MotoGP Preview
Thanks to current economic crisis, Grand Prix Motorcycling is having to make big changes to cut costs and keep the racing competitive. While it is not the only racing series that finds itself having to face the harsh reality of a world that is going into financial meltdown, things are a bit more desperate for the premier motorbike series as the withdrawal of Kawasaki has left the MotoGP class under-subscribed. As a result, there may be only fourteen bikes on the grid this year, unless a private team is willing to enter.
Times are tough indeed. Compare that with the 1979 British Grand Prix where there were around forty riders ready to take the start. Additionally, look out for a young Randy Mamola and the long haired Graziano Rossi (Valentino's father) on the first row, himself a Grand Prix winner and no mean rider.
The real worry for Dorna, the series promoter and organiser, is that if more teams drop out then the championship will no longer be considered one by the FIM regulations and they will only be able to call it a cup competition. Motorcycle World Cup anyone?
Runners and Riders
125cc: The smallest bikes are always fun to watch and are very competitive. Although the make-up of the championship is starting to look a bit odd, with half the field made up of men aged 18-25 and the rest by er, children. Marc Marquez, Jonas Folger and last years British Grand Prix winner, Scott Redding aren't even old enough to take their GCSE's yet! Last years championship winner, Mike DeMeglo, has moved up to the 250cc class, leaving the rest to fight for scrabble over his vacant spot at the top. From reading all the all pre season build-up, it is difficult to tell who will be his successor, but last years runner-up Simone Corsi will probably be in a position to do so.
250cc: Probably THE championship to win this year, as it is the last 250cc world championship to be run. Next year will see the introduction of the 600cc Moto2 class, an extension of Dorna's quest to turn the other World Championships simply into nurseries for the MotoGP class. Marco Simoncelli and the Metis Gilera team will be attempting a defence of their 2008 title from the Aprillia and KTM teams. Aspar's Alvaro Bautista (rumoured to be courted by the Honda MotoGP team) will now be aiming to go one better than his runner up spot last year. It is also the last year that the KTM's will be competing, as they have made it clear that they have no wish to take part in the Moto2 Championship.
MotoGP: The new season asks many questions. Will Casey Stoner and Ducati enjoy a resurgence and reclaim the title they won in 2007? Or, will Valentino Rossi master the Australian like he did last year? Will Nicky Hayden manage to tame the Ducati, unlike Marco Melandri who failed in the task. Will Kawasaki make it to the grid in some form or another? All these questions and more wait to be answered over the course of the season.
Britain's own James Toseland is currently at home recovering from a 125mph high-side crash at Sepang last week. The double World Superbike Champion had a tough first season last year, yet put in several impressive point scoring rides, most notably his epic battle with Rossi at Phillip Island. Let's hope he goes even better this year. As for the man himself, Valentino Rossi, looks like he will be able to put up a strong defence of his title even if he is recovering from a bizarre curtain-pulling injury.
2006 World Champ Nicky Hayden joins Ducati this year to partner his 2007 successor Casey Stoner (now there's a man looking to best Rossi). Whether or not the American is able to tame the Italian steed more successfully than Marco Melandri remains to be seen, but I have a feeling that Hayden will get more of this season than he has done playing second fiddle to Pedrosa at Honda.
Problems on the horizon?
As I have already said, Grand Prix Motorcycling is not in the the rudest of health at the moment. This is largely due to the times we live in, but Dorna's constant tinkering does not help either. Instead of playing to it's strengths, seems to want to emulate Formula One, a role model that definitely should not be followed least of all now! The replacing of the 250's with Moto2 have caused some controversy. Why not keep the 250's and run the Moto2 championship as well? Or have 125cc, 400cc, 600cc and MotoGP championships, reflecting the type of bikes sold in the shops. Either way, it gives the paying crowd real value for money and takes away the onus on the other championships being just a feeder for the top class.
Well, that's about as much as I can write without all of you switching off your computer, so here's to a season full of close racing and may the best rider win!
