[rsheidler]

I am really impressed by Nicky's professionalism and maturity in early testing. He has not set the world on fire with his times, causing some to speculate that he is out of his league in MotoGP, but he is working very hard and is being very methodical in learning the tracks, learning the bike, and getting the setup -- seems like he realizes that races are not won or lost based on times in testing.



Given that he has less rain experience than his European and Japanese competition, it is probably an advantage to get so much rain at Jerez -- he was out riding all day yesterday, while everyone else stayed in where it was warm and dry. That work ethic and dedication will, I am sure, pay off in the long run. I personally do not have huge expectations of his setting the MotoGP world on fire his first season, but I think by 2004 he will be a real contender.

 

[rsheidler]

I hope for their sake that Kawasaki have been doing a lot of secret testing at some track hidden away from the press, but given the work that Ducati and Aprilia are doing, not to mention the continued refinement of the RCV and M1, my guess is that they will be totally our of the hunt.



I think EBoz has a great chance to kick his brother's ass in AMA though -- from what I hear they may both take on 600 supersport as well as Superbike, and both new 600s sound like they are big improvements from last year's versions.