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(Part 5)
The season will be different this year. HRC has recognized it cannot take the fight to their lost Sons, Valentino Rossi and Jerry Burgess, without hard work. Perhaps like Yamaha, this is what HRC needed in order to get their priorities straight. In part one we discussed their history. The second part focused on how HRC's reaction to the switch, in the form of arrogance, influenced the outcome of the historic season. Later, we talked about the part tires played and we connected that with the RC211V's lack of adjustability. In part four, we took a look at the impact of Yamaha's commitment, and how Rossi and Burgess's KISS approach changed the way Yamaha thinks about racing. Now we'll wrap it up with a preview of what will be the most memorable MotoGP season for all U.S. fans.
Rules
First things first, let us discuss the new MotoGP rain rule. This year, races will no longer be stopped due to climatic changes. In other words, if it rains, it is up to you (the rider) to make the decision of pitting for a rain tire, or continue on with a slick. In the past, race direction or the front runner, would determine whether or not the race should be stopped. If stopped, riders would have the opportunity to pit for rain tires and rain settings for their bike. However, now riders will be faced with a tough decision, pit for rain tires in the name of safety, or go for the position but face potential danger. To complicate things, carbon brakes and rain do not mix. If a rider pits for a rain tire, he must also swap his carbon brake rotors for iron rotors, which in turn use a different type of brake pad. It will be interesting how team engineers tackle this.
New venues
U.S. GP: After a ten year GP drought, America will finally enjoy the thunder of MotoGP. The last GP round (then called 500GP) was held in 1994 in Laguna Seca and it is only fitting MotoGP will return to the same historic track. Yamaha of America, paid the $2mm bill to have the track modified to make it safe for the low-flying objects. If you have something, other than going to the GP, planned for July 10 2005, cancel it and join 100,000+ Americans as they cheer for our U.S. riders and the MotoGP champion, Valentino Rossi.
China GP: MotoGP’s popularity has never been higher and an example of this was last year’s first-ever Middle-East GP and this year’s Chinese GP. The F1 boys christened the track for auto use in 2004 and our MotoGP boys will christen it for motorcycle use in 2005.
Riders and teams
Gauloises Yamaha: The arrival of Rossi in 2004 not only gave them their first MotoGP championship since 1992, but also boosted their morale to forgotten levels. The Factory Yamaha team will look to retain its crown for 2005. As if Rossi's services were not enough, Yamaha has also hired American Colin Edwards.
Valentino Rossi: The young King of MotoGP returns with the fork tuning factory to represent them in their 50th anniversary. Unless you already have a favorite this year, Rossi will likely be it. The Italian's popularity has only gotten bigger since his courageous move to the blue outfit last year. During pre-season testing, Rossi tested the 2005 prototype and was quickly faster on the prototype than on the championship-winning 2004 M1.
Colin Edwards: The two-time WSBK champion returns to the factory that got his road racing career started. In 2004 Edwards disappointed many of his fans with his bullish talk and bearish results. The Texan will ride for the factory Yamaha team and should receive all of Rossi's parts as soon as they are made available. Edwards is considered to be the second best motorcycle development rider in the world. With his and Rossi's help, don’t be surprised to see a Yamaha 1-2 finish at a couple of races.
Telefonica-MovieStar Honda: It may not have had the backing of HRC, but it certainly had more desire. Spanish reports suggest the team will be provided with a pair of HRC-Spec V5s for vice-champion, Sete Gibernau. While the team lost Edwards to Yamaha, it gained a young-gun in the form of Marco Melandri.
Sete Gibernau: Like in 2003, Gibernau mounted a strong challenge for the MotoGP crown. One could argue that without Rossi, he or Max Biaggi would be MotoGP world champions. This year, he will return aboard a customer-spec V5 (unless you read Spanish newspapers, in which case he'll return on an HRC-spec V5) under the Telefonica-MovieStar tent.
Marco Melandri: The 2002 250cc World Champion again had some truly brilliant moments. Few would question his talent, but the young Italian needs to work on his concentration. In 2005 he will ride for Honda and based on the recent pre-season tests, he should be hitting the ground running at the season opener.
Camel Honda: In 2004 the Camel-Pons team may have appeared to be a two-rider garage, but in reality it was two one-rider teams under the Camel umbrella. Max Biaggi rode for Camel, while Makoto Tamada rode for Pramac (with Camel livery). In 2005 things will return to a two-rider team.
Alex Barros: The Brazilian had a nightmarish 2004 season. Though he had everything any rider could ask for to challenge Rossi for the title, perhaps his age finally got to him (he's not Australian after all). Barros will return to the team where he enjoyed most of his recent success, the Pons-managed, Camel Honda team.
Troy Bayliss: The 2001 WSBK champion had a magnificent 2003 season. 2004 was not as many had expected, but one cannot blame 100% of his performances on him; Ducati as whole, struggled most of the season. Bayliss may be old, but everyone knows, Aussies like fine wine, only get better with age. In 2005 he will mount his attack on the best motorcycle in the paddock, the RC211V. It may not be a works machine, but you can rest assured Bayliss will do his part to make up the difference; at least he'll crash trying
Repsol Honda: The mighty giant not only was defeated by Rossi and Yamaha, but also by its very own Honda-supported privateer teams. Though they have yet to officially announce it, Max Biaggi will switch garages and become the number one man at Honda. Nicky Hayden will remain for at least two more years.
Max Biaggi: The Roman Emperor has finally gotten what he's been asking for all of his life, HRC factory support. The Roman will partner with American Nicky Hayden and ride for the prestigious Repsol-HRC team. Biaggi has a peculiar riding style, often referred to as a 250cc or inline riding style. Since development direction will be determined by Biaggi, it will be interesting to see how it fits the rest of the Honda riders
Nicky Hayden: One of America's hopes for the next American MotoGP champion will continue as the number two man at HRC. Hayden had an excellent debut season in 2003, which saw him become rookie of the year and finish fifth in the championship. Expectations were high for the young American in 2004 and though he finished on the podium a couple of times, he never threatened for the win.
Ducati Marlboro: In 2003 Ducati had a fairytale season. On their very first race, Ducati riders were fighting for podium finishes. And within six races, Ducati had secured its first-ever MotoGP victory. 2004 was a nightmare for the Italian factory. Perhaps their most controversial decision (apart from their switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tires) at the end of 2004 was their firing of Troy Bayliss in favor of Carlos Checa. Time will tell whether or not this was the right decision.
Loris Capirossi: After a disappointing 2004 season, the diminutive Italian will return in 2005 aboard a gloriously sounding, Desmosedici V4 Italian music machine. This time however, he will do it on not Michelin tires, but Bridgestones. During pre-season testing, the Italian impressed many with his quick adaptation to the new rubber. If the Japanese rubber company continues on its ever-improving path, don't be surprised to see the V4 fighting for the top of the podium throughout the season
Carlos Checa: The “Chucker”, as he's kindly referred to by his mechanics for his prominence to “chuck” (crash) it away, will pair with Capirossi on perhaps his last chance to prove to the world he still has it. Many thought his last chance was in 2004, but it seems we forgot he carried a Spanish passport which guarantees you more than one final chance. Checa was faster than Capirossi on his first time out on the Ducati; perhaps it was the Yamaha that was holding him back.
Fortuna Gauloises Yamaha: The Yamaha satellite team lost both of its riders in the season-end shuffle. However, in the process it gained two of the most explosive riders available; Ruben Xaus and Tony Elias.
Ruben Xaus: Spider-Man, as he's known in WSBK circles for his arms-and-legs-out style of riding, will ride an ex-Rossi M1 in 2005. The Spaniard lacks maturity, but has plenty of heart to make up for it. He may be not be Rossi, but he's definitely someone to watch for in 2005.
Tony Elias: Elias may have only finished fourth in the 250cc World Championship, but few could argue it was because of a lack of fearless riding. The young Spaniard complained much about his archrival's, Dani Pedrosa, weight advantage in the quarter-liter class. Aboard a 240HP+ MotoGP machine this should be the least of his worries. Not only does the young-gun graduate to the premier class, but he'll have a year-up on Pedrosa's expected arrival (expected to be 2005 for HRC).
Kawasaki Racing: Kawasaki may have suffered a few DNFs, but the rate of their progress between 2003 and 2004 cannot be overlooked. Let us hope this continues, as this will only make the championship that much more interesting.
Shinya Nakano: Rossi's achievements often eclipse notable achievements from other riders. A perfect example is Nakano's performance on the “Green Machine”. The Japanese rider took the ZX-RR from hardly finishing races, to a third place and several top ten finishes. His Catalunya ride a week after his 200mph crash at Mugello was nothing short of heroic. Ducati and Honda have better be prepared to tango with Kawasaki in 2005
Alex Hoffman: Hoffman had an on-off season. At times he rode very well considering his lack of experience, but a series of mechanical DNFs simply proved too much for the German. In 2005 he will continue to ride alongside Nakano.
D'Antin Ducati: Last year, it possessed the services of the top two men in WSBK. However, too often it failed to provide them with a reliable machine. Luis D'Antin blamed Ducati Corse's lack of support for their reliability woes. But the reality was the team lacked sponsorship (which translates to money). And without it, it is very difficult to buy the necessary parts to run a successful outfit. As of yet, D'Antin has not announced a team sponsor. Rumors suggest the possibility of Luis D'Antin (owner of the team) leasing his second slot to Pramac, who would campaign Aprilia triples.
Roberto Rolfo: The Italian recently confirmed his signing for the Spanish-based team. It is expected D'Antin will field a 2004 version of the Desmosedici V4 shod with Dunlop rubber.
Suzuki Racing: The manufacturer that makes some of the best and most powerful street bikes in the planet could hardly make a MotoGP prototype much more powerful than a SuperBike. Considering the almost limitless budgets of a MotoGP race team (when compared to an SBK team) one is left to wonder what went wrong. On the other hand, we cannot ignore their improvement towards the end of the season. Perhaps they will continue on this trend.
Kenny Roberts Jr.: Roberts Jr. will continue his quest of giving the Japanese manufacturer their second championship title of the new millennium. In 2004 there were episodes of that reminded us of his real speed, but they were too few in between. According to its riders, Suzuki has the handling to battle with the top, minus the engine. Let us hope Suzuki addresses this problem in 2005, if not, they should call the Yoshimura Suzuki team and ask them for a few pointers.
John Hopkins: If Hayden is one of America's hopes for an American MotoGP champion, Hopkins is the other. Hopkins's championship results may not show it, but if Suzuki fixes their engine-power problem, Hayden better watch out.
WCM: The little-team-that-could will be sport a Blata V6 in place of its four cylinder prototype. Current reports have the V6 in a prototype stage at the moment, which indicate its debut will be no earlier than the first race of the season in Jerez.
James Ellison: Ellison will return with WCM for 2005.
Franco Battaini: The Italian may have graduated to the premier class, but if he thought it was tough in the 250cc class, riding with the top guys in MotoGP, on a non-factory machine, with a completely untested engine layout, will be even tougher.
KR: Perhaps one of the cruelest blows yet to the vision of Kenny Roberts Senior. The Proton KR is known for having one of the best handling chassis in the paddock, but it has always lacked an engine. In the last stages of the 2004 season, KTM finally came through and gave them a working prototype of their V4 MotoGP engine. Nobuatsu Aoki praised the chassis/engine marriage and backed it up with competitive lap times. Former rider, Jeremy McWilliams, said the same at a recent test in Jerez. However, without a sponsor, it will be tough, even for Roberts Sr., to race next season. Moreover, Roberts Sr. said part of the KR/KTM deal involved a swap of one of his chassis. This would mean KTM would be in possession of one complete motorcycle. Late last year, there were rumors that KTM would go at it alone, perhaps leasing a slot from D'Antin. As of now, there are no confirmed riders for 2005. McWilliams has expressed interest, but we'll have to wait until KR's financial woes settle.
Konica-Honda: With the backing of Italian millionaire, Luca Montiron, Honda will field a seventh V5. At the moment, there is very little information about the type of machinery Konica will be provided. We do know the Honda will not use Bridgestone, but Michelin tires.
Makoto Tamada: The Japanese SBK ace turned heads in 2004 when Tamada secured two victories; one in Brazil and one in Japan. Many speculated his performances were partly credited to the strength of the Japanese rubber at these tracks. To respond to his critics, Tamada will use Michelin tires in 2005.
Prediction
Last year was one of the most difficult to predict. No one, including myself, really believed it was possible for Rossi to retain the MotoGP world championship on his maiden year on the Yamaha M1. As usual, the Doctor proved everyone wrong and wrote history; not only by retaining his crown, but by winning the very first race of the season. This time around I won't be so foolish and leave Rossi out.
Top Five
Number 46: One of Rossi's biggest strength over the rest of the MotoGP field, is not his talent (though few would question it), but rather his psychological edge. In a recent interview by MCN, Rossi said he was not cruel or vengeful, but determined. When Rossi decides he has to push harder, there are very few in the world that can stop him. If Rossi has decided he'll retain his crown, you'd be a fool to bet against the Doctor. If that was not enough, the M1 will be even faster in 2005.
Number 3: Biaggi's new lease on life in the form of HRC backing could not have come at a better time. Most thought 2004 was Biaggi's best chance to mount his title challenge, but few took into account the determination of his archrival. Biaggi will certainly fight with the top men, but he'll need a miracle in order to beat Rossi on a consistent basis.
Number 15: For the past couple of years, Gibernau has mounted the most consistent challenge against Rossi. So why not place him second you ask? Simple, because until 2004 Gibernau had not been beaten toe-to-toe by Rossi and this was his biggest strength. He lacked the sheer talent of Biaggi, but deep inside he believed he could beat Rossi; if you watched Assen 2004 you know the answer. Gibernau will likely have another consistent season, but without the full HRC support Biaggi will enjoy, it will be hard to finish higher than third.
Number 5: Formally known as number 45 or the Texan Tornado, Edwards will team up with Rossi on the factory Yamaha team and will likely be one of the top five riders at any given event. Edwards has two years of experience racing the GP circuits and as a professional rider this should be enough. However, this will be his first year on the M1 and though he’s got the talent to quickly come up to speed, based on his performance last year one cannot place him higher than fourth for the title.
Number 69: The Kid from Kentucky had an amazing rookie year. The next season was not so. Many of his critics felt he should not have been given an extension on his Repsol-HRC contract. With two years of GP experience under his belt, Hayden better begin visiting the podium more often, otherwise up and coming young stars such as Toni Elias may end up taking his place at Repsol.
Notable efforts:
Number 65: Capirex has the heart of a lion and in a recent interview, Rossi said his toughest-ever competitor had been not Gibernau or Biaggi, but Capirossi. If there is a remote chance of getting a podium/win, you’d be a fool to count the diminutive Italian out. On the other hand, 2005 will be a learning year for Capirossi and Ducati as the two will need to sort out the mighty V4 to work with the Japanese rubber.
Number 6: The Japanese ace will finally get his chance to prove to the world that he’s a true title contender. His wins on the Bridgestone-shod V5 were questioned by many, but his response to them is a switch to Michelin tires, the same tires Rossi and the rest of the top MotoGP riders use. In his first year on the French rubber, the expectation will be for Tamada to fight for the podium, but consistency should be expected next year.
Number 33: Will this be the year of Melandri? No one knows. His talent cannot be denied, but so can’t his lack of focus. Perhaps what he needed was an easy-to-setup ride such as the Honda. For the sake of the young Italian, let us hope that was the case.
Number 11: Xaus will be on a bike as close to Rossi as it can get. His skills may not be as polished as they need to be to properly handle a MotoGP monster, but he makes it up with courage. Xaus will certainly be a rider to watch out for.
Number 21: Hopkins is perhaps the luckiest/unluckiest rider in the world. At the tender age of 18 the young American was given the opportunity of a lifetime at RedBull Yamaha. However, by the time Hopkins got up to speed with the world of MotoGP, his only option was a ride on a non-competitive machine. To many, Hopkins deserved Checa’s ride at Ducati, but in the world of MotoGP, talent only lets you open the door, your passport allows you to walk through it.
Number 12: Bayliss’s move to Honda came as unexpected as his firing from Ducati. His times were not too impressive on the Camel-V5, but few can wrestle a bike into submission as the Australian can. Don’t be surprised to see Bayliss fighting with the top ten on any given Sunday.
Testing will commence later this month and the first race is not slated until early April. If you missed last year’s historic season, give MotoGP one race, and I promise you’ll be hooked for life.
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