I have just came back from Arizona and last Sunday race in Mugello already belongs to the past, to the history of an amazing 2007 World Championship. Today, June 9, 2007, Valentino won the pole for tomorrow’s race in Catalunya and it’s obviously too late to elaborate on what happened in Italy 6 days ago. Anyhow I would like to ask a question: how is possible to live without MotoGp? While 85,000 people were screaming and yelling, laughing and crying creating a live and colorful frame to the gorgeous race track in Tuscany, Italy, in Phoenix, Arizona …..nothing!!!! There, to find a sport bike is as difficult as to find some shade in the desert. The majority of riders are Harley Davidson guys riding with no helmet, no gloves, or any sort of protection. They do not look happy, indeed most of them display tough expressions on their faces, that are not softened at all by their round and big bellies.
I have to admit that I had access to Speed Vision but a long time ago I decided to avoid to watch my favorite show in a channel that constantly chops the race with commercials. So I watched the race on MotoGp only when I got back in Brooklyn, a couple of days ago. I already knew the final result but I must admit that I was impressed by the dynamic of the competition. Once again the tires, more than anything else, affected the race: all the Bridgestone guys were not totally comfortable with their rubber and Melandri more than everybody else: he was flying in the first part of the race and it looked that he could have battled for the podium, but then vibrations, lack of grip and proper feed-back forced him to slow down. Rossi had a slower bike, slower than the Ducatis, the Hondas and Hopper’s Suzuki but the Fiat-Yamaha jackass on french hooves seemed to follow the inputs of its rider perfectly in the twisty parts of the race track, so once Vale decided to overtake his competitors, he did it with a confidence and an authority that does not find equals in the rest of the circus.
He is the King of Mugello and the only one able to keep writing pages of epic racing over the years.
Today’s pole position in Spain was won with the heart, but Stoner is right there in 4th position and, once again, he seems to have the fastest race pace: to win, Rossi would need to pull a rabbit out of his hat for a second time … or better to find more of those carrots for his jackass like in Mugello.
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4 comments:
Rossi is still brilliant, and luckily he was able to show us that at Mugello.
In Barcelona, Dani Pedrosa was looking incredibly quick until he hopped off the bike at high speed in Friday practise. I wonder if he can challenge in the race, or if Hopkins can climb the top step...
Dani must feel the pressure from Honda since there are rumors that after failing to create the dream bike with which to win races and championship, he could be replaced next year. In Italy he was at his best constantly spinning the rear on the throttle and confortable with some heavy head-shake. His bike was faster than Rossi's one but still he could not match him on the brakes and in corner speed. Tomorrow he is going to race in front his people so he will give 110%. For Hopper, he is getting used to dice with the big boys in the most critical part of the race so I am sure that he has the opportunity for the top step he would fight boldly
Another amazing demonstration of riding by Valentino! We watched over and over as he pushed to the limit and over the limit, using incredible skill to maintain control. As in Italy when he had a heart on his helmet to show the Italian press that he still rides with his heart, he also rode that way in Spain! However, we must give credit to young Mr. Stoner. The Ducati certainly has great speed, but Casey, at 21 years, is riding with great maturity. He refused to crack no matter how much pressure Valentino applied.
Good marks also to Loris Capirossi for a sixth place finish after starting almost last. And how about John Hopkins? He is one of the fastest riders on the grid and the Suzuki/Bridgestone combination is getting stronger each race. The next races are on twistier tracks and may suit The Doctor. The season gets better!
Alex, I have been to Phoenix a few times myself and couldn't agree with you more!
johng
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