MOTOGP » Stoner credits electronic breakthrough

Bad news. I was beginning to doubt myself that maybe Stoner is potentially another Rossi and didn''t need traction control or a computer to help him win?

Seems I was wrong, and he''s just another great rider - with an ever better onboard ''PC'' installed and upgraded by Ducati.

Ban traction control and lets see, it''s the only way.

If he''s just as good without it, then fair do''s.

Enough with the electronics already. I want to see a battle between machinery and riders. If I wanted a battle between electronics I''ll go to a consumer electronics show. MotoGP is becoming what F1 was 15 years ago. What a pity.

Thought he didn't use them.........

Good to see Stoner has got the electronics sorted so he can go fast again. If he wins this weekend, he''ll make a good run at the championship in the 2nd half of the season. Don''t write him off just yet.

The thing is Grumpy, Rossi uses electronic aids as well. He doesn't need them to ride fast, no rider does but in most cases riders will go quicker with them on, Rossi and Stoner included, thats why they get used. The Yams have one of the best electronic packages out their this year and Rossi will use that to his full advantage. It's required to compete against everyone else as they are using them.

I agree with banning it though. FIA did it knows its FIM's turn.

I was at Donington today for both sessions, and watching all riders, Stoner was using ALOT of TC coming out of Coppice. Interestingly, so were Pedrosa, Edwards and JT, whereas Rossi and Lorenzo appeared to be using little or none. Regarding Rossi, he was clearly using his right hand as TC. Depending on who your favourite rider is, you can interpret all that as you like. (I've been following GPs since 1992, so I really don't give a damn. Hopefully I'll still be here long after all current riders have retired or racing is banned for environmental reasons).

Another observation - one of my fav viewing points is a Schwantz curve. Stoner's commitment through the corner was awesome to behold - one of the most extraordinary sights I have ever seen on track. Whatever you think of the guy, watching him today proved to me that he has major cojones. On the other hand Rossi through there, even on his last laps, was smooth as silk. As I said previously, you can interpret these observations as you wish.

The biggest benefit of the electronics is to extend tyre life. The riders can run a softer tyre, do better lap times and still have a tyre to ride on at the end. Without TC they CAN go fractions faster, but the tyres don't last .. nor does the fuel. Bike stability improves as well by the look of it!! It doesn't stop high sides .. as Lorenzo and Pedrosa can tell you, it doesn't stop wheelspin if the bike design is poor .. ask Ant West and Hopkins, it doesn't make the bike a Playstation toy .. ask Elias, Melandri and Guintoli. It doesn't take away from the riders need to be very skillful either, but it does make the bikes a little more forgiving.

Very pleased to read these well considered none derogatory comments
thank you
Philip

Vincent - I observed the same thing at Mugello as the riders were coming out of Poggio Secco. Pedrosa and Stoner were using loads of TC, I could quite clearly hear it cutting in and out under acceleration. You could see the effect it was having on the bikes too, the interruptions in power delivery causing the rear to compress and get out of shape. Rossi, on the other hand was incredibly smooth, as you say it was clear he was using his right hand.