always off in the kittie litter. In fact I bet Shinya Nakano is wondering what the hell he did switching to Honda ;)

Du Puniet is perhaps not the twat OSG called him, but he's no more talented than his new team mate, or most of the other riders on the motoGP grid.

I was surprised when Kawasaki signed him 18 months ago, after he had a fairly average season in 250's - even with a factory Aprilia (which surprise, surprise he crashed a fair bit). He didn't do much last year.

exactly what i was alluding to burger....... kawasaki could do alot better than De Puniet for '08.

[alfa155btcc]

He left? :confused: :p :

Great ride from Rossi yesterday, it was nice that he could make the championship a little closer. Kudos to Hayden too, considering where he's been for the majority of this championship.

Stoner did well to keep the clearly faster Rossi behind him for 8 laps - he's clearly got the temperament to take the title.

Your right he has the temprement but he was`nt keeping Rossi behind Rossi was showing him his front tyre trying to make stoner make a mistake but fair play to Stoner he with stood the pressure, but Rossi was at his best and decided with 3 laps to go he decided i`m off.

as the comentater said on eurosport watching a possible champion ie stoner against one ofthe best riders to have lived ie Rossi.
:s mokin:

[NinjaMaster]

Crikey! I can't believe the panic stations people seem to hit because someone is beating Rossi early in the season. It's kinda like (I can't remember which year it was, maybe '03) when Vale went a few races without winning and Gibernau hit the championship lead with a couple of wins. Short memories.

It was a sensational ride by VR from where he came from. He will fight to the end and if Stoner takes the title he will certainly have earned it. Rides like the weekend show that he is mentally strong enough. He made no mistakes and Rossi had earn his way pass. And I was rapt to see Nicky finally get on the Rostrum. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come from the Kentukyan and he can prove his doubter wrong, that he does belong in MotoGP.
I was spewin' Randy chucked it again after fighting back strongly. He's showing he has good pace but needs to think a bit more and finish more races. And of course, I was impressed by Ant's race. He is improving so fast and he'll only get faster with more time in the saddle. Finally, CV is taken out again when having a strong ride in the dry. He has no luck when the sun is out for some reason. Hopefully that will turn around soon.

ditto your comments Ninja about Rossi and Stoner. I also enjoyed seeing Nicky riding well and on the podium again. As for Randy I've had him in my pickems lists and am sure he'll get it together mentally and stop "chucking it"