Wow... what a battle. I gotta say Simoncelli really kept a tight virtually unpassable line.

Bautista also rode very well.

These 2 are going to be stars.

Simoncelli was riding very aggressive but Bautista didn't give up, it was a great battle. One of the corners where Bautista was going to go up the inside of Simoncelli and got even with him, then Simoncelli cut across and closed the door - classic maneuver but very close. If Bautista hadn't slammed on the brakes and sat up they both could have been taken out.

The last round should be just as exciting and next year should be a barn burner.

Chaos - 05 October 2008 05:00 PM

These 2 are going to be stars.

They are already. It's amazing that the "tiddlers" are only looked upon now as stepping stones. Riders used to make a career of racing in those classes. Maybe it's due to the maximum age requirements now, but there is life outside of MotoGP.

What happened to Barbera? I didn't see that he started the race or did I just miss his name?

Yes, great battle and great riding from both. I hope Sic keeps it up next year and carries the confidence into MotoGP. Considering his size disadvantage, he really is doing well.

And yeah, for all the WSBK people, that kind of close, precise and clean (or cleanish) racing is what makes the 250 guys better prepared for MotoGP. The types of passes you see in MotoGP these days are more simillar to those seen in 250's than in WSBK.


Ducatirules, Barbera is still hurt from his Motegi practice crash. It was pretty bad and he is still up in the air for racing in Valencia.

Barbera had a big crash during one of the practice sessions last race and was ruled out for the rest of the year...

LJB-OSB - 06 October 2008 01:33 PM

Barbera had a big crash during one of the practice sessions last race and was ruled out for the rest of the year...

Back Fractures...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Barbera+withdrawn+from+Japanese+race+with+back+fractures

gonickygo - 06 October 2008 12:41 PM

Chaos - 05 October 2008 05:00 PM

These 2 are going to be stars.

They are already. It's amazing that the "tiddlers" are only looked upon now as stepping stones. Riders used to make a career of racing in those classes. Maybe it's due to the maximum age requirements now, but there is life outside of MotoGP.

Interesting that you bring up the age requirements. I personally think they should be abolished. But clearly, with those rules, even Dorna/FIM/whomever have set up/marketed the series as a 125->250->MotoGP system.

i believe that 125s are the only class with any sort of age restrictions... 28 years old maximum... in other words, who cares?

i dare say that if you have not made your mark in 125s before your late 20's that it is probably not gonna happen... even then, you can always go to the 250s... assuming that you can get a ride...

if not, you can always go to that second series and be competitive...

The idea of age restrictions is to get rid of those who make a career out of 125s - not sure why that's necessary. When you read that Angel Nieto won 13 titles, as far as I can recall none were on bikes larger than 125cc. He was a 'small bike specialist', but that wasn't a bad thing in those days. Dorna wants 125 and 250 to be a feeder series for whatever reason.

Probably trying to get those 'second seriesers' out of the loop.

Yes, the age restriction is only on the 125's. As far as I know you can race 250's till you are blue in the hair (I try). That means there is always the chance of the Biaggi comeback tour for the final year of 250's. Fingers crossed.

And yes, the age restriction hasn't been much of an issue, but it is coming into play this year! 2007 World Champ Talmasci is gonna be 28, and is moving up to 250's next year because of it. So there you go.

I think some might say that Roberto Locatelli would also have preferred to race in 125's for the past couple of years as opposed to 250's, alla Lucio Cechinello.


But I also agree 100% that the age rule is stupid. If you have an older guy hanging around in the class and dominating, well than that just gives the young 'stars' something to shoot for and someone to learn from. If they really are that good, they should be able to win anyway.



And what, no takers on the idea that Bautista and Simoncelli (hopefully Pasini next year too) are getting MUCH better preparation by duking it out on 250's than Spies ever got in AMASBK or will get in WSBK?