My Predictions
Some good observations.
A couple of points of disagreement:
While development costs for MotoGP are huge by our standards, I don't believe they even show up in the rounding on Honda or Yamaha financial statements -- for that matter, Suzuki or Kawasaki either (not that those have much to show for what they have spent). It IS an issue for Ducati and Aprilia but Ducati at least have not done at all badly for their budget constraints!
Re Aprilia setting top speed records -- they did that at several tracks in 2002, but were usually well off the fastest radar trap speeds in 2003 and I see no reason for that to significantly change in 2004. So far, Ducati has the fastest speed, and at tracks where getting a good drive out of the corner leading into the main straight is more important, the Honda was usually fastest. This data are available on the official MotoGP site (www.motograndprix.tiscali.com).
With minor exceptions, tires have not been a big issue, and Rossi seems to be the master at managing his tires, so I think your prediction of his chunking tires is off-base.
My predictions:
Sete or Biaggi takes the title -- Colin as possible long shot.
Agree that Nicky will take at least one win.
Rossi will take several wins, and could dominate the 2nd half of the season.
Capi will take at least one win and will podium regularly. I pick Troy to take a win also, but I admit that is largely wishful thinking. He will at least challenge for the podium frequently.
Checa and Melandri will impress on the improved Yamaha
Nakano will seriously comtemplate Hari Kari as he observes the results of the M1 vs the Kawasaki (WTF was he thinking!)
Some good observations.
A couple of points of disagreement:
While development costs for MotoGP are huge by our standards, I don't believe they even show up in the rounding on Honda or Yamaha financial statements -- for that matter, Suzuki or Kawasaki either (not that those have much to show for what they have spent). It IS an issue for Ducati and Aprilia but Ducati at least have not done at all badly for their budget constraints!
Re Aprilia setting top speed records -- they did that at several tracks in 2002, but were usually well off the fastest radar trap speeds in 2003 and I see no reason for that to significantly change in 2004. So far, Ducati has the fastest speed, and at tracks where getting a good drive out of the corner leading into the main straight is more important, the Honda was usually fastest. This data are available on the official MotoGP site (www.motograndprix.tiscali.com).
With minor exceptions, tires have not been a big issue, and Rossi seems to be the master at managing his tires, so I think your prediction of his chunking tires is off-base.
My predictions:
Sete or Biaggi takes the title -- Colin as possible long shot.
Agree that Nicky will take at least one win.
Rossi will take several wins, and could dominate the 2nd half of the season.
Capi will take at least one win and will podium regularly. I pick Troy to take a win also, but I admit that is largely wishful thinking. He will at least challenge for the podium frequently.
Checa and Melandri will impress on the improved Yamaha
Nakano will seriously comtemplate Hari Kari as he observes the results of the M1 vs the Kawasaki (WTF was he thinking!)
