posted Aug 19, 2008

I am by no way writing off Stoner when I ponder who will be on the other Ducati next year. I doubt that whoever gets on the other Ducati next year will be in Stoner's league. Stoner is a great racer and as I have said on numerous occasions he is the main competition for Rossi out there.Without Stoner, especially with the currennt Mitchelin crisis, we would be watching Rossi race around on his own. I do believe Stoner has felt the pressure with Rossi up his backside recently. That does not mean that he will not get it together, it might even force him to focus even more. There is no way that anyone can write off Stoner. In Catalunyna 2007 Rossi did not come off the bike, he came second, on a far inferior bike with inferior tyres. Its not really comparable. Its Stoner coming off thats making me think he's feeling pressure. If he had of stayed on and came second on Sunday I wouldn't think he was feeling pressure. Anyway, to say that he is feeling pressure now, does not mean that he is a write off for the rest of the season or for 2009. There is every chance that he will get it together and keep fighting.

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posted Aug 19, 2008

I thought Melandri did very well finishing 7th! I wonder if his problem is only psychological and it is competing with Stoner. Once Casey was gone, Marco went a lot faster and did a good race. I wish him to finish the season well and start afresh next season.

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posted Aug 19, 2008

The top 8 riders were on Bridgestones I believe and 2 seconds ahead of the nearest Michelin from last Bridgestone.

This paints into perspective Melandri's finish, still a lot to do I'm afraid

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posted Aug 19, 2008

SO is it fair to say that Michelin are performing just as well as they have in previous years when they were winning, but Bridgestone are just superior? Or have Michelin gone backwards and are performing worse than say 2006?
And if so, how can your tyre be worse, if you have a proven success record at the same track?

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posted Aug 19, 2008

Amen

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posted Aug 20, 2008

jet - not sure quite where ur coming from but(not a criticism)...

I believe Michelin have improved over the years certainly but not as far as Bridgestone. Sorry to say it but the Rossi factor and their qualifiers have done a lot to mask any problems in those years(to a degree).
I also believe that due to the change in tyre allocation,bikes and power delivery etc that Michelin have failed to improve enough and indeed 2006 isn't a fair reflection on 2008. This would explain the "worse" scenario.

The fact is that Bridestone have been slowly getting better year on year to the point that they now eclipse Michelin. We can see that in wins they started to take in the past "4" years. Slowly winning at tracks not renowned as Michelins stomping grounds, Far East with the odd one or 2 thrown in were temperature has had a dramatic effect - Laguna and Brno more recently. Plus the odd heads up track that were once known as Michelin strong points (Spanish tracks last year). Add geographical advantage into the equation, pre tyre allocation, Michelin have managed to hide their failings.

2007 gave an inclining at what was to come but Stoner on his own didn't quite tip everyones hat(apart from Rossi it would appear) to it as other factors were in play - talent/bike etc.
Now with the 2 most dominant riders on the same rubber we are seeing the vast gap that there is. Simply put I think Marco like earlier in the Far East is benefitting from other factors than his ability - which I'm not questioning in the bigger picture but certainly isn't up to a top 10 finish without some additional help(Laguna/Brno).

Add to this injuries to the top 2 Michelin riders and the picture is distrorted even more in Bridgestone favour. Sorry - ur going to tell me about classes and sucking eggs arn't you!?

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posted Aug 20, 2008

Ian - I just couldnt fathom how the most succesful tyre manufacturer can suddenly drop off the radar so suddenly and be embarassed by a newcomer in such a short time. (new to winning consistently)

I would expect them to at least match 2006 success,but they seem to have gone backwards in laptimes, longevity etc.

But as you say, Rossi ability to overcome deficiencies in rubber with his uncanny ability has masked over the problems.

I cant see the problem going away anytime soon, unless they get a Rossi to ride for them. I am not in favour of single tyre rule either, they should fix the problem, same as Bdgstn had to do, give them an opportunity to enjoy their success.

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posted Aug 20, 2008

Get a Rossi to ride to them??!! Jet...you know there's only one Rossi!

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posted Aug 20, 2008

totally agree fellas, although in Lorenzo, I think they have such a man.

However, I don't believe anyone, incl. 46, could ride around the current Michelin problem.

Global warming and the selfish gene(evolution)!!!???
Michelin appear to have over specialised and as such their tyres are perfect for known conditions. Pre tyre rule, this worked in their favour.
Given the extremes we have seen in the last 2/3 races I think we can see where they have got it wrong. The B's wider working temps proving that specialisation like in nature isn't always the best recipe for survival.

I would like to think that Mugello may even the keel somewhat.

But in my view we are dealing with a micro dinosaur. Michelin need a shake up, heads must roll and new blood and new ideas come in.
David A - ur views?

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posted Aug 21, 2008

It is pretty obvious to me that mitchelin have lost their competative edge since loosing the F1 tyre contract.
Rossi recognised this,factor when his Mitchlins where not working very well last season, when trying to race stoner, who had grippier and mofre durable tyres with LOTS more horse power, this combo will nearly always win. That was proved last year.
I'm surprised no one else has recognised this factor, but there again i dont post here often...

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