BRNO '07

by Mark Bracks

After having it their own way for so long, Michelin won't make the same mistake twice now that there is constant competition, and you can bet Honda and Yamaha won't do the same either. Maybe Michelin will be the big improvers while Honda, who will be supplying bikes to their satellite and privateer teams, may find the going a bit tougher; but rest assured they won't make two below average models in succession. It was interesting to see the Turkish F1 GP on the weekend with Honda bringing up the back of the grid. It shows they are doing it tough in more than just MotoGP. I'm sure the Honda hierarchy is not impressed with the current situation in any type of motorsport.

A study in braking: same place approaching turn five (note the pole), ten seconds apart

West...

Rossi

The same can be said of Yamaha as they improve the package. In the post race Brno test Yamaha evaluated a pneumatic valved engine. It will be interesting to see if they roll any out by the end of the year, and they will be supplying two teams again next year

Another major change was adapting to the 21-litre fuel limit. As the 800cc engines are revving in the vicinity of 18,000 rpm at the redline, more fuel is used and as such the management systems are telling the bike how much fuel will be delivered regulating the power. If an engine is using too much fuel then the computers compensate whenever the throttle is opened. We have seen it happen a couple of times this year, most notably when Stoner ran out of fuel soon after the chequered flag at the Dutch TT.

In a few days all eyes will be on Misano and this could be the most level playing field of the year. No one has been there before to race MotoGP but I hazard a guess the tyre companies have been to the track to run a computer analysis of the surface and try to get a heads up of what is needed.

The only one that has raced the track in its current configuration (running clockwise) is Ant West, who won the WSS race there a couple of months ago. That will no doubt be negated by late Friday afternoon as there is another one-hour session added starting at 1615 hrs. Also the tyre allocation has been increased because of the new track status.

We can only wonder what the first race in 14 years at Misano will be like as it is just down the road from Rossi's hometown and he has never raced a GP bike there. There will be thousands from Tavullia who will be making the eight kilometre walk to the track! It is going to be completely mental. But I'm sure there will be some unhappy memories for many in the paddock. The last time MotoGP was there in the days of the 500s, Wayne Rainey suffered his career ending injuries.

We think the "tall poppy syndrome" is big in Australia but after witnessing the vilification of Rossi over his supposed tax evasion the Italian press has to take the cake. His treatment at their hands has been nothing short of disgusting considering what he has done as a sportsman, and the man has yet to be proven guilty in a court of law. Every day after the accusing news broke there were reams of front page news documenting every little piece and some of the articles were gobsmackingly appalling. It's no wonder that he refused to conduct his usual afternoon press conferences.

It wasn't only him as many of the FIAT Yamaha personnel were also feeling the effects of the situation.

At one stage in the press room there was a virtual screaming match between the Italians 'for' and 'against' Rossi and it didn't need to be translated, such was the passion. He even appeared on Italian television to read a prepared statement -- an action that is normally reserved for heads of government, or the Pope!

Maybe he has been naíve but the people he probably pays a tidy sum to look after his finances should have some questions to answer. It certainly put in perspective the rumour mill that is a GP paddock. The vitriolic attack on Rossi is simply abysmal and it will be very interesting to see his dealings with the Italian press (and the press in general) when all this simmers down.

MotoGP is definitely popular in the Czech Nek (correct spelling guys!) of the woods. Last year there were over 85,000 people at Brno. This year, with 141,632 fans streaming through the gates, it one of the biggest one day attendances for any sport anywhere (outside America of course with its NASCAR racing). Included in the figure were over 30,000 Hungarians who made the trek to cheer on the 125cc title contender and ex-boxer Gabor Talmacsi!

250cc pilot Karel Abraham has a dad we all wish for -- he owns the Brno circuit, so it's not a bad back yard for him to play in! His dad also owns the Cardion company that promoted the event. For those that are interested, it's a company that produces cardiac products.

While on 250s, the Sunday morning warm-up accident involving Marco Simoncelli and Taro Sekiguchi was astounding. Watching it happen live made your heart skip a beat.

Hopkins

The entire paddock stopped as we watched an unconscious Sakiguchi slide down the Brno bitumen. We all waited anxiously for word to come through that he was OK -- a bit beaten up but considering the severity of the get-off, his injuries of a broken pelvis, ribs and concussion are remarkable and a great advertisement for the safety gear riders wear.

Many riders felt for the young Japanese in the lack of time he had to take evasive action. It is a common thought with some riders that if they see dust it means the bike and rider are off the track so they keep their head down and keep it pinned. Well they used to until abut two minutes left of the warm-up session.

The rider merry go round is getting closer to finalisation. James Toseland was announced as one of the new riders for the Tech 3 team next year with many waiting to see who will be beside him. Although nothing official has been announced from Yamaha, Colin Edwards will have the ride.

It's a pity for Guintoli as he has definitely done nothing wrong this year. He has constantly out-ridden his more experienced team mate, he puts in consistent lap times, has even led a race and managed to top the time sheets -- albeit with a qualifier, but it's now in the records books. The only downside to his year was the horrific incident with Alex Hofmann at Laguna. There are many that hope the likeable lad finds a place somewhere on the MotoGP grid

There are still a few questions to be answered. As I stated way back in June Ten Kate won't be coming after Ronald and Gerrit. Ten Kate couldn't agree with Honda on certain aspects of the proposed move as understandably they want to work on the engines -- which is against current Honda policy.

So De Puniet has finally announced he is going to Cecchinello's team. Where does that leave Checa? He has had more moves than Grace Removals so I'm sure he might pop his head up somewhere -- it might be even in SBK because he impressed at the Suzuka 8 hour and he was very impressed with the bike. The latest paddock rumour is he will take Toseland's spot in the Ten Kate team.

It's still undecided who will be in the Gresini team next year but the only other certainty in the Honda line-up is Hayden, who signed a two year deal at Motegi last year. As nothing official has been released by them at this stage it is expected that Pedrosa will be staying where he is.

Capirossi was offered a ride with Ducati -- albeit in the D'Antin team so he upped stakes and has moved to Suzuki for at least 2008 with an option. He stated that he is as keen as ever to win and on Suzuki he should give it a good shake because one inspiration will be beating the Ducatis.

D'Antin is still undecided although Luis has said he would like to keep both riders but there are plenty of others waiting in the wings including De Angelis and Dovizioso who are also talking to Gresini.

Kawasaki said at Brno the final decision will be announced at Misano. Westy has the inside running but a late bolter for the spot is evidently Shinya Nakano. That would be right out of left field considering how well Westy has done but it's still a Japanese team and maybe they want Shinya on it, seeing he performed pretty well for them in the past. Maybe it could even be a three rider team. Stranger things have happened.

Jorge Lorenzo had a few laps on the M1 at Almeria during the summer break and it looks as though after all the conjecture he will be alongside Rossi next year.

No doubt there will be more additions by the end of the weekend in Misano.

At least we know this year there have been more 'maybes' than a Buddy Holly song!

Hoo roo!

Stoner: will he be the first rider to win 13 races in a season?

Elias: elbows next