[Ducati] What, no Stoner commentary?

[Peter Bonner]

Ok, as one of the chatterbox types, I barely got to see the race, much less
comment. It was monday nite, late, on the computer, when I saw the disaster.
Since that time, I have compleated helping the kids move to a new house,
which cost me more than a 1098R and my Hypermotard combined, and just got
home a couple hours ago realizing that next weekend will be the first one at
home in 5 weeks. (yay for a sunday ride coming up.....finally).

It was clear that Stoner just lost patience, and then I began to think of an
analogy, how many times, talented race horses require a stablemate that
provides a calming effect. Then I reflected back on a phone conversation
that took place with a friend in OZ who told me that in local Aussie news,
there had been a number of comments from Stoner on how Capirossi had
provided him with a great deal of useful knowledge. Yes, I know, a number of
folks laughed at the idea that Stoner could learn anything from Capirossi
who was slower, just like Keith Code obviously has nothing to teach fast
guys. But now, young Stoner is on his own, and Capirossi is showing a
continuing ability to adapt to the 800cc bikes.  Last year's team wasn't
broke, but they did "fix" it.  Will Stoner get back on track, or is this the
preview to his reversion of fast or silly? Am hoping that Jerez will merely
be the cold water in the face that gets him thinking back to what he learned
from Capirossi last year.

Melandri and the others? Don't think they have quite figured out how to use
the best electronics in the business, and so do not show speed yet.
Interesting that Marco had the fastest top speeds, but lousy lap times. That
indicates to me that he may be using a harder setting that provides ultimate
grip and power out of corners, instead of a softer setting that sacrifices a
bit of top speed for better traction control out of the corners with
resulting increase in corner speed. I do believe Melandri will improve by
the halfway point to where he will begin to climb into the top 5. Elias?
Sylvain?, not so likely to do anything like Alex Barros did on the satelite,
but perhaps better than Hoffman?

Like many others, I thought Melandri would come along faster on the bike,
but to his credit, he finished only one place behind Stoner at Jerez. Don't
see that Ducati brass can piss too much about that :-)  Would like to know
their thoughts on Capirossi's masterful ride............

Peter

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tony Pagliaroli" <ajpags at gmail.com>
To: "Ducati Owners Group" <ducati at ducati.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 8:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Ducati] What, no Stoner commentary?


> On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 7:40 PM, David Ill <ducdave at msn.com> wrote:
> > "I can't believe this last race silenced all the aficionados...surely
> > someone has some opinions on the race outside of Stoner, no?"
> >
> >  Not much to say, Stoner had a bad day (aside from setup issues)
> > this still doesn't change the fact that right now he is at his peak and
> > will continue to dominate MotoGP this year.
>
> Interesting commentary - I mean, when he wins, there's lots to say, so
> I'm surprised that there isn't more chatter about it.
>
> We'll see if he can dominate MotoGP this year, and also see if his
> confidence is rattled at all.  Much like basketball, this racing stuff
> is made of momentum.
>
> I think the fact that Rossi celebrated like he won speaks volumes
> about how he feels about this result.  Reminds me of when he first won
> on the Yamaha.  I had a conversation with someone off list, and I
> truly believe that if he can pull championships on 2 bike brands AND 2
> tire brands, his status is further elevated.
>
> I really wonder what it is about the Duc that makes it so good for
> Stoner, and not for Marco?
>
> Pags
>
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