posted Oct 20, 2008

"Listen to what I said, if you put Rossi/Sete/Casey on the RCV they would run at the sharp end, I didnt say win the title."

Sete was on a full-factory, HRC bike when he was at Gresini, not a customer spec bike. And Casey didn't have a great season on the RC211V....which was a great bike. And I though we were talking about whether or not a bike was a 'title winning bike' not a 'running at the front' bike?!

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posted Oct 20, 2008

Rossif - we're getting nowhere really. Take Rossi out and it's a title winning bike, well that means it is. Take Rossi out Dani wins, take Stoner out Dani wins, Take Stoner and Rossi out Dani wins.

Next year lets take out Dovi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Rossi and er Hayden <giggle> and low and behold Dani wins the title, O no he doesn't as the RCV isnt a title winning bike. Ok, sorry. Lets wait and see.

Sete - My apologies, although his meltdown in his last season would have me question wether he could still do it.

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posted Oct 20, 2008

"Rossif - we're getting nowhere really. Take Rossi out and it's a title winning bike, well that means it is. Take Rossi out Dani wins, take Stoner out Dani wins, Take Stoner and Rossi out Dani wins"

Not really, I think Rossi is unique in this equation. Take out Rossi and next season would be close between Dani, Dovi, Lorenzo and Stoner. Leave Rossi in and unless Honda or Ducati make a leap forward or Rossi gets injured then Rossi wins. To be a title winning bike with Rossi around you need an equipment advantage. Livio Supo said it himself - to beat Rossi they needed to do something different and it was to be on Bridgestone tyres when Rossi had Michelins. They didn't want to be on different tyres to Dani, Dovi, Lorenzo or anyone else. If Livio Supo can see it why can't you? Rossi is a unique factor.

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posted Oct 20, 2008

I do but at this point I must just give up.

Not wishing this season over but I pray for the new season already.

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posted Oct 20, 2008

Do you not think that Mr Burgess might just be as big a factor?

151 premier class wins after yesterday.

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posted Oct 20, 2008

"Do you not think that Mr Burgess might just be as big a factor?"

yes, absolutely, very good call

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posted Oct 20, 2008

Rossif - I agree that Rossi is the deciding factor.

Bringing me back to my original point, if Rossi can win on the RCV (whatever the configuration) then the problem most likely lies with the riders not the bike.

Re: "riding at the front".

RCV+Stoner/Sete - Competitive Front runners
RCV+Rossi - Title winning combination

PS: I didnt mean to suggest the RCV is the same bike with add-ons, I was speaking metaphorically, so on reflection I take your point and hereby request you strike those comments from the record

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posted Oct 20, 2008

"Bringing me back to my original point, if Rossi can win on the RCV (whatever the configuration) then the problem most likely lies with the riders not the bike."

I think we may be saying the same thing but coming at it from different ends! I think it harsh to say that not being as good as Rossi is a 'problem' for a rider as it would apply to all but a handful of riders in the whole history of racing! but on the other hand if there was another rider as good as Rossi then he could challenge for the title on the Honda....and since Rossi exists then it must be possible to be that good!

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posted Oct 21, 2008

The Ducati is a good example to use, is it a title winning bike? Yes it clearly is, but take Stoner away from the equation and what do we have? A capable bike, with an incapable rider in Melandri.

Dovi looks good, but alot of potential talent steps up only to fall at the first hurdle, I hope that is not the case and he does stay true to form, beating Pedrosa must be his first priority and become their No1 rider.

All of this means nothing though, until Rossi decides to hang up his gloves, I just cant see the RCV winning another title no matter what they do.

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posted Oct 22, 2008

I think a lot of people are missing a point.
Stop me if i`m wrong but, When Rossi was at Honda it was all fun and games best factory/ bike/rider/team etc. The yamaha were not the best by a a fair bit.
When Rossi left Honda he took with him one Mr. Jerry Burgess and a few more of the unsung gods behind the pit wall.
Is it no coincidence that when the man behind several world champions leaves with the worlds best rider that honda went a little bit backwards plus look at the way Honda treated Hayen this season that is no way to develop a bike now is it!!

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