MOTOGP: Dorna announce cost cutting measures
It's back to basics (sort of) for motorcycle racing's premier class
ELECTRONIC RIDING aids will be limited and the amount of practice time will be cut in an official move to try and curb spiralling MotoGP costs.
The Grand Prix Commission met yesterday (Wednesday) to decide the immediate future of the championship and came up with a range of rule changes which will take immediate affect, ahead of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.
The Friday morning free practice sessions for all classes have been removed and all MotoGP practice sessions (including qualifying) have been reduced from an hour to 45 minutes in length. But the biggest surprise is that the various electronic and hydraulic launch control systems and electronic suspension systems have been banned, so it's back to basics for the best riders in the world.
Also, for the eight 2009 MotoGP World Championship races which follow the summer break each MotoGP rider will be restricted to the use of a maximum of five engines until the end of the season.
Friday
13:05-13:45 125cc Free Practice 1
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Free Practice 1
15:05-15:50 250cc Free Practice 1
Saturday
09:05-09:45 125cc Free Practice 2
10:05-10:50 MotoGP Free Practice 2
11:05-11:50 250cc Free Practice 2
13:05-13:45 125cc Qualifying Practice
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Qualifying Practice
15:05-15:50 250cc Qualifying Practice
Sunday
08:40-09:00 125cc Warm Up
09:10-09:30 250cc Warm Up
09:40-10:00 MotoGP Warm Up
11:00 125cc Race
12:15 250cc Race
14:00 MotoGP Race
2. From Czech GP, maximum 5 engines can be used in 8 races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance.
3. Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brakes disc or pads.
4. Launch control system is not permitted.
5. Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.
6. Only 2 post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted
Discuss this story
Hmm, I noticed that it says launch and suspension control. Nothing about traction control though so maybe thats still allowed? Bet the factories are pleased having spent loads on those systems in the close season no doubt lol.
Posted: 19/02/2009 at 15:48
Bye bye stoner  haha get rid of TC and then lets see who does well!!
Posted: 19/02/2009 at 15:58
<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\  {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\ {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\ {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> Have to say I don't get the Stoner Knocking. Yeah he's not the most personable bloke in the world but so what, and in spite of the TC jibes there is no doubting he is a very talented rider and the only one who can make the Duke work. Fair play to him I say. Foggy wasn't my cup of tea off the track but my god he was entertaining in a race! I'd like Nicky to win again, nice bloke, very skilful and don't spit the dummy even when Honda blatantly favoured his team mate. Can't see it happening though.
Posted: 19/02/2009 at 16:38
Stoner had a reputation for being a crasher throughout his career (and last year), I'd like to know how often the TC saved him from his own hamfistedness in 2007. Maybe this coming year we'll get an idea.
Posted: 19/02/2009 at 19:40
Stoner had a reputation for being a crasher throughout his career (and last year), I'd like to know how often the TC saved him from his own hamfistedness in 2007. Maybe this coming year we'll get an idea.
Maybe not. As I said there's no mention of a ban on TC from what I've read, just launch and suspension
Posted: 20/02/2009 at 10:50
although cuntface stoner is a talented rider, if TC was banned alltogether (i think ) personally he would not be pissing off in front as he has done a many races over the last couple of years I also dont think you would see more than 2 race winners all season if they were to ban TC all together Very interesting rule changes though, what do they mean by ceramic brakes, does that mean they will be going back to conventional steel ones?
Posted: 20/02/2009 at 10:56
How much of an impact on costs will reducing the amount of practice time have? Given that they are already there on site anyway. It strikes me that this saves a few pennies only, but reduces the spectacle for the fans.
Posted: 20/02/2009 at 11:09
How much of an impact on costs will reducing the amount of practice time have? Given that they are already there on site anyway. It strikes me that this saves a few pennies only, but reduces the spectacle for the fans.
aparently one of the biggest costs is the price of engine rebuilds, and so if they are doing 1hr 45 mins less every gp that adds up to millions so they say
Posted: 20/02/2009 at 11:14
Stoner had a reputation for being a crasher throughout his career (and last year), I'd like to know how often the TC saved him from his own hamfistedness in 2007. Maybe this coming year we'll get an idea.
To be fair most of the crashes he had the year before he joined Doocati were front end wash outs - as soon as he got a sticky front Bridgestone under him he stayed upright more often.
Posted: 20/02/2009 at 20:50
Motogp gets rid of electronic aids, decent brakes and practice sessions in addition to 800 cc and a fuel restrictions. Is this the new supersport class we have been hearing so much about?
Posted: 22/02/2009 at 18:35
The move to ban electronic rider aids is presumably in a bid not only to cut costs, but to help the smaller teams and attract privateers. I can't see that happening to be honest, and the new regs are unlikely to make a big impact on costs for the rest. It will be interesting, however to see who has been most reliant on rider aids. Like most, I'm expecting Rossi to benefit the most, but I reckon Stoner will cope okay too. But where will Pedrosa end up at the end of the season. I reckon Hayden will make a mockery of him.
Posted: 22/02/2009 at 18:53
Hang on guys, what's with all the Stoner bashing? Sure he spits him dummy from time to time but he's a brilliant racer and still only a kid who sometimes displays a kid's lack of control over his temper and moods.
Also, read the copy, it doesn't say anything about traction control. In any case, Stoner would be just as competitive without traction control as he is with it. Fat Boy Tim, if "cuntface" is the best you can manage to describe a world chamption rider of enormous talent, please keep your offensive language to yourself.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 15:41
It's all a bit grim when these sort of measures are introduced, but the will to win remains the same for those competing and so I'm sure new technolgy will emerge as a result. If the manufacturers are not using Moto GP to develop new stuff then why would they bother going? As for all this anti-Stoner stuff, I despair!
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:02
he's a brilliant racer
Still a cunt, though.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:13
In any case, Stoner would be just as competitive without traction control as he is with it.
No. He wouldn't be.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:19
To be fair most of the crashes he had the year before he joined Doocati were front end wash outs - as soon as he got a sticky front Bridgestone under him he stayed upright more often.
Maybe, but he still did a good job of making it look not very sticky in 2008.
As for the comments about anti-Stoner stuff, the guy has done nothing to make him appeal to the fans out there. Nobody's disputing he has talent, but personality is needed too nowadays. That may not always have been the case, but it's what the sponsors and fans really want, after Rossi raised the stakes in this part of the game as well.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:24
he's a brilliant racer
Still a cunt, though.
Mmmm. Think you need to spend some time improving your vocabulary.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:28
Mmmm. Think you need to spend some time improving your vocabulary. I guess I'm old fashioned in that I like the idea of removing electronic aids and I dislike the need for other correspondents to use foul language in print. It seems to me the need to use that language undermines the value of their opinion since it's a good indication of their level of intelligence.
Guys, before you get on your high horses, the comment form Alan is a running joke on here and ironically used as a term of endearment. It's the internet and a forum, you might need to grow a slightly thicker skin.
Btw Tony, this forum is virtual and therefore not in print, please don't pass comment on others intelligence until you get your own in order.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 16:50
From Crash.net - an example of Stoner's continuous moaning, as indicated by Rossi himself and a great example of why he isn't loved by the fans, backing up Loon's point... “Stoner is already very fast. I think that to make this lap time he doesn't have a lot of pain, because if you have a lot of pain and you make this lap time then without pain he could maybe be one and a half seconds faster!” said the Italian. “I don't think that is the reality,” Also, from Crash.net, an example, again from a very good source, of what electronic aids can do to enhance certain riders abilities. Basically, papering over the cracks......
“Stoner has been a bit of a surprise since 2007, because before in his career he did not make a lot of great results. But now I think he is my toughest rival,” Rossi repeated.
Nobody questions Stoner's ability to ride fast. I think people don't love him because he always looks like he's got the stench of sh*t under his nose and the fact that Electronic aids have allowed him to achieve somehing that perhaps, he wouldn't have been able to achieve without, which was becoming a World Champion. His previous results in the lower classes certainly wouldn't help him argue against that point. His distinct lack of respect for his rivals is also something that alienates him even more from fans who have respect for all of the riders and their willingness to put their lives on the line for our entertainment.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 17:04
Why do so many people attribute Stoner's success to electronic aids? Is he the only guy with them? It's just the way it is Rossi is one of if not the greatest of all time and he's a brilliant showman and PR guy. He also loves what he does and the politics of it all. Casey just isn't so appealing as a character. He's also on record as saying he does not enjoy the circus that surrounds them. As for a running joke, well it might be on this forum and no harm if it is. But without doubt the people who have publicly booed him and so on in front of the worlds tv audiences are a disgrace and an embarrassment to us all
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 17:44
If it wasnt stoner you Rossi tossers would just villify some other rider. Pedrosa before that. Reckon the world boils down in to two types, those that idolise sports personalities and hate any rival on principal...and those that dont.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 18:59
Dunno where you guys make this stuff up from, is there some kind of womens magazine devoted to gossiping about Rossi and his *evil* rivals? If Rossi wins its because he's a geinius, if anyone else wins its because they had a unfairly faster bike, or traction control or...whatever.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 19:21
Nothing wrong with my vocabulary, I come from Surrey, don't you know. Cheers Loon. Why do so many people attribute Stoner's success to electronic aids? Is he the only guy with them?
He's the only person who improved dramatically since the advent of traction control. . The fact that Rossi is loved by so many people must say something to you sceptics. If he came last every race I'd still love him. Because, above all else, he looks like he absolutely loves racing. Stoner, on the other hand, has won one championship and thinks everyone should bow down to him. This is probably not true, but that's certainly how it comes across on the telly. I vote Rossi.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 21:55
WHy is it a vote??? Its a bloody race, not a popularity competition.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:00
Dunno where you guys make this stuff up from, is there some kind of womens magazine devoted to gossiping about Rossi and his *evil* rivals? If Rossi wins its because he's a geinius, if anyone else wins its because they had a unfairly faster bike, or traction control or...whatever.
Look at the telemetry on the throttle at Laguna Seca and you'll see thst Stoner more or less had two sets of data, full whack and none, whereas Rossi was feathering the throttle, which demonstrates a good feel for the bike IMO. I don't think anyone's said the other riders are "evil", just that everyone has favourites and Rossi has done a brilliant job of selling his image to them. WHy is it a vote??? Its a bloody race, not a popularity competition.
Actually, it is. Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki want people to buy their bikes, so they are desperate for it to win and be popular at the same time. As the rider is an intrinsic part of their marketing campaigns, then they want a high profile popular rider more often than not.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:05
Dunno where you guys make this stuff up from, is there some kind of womens magazine devoted to gossiping about Rossi and his *evil* rivals? If Rossi wins its because he's a geinius, if anyone else wins its because they had a unfairly faster bike, or traction control or...whatever.
Look at the telemetry on the throttle at Laguna Seca and you'll see thst Stoner more or less had two sets of data, full whack and none, whereas Rossi was feathering the throttle, which demonstrates a good feel for the bike IMO. I don't think anyone's said the other riders are "evil", just that everyone has favourites and Rossi has done a brilliant job of selling his image to them. WHy is it a vote??? Its a bloody race, not a popularity competition.
Actually, it is. Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki want people to buy their bikes, so they are desperate for it to win and be popular at the same time. As the rider is an intrinsic part of their marketing campaigns, then they want a high profile popular rider more often than not.
Is the right answer. Why does Rossi get such a (comparatively) huge salary? Because HE sells bikes. Why does he sell bikes? Because he has talent and personality.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:13
"Actually, it is. Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki want people to buy their bikes, so they are deperate for to win and be popular at the same time. As the rider is an intrinsic part of their marketing campaigns, then they want a high profile popular rider more often than not." So why isnt the R1 the most popular litre bike in Britain, last time I read the stats the fireblade is the top seller. Rossi is an over hyped marketing engine most relevant to people that are only vaguely interested in actual motorcycle racing. He is a women magazine celebrity.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:15
So why isnt the R1 the most popular litre bike in Britain, last time I read the stats the fireblade is the top seller. Rossi is an over hyped marketing engine most relevant to people that are only vaguely interested in actual motorcycle racing. He is a women magazine celebrity.
Worldwide stats are what matter,as MotoGP isn't limited Britain (I've no idea what the figures are btw, so may have shot myself in the foot). Other Yamaha models are also available too, all of which come with added Rossi factor.
Interesting last few comments you've made about Rossi and women's mags. Have you spotted the irony in this yet?
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:18
"Actually, it is. Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki want people to buy their bikes, so they are deperate for to win and be popular at the same time. As the rider is an intrinsic part of their marketing campaigns, then they want a high profile popular rider more often than not." So why isnt the R1 the most popular litre bike in Britain, last time I read the stats the fireblade is the top seller. Rossi is an over hyped marketing engine most relevant to people that are only vaguely interested in actual motorcycle racing. He is a women magazine celebrity.
Why isn't MotoGP the most popular motorcycle sport in Britain either?
Your argument is irrelevant when looked at in the wider context. As Loon pointed out all Yamaha's have a certain amount of the Rossi influence. Why else would Ferrari be interested in the guy FFS? He sells stuff. And so what if he is a celebrity? At the very least he's earned his right to that status through all the hard graft he, and his family, put in in the lesser classes. He was world champion long before he got into the premier class.
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:26
Interesting last few comments you've made about Rossi and women's mags. Have you spotted the irony in this yet? Nope, dont tell me he is IS in womens mags?
Posted: 24/02/2009 at 22:27
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