Wayne Gardner blasts MotoGP

FORMER 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner has blasted MotoGP, its organisation and the racing stars, calling the series 'a disaster.'

Airing his forthright views on motorcycle racing's premier class, Gardner says he believes Dorna's rule changes, 800cc in particular, have made today's MotoGP action 'the most boring races of all the GP classes.'

Gardner believes MotoGP has been propped up by Valentino Rossi's popularity over the last few years, stating he thinks the charasmatic Italian must move to Ducati in 2011 to save the series.

'Emergency action is required to prevent MotoGP from becoming a thing of the past ... I think the only thing that can save it is if Rossi comes back and rides for Ducati.'

Tough words for Dorna, no doubt, but Gardner's rant doesn't stop there. The Australian, noted for his never-say-die attitude, believes modern MotoGP stars are not as resiliant as they used to be:

'I think there's a definite lack of commitment exhibited by a lot of the current crop,' said Gardner in his online column, continuing '...they lack the strength of character and real gutsiness and willingness to fight to the very end. These days, if they have a bruise on their big toe, they decide to race mid-pack. Where's that toughness gone?'

The 50-year-old goes on to say he believes today's MotoGP stars can only get results if the whole package is 100 per cent, saying they do not have the ability to 'modify their riding style and line selection to overcome mechanical shortcomings that evolve during every lap.'

What do you think? Is MotoGP and the people in it really as dire as Wayne Gardner believes?