Sorry this post has been slow in arriving but due to circumstances I didn't see the MotoGP race till late and I wanted to mull over the race before I posted.
It was a very interesting race for several reasons. The issue that seems to have provoked the biggest debates amongst the fans is whether Rossi has made a mistake moving to Bridgestones. It was noticeable that both Rossi and Hopkins started to slip backwards at the same stage of the race and that they were the only 'stone runners at the pointy end. But does this mean that Michelin have got the Japanese tyres beaten or does it indicate that Estoril is not a good track for the Bridgestones? I suspect the later. I also think it's too early to judge Rossi's move. If anyone can prove the critics wrong it's Rossi and we may just see him winning on those "mistake" tyres.
So what's happening to Ducati? Stoner had another terrible weekend even to the point where he was having to stop components falling off his bike! I think there were two glimmers of light in the gloom for the Duc boys though, Estoril isn't their kind of circuit and Stoner's late charge to sixth was pretty impressive. Casey will be himself next round, you'll see. As for the rest of the Ducati riders at the back of the field I just can't understand why they can't ride the Desmo, is it really that harsh that only Casey can ride it?
I was reallly pleased to see Hopkins up with the lead boys again, he was riding the rims off that Kwak, hopefully he can develop that machine to become a regular podium visitor. What happened to West though? Hopper in fifth and Westy stone cold last? Oh dear.
Again I think that James Toseland did a magnificent job on the Tech 3 Yamaha. Seventh is no mean feat on a track he doesn't know. Now he has the new engine look out! Excellent ride by Edwards too.
Of course the star of the show was Lorenzo.
What an amazing ride. Pole position, did a Rossi on Rossi and held of Pedrosa till the end of the race. I knew the kid was going to be good but at this rate he will be all conquering.
It was a very interesting race for several reasons. The issue that seems to have provoked the biggest debates amongst the fans is whether Rossi has made a mistake moving to Bridgestones. It was noticeable that both Rossi and Hopkins started to slip backwards at the same stage of the race and that they were the only 'stone runners at the pointy end. But does this mean that Michelin have got the Japanese tyres beaten or does it indicate that Estoril is not a good track for the Bridgestones? I suspect the later. I also think it's too early to judge Rossi's move. If anyone can prove the critics wrong it's Rossi and we may just see him winning on those "mistake" tyres.
So what's happening to Ducati? Stoner had another terrible weekend even to the point where he was having to stop components falling off his bike! I think there were two glimmers of light in the gloom for the Duc boys though, Estoril isn't their kind of circuit and Stoner's late charge to sixth was pretty impressive. Casey will be himself next round, you'll see. As for the rest of the Ducati riders at the back of the field I just can't understand why they can't ride the Desmo, is it really that harsh that only Casey can ride it?
I was reallly pleased to see Hopkins up with the lead boys again, he was riding the rims off that Kwak, hopefully he can develop that machine to become a regular podium visitor. What happened to West though? Hopper in fifth and Westy stone cold last? Oh dear.
Again I think that James Toseland did a magnificent job on the Tech 3 Yamaha. Seventh is no mean feat on a track he doesn't know. Now he has the new engine look out! Excellent ride by Edwards too.
Of course the star of the show was Lorenzo.
What an amazing ride. Pole position, did a Rossi on Rossi and held of Pedrosa till the end of the race. I knew the kid was going to be good but at this rate he will be all conquering.