Disadvantage for Ducati in WSBK?

[green_zx7r]

WSBK 2011 Philip Island Superpole

So... really? Is it truly that unfair for Ducs in this series?

In the Superpole top six slots, half are filled with Ducs (Checa, Guintoli, Smrz)... Guintoli was south of the top ten on a GSXR, but is third slot in superpole on his first outing on a privateer Duc...

[Mother Goose]

I thought the factory backing was pulling out this year?

And there isn't a big straight at Phillip Island for the RSV-4 to take advantage of.

[green_zx7r]

I thought the factory backing was pulling out this year?

And there isn't a big straight at Phillip Island for the RSV-4 to take advantage of.

LOL. I guess we haven't even completed one race yet, but I'm just wondering if those Xerox Ducatis were really in that much of a disadvantage last year... Starting to think it was riders and Tardozzi's absence vs. engine displacement which was the cause of their poor results...

[salsashark]

Xerox ducati's not racing this year, but ducat is supporting at least two other teams.

[green_zx7r]

Xerox ducati's not racing this year, but ducat is supporting at least two other teams.

Precisely... They left WSBK as of last year stating the disadvantage they had over the straight fours... Checa seems to be doing just fine on a privateer duc (both last year and so far this year).

[laspariahs]

Precisely... They left WSBK as of last year stating the disadvantage they had over the straight fours... Checa seems to be doing just fine on a privateer duc (both last year and so far this year).

It's not unfair at all, don't they get MORE CCs...... If their motor is uncompetitive, perhaps they should build a competitive motor, and stop bitching about it.

[cromer611]

ducs are the fastest at valencia. they can carv those turns better than any of the fours.
pretty lame if they pulled out because of a couple tracks have long straights and they get motored

[sprtbkbabe]

After todays exhibition and Checa on board, this is a moot point

Biaggi and Aprilia aren't far behind, tho, Yusuke

[salsashark]

^^........and Toseland was up to his usual self

[rybo]

Checa's team got a big bike upgrade for 2011. They are using the same front end as the GP guys this year (2 levels of suspension up from what they had last year) and have 2 full time Ducati Factory techs in their paddock.

That being said, I think the 1098 is now the oldest design in the paddock. Everything they are racing against is considerably newer in terms of design and engineering.

It will be interesting to see what Ducati comes up with for the new Superbike (due out in 2012). They are talking "frameless" design using the engine cases as the primary structure like they've been doing with the GP bike for a bunch of years now. They are also talking about a new V twin design capable of higher revs.

Checa has been running strong for the better part of 2 seasons now. The guy known as "careless chucker" for his history of falling down has become a force of consistency plagued only by mechanical failures in the latter part of 2010. I think that he stands a good shot at the championship this year if they can keep the bike in top form. It seems that if they are getting more factory support, they may also have a larger budget for this season.

That being said the field is FILLED with talent this year. Guys like Melandri in the mix really raise the bar for performance. There is a huge number of former Moto GP riders in the field. Melandri's style today showed his recent GP experience, running higher mid corner speeds than even Biaggi (who has a wee bit of GP experience himself). This was something that Ben Spies has struggled with a little and is primarily dictated by the choice of tires. The GP Bridgestone is SO STIFF that it begs to be pushed hard mid corner and doesn't do well if it's not exposed to extremely high loads. The SBK Pirelli, on the other hand, likes to "point and shoot" lowering mid corner speeds, but offering the rider a different path through the corner. With GP and SBK lap times at the same tracks getting closer and closer it's proof positive that there is more than one way to be fast around a racetrack.

This is going to be a great season for world level racing. The changes in both premier series line up's in terms of riders and the bikes they're on is going to make this a most entertaining season.

[Graphite675]

Philip island has always been a "Ducati" track. I believe they have more wins there then any other manufacturer?
I think we are going to see lots of close racing this year in WSBK. The Yamaha's, Aprilia, and BMW are all looking strong. They are all going to have there time on the podium this year.

salsashark, I agree. Toseland's got to go. He had his 2 minutes of fame and it's over. Hang up the leathers and go back to playing your piano

[salsashark]

Two things...

1. Toseland's performance is upsetting. I thought he looked great before he went to GP. I really liked how he shook up the GP paddock with his aggressive racing. It made for some exciting racing. Now that he's back in WSBK, he just doesn't seem to have the same hunger he once did. I hope he gets it back. I don't think he's ready to be put out to pasture.

2. With Aprilia and BMW basically making prototype race bikes (and doing very well at it), why are the Ducati's still straddled with the extra weight and air restrictions? Let these puppies off the leash! I'm excited to see what 2012 brings for the ducks.

**Upon further searching, it seems that the weight has been reduced, but the air restriction remains the same thus crippling the top speeds of the 1198s.

[Mother Goose]

Anyone see the Supersport race yet? Holy shit! I think I'll be more excited to watch Supersport than watching the big bikes.

[asp_125]

.. was disappointed at the same old low res feed on Speed.

[UglyDogRacing]

.. was disappointed at the same old low res feed on Speed.

The Eurosport feed I watched was much better.

[salsashark]

Anyone see the Supersport race yet? Holy shit! I think I'll be more excited to watch Supersport than watching the big bikes.

Did it air today? If so, it's on the DVR. Will watch this afternoon.

.. was disappointed at the same old low res feed on Speed.

+1

[Mother Goose]

The Eurosport feed I watched was much better.

Did it air today? If so, it's on the DVR. Will watch this afternoon.

See above.

[salsashark]

fine then... it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[UglyDogRacing]

Did it air today? If so, it's on the DVR. Will watch this afternoon.



+1

http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/filt...4/timezone/mt/

[asp_125]

http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/filt...4/timezone/mt/

Bookmarked! Which race is Ricky Orlando racing in Daytona this year btw? AMA Pro or Daytona 200?

[rybo]

Bookmarked! Which race is Ricky Orlando racing in Daytona this year btw? AMA Pro or Daytona 200?

Jeff,

Ricky is racing in the 200. If all goes well he will become the person who has completed more miles in the daytona 200 than any other rider. It's an amazing accomplishment and I hope to be watching when he does it!

[Mother Goose]

Jeff,

Ricky is racing in the 200. If all goes well he will become the person who has completed more miles in the daytona 200 than any other rider. It's an amazing accomplishment and I hope to be watching when he does it!

http://www.cosportbikeclub.org/forum...ad.php?t=38283

[sprtbkbabe]

SpeedTV at 12:30MST Tuesday March 1st is airing World Supersport. Set the Timers!