Round 12: Brno

[DooberRoni]

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http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/BrnoCIRCUIT.jpg

Broadcast Schedule
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2:00pm Eastern
11:00am Pacific

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/brnoSched1.jpg<<Czech Time --- Pacific Time>>http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/BrnoSched2.jpg

Event History:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/BrnoStats.jpg
courtesy of: © wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic_motorcycle_Grand_Prix)
czech out the link - results back to 1947!

We don't have all the normal event info to start off our official Brno thread but after the summer break, we just can't wait to get started again. MotoGP live event times will be posted as soon as they are available. There's a lot of chatter on the Intarwebs so let's see if we can start some of our own. Be sure to check back for the poll soon as we come with something to vote on!

[ÜberDoober]

Yea! I've been having withdrawls!

Okay, the big PR machines are starting to crank once again and we're getting new headlines starting to appear from motogp.com and autosport.

I've read some interesting stuff like Nicky hurt his heel playing at the X-Games and that he has for sure signed with Ducati. :rolleyes: I've read that Gibernau may still have something going on at Ducati this season but that Marco Melandri has been given one more reprieve and will race at Brno.

Valentino and Casey are still gunning for each other. Loris Capirossi will tie the records for most starts and there's a lot of buzz happening which is to be expected after the break.

Stay tuned, post up what you know and hang on! Our boys are back in town!

[ÜberDoober]

OMG BOMBSHELL NEWS!
Nicky Hayden out for BRNO

I'm having a slightly hard time believing this. I see motives and political posturing and other reasons behind this other than Nicky hurt his widdle footie. Hell, Lorenzo rode with broken ankles and look at all the other injuries riders have endured this year. Nicky has ridden hurt in the past so's I'm thinking there may be more to this than meets the eye?

What's the scoop, Doobers?

[Gary]

Just an FYI, the 250 race is on SPEED from 2-3 PM Eastern, directly opposite the CBS MotoGP broadcast...

I'm glad the wait is finally over, Hayden or no Hayden!

[ÜberDoober]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/NickyBlows.jpg

This is caption worthy. Just can't think of one right now.

[gonickygo]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/NickyBlows.jpg

This is caption worthy. Just can't think of one right now.


This blows!

[ÜberDoober]

I don't really understand why Honda doesn't put in a substitute for Hayden. They've had plenty of notice to round somebody up. I know Tady is recovering but still, couldn't they put a bike on the grid?

WSBK is on vacation, why not bring in recent double winner Kiyonari as a wild card? Bring Checa back for the weekend. Gibernau is healthy.

I have become disappointed with Honda all the way around.

Vote for this week's event poll (http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1663)

[Gary]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/NickyBlows.jpg



Adding to the humiliation of a slow bike, Hayden is now required to keep Pedrosa warm in his mouth.

[ÜberDoober]

With day one complete, we now have our first look into what we might expect for the weekend. For sure, it doesn't look like the new surface at Brno is going to do any favors for the Michelin teams. 9th and 7th is the best they could do. I'm not one for spec tires but the disparity between the Bridgestones and Michelins is ruining the racing. :mad:

Autosport is reporting that Pedrosa is questionable for the race and is still struggling with his injuries. Above, I mistakenly said I thought Tady Okada was still recovering from his injuries but he is scheduled for post race testing. If Pedrosa can't ride there will be no Repsol Hondas on the grid and I still don't quite know why they don't put Okada in if he is healthy.

It does look like we are in for another Stoner .vs Rossi battle although methinks Casey has the edge? I was hoping to see Lorenzo and Dovi further up the charts but Shinya Nakano put in a good run on the works bike. I'm still unsure if he has the pneumatic in the chassis he is testing?

So, here's the times from practice 1 and two.

PRACTICE 1
Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 1:57.782
2. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:57.911 + 0.129
3. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) 1:59.021 + 1.239
4. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 1:59.134 + 1.352
5. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 1:59.220 + 1.438
6. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 1:59.400 + 1.618
7. Toni Elias Ducati (B) 1:59.756 + 1.974
8. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) 1:59.770 + 1.988
9. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 1:59.965 + 2.183
10. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 2:00.082 + 2.300
11. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) 2:00.083 + 2.301
12. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) 2:00.429 + 2.647
13. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 2:00.447 + 2.665
14. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) 2:00.496 + 2.714
15. James Toseland Yamaha (M) 2:01.074 + 3.292
16. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 2:01.128 + 3.346
17. Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) 2:01.231 + 3.449

PRACTICE 2
Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:57.231
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 1:57.410 + 0.179
3. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) 1:58.000 + 0.769
4. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) 1:58.228 + 0.997
5. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 1:58.264 + 1.033
6. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 1:58.462 + 1.231
7. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 1:58.672 + 1.441
8. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 1:58.830 + 1.599
9. Toni Elias Ducati (B) 1:58.881 + 1.650
10. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) 1:58.923 + 1.692
11. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 1:58.977 + 1.746
12. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) 1:59.094 + 1.863
13. James Toseland Yamaha (M) 1:59.328 + 2.097
14. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) 1:59.405 + 2.174
15. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 1:59.943 + 2.712
16. Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) 2:00.540 + 3.309
17. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 2:00.621 + 3.390

[ÜberDoober]

Ugh! :ack2: Qualifying sucked.

The rain was coming down in sheets but Stoner out in front of Rossi by over a second. Hopkins makes a nice return with a front row start but Toseland and Lorenzo fail to make the 7% qualifying speed. It was not pretty.

Let's hope it drys up for tomorrow's race otherwise, it will be a suckfest.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/BrnoQual.jpg

[gonickygo]

From what I remember in the dry FPs Friday, Rossi had the advantage in the first section, Stoner in the last 3. VR is going to have to control the race from the front just like Laguna. If Stoner gets a rocket start and leads the first lap... he'll lead them all.

[ÜberDoober]

As a Formula 1 fan, I love it when they race in the rain. As a MotoGP fan, not so much. :(

There's still a ways to go in the season and a new racetrack to conquer but for now at least, Rossi and Stoner have emerged as the front runners for the title. Up until the last few races, things were too screwy to call or fathom a guess as to who might end up on top. Anything could still happen, one of the two contenders could have problems or get hurt and the other guy could run away with it. I can't imagine one if not both of them having not one bad weekend before it's over? I just hope it stays close.

I wish the damn 250's weren't on so early. I don't really watch too closely but do like to sort of keep up.

So, with Vermeulen being a "rain guy", do y'all think he'll put the Suzuki on the box again? That would be like three 3rd's in a row if he did. Hopkins was impressive in qualifying but that's not saying much, qually sucked.

The Poll is up. Vote! (my name is ÜberDoober and I approve of this message)

[ÜberDoober]

Holy Schnikes!

What looked to be a Stoner runaway victory ended early in the gravel trap handing Rossi an easy peasy win and a 50 point lead in the championship.

Tony Elias takes a surprising second followed by a healthy Capirossi for the last podium spot. Nakano finishes 4th on the factory spec Honda with Anthony West taking his best finish ever in MotoGP in 5th.

In our ever so popular poll question of the week, I successfully picked Andrea Dovizioso as the top Michelin runner in 9th place. :) but also :(.

Hopkins looked good early but faded. Not bad after missing three races and overall, the Kawasaki's look to be a bit improved?

Two weeks and we're off to Missano. I'm already favoring Valentino just because he lives 8km from the track.

Something has to be done about the tire situation.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/BRNOfinal.jpg

[ÜberDoober]

Oh god. Help me baby Jeesus.

I tuned into CBS just to catch a minute of Mr. Doohan but instead was immediately greeted with the lovely voice of Greg White, the UberDOOFUS. After his last outing and criticism that he can't even pronouce the riders names, you'da thunk he would have boned up a bit. GW is an idiot.

I'll flip over the SPEED to catch the end of the 250's. I read it was a cracker.

[xtxn]

Another great win for Rossi!!!!!! Yes, I am a huge fan of VR.

Bridgestone tires seems to be thee tire for winning in MotoGP as evident in today's race. Michelin, what happened? It used to be them or nothing and now they can't even get close to a podium finish.

As for Greg White, the mute button is so dear to me during the racing season.:eek: Unfortunately, next up is the AMA Superbike races today and that jerk-off is even worse than Greg. I really like the European commentators, they really get into the race and they seem to know what they are talking about unlike the American commentators..

What is up with Pedrosa today? he finished better than Hayden but not by much. Sitting at home with a broken foot??? Whiner... He has his 1 championship so now he go back to Kentucky and design clothes or maybe open up a riding school.

[ÜberDoober]

Pedrosa is still hampered by the broken wrist that kept him from racing at Laguna Seca. That and the Michelins. :)

Rumors are seeming pretty solid that Nicky Hayden will be Casey Stoner's teammate at Ducati next year. My personal conspiracy theory is that Nicky's not riding this weekend due to reasons more than a hurt heel. Honda brought their test rider, Tady Okada, to Brno for the post race test days but with Pedrosa hurting and the tires being so terrible, I read somewhere they may not even bother?

that jerk-off is even worse than Greg

You don't mean the infamous Ralph "Shouty" Shaheen do you? :ack2: I don't care for Freddie all that much but a couple of times today he basically told Shaheen he was full of shit. I thought it was funny.

[Hoofhearted]

You know, I don't think Greg is all that bad. Better than Ralph "I don't care if you unplug the TV you're still gonna hear me" Shaheen. So he gets a name slightly off. Big deal! I was watching the Tour de France and with four commentators, all knowledgeable, you got four different pronounciations of names. But what about Rossi!! I'd like to see him squeeze an orange. There wouldn't be a drop left in it! I guess TC has its limit. 50 point lead and 6 (?) races to go. Its Rossi' to lose. Which I hipe he doesn't. He is a treat to watch.

[ÜberDoober]

Every era seems to have one standout performer and whether Rossi wins the championship or not, we are witness to a rider that will go down in history as one of the greatest if not the GOAT. He is special not only for his results but for his endearing personality.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/ValentinoHelmet.jpg

How many times have you seen this picture since Mugello? It's everywhere and even my Windows desktop. How many other riders could get away with this? Valentino is special, of that, I have no doubt. Racing in Italy again in two weeks at Missano, I expect Rossi will not disappoint. If he truly does end up universally accepted as the greatest of all time, it is well deserved. Giacomo who? :)

Now, as far as Greg White... what can you expect, he went to the Uncle Ralphie school of broadcast announcing. :p

[xtxn]

So, basically Honda has just given up on their riders for the rest of this year. Stoner was pushing too hard, which he does in every race. He has to learn when to just be a second faster than the rest instead of continually pushing for more. In time, he will learn the way of the MotoGP master (Rossi) and he will most likely rack up as many championships as Rossi. It will be interesting to see what Stoner's new partner will be able to do on the Ducati. I think that we will then see if his championship win was for real or just a fluke. Personally, I will bet it was the latter.

[ÜberDoober]

Well, Honda did test today including Pedrosa. Stoner topped the charts. Niccolo Canepa, who is also listed as a possible replacement for Melandri also rode.

1. Casey STONER (Ducati) 1'56.261
2. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha) 1'57.332
3. Toni ELIAS (Ducati) 1'57.457
4. Shinya NAKANO (Honda) 1'57.652
5. Chris VERMEULEN (Suzuki) 1'57.742
6. Colin EDWARDS (Yamaha) 1'57.756
7. Alex DE ANGELIS (Honda) 1'57.826
8. Sylvain GUINTOLI (Ducati) 1'57.859
9. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha) 1'57.979
10. Loris CAPIROSSI (Suzuki) 1'58.177
11. Niccolo CANEPA (Ducati) ) 1'58.204
12. Marco MELANDRI (Ducati) 1'58.325
13. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda) 1'58.568
14. Dani PEDROSA (Honda) 1'59.067
15. Olivier JACQUE( Kawasaki) 1'59.130
16. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda) 1'59.172
17. James TOSELAND (Yamaha) 1'59.228
18. John HOPKINS (Kawasaki) 2'00.414
19. Tady OKADA (Honda) 2'00.735

More on the rumors of Hayden to Ducati today at superbikeplanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/080818-691.htm)

Getting Increasingly Difficult For Hayden To Duc Rumors
by dean adams
Monday, August 18, 2008

Is Nick Hayden signing a contract with Ducati for 2009? Rumors have linked the American ex-world champion and the Italian thunder-squad for months, but with the calendar paging towards September the stories linking the two are becoming more common.

[Gary]

If Hayden is going to Ducati I think you'll hear it following the USGP. Hayden will be doing lots of pre-race PR and I could picture Hayden agreeing to wait to announce until that's over.

I don't think Honda has thrown in any towels - Michelins sucked, Pedrosa couldn't even get his knee down and look at the Yamahas... When the tires work and Pedroda is healthy they'll be up there.

[ÜberDoober]

Day 2 testing results from Brno. Casey Stoner over a second faster than Valentino Rossi. :ack2: I'm thinking Tony Elias may have turned a corner with the Ducati? Not too shabby.

Pedrosa ran 11 laps on Monday and parked it.

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:56.261
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:57.332
3. Toni Elias Ducati 1:57.457
4. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:57.652
5. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:57.742
6. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:57.756
7. Alex de Angelis Honda 1:57.826
8. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati 1:57.859
9. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1:57.979
10. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 1:58.177
11. Niccolo Canepa Ducati 1:58.204
12. Marco Melandri Ducati 1:58.325
13. Randy De Puniet Honda 1:58.568
14. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:59.067
15. Olivier Jacque Kawasaki 1:59.130
16. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1:59.130
17. James Toseland Yamaha 1:59.228
18. John Hopkins Kawasaki 2:00.414
19. Tadyuki Okada Honda 2:00.735

[ÜberDoober]

According to superbikeplanet.com, Hayden to Ducati will not be officially announced at Misano as we speculated.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/080825a.htm

I guess we speculated Indy, but oh well.

FYI, there's a new forum post about the Indy doin's HERE (http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3884#post3884).