BRACKSY - OUR MAN IN MOTOGP
by Mark Bracks
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Like Troy McClure on The Simpsons, you may have heard of me from my association with AMCN, but for those that don't, I'm basically an Aussie who was mad enough to think that he could turn his passion for bikes into a job.
After doing the pitlane commentary for the Australian rounds of MotoGP and Superbikes, I was lucky enough to be invited to join the MotoGP seasonal circus. Now, after many years of chasing the dream, I find myself a pit lane commentator for MotoGP -- to me the best of all possible jobs.2007 is my second year on the circuit. Living in Barcelona between races. This year I managed to get home to Australia for a lovely summer in the best country in the world, before flying straight to Qatar for the first race of the season.
While I was back home I was able to catch up with a few of my mates including Borrie, who has invited me to be a part of BIKE ME! - so here I am.
2007 SEASON
I thought we had seen the best racing ever last year. But after the new 800s'pre-season testing and the Qatar round, I reckon this year is going to the most intensely fought and exciting season ever seen.My tip for the 2007 champ? You'd have to be a mug to go past Rossi. After he cracked under the pressure last year, he will be keener than a virgin in Patpong to regain his crown.
2007 will see more challengers stepping up to the plate than at any time since the golden days of the 1980s and early 90s when those marvellous yanks Schwantz, Rainey, Lawson and Mamola mixed it with Gardner, Magee and Doohan.
Much as I am loath to say it, the angry little Spaniard Dani Pedrosa is shaping up as the heir apparent. There's no doubt of the kid's talent, but it's his size on these 800s which represents his trump card. At around 50kgs wringing wet - a good 10kg lighter than many of the opposition - he's going to have an advantage. Shit, he's that tiny he needs a bloody milk crate to hop on the bike!
As for the others, I reckon Loris Cabinossi, sorry Capirossi will be right in there. My personal view is that if he hadn't been taken out by Gibernau at Barcelona last year he could be wearing the 2006 crown today.
Stoner could be up there, but first he has to learn how to take responsibility for his mistakes. He is very hard on his front tyre and as much as they say you can't crash on a Bridgestone front tyre, he will no doubt find the limit of it sooner or later. Wags in the paddock reckon that the fairing supplier for Ducati has already bought a Ferrari in anticipation of all the work he's going to get.
Chris Vermeulen is ready to show his mettle after a few promising outings in 2006 and the off-season. He is very clinical about how he goes about his task and if he had been on a Honda last year he could've won a race or two, such is his talent. So watch out for him this year; he could spring a few surprises, as could his team mate Hopper Hopkins.
I am often asked who is the nicest guy in the paddock. It is very hard to single out any one rider, as most of them are very approachable (unless they've just binned it) but, I'd have to say that the Americans, led by Nicky Hayden... he is a champion guy as well as world champion -- are all very easy going. Hopper and Colin Edwards are up there as well. Chris Vermeulen is always friendly and never seems to get fazed if things aren't going right for him.
Rossi is still pretty relaxed, but he has become a prisoner of his own fame. He just bolts from the pit box to his motorhome or hospitality centre. But one thing's for sure: Wherever the crowd is, there you will find the Doctor.
Anyway must rush - Boris will forward any questions you may have about the MotoGP paddock's secrets. It's a tough life, but someone's got to do it!
Bracksy
