Round 5: Le Mans, France [SPOILERS]

[ÜberDoober]

ALICE GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE
http://www.dooberville.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6&pictureid=58
© motogp.com (http://www.motogp.com/en/events/France/2008)

http://www.dooberville.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6&pictureid=57

The Bugatti Circuit is a race track located in Le Mans, France, named after Ettore Bugatti. The circuit uses a part of the circuit used for the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race and a separate, purpose-built section. The sections of track on the Bugatti Circuit that are on the Circuit de la Sarthe, the circuit used for the 24 Hours, include the Ford Chicane at the end of the lap, the pit complex, and the straight where the Dunlop Tires bridge is located. At this point, you will come to a left right sweep that was added for motorcycle safety in 2002. If you veer to the left, you continue onto the Circuit de la Sarthe, toward Tetre Rouge and Mulsanne, but if you turn right, you will continue the Bugatti Circuit.

This track was originally built in 1965 as a 2.710 mile road circuit, having been designed by Charles Deutsch, who split his working time between being chief engineer for the French Department of Bridges and Roads and being a partner in DB Racing Car Constructors. It incorporates the main straight from the Circuit des 24 Heures with a tighter section behind the pits.

Due to the changes on the main circuit, the track length changed to 2.748 miles in 1967, 2.365 miles in 1979, 2.750 miles in 1989, and 2.753 miles in 1991. The first regular races weren't held until 1987, when it became a F3000 venue.

Source 1: wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Circuit) Source2: trackpedia.com (http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Le_Mans_Bugatti)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/STVlogo.jpg (http://www.speedtv.com)
6:00pm Eastern
3:00pm Pacific

Schedule info courtesy of (clicks)
http://www.dooberville.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6&pictureid=52 (http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm)

Chris Vermeulen won last year in a rain soaked event. So, start the gossip, pick your winner, dish the dirt!

Here's a little reminder of last year!
2rWNGCex4jA

[Gary]

I'm predicting Yamaha, Michelin and Pedrosa to go fast, and the non-Stoner Ducati's to be all the way back where West can see them.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Edwards somewhere on the podium in this one, barring rain. I don't think Bridgestone will be particularly strong here, other than Rossi who is a freak.

Bet against me, I'm probably wrong.

[Hoofhearted]

I'm thinking Rossi. He seems to have found something this year. If it rains I think he'll still win.

[gonickygo]

I also picked Rossi. Don't see Stoner winning, maybe a podium. I refuse to pick Pedrosa, based purely on personal dislike. O'course, I really hope Nicky goes well.

Honestly, this year I can see about anyone winning on any given day (minus 3 Ducatis, 2 Honda, & 2 Kawasakis). My "thank you mr. obvious" moment of the day... since it's 4 races w/ 4 winners.

[gonickygo]

This season has been great so far. If it continues, and the champ has 3-6 race wins, will he be as "undeserving" as Nicky was?;)
Stoner had an unfreakingbelievable 2007, and I don't see that happening again for some time. I much prefer the season to have several race winners, with a last race dash for the prize, as it was in 2006. Oh, the drama!
I can certainly see Pedrosa having 3-5 wins, but with the podium consistency he's shown thru 4 races so far I think he's got the inside line. Argh.

[Gary]

I think 3+ wins for Rossi, Pedrosa and Stoner are all likely, but I don't think Stoner will be a serious threat for the title - and the same for Lorenzo, although I've under-estimated Jorge at every turn.

The title to either Pedrosa or Rossi in my eyes, Rossi with the edge now but if Honda give the elf a motor he's gone.

[ÜberDoober]

When Stoner ran away at the first race, I thought "oh no, here we go again" but I must say I have been pleasantly surprised. The pundits are predicting that the next four races will be the telling factor on who may be in line for the championship, but what more do they know than the next guy. Or us for that matter? :)

I'm thinking Rossi for the win in France but it's just so danged hard to pick. No Pedrosa fan here but you've got to say the kid has been damn good and has raced very well but I keep expecting him to tangle and take somebody out at every race. (I'd quip "maybe even his teammate" but Nicky's got to catch him first):(

If Lorenzo was 100%, I'd say Le Mans could go to any of the four previous winners without wasting any more thought on it. Of course, I'd like to see Nicky get a podium too, Hopper run the Kawi higher up in the pack and Colin Edwards win a race. Unfortunately, the most likely way that's going to happen is if the front group ends up in the kitty litter.

Of the other guys I think are going to be showing us more, Dovizioso seems like a good candidate and there's still hope that Toseland might have some strong performances. Melandri claims he "has turned the corner" with the Ducati but the proof is in the pudding. He was riding really strong at the end of last season and switching to the mighty Duc, I figured he would really be in the hunt so let's hope his new mojo keeps working and he can move up. I can forsee, if the bikes start coming around for everyone, the potential for some seriously fought battles at the front, 250's style.

Maybe I've been brainwashed by the media blitz of Capirossi wanting the world to know he wants to stay with Suzuki but I would like to see the development of the Suzukis move ahead. Both Kawasaki and Suzuki have shown certain strengths and improvements and catching up to the Yamaha's (fat chance) or the Hondas would be a really cool thing.

I'v gotten hooked on hitting the DooberVille website's MotoGP page throughout the day when I can to get quick headlines from Autosport and MotoGP.com. A third source on there would be good too. The top Autosport one right now says "Vermeulen Targets Le Mans Resurgence (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67263)". Keep dreaming, Chris! Savor the one win you will have in MotoGP and never look back!

Ok, I'll shutup now! Gotta go get my bike prepped for a ride at 6:30 in the morning right after F1 qualifying is over!
:transport-040:

[Hoofhearted]

It doesn't look like Lorenzo is going to be 100% so my bet is with Rossi. I think Rossi has minime's number. Throw Colin and a couple of others into the mix and it could be a good race. I still feel Rossi is the class of the field. Unless Ducati gets their finger out Stoner's season will be gone.

[mrmega]

I want to see some testing first. Things have been so crazy up until this point. If I had to vote today I would say Lorenzo. I think he can beat Rossi... unless his wrist is trashed.

I havent seen a medical update. How is it?

[Gary]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67381

He intends to race but says he won't be 100%. It is supposed to be dry for the GP, but then China was a 100% chance of rain sooo... If Lorenzo's ankle are bothering him I think the very twisty Le Mans will be harder on him than the drag strips of China where you can at least 'rest' on the straights. Le Mans is more like Laguna where there is little time to breathe.

This one will probably boil down to tires, but both Rossi and Pedrosa seem to make their tires work when everyone else on the brand struggles. Barring a Bridgestone melt-down I still give Rossi the edge. I think Ducati is going to have a rough weekend but Stoner is capable of a surprise.

[mrmega]

Great link Gary, Thanks!

I don't know if he has great handlers or if he is just an amazing young man, but that interview is very telling either way. Great attitude, a winners attitude if I may be so bold. I am starting to think that Lorenzo is the real deal.

So lets go ahead and say Lorenzo isn't going to be on the podium, so who?

Well, as much as I hate to say it, until I see something else, it looks like Rossi has the package to beat.

[ÜberDoober]

Alright, I finally voted.

Not who I would like to see win but I'm giving the nod to the robot over Valentino on this one. Mostly because of the Michelins. I think with the way the season has been so far, picking anybody for the win is a crapshoot. Stoner won the poll for Shanghai.

With China supposedly being a "Bridgestone" track, it may mask the development they've actually done in catching up with the French? Now that they're back at a circuit that is claimed to favor the Michelins, we'll be able to see how much Bridgestone has gotten closer.

I'm probably not up to speed on the tire rules but is Rossi getting special rubber? They did away with that sort of thing, didn't they?

We should figure out how we can bet or run some sort of contest on picking the winners and award rep points or a special graphic above your avatar or something? I'm not smart enough to set up a fantasy thing.

[Gary]

They did away with special tires being flown in, you have pick your selection of rubber on Thursday with a fixed number of tires allowed. No one really knows much about the rubber allocation from there, it's all speculation. Ask a Stoner fan and Rossi is getting all the attention, but no one really knows.

[KingKenny]

Well I think Rossi is going to regain some momentum this year. Pedrosa will eventually screw himself up. And I remind you the "new" Honda motor is coming. I predict that Hayden will win both US rounds this year. I think he'll flat out "smoke em" at IMS. In the meantime, he just needs to relax and quit trying so hard. I think twice this year he has leaned it over off the edges just trying to pick up the pace.

Lorenzo... well I had to eat crow already on him. I'm gonna withhold comment on him for a bit longer.

Edwards.. want to see some consistency before I get behind him for anything.

"The Man" Stoner... I'm confounded on this young man. He's riding well.

We got 6 guys capable of winning any race anytime anytrack. Anybody thinking "conspiracy" yet? I don't think the other guys got that much faster did they? Or am I wrong but, it seems Stoner technically has gotten slower considering normal year by year improvement across the board.

[Gary]

Anyone thinking conspiracy - ask a Stoner fan! A number are crying just that (only Rossi gets good tires). Same story, new tire brand - and I don't believe a word of it.

Stoner's problems are bike related, imo.

[ÜberDoober]

They did away with special tires being flown in, you have pick your selection of rubber on Thursday with a fixed number of tires allowed. No one really knows much about the rubber allocation from there, it's all speculation. Ask a Stoner fan and Rossi is getting all the attention, but no one really knows.

Yeah, ok. I guess I did know what the tire rules were but just wondered if something sneaky might be going on? :)

... Pedrosa will eventually screw himself up...

I can't help but have this feeling too. I see him running at the front and taking the whole leading group out.

Honda is again supposed to be testing the pneumo engine after the race. If they get the damn thing figured out and can get the ponies and ridability on par with the Yamaha's I look for Nicky to move up in the order. He's a hungry boy.

Whoa! I just used the multi-quote feature for the first time! It's the middle button at the bottom right of a post. Just click it on the posts you want to quote they hit the reply button. Cool!

[KingKenny]

Anyone thinking conspiracy - ask a Stoner fan! A number are crying just that (only Rossi gets good tires). Same story, new tire brand - and I don't believe a word of it.

Stoner's problems are bike related, imo.
That's probably likely. Yea... only Rossi gets the "good" tires? That's why he just swtiched to Bridgestone.

LOL. Hey Uber... ya got a watch those buttons all over the place. They bite! :001_tt2::cool-0014:

[ÜberDoober]

My pick, but certainly not my favorite has led the first two practice sessions! Top 9 bikes on the same second.

Pedrosa fastest again in second practice
By Matt Beer Friday, May 16th 2008, 13:01 GMT

Dani Pedrosa maintained his advantage in the second Friday practice session at Le Mans.

The Repsol Honda rider overcame challenges from world champion Casey Stoner (Ducati) and Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards to secure the top spot in second practice with a lap of 1:34.227.

The top three were covered by just 0.060 seconds at the end of another extremely close session, which had been led by Edwards for the majority of the the hour.
Source: Autosport.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67461)

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) 1:34.227
2. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:34.276 + 0.049
3. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 1:34.287 + 0.060
4. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 1:34.487 + 0.260
5. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 1:34.630 + 0.403
6. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 1:34.959 + 0.732
7. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) 1:35.047 + 0.840
8. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) 1:35.073 + 0.846
9. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 1:35.133 + 0.906
10. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 1:35.239 + 1.012
11. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) 1:35.256 + 1.029
12. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) 1:35.378 + 1.151
13. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) 1:35.450 + 1.223
14. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 1:35.678 + 1.451
15. James Toseland Yamaha (M) 1:35.848 + 1.621
16. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 1:35.877 + 1.650
17. Toni Elias Ducati (B) 1:36.039 + 1.812
18. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) 1:36.414 + 2.187

[ÜberDoober]

Lots of stories are flying fast and furious! Lorenzo crashed in practice but did not injure himself any further. Colin Edwards is again showing strength with a very good performance in the first two sessions. All the latest MotoGP headlines available in Downtown DooberVille's MotoGP page, here (http://www.dooberville.com/motogp.htm).

Lorenzo relieved to escape further injury
By Pablo Elizalde Friday, May 16th 2008, 16:51 GMT

Jorge Lorenzo was relieved not to have made his injures any worse after crashing during practice for the French Grand Prix.

The Yamaha rider has been confined to a wheelchair since he damaged both his ankles during the Chinese Grand Prix, and his injures have not healed for this weekend's race.

The Spaniard lost control of his bike at Turn Two near the end of today's second practice session, and he admitted that the first thing he did was check if he had not injured himself more. source: Autosport.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67475)

[Gary]

Very odd to see the Suzukis and Kawasakis sitting at or near the highest top speeds!

[ÜberDoober]

Very odd to see the Suzukis and Kawasakis sitting at or near the highest top speeds!

It is most interesting, indeed. I've read the Honda squads have a gotten a new clutch and that Rossi is expecting some new parts for Mugello and the pneumo RC212 is scheduled for testing after Le Mans, but Kawasaki at least, is doing some interesting development and I wouldn't be surprised if they find something.

Did you see the 5-Cylinder Kwacker thread? It's here (http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715) if you didn't. Not only are they messing with a screamer motor (link to video in other post) but totally mixing up the works with a 5-cylinder design. There's links to pics of their current odd and bizzare engine in that thread too.

I've been offline all afternoon and will be back later (and smarter) after I've read the whole Internet. :ack2:

[Gary]

They announced today that Honda isn't testing the pneumatic valve engine for another 3 weeks.

[ÜberDoober]

They announced today that Honda isn't testing the pneumatic valve engine for another 3 weeks.

Damn! Unbelievable! What the hell has happened to Honda anyway? They used to be at the top of the dogpile when it came to all things innovative and new. Not only can they not get their stuff together in MotoGP, they're absolutely embarrasing in Formula One. If Soichiro found out, he'd probably be turning in his grave? Even their passenger cars are plain and boring.

I swear I read two days ago that they would be testing it after Le Mans? Where'd you hear 3 more weeks from? That puts it after Mugello?

[Gary]

I read it in a couple of places, one was here:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080516c.htm

Yamaha is holding off too - Honda seem to feel they are competitive enough to not need to push it. I know a lot of riders aren't fond of huge mid-season changes unless they aren't competitive, although there could be more to it than that.

[ÜberDoober]

Ok, top story in the Autosport headlines at DooberVille now says Tady Okada will race a 3rd Honda at Mugello with the pnuematic engine, in Repsol colors no less? Will they make up their frakkin' minds already? :)

Starting Grid:
Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) 1:32.647
2. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 1:32.774 + 0.127
3. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:32.994 + 0.347
4. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 1:33.157 + 0.510
5. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 1:33.269 + 0.622
6. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) 1:33.286 + 0.639
7. James Toseland Yamaha (M) 1:33.396 + 0.749
8. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 1:33.400 + 0.793
9. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 1:33.628 + 0.981
10. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) 1:33.689 + 1.042
11. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) 1:33.707 + 1.060
12. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) 1:33.723 + 1.076
13. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) 1:34.077 + 1.430
14. Toni Elias Ducati (B) 1:34.561 + 1.914
15. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 1:34.670 + 2.023
16. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) 1:34.747 + 2.100
17. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 1:35.082 + 2.434
18. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 1:35.349 + 2.702

Colin Edwards continues to impress sitting on pole up until the last minute and says another attempt was balked by Marco Melandri. With interviews like this one, Colin is really getting back to his old self.


"There are too many guys sitting there just farting around. We're out there risking ourselves to the limit, and you've got some jack-ass sitting there in the middle of the track.from Autosport.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67493)

Come on Kawasaki, contract or no, Ant West is seriously embarrasing! :ack2: Melandri, that supposedly "turned the corner" in China must have been reading the wrong map as he again wrapped up more suckage points in qualifying.

I can't wait. I think it's gonna be a good race!

[mrmega]

From my post at speed (with BONUS Dooberville content just for Dooberville!!!)

I looked at the results for the past few seasons and didn't realize that Melandri was at the top so much. As I feared and posted earlier this week, whatever it was that Melandri found, well he lost again. I don't see him doing anything of note with the DUC. Seems to me if he were gonna find something, it would have happened at more than one track so far.

Stoner has done well at that track so far in the big class too, and based on what I saw this morning, I wouldn't rule out a podium for him. If Dani gets away clean at the front, he may very well take it though.


So from the numbers it looks like these guys have a chance for a podium: Pedro, Stoner, Rossi, Edwards (If he doesn't pull the same ole LLCD crap) Lorenzo & Hayden.

As good as Rossi has looked it is going to be hard to count him out of it, and just as hard to figure Lorenzo for a top three. I see him at 4th or 5th at race end (although I would love to see Stoner 1st Lorenzo 2nd.

I would expect Pedro, Stoner and Rossi to top the sheets at race end.


What would REALLY be cool to me is if it could be

Stoner
Lorenzo and ...
Toseland!!!


But that isn't gonna happen. Rossi looks too strong and Peepee is to big of a threat to count him out too.


As a side note, I would like to see Colin deliver a win this season. I think he could really do it if he screws his head on a little differently than has been the case for the past 4 or 5 years. All the great practices, QP's and stuff mean nothing unless you can deliver race day.

[ÜberDoober]

From my post at speed (with BONUS Dooberville content just for Dooberville!!!)
:uplaugh::uplaugh::uplaugh:

Thanks, man! :)

After Laguna Seca last year where Melandri had a bigass crash and went on to finish well, the remainder of his season was top notch. I thought, put this guy on the bike that Stoner was taking everyone to school on and watch out. It's just never happened.

[Gary]

Melandri is a top notch rider in my opinion, it's the bike. You really can't get tracks much different than Shanghai and Le Mans, and not many are like China - the Ducati will fare well at the dragstrips.

Stoner makes the bike look good.

Top 4 are Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa, Edwards I think, but you pick the order. I'll be pulling for Colin as usual and hopefully THIS time I'll be happy. I haven't been able to access the analysis from the QP but no one had his pace in FP3. I don't think Toseland or Hayden will see the top 5 after lap 5.

[KingKenny]

Well I am compelled prior to am practice to go with Colin. He's got attitude and when he does... he wins races and titles. Haven't seen this in him for a longtime.

[Gary]

I really thought this was Edwards' race...but on the box is good. Rossi and Lorenzo were on a mission, and I love the Yamaha 1-2-3 sticking it to Honda, lol.

[ÜberDoober]

Well, so much for waiting for the broadcast to know the results. :mad:

I've read the reports and it sounds like a very busy event with a little bit of everything. Can't wait to catch it later on the tube but now I have a radiator to flush and two cars to change oil in. It's supposed to be 103 degrees today and 106 tomorrow and at 9:30, it's already 90.

:others-198:

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 44:30.799
2. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) + 4.997
3. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) + 6.805
4. Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) + 10.157
5. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) + 21.762
6. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) + 22.395
7. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) + 27.806
8. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) + 27.995
9. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) + 29.344
10. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) + 30.822
11. Toni Elias Ducati (B) + 35.154
12. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) + 36.216
13. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) + 52.038
14. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) +1:29.307
15. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) + 1 lap
16. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) + 2 laps
DNF:
Rider Bike Laps
John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 16
James Toseland Yamaha (M) 2

Our poll for the winner was correct this time but we blew the rest! Good job guys, sort of. My pick, Dani, off the podium for the first time this season!

[Gary]

Ummmm...should I not have said who won? I figured in a thread marked 'Spoilers' it was ok.

[ÜberDoober]

Yeah, spoilers here but I knew what I was doing when I clicked the thread! :) No self control.

Very impressive ride by Lorenzo from 10th to 2nd and way to hang in there Colin! Vermeulen did pretty well after all and bummer that Hopner lost a chain. You don't see that often. Bummer for Stoner too.

Poor Marco was screwed at the lights and it couldn't have been any worse. I'm happy the rain didn't force a bike change. Until Rossi took the lead and broke away, there was some dang good racing at the front. If Lorenzo had been up there early, who knows what would have happened?

And so we head to Mugello where Rossi is undefeated on a MotoGP bike. I'm thinking Lorenzo has a pretty good chance to break his streak?

In spite of everything, Valentino Rossi is a legendary racer and now once again leads the championship. He's the first two time winner this year and at this point in the season, it would be hard to bet against him.