https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2023/06/21/bradl-to-replace-rins-at-assen/458348. Not sure I’d be that upbeat about Lecuona and Bradl standing in. Andy
MotoGP website has just put up a short video interview with MM. Turns out the warm up crash at the Sachsenring did a bit more damage than a broken bone in his hand. Seems the commitment to race at Assen is more of a I’ll try but see where we go from Friday than I’m racing. The interviewer (BT Sport?) tried to draw him on 2024 but like drawing blood from a stone and would not be drawn, which I feel a little odd. No link I’m afraid, it's a paid for video. Andy
Just been reading the Miller/"stop moaning" follow up "No! Not in general. I was asked a following question after what I said in my statement [which was] about a mob of riders. It’s not only Marc, but then everyone wants to say that it was about Marc," began Miller. "What I said was also about Marc, but it was about a magnitude of riders, because it’s a lot at the moment. "I understand that he’s having a difficult moment and I understand that it’s not easy. "But for the sport, the health of the sport and the manufacturers, nobody wants to hear that all the time." MotoGP Assen: Jack Miller: “Nobody wants to hear riders complain, what I said was also about Marc Marquez” | MotoGP | News (crash.net)
We're 8 rounds in and i think i can safely say the new schedule this year is shit. Feels like youre missing out on something even though you get the sprint race tmrw.
You need to add a bit of meat to that statement as I don’t get it. Moto 2 and 3 get 3 goes at getting in to Q2, no change. MotoGP get 2 goes at getting in to Q2 and a free practice, lost a third go at Q2 and no FP4. Q1 & Q2 for all 3 classes, no change. MotoGP sprint race, big change and a big plus for me. Race day, shorter warm ups and 3 races, a small change. I don’t feel cheated we’ve lost MotoGP FP4 and longer warm ups, BAF Although all the manufacturers, teams and riders approved the schedule change, obviously the loss of set up time for MotoGP wasn’t fully anticipated. Tuff titty, it adds an uncertainty that IMO, adds interest. Andy
Lol cant add any more meat really apart from what Sylvain G said, i miss the BAF FP1 session Maybe they should have 3 x 40 minute sessions on day 1.....i honestly dont know it just feels all a bit crash bang wallop, we're done.
Cant help feel that Pedro's building while JD's gone at it from the off but an impressive couple of sessions without a doubt. I actually think he needs some bonkers luck now to break his duck (Acosta/Tony Arbs taking each other out or some such). Not saying hes not fast enough to win as he clearly is just think its gone on too long now and it must be playing a merry tune in his head every weekend.
Interesting to hear both "Gav" and Hodgy talking about his grandad "begging" him to retire. At least theres someone with some sense in that family.
There was some talk about an imminent tyre change to pirelli today but it seems its just for moto 2 and 3. Pirelli set to replace Dunlop as Moto2, Moto3 tyre supplier from 2024 (msn.com) (apologies its the only link i can find rn) Could have thrown the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons if it had included Moto GP too lol.
A kick in the teeth for Dunlop and it would seem, for making the tyres too good. Been listening to the BT commentary team say how good it would make the competition if the tyres weren’t so good, give riders the added dimension of preserving their tyres. Andy
MM93 Out of Assen race https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1029847/1/marc-marquez-withdraws-dutch-motogp
All the talk of riders moaning about shit bikes this week, Taka second fastest this morning. Now there’s someone you never hear a peep out of and people wonder why Honda keep him on lol.
Fair bit of moaning about Zarco’s aggression yesterday too. Oddly, the stewards didn’t see anything wrong Andy
