We've had race discussions here before, but the devolved into the usual weirdness. I think videogame forum inhabitants aren't  the most well-adjusted groups around.

Oct 7, 2009 -- 3:14PM, Andrew wrote:

So... maybe this is a stupid idea?

Not really, but since there are many GP racing-related forums out there, you may as well do that than go a little OT here.

In anycase, watching Babera an DiMeglio fight it out was a lot of fun! Excellent race from both of them.

I read a that Stoner interview and just thought "typical Stoner" but then again I don't like him because of his interview skills or personality. I like him cause he's a lot of fun to watch race and the only guy who's worth anything on a Ducati. I think Nicky will get better too. Maybehe can finish strong (He got podium at Phillip Island last year) and with another off season of testing he might really come along. That would be excellent seeing 2 ducatis with the 2 Yamahas and 2 Hondas.

Oct 9, 2009 -- 2:16PM, Eugene wrote:

I wonder how Rossi would do on a Ducati.

OK I was waiting for someone else to bring this up so here goes.  If you go to Ducatinewstoday. com there is a two page article as to why that is going to happen.  So I don't even need to go into it really.  But I will say just this.  Yamaha forced Vale to sign a two year contract when he only wanted to do a one year contract.  JOrge LOrenzo gets to sign a YOU guessed it a one year deal.  Vale is pissed off and has a bitter taste in his mouth especially since he and Jerry Burgess made the M1 it is today and Jorge gets to benefit from all their efforts.  MAYBE not for long though cause this could be the thing that makes Vale want to go to Ducati.  He has also made comments this year about how exciting the prospect would be so that is another indication.  But How would he actually do on a Ducati?  Well just think of this.  THe Yamaha Sucked big time until Vale and Jerry got their hands on it.  The Ducati already won a WC with stoner so they are almost there.  Hayden's times and finishes got better with pretty much each race.  Vale would rule on it, also with the new engine rules and how the Yamaha lost power due to it the DUc will also have more power on tap.  The list goes on and on.  Plus Ago who at present is the greatest of all time finished his career on an MV agusta the oldest Italian brand,  And Rossi is chasing his total wins and also would like to finish on and Italian brand since he is Italian.  Oh I would love to see Vale on that bike. 

Oct 11, 2009 -- 4:49AM, The Logger wrote:

The Ducati is a monster that only Stoner can properly tame, ...

Not true at all, when Casey Stoner was absent, Nicky Hayden could take a podium, and when Stoner came back look where Hayden finished at Estoril, that's tells something fishy. Obvious Hayden did not get same parts as Mr. Stoner.

NOTE: Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, Noriyuki Haga, Michel Fabrizio and others definitely can ride a Ducati

Stoner is the only guy who can "consistently" perfrom well on the 800cc Duke, Hayden hasn't mastered it at all - yes he did well for a couple of races but now he's slipped backwards again, Capi couldn't get on with the 800 - he was good on the 990. As for Bayliss,Haga & Fabrizio - they're only any good on Superbike Ducati's & not MotoGp bikes, Bayliss struggled on the 990 & his win in Valencia came from nowhere, Haga's never been on a 800 & Fabrizio didn't exactly shine when he subbed for Kallio.

We'll see how the Yam does with a new rider on it when Spies gets on it at Valencia.

NOTE: You can't compare SBK Dukes or even 990cc MGP bikes to the latest 800cc MotoGp Dukes as they all "ride" differently.