The king is dead...long live the king

[julian]

I’ve been saying it for a while now…Stoner is faster than Rossi!!!! I know its sacrilege to say such things , I’d be better off saying I am a mate of Gary glitter and enjoy playing golf !! But……..I’m sorry folks he is, and for that matter so is Lorenzo…..
Last year Lorenzo beat Rossi on the same bike. I know Rossi got injured but none the less overall Lorenzo was quicker…..
Stoner is the man!!!! He became a world beater on a bike no one else could ride, yet everyone said it was the bike that made him look good!! He sat on a new bike and went faster than everyone else straight away .
Rossi sat on Stoners old bike and finished yesterday’s race in the bottom half…nuf said

For the record I love Rossi and his personality. Being half Italian myself I always support English/Italian riders/drivers on/in English/Italian machinery…so I do want him to do well…I just feel he’s had his day, but will be pleased if he proves me wrong
Meanwhile all hail the new king

[DynaMight]

I'm not so convinced. Stoner is clearly a good rider, but he won the championship on a MUCH better, than the rest Ducati, but struggled last year. All the Hondas are so strong this year (so far at least) what was it 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th? Pedro and Casey are in a different league.

I think Casey had a great first year on the Ducati when it was strongest, and looks like he'll have a great first year (well technically 2nd...) on the Hondas, which also look to be strongest.


To be fair, even if Rossi never wins another race, he'll still be G.O.A.T.

[deej]

wasnt rossis race time under last years race winning time and the laptimes quicker than what stoner did last year ? dount discount rossi when fully fit and a better undertsanding of the duke.

you cant argue that stoners quick,im just hoping hes too quick and crashes a lot, worryingly hes actually smiling and looking happy now

[Funky]

Stoner tends to get off to a good start and then the pressure tells and he gets poorly sick. I'll agree he is quick, but he crashes too much and is a bit weak mentally.

He won the title on a bike that was better than the rest and so developed for him that no one else could ride it.

I agree Rossi has had his day, probably hence the move to Ducati to give lots of people what they want and reap a massive pay day.

For me the best rider out there is Lorenzo, he looks both fast and smooth. I think the tragedy in Japan and it affecting the Honda R&D department might show in later races.

Simoncelli is one to watch at the moment though.

I thought Crutchlow did well for his first race and missing a bit of finger.

[badgerKDD]

And don't count out Mr S. Pies, reckon he will do alright this year.

But my money is on Stoner and Lorenzo fighting for the title with Rossi making a charging comeback late in the season. If Pedrosa can sort out this arm pump business reckon he might be in with a chance this year too, the first part of Sundays race he was riding really well. Maybe this year will be the year for good racing rather than last years processions.

And agree with you on Crutchlow, Funky, good solid start and seems like he's taking it steady and is using this year as a learning year. Best of luck to him .