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[jrthomas6]

Spies hit the ground hard earlier, that probably didn't help him. Good to see Vale compete up front again. Looks to be a fun series again this year!

[The Black Knight]

I hate calling a shot, which is why I'm not going too, but if the race in Qatar is indicative of the upcoming season for Rossi. I'd say he's going to make a serious run at the Championship.

If Rossi can manage to break one more off. He'd tie Agostini and pretty much silence everyone who's ever doubted his abilities. It would then prove to the world that Ducati has an inferior bike and one that they alone refuse to improve.

And I'm not just piling on Ducati to pile on. I honestly wish they would improve the bike because I really like Hayden and somewhat like Dovi. That being said, it's not going to happen. However, it would show that even Rossi couldn't fix what they won't fix themselves. The 2007 Stoner season was an anomaly for them. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 show nothing but Ducati going in reverse, while the rest of the MotoGP paddock passed them by.

I don't know, even finishing 2nd in the Championship would still show Rossi is back with a vengeance and not done yet. But putting another Championship on an already big scoreboard of his, would completely seal his legacy.

[Rabbie303]

I hate calling a shot, which is why I'm not going too, but if the race in Qatar is indicative of the upcoming season for Rossi. I'd say he's going to make a serious run at the Championship.

If Rossi can manage to break one more off. He'd tie Agostini and pretty much silence everyone who's ever doubted his abilities. It would then prove to the world that Ducati has an inferior bike and one that they alone refuse to improve.

And I'm not just piling on Ducati to pile on. I honestly wish they would improve the bike because I really like Hayden and somewhat like Dovi. That being said, it's not going to happen. However, it would show that even Rossi couldn't fix what they won't fix themselves. The 2007 Stoner season was an anomaly for them. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 show nothing but Ducati going in reverse, while the rest of the MotoGP paddock passed them by.

I don't know, even finishing 2nd in the Championship would still show Rossi is back with a vengeance and not done yet. But putting another Championship on an already big scoreboard of his, would completely seal his legacy.

Well put and I totally agree.

[Drano]

If Rossi can manage to break one more off. He'd tie Agostini and pretty much silence everyone who's ever doubted his abilities. It would then prove to the world that Ducati has an inferior bike and one that they alone refuse to improve.

I don't think it necessarily proves that the Desmosedici is an inferior bike, but, as we saw last weekend, it proves that Rossi is ridiculously faster on the M1. All bikes have their different strengths and weaknesses, and it takes a lot of chemistry between rider and machine to make magic happen.

That said, Rossi is in fantastic form and wickedly fast on the Yamaha. It's a shame he ran wide and had to fight his way back. If he hadn't, Lorenzo would have had a fight on his hands. Here's also hoping that Marquez can consistently pose a threat to Rossi and Lorenzo throughout the season.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I hate calling a shot, which is why I'm not going too, but if the race in Qatar is indicative of the upcoming season for Rossi. I'd say he's going to make a serious run at the Championship.

If Rossi can manage to break one more off. He'd tie Agostini and pretty much silence everyone who's ever doubted his abilities. It would then prove to the world that Ducati has an inferior bike and one that they alone refuse to improve.

And I'm not just piling on Ducati to pile on. I honestly wish they would improve the bike because I really like Hayden and somewhat like Dovi. That being said, it's not going to happen. However, it would show that even Rossi couldn't fix what they won't fix themselves. The 2007 Stoner season was an anomaly for them. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 show nothing but Ducati going in reverse, while the rest of the MotoGP paddock passed them by.

I don't know, even finishing 2nd in the Championship would still show Rossi is back with a vengeance and not done yet. But putting another Championship on an already big scoreboard of his, would completely seal his legacy.

I believe Ago still has a bunch more wins (122), and if I remember 15 total championships, including 8 in the 500cc (top) class. Also, in that era he would qualify and race 2, sometimes 3 races/classes a day. In addition, the IOM race was still on the calendar as part of the GP circuit until, what, the mid-'70's?

So, while I love Rossi, he still has a ways to go yet before rising above Ago.

[sag]

im super excited for ducati this year and moving forward. audi doesnt lose at motorsports. they will have a competitive bike sometime.

[Sean]

That was beddy beddy nice.

[The Black Knight]

I believe Ago still has a bunch more wins (122), and if I remember 15 total championships, including 8 in the 500cc (top) class. Also, in that era he would qualify and race 2, sometimes 3 races/classes a day. In addition, the IOM race was still on the calendar as part of the GP circuit until, what, the mid-'70's?

So, while I love Rossi, he still has a ways to go yet before rising above Ago.

He needs 8 to tie in premier class if memory serves me correct. Also I'd have to look but I believe Rossi has more premier class wins than Agostini.

Edit: yep just checked. Rossi = 79 wins and Agostini = 68

[DanFZ1]

I'm glad Rossi screwed up on the first lap. Valentino having to come from behind for the win is all part of the Rossi legend. I also think that it was amazing that it took as long as it did to get past Bradl, considering that once Rossi made the overtake, he reeled in and then blew by crutchlow, pedrosa and marquez in one fell swoop. So, good on Bradl even though he lost the front and crashed.

As far as legends go, Rossi will do to every rider that comes along, the same thing that he did to Seti Gibernau and Max Biaggi. The only clear exception to that would be his team mate Jorge Lorenzo. I agree that riders like Mike Hailwood and Ago and Joey Dunlop were all great at the Isle of Man and, that Ago has won more than anybody else. But the wins totals are different now because since Fast Freddy Spencer did the the double (250 & 500 gp's) in one year, everything has changed. With the Moto2/Moto3 format, Nobody is going to hop off of one bike and hop on to another and compete in multiple classes all during the same race weekend.

... if you want to see a legend who is still out there racing, Rossi is the only one. 9 world championships (7 in the premier class) makes you a legend. Eddie Lawson and Kenny Roberts combined have 7 premier class championships between them, just to put things into perspective.

Personally, I think that Rossi has yet another championship left in him and I can't wait for Catalunya.

[AOK303]

was very impressed wish the battle was for first and not second but that was awesome

[Frankie675]

Was anyone else impressed by Crutchlow? Amazing run on that tech3! I still wish Dev would have kept the Duc up in the standings but there is still a whole season to see how things pan out.

[Frankie675]

BTW Piratebay has the Qatar torrent if anyone is looking for it!

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

He needs 8 to tie in premier class if memory serves me correct. Also I'd have to look but I believe Rossi has more premier class wins than Agostini.

Edit: yep just checked. Rossi = 79 wins and Agostini = 68

Yeah, like I said before, 8. So, he's still now down 8 titles total at this time. He better hurry up! (Don't think even Rossi will ever approach 15 though).

Rossi may have more top class wins, but Ago has 122 total, so, Rossi still has a ways to go yet. And considering the racing conditions then vs. now and the fact that Ago raced 2-3 classes instead of one with a LOT less safety gear (and TC and stability control...)......

It is like comparing apples and oranges though.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I'm glad Rossi screwed up on the first lap. Valentino having to come from behind for the win is all part of the Rossi legend. I also think that it was amazing that it took as long as it did to get past Bradl, considering that once Rossi made the overtake, he reeled in and then blew by crutchlow, pedrosa and marquez in one fell swoop. So, good on Bradl even though he lost the front and crashed.

As far as legends go, Rossi will do to every rider that comes along, the same thing that he did to Seti Gibernau and Max Biaggi. The only clear exception to that would be his team mate Jorge Lorenzo. I agree that riders like Mike Hailwood and Ago and Joey Dunlop were all great at the Isle of Man and, that Ago has won more than anybody else. But the wins totals are different now because since Fast Freddy Spencer did the the double (250 & 500 gp's) in one year, everything has changed. With the Moto2/Moto3 format, Nobody is going to hop off of one bike and hop on to another and compete in multiple classes all during the same race weekend.

... if you want to see a legend who is still out there racing, Rossi is the only one. 9 world championships (7 in the premier class) makes you a legend. Eddie Lawson and Kenny Roberts combined have 7 premier class championships between them, just to put things into perspective.

Personally, I think that Rossi has yet another championship left in him and I can't wait for Catalunya.

Holy shit, a post from Dave!

[kawasakirob]

Was anyone else impressed by Crutchlow? Amazing run on that tech3! I still wish Dev would have kept the Duc up in the standings but there is still a whole season to see how things pan out.

I'm pretty impressed with Crutchlow. I also like his personality, which people have said is very Mladin like. Yamaha brass may have a different opinion on his personality.

[The Black Knight]

Yeah, like I said before, 8. So, he's still now down 8 titles total at this time. He better hurry up! (Don't think even Rossi will ever approach 15 though).

Rossi may have more top class wins, but Ago has 122 total, so, Rossi still has a ways to go yet. And considering the racing conditions then vs. now and the fact that Ago raced 2-3 classes instead of one with a LOT less safety gear (and TC and stability control...)......

It is like comparing apples and oranges though.

Obviously Rossi can't amass the total overall championship wins. He's not going to go backwards and race in Moto2/3, which is where Agostini accumulated 8 of his total championships(in classes that were not the Premier MotoGP class).

I was merely comparing Premier Class Championships to Premier Class Championships. In that sense, Rossi only needs one to tie and two to surpass Agostini.

In regards to overall wins, sure Agostini has 122, Rossi has 105. I'm thinking 17 wins isn't such a hurdle to overcome(especially since Sunday's performance in Qatar). Sure he needs to at least split them over the next two seasons to do it(9 and but it's still a very good possibility that he can and might do it.

We also don't know if Rossi will stay in MotoGP passed 2014. I'm thinking that if he produces the results Yamaha and him are looking for, and if he can get remotely close to the 122 overall wins. He may stay on one more year to try and surpass that number(regardless of winning a championship or not). Agostini was in the game 15 years and Rossi going on 18. If he's showing no signs of slowing down, I'm thinking Rossi will hang around some more(I'd say at least until he's 36 or 37 years old).

I say we'll have to wait and see what transpires in the next few years. I know I called it when Rossi was going to make the move back to Yamaha. But that's where my crystal ball ends. As much as I want to call this season another Championship season for him, I can't because I've got to see some more racing from him. My honest opinion though, is I think he's got a superb chance of racking up another championship this year. Qatar was never his best track(though he's won there 3 times) and like I say, if his performance at Qatar is indicative of the season to come, I'd put money on Rossi snagging another championship.

That's what's going to make 2013 a season to remember in my opinion. Rossi is hungrier than ever. Even though he has said he's got nothing to prove. He does, and I think he's going to use that to fuel his fire this year. Coming off of two crappy years with Ducati, Rossi is looking to smack everyone on the paddock.

It's been said, "Valentino Rossi, write him off at your peril."

[The Black Knight]

here's a pretty good video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajWVPHdUt1g

not a huge fan of techno music but it fits...

[madvlad]

That is a horrible song lol

[The Black Knight]

That is a horrible song lol

I know, ruined the highlight video. I can't stand crappy techno music..

[UHATEIT]

I don't know if any of you watched the Moto3 race but that was a hell of a race, 5 people fighting it out for 1st place in the last couple laps, continuous passing back and forth, Less than 1 second between 1st through 5th, and 2nd place was a photo finish decided by 6/1000 of a second, great race!

[madvlad]

I don't know if any of you watched the Moto3 race but that was a hell of a race, 5 people fighting it out for 1st place in the last couple laps, continuous passing back and forth, Less than 1 second between 1st through 5th, and 2nd place was a photo finish decided by 6/1000 of a second, great race!

Gonna have to pull that race tomorrow on motogp and see it

[DanFZ1]

Holy shit, a post from Dave!

'sup frank! how's it hangin'?

[madvlad]

I'm watching the main onboard video of the race and it shows when Rossi ran wide and holy shit that was a close one for sure, he did good running wide instead of sticking it or else he could've kissed 2nd place good bye for sure.

[tecknojoe]

I'm watching the main onboard video of the race and it shows when Rossi ran wide and holy shit that was a close one for sure, he did good running wide instead of sticking it or else he could've kissed 2nd place good bye for sure.

you're able to view onboard / multiple camera angles when in replay mode?

I was watching the main gp race sunday afternoon and there was no option to do that. I'll have to check again when I get home. I was thinking that maybe that feature was only available in live mode now