MOTOGP » Toseland 'backs up' the hype.

Two things could affect JT & Colin E’s chances - Roger Burnett commented a couple of days ago they need to keep their spring valve motor’s wound off to conserve fuel, and my suspicion they’re going to be tempted to burn out their tyres on other sections trying to offset lack of top speed down the 1Km+ straight. I really hope it ain’t so and I’d be chuffed to see ‘em on the podium, but with those problems anything above 8th will be superb and top 10 won’t be shodddy.

MOTOGP » Lorenzo: I really didn't expect this!

I don't think Lorenzo's being bashful or re-running a varient on the 'NO ONE expects the Spanish inquisition’ (mind, there’s a high proportion of Spanish riders doing well - says a lot about Biking’s profile in differing countries too (shoot those ‘Vision Zero’ loons asap)). He probably didn’t expect Suzuki to have gone off the pace, Hopper to be crippled, Honda to have F*d up engine development orRossi’s tyre woes. Result: Cos he’s good in his own right he reaps the benefit.

MOTOGP » Free practice times (1) - Qatar.

Yebbut tyres .... Easy to make a call that will soon look silly on this. Last year how did the balance go 2/3 of the poles to Michelin and 1/3 of the wins vice versa for Bridgestone? Michelin look to have upped their game but it’ll take a couple of races to untangle what’s actually going on on the tyre front.

MOTOGP » Crash.net's Qatar GP blog: Friday.

Its overkill to dismiss Tosland's M1 as a **** bike with his qualifying times. A podium on tracks he knows, particularly when conditions like poor grip due to rain etc even things up isn't unrealistic for a rider with his talent. I agreed regular podiums are a bit optimistic until he gets the new pneumatic engine 'tho.

MOTOGP » Free practice times (1) - Qatar.

There's a kind of widespread view the *only* reason Stoner won the championship is how superb the Ducati is & the reason Valle didn't win the title back was the Yam was utterly naff. Some question marks did Ducati shaft Barros (tho I doubt it ..) But on the same bike Marco & Loris who are by any standard are quite tidy riders haven't exactly dominated. Stoner won cos Stoner's good. If the M1 is sorted too it'll be a good season.

MOTOGP » Crash.net's Qatar GP blog: Friday.

[Damn wordcounter thingy] Was meant to end: If they succeed I’d be less than surprised if Ducati pulled out – embarrassing Honda and Dorna further

MOTOGP » Crash.net's Qatar GP blog: Friday.

And how *exactly* did changing the name of Ayers Rock to commemorate the comms officer on a fictional starship alter the hardness of the stone or invalidate the analogy? ; - ) Honda must be praying either condensation makes the track slippery giving Nicky a shot at it or else that their noxious little favourite collides with him before their lack of engine development further embarrasses the company. Sweet irony they’re the one’s who pushed for 800 rules expecting it would advantage them. Now they’re trying to corrupt the rules again to limit revs & cripple Ducati. May as well put up a neon sign admit they can’t compete with Ducati in MotoGP. If they succeed I’d be less than surpri

MOTOGP » EXCLUSIVE: Toseland's MotoGP strategy

I used to know a Hospital Ward Sister who told me 'When a relative asks how 'their' patient is I keep it basically accurate but always spin it toward the pessimistic side. If you're a fraction too optimistic and it doesn't come out that way people are really disappointed and upset and grumble you're useless. If you're pessimistic, when it comes out better they say either its great good luck or we're miracle workers'. I wonder where Mr Burnett met her