-schedules by stoppages to change tyres. There have been years of last-minute changes and re-changes to rules, and it's still going on now. We'll doubtless return to the topic. But the biggest problem with MotoGP bikes (apparently) is that they're just too fast. Somehow

bike which can win on and he can fight for the win, then I don’t see a reason why Valentino should change,” Brivio said.

, beyond saying: “It’s chassis setting rather than electronics. We haven’t made any changes to electronics this year.”

- have the biggest crowds of all.So why have the Spanish press and fans turned against their top rider? It's a huge change since they were mad about mild-mannered Alex Criville. Criville was very average for many years, though the Repsol sponsorship meant

NICKY HAYDEN finally made the engine switch he’s been waiting for all season – and got a surprise chassis package and an immediate change of fortunes along with it. On the first day of practice, with the Repsol Honda second fastest, his smile was a

directly to see Dr Ting, famed orthopaedic surgeon who numbers Lawson, Rainey, Doohan and others among past patients.Hopkins lost control as he changed direction after the fast right-hand kink on the section of the old circuit leading towards Ramshoek

Michelin no longer have the strangle-hold. Could Bridgestone capitalise?The most significant change over the winter has not been the reshuffle of a handful of riders and engineers. What has shifted is the balance of power. Once, Michelin held sway

of progress.Rossi turns down the charmHas anyone noticed how the perception of Rossi has changed? Once the laughing elfin charmer boogying with pure talent, since his brutal overtaking tactics and crushing personal clash with closest rival Sete Gibernau, more

-to-flag rules came last year. If the weather changed mid-race, instead of red-flagging for a restart riders would pit to change bikes. The race would go on. Ever since, everyone has been awaiting the first trial and Australia this year was it

, especially since the late-season news that, among a raft of other sweeping changes, the 250 class will be dropped in British racing from next year. It had already been dropped in Australia.Is this a bad thing? Definitely so, in the GP context. The 250s