MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

Stoner was never going to get preferential treatment on a satellite bike. Rossi would get everything he requested. Not really equal turf. Stoner's issue was the Michelin front and despite repeated requests he wasn't given the tyre he wanted. The Bridgestone gave him what he wanted and the proof is in the pudding. Yes they are easier to ride around a track but that extra 5% a lap is what seperates the greats from the also rans. I could probably match Schuey's times but i couldn't get anywhere near even Malandris times. If they were still on 500's i'm tipping it'd be the same faces on the podium week in week out. My comments are all thought through thank you very much sir.

MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

As for JB he is renowned for his ability to break down a bike into it's simplest form and systematically iron out handling issues to maximize set up for the conditions. Other mechanics/engineers can get bogged down in the complexity of the situation and further complicate the issue. JB believes the issues are the same no matter what bike. He has said that there was nothing particularly wrong with the 2004 Yam, although not to the level of the Honda it was still a good bike. Set up come race day is just as important as an extra 5 or 10hp.

MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

Yesteryear will always be remembered with great fondness. Who's to say that in 15 years time we won't be talking about the great battles between Rossi and Stoner and Jorge and Dani? The 500's of that era were raw and fierce machines no doubt, but it is no easier to run at the front nowdays as it was back then. These are the best riders in the world and to beat them takes great skill. The electronics make them faster but they don't make them corner and they don't keep them on the black stuff. To suggest otherwise is a discredit to Rossi's achievements also. Stoner didn't develop the Duc as much as Rossi didn't develop the Yamaha in 2004. They worked with what they had.

MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

Raw Dawg I never stated that Schwantz is not one of the greats. In fact i stated that he was. I agree with all you say and as I said his crashes were mostly due to having to push his bike beyond it's capabilities. For the record Schwantz was my favourite rider of the early nineties as he had personality to boot and was sensational to watch. What i was inferring is the 'crasher' label that is cast on Stoner is unfounded as he showed last year he had plenty of speed. He was on inferior machinery to the front runners and had no confidence in his front tyre, and usually crashed whilst somewhere up the pointy end trying to ride above the capabilities of his bike.... quite similar to Schwantz.

MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

Oh yeah Schwantz was also labelled a crasher in his day - pushing his bike over the limit to keep up and get ahead of Rainey et al. Yet he is considered one of the all time greats.... with only one championship also! Rossi has talent by the bucket load and for Casey to race with him - even if he gets beaten - should be applauded. Without the likes of Casey, Dani and Jorge we'd be watching Rossi cruise to victory each week.... how many would like to see that?

MOTOGP » Stoner cools Rossi row.

Wolfpac and Kwacka, some facts for you. Rossi crashed just as many times as Casey in his first season. Rossi was then and has always been on a factory bike with JB and crew in his corner. Casey took pole in only his second race in the premier class on a satellite bike. Casey in his first season on a factory bike won the title. We're all entitled to our opinions but to write him off as a no talent rider who's bike is winning races for him is naive at best. Anyone who has ridden a bike on a track would understand that it's not the bike that's the essential ingredient to being fast, it's the size of your kahunas.

F1 » Speed reflects on short F1 career.

I'd be over the moon if i had 28 races in Formula 1... even a test would live with you forever.

MOTOGP » Gibernau piles on more Ducati miles.

If Sete''s the only rider other than Casey that can go quick on the Duke then give the man a ride! He can only get faster....

F1 » Webber hits out at safety car rules.

Mr Awake you forgot to insert sarcasm before reading my post. Relying on a safety car is a rediculous "strategy" and that's what i was inferring.

MOTOGP » Burgess defends Rossi's overtaking.

Poor sportsmanship after the race - yes. Young and immature - yes. Old enough to know better and behave appropriately - yes. Great rider - yes. The only rider taking it to His Holyness Rossi - yes.