I used to follow people on the Twitter... don't have time for it.
MotoGP 2014
- Thread starter ZX600
- Start date
I used to follow people on the Twitter... don't have time for it.
So does taking out your own team mate in Sepang.
Yep. So we are in agreement: both team orders and taking out your team mate in Sepang sucks. Let's try not to have anymore of either in the future!
:thumbup:
GixxerL2
Well-known member
I think Guintoli won it fair and square despite the BS team order and Sykes - Baz incident. Sykes should not mention the Sepang incident in the interview. I have to agree with Baz, Sykes didn't respect him. It's racing so anybody can make mistakes, even Marquez made one when he hit Iannone in the last race (practice session).
I don't like the way Sykes talked about Baz, also don't like the way Stoner talked to Rossi after he took out Stoner. I really admire Rossi, Marquez and Ricciardo (Red Bull F1); they all have nice personalities and very down to earth.
I don't like the way Sykes talked about Baz, also don't like the way Stoner talked to Rossi after he took out Stoner. I really admire Rossi, Marquez and Ricciardo (Red Bull F1); they all have nice personalities and very down to earth.
sid_for_speed
Well-known member
Well, Baz was already leaving the Kawasaki WSBK team at the end of the season. He's in motoGP next season.
Re: Team Orders. As much as people like to say "racing is racing" and "team orders suck and ruin the race" and all that crap, they're ignoring the business and politics of racing. We don't see that much at a regional or even national level in Canada but it exists. Baz and Sykes ride for Kawasaki, Sykes is the defending champ and was in a position to challenge for the championship again this year. What matters more to the factory team? Winning a world championship, rewarding the sponsors, etc, but deploying team orders? Or letting their boys race their race and forfeiting the championship?
In the end the team orders didn't make much of a difference. Sykes lost 4 points because Baz ignored orders and Guintoli lost 5 points because Melandri ignored team orders. Baz taking out Sykes in Sepang likely cost him 16-20 points. That's where the real bad blood comes from.
I understand the business and politics of racing and the advertising and revenue ramifications of winning a championship, but as a fan, I want to see the best racer win and not have riders throw a race for the sake of their team mate's championship bid.
Because in the end, after all the 2015 ZX10Rs and RSV4RRs are sold, the trophy and the record books will forever read Guintoli, not Guintoli & Melandri or Sykes & Baz.
lol, awesome way to put it
Valencia Pre-Race press conference is on its way up: MotoGP 2014 Round 18 - Pre-Race Press Conference (plus extras) - Valencia 720p
The best guy doesn't always win for many reasons that aren't as evident as team orders.
You could even look at riders relationships with their teammates as an important part of their skillsets, so if they lose or gain points because of team orders then maybe they deserve to.
Of course that is what the fans want to see!
Also, I would add the the trophies would read Guintoli - Aprilia or Sykes - Kawasaki. If you watch a race with good commentary they will often talk about the past success or failures of certain manufacturers. At an elite world championship level team orders are a part of the game. You can bet that any other team considering giving a ride to Baz or Melandri would now be well aware of their attitudes towards team orders.
Melandri was on a tear the second half of the season. If I was looking to hire a rider, I'd probably overlook him not obeying team orders if I felt he could bring home a championship - which if he stays in WSBK, he most likely could.
Melandri is going to the Aprilia MotoGP team next season. Consequently, I think their WSBK effort is going to be scaled back.
SweetOnion
Well-known member
Well, Indianapolis MotoGp tickets just went on sale, everybody. I didn't renew, attempted instead to move over 1 section. Had to go 2, (20 seats over instead of 10) no big deal... B Penthouse 23. See y'all down there. 
