MOTOGP » Gresini chasing 'Honda' tyres.

It's interesting that the comments by DeAngelis were higher up in the story than those from Nakano. The way these "stories" are written essentially is by posting a press release from the team or manufacturer. Customarily the faster rider on the day is mentioned first. Nakano beat DeAngelis in the race, too. Am I sensing some prejudice or favoritism towards young Alex on the part of the team here?

MOTOGP » Estoril MotoGP test times - Monday.

There's no way it's going to rain in China because the Chinese simply won't allow it. They've got an battery of rockets ready to shoot down rain clouds. Don't believe me? Check Yahoo news. Crash won't allow URL's to be posted. So things are looking bad for West and Vermeulen. Of course they could always seed the clouds to make it rain on any Tibet protest that might be planned on the grid. I for one am glad that the series is done in China after this race. Despite his recent woes, I think that Stoner is the guy to beat in China. The Yamahas will give him a battle while the Hondas will have trouble keeping up on the 2 long straights.

MOTOGP » Hopkins high, West low.

I'm glad West finally got the chance at a factory ride. Even if it doesn't work out at least he'll have had the shot. I've got to wonder how well he gets on with his crew, and what the communication is like. Still, there are better riders out there. Maybe not for the money Kaw is willing to pay, tho. Full marks to Hopkins on his result, I hope he can build on it. As the season progresses it looks like Hopper made the right choice in leaving Suzuki. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hayden alongside Hopper next season. That ought to ruffle Hoppers' feathers given the rivalry he feels with Hayden. Especially since Nicky would almost certainly command a higher salary.

MOTOGP » Hopkins high, West low.

Two more words: Chaz Davies

MOTOGP » Hopkins high, West low.

Three words: Roger Lee Hayden

MOTOGP » Hayden, Dovizioso defiant after falls.

If Pedrosa performed better at the very beginning then why didn't he win the championship in his first season? I've got to hand it to both of these guys for not just settling for 4th position, but for trying to fight for a podium. I don't think HRC is looking for somebody who will settle for 4th just to bring home points. It's a long season so don't be handing out the Repsol ride just yet. I agree that Hayden is gone if he doesn't win some races this season. Tech 3, maybe? China is going to be tough for Honda. Pedrosa goes well there, but the Yamaha's look to have more engine than the Honda's. I can't imagine that sits well with the bosses at HRC. Look for that pneumatic engine soon.

MOTOGP » Honda: No new engine.

I'm sure Max would disagree with you I remember reading an article where he was slagging Checa saying that Carlos relies upon Max for developing the bike and then just copies his setup! Of course, that bike didn't come into its own until Valentino and Jerry Burgess got hold of it. Having met Nicky I can tell you that just by looking at him one can see that he'd need to cut off a leg to lose 18 kilos. I do hope that Honda gets the pneumatic engine sorted out soon. Pedrosa is on fire and would be a hard man to beat with that motor. He wouldn't be forced to try and pass on the brakes, which is NOT his strong suit. Hayden is riding hard, I think he'll win races especially w/the new motor.

MOTOGP » Lorenzo takes triple pole glory!

It's still far too early to write anybody off, especially Casey Stoner. Things do indeed look grim for Ducati at the moment, though. But it's not like anybody who is on Bridgestones - excepting the amazing Dr. - is doing any better. It'll be interesting to see how Bridgestone responds to the resurgent Michelin brand. Aren't you glad Dorna didn't go to a spec tire? I am.

MOTOGP » Toseland: It's a podium bike.

While Vermeulen strikes me as a good rider and an enjoyable personality, it seems that he's approaching that point in his career where he needs consistently better results or he'll be on a downward arc. Last year's win at LeMans aside, of course. Vermeulen came from WSBK, so he ought not be surprised about JT's tough passes. And it's not like JT's picking only on him. Superbikeplanet.com had a podcast with Ronald Ten Kate last season where they asked him to rate both JT and Chris V. Ten Kate tabbed JT as the more talented rider. I'm glad to see him and Colin getting the pneumatic motor. The more riders competing for the podium, the better.

MOTOGP » Repsol Honda heads for 'that' track...

@ M M - I think there's a more rational explanation to Nicky looking forward to the pneumatic engine. We'll see at Estoril, but especially at Shanghai just how much more engine the Ducati's and Fiat Yamaha's have than the Honda's. The whole package is very important, and yes the spring-valved engine in the RC212 is no dog, but the '08 bike was designed to have the pneumatic engine in it. Development on that bike will really hit it's stride when the new motor becomes a part of the package. If there's one thing for certain, it's that you can't sit still in this game. I'm sure Pedrosa is just as anxious as Hayden to have the new engine.