TBK-Light.com

I find it quite scary how the speed has reached unseen before numbers. Come on, 333kph at Estoril, don't you think its too much ? Wait for Catalunya then !

In F1 they try to reduce the speed more and more eventho its far from being dangerous, and in MotoGP they give them bigger engines, tyres that are MADE to go faster and so on and on the other hand it is more dangerous than being in a car. I have the feeling we can see very serious accidents with such speeds. Hope I'm wrong...

I think they hit nearly 350 at Mugello as well

The only time I've ever seen a MotoGP crash at full speed on a straight is Nakano at Mugello in 2004:

[youtubeidiot]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqx1JGDm91o&feature=related[/youtubeidiot]

It rarely ever happens. I think its a good thing the MotoGP bikes can hit these sorts of speeds, yes its dangerous but then so is any other form of bike racing. It would have to take some sort of freak occurence for something bad to happen

Casey Stoner is retiring at the end of the season

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

U mad? Where did you heard that.

It was announced in the pre-event Le Mans press conference I think. Both MotoGP's Official Twitter, MotoGP journalists and Honda Repsol confirm. Cites a lack of enjoyment and changes in the sport as his reason.

Everyone knew he wouldn't go on for ever, but I don't think anyone expected it this early. I mean he's only 26.

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Damm. That's way too early. Not a fan of him, but it is sad to see one of the biggest drivers leave the sport way too soon.

I guess he's going to V8 supercars next year.

I would guess so too.

MotoGP is really up shit creek though. If Rossi goes soon - and many expect him too - then what next for the sport. This might change it though. Rossi could rejoin Honda...

It's just a shame that only Stoner, Lorenzo and Pedrosa ever win. Now we lose Stoner, having already tragically lost Simoncelli last year and effectively lose Rossi due to age, injury + bike.

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Yeah this sucks in terms of quality of the field. If Ducati stays like this Lorenzo is going to dominate hard the next years. Pedrosa isn't good enough to be a champion.

I wonder who will fill up his seat? Marquez isn't eligible since he's a rookie. Rossi could be a possibility, but they aren't exactly on good terms. And there isn't any real other excellent driver riding currently in MOTOGP.

They might promote Bautista to the factory squad as he's at Gresini. Him + Pedrosa? That would allow Marquez to get a factory-spec Honda but riding for Gresini.

Super Sic's death hit the sport hard. It was tragic, but on a longer run he was being sculpted as Rossi's heir in terms of fan appeal. MotoGP has also been hit by Suzuki's withdrawal, a lack of bikes, dull racing and they have troubles with the fact that 5 races are held on a financially struggling Iberian Peninsula.

"There are many things of this environment and this life that were not compatible with me, that I did not like. For two years I thought about this. I have spoken at length with my family and I finally made the decision to retire at the end of 2012" - Stoner

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Wow shocked. Knew he wasn't going to be around much longer but that was earlier than expected! Hopefully he goes out with the championship to his name still. Must be hooked on those cars!

I think the WSK will take over from Moto GP at this rate! WSK has all the manufactures and is looking great as always. Moto GP with this CRT bike and these new rules is taking away the enjoyment. It already seems WSK is going to become the biggest Bike series soon.

For the sake of MotoGP, they need to put Rossi on a competitive Honda, wrap Pedrosa in cotton wool and allow Marquez on the factory Honda next year. Big name personalities are crucial in this sport, especially Rossi - who confirmed he's staying until 2014 today.

http://www.f1zone.net/news/casey-stoner ... ent/14006/

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Stoner said

"After so many years of doing the sport which I love, and which myself and my family made so many sacrifices for, after so many years of trying to get to where we have gotten to at this point, this sport has changed a lot and it has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it.

"I don't have the passion for it and so at this time it's better if I retire now.

"There are a lot of things that have disappointed me, and also a lot of things I have loved about this sport, but unfortunately the balance has gone in the wrong direction.

Just goes to show that MotoGP is in really rough shape...and it is going to be even worse

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/179806 ... otogp.html

Here a complete interview of his anoucement.

Not like he has anything more to prove or achieve in the sport anyway I guess. Sad, now we won't have anyone to cheer from Aus! Been awhile since that was the case.

Not surprised. He has nothing else to prove. Why waste your life doing the same thing over and over. Glad to see someone retire young.

MotoGP is incredibly dull now. Too many electronics. The bikes change setup for each individual corner on the track via GPS....that is just plain stupid. Remove all electronics - TC and wheelie control as well as adjustable setups on the fly - and motogp will become more attractive for riders,spectators and teams.

I'll miss Stoner the rider and MotoGP is less without him, but I won't miss Stoner the utterly wet whingebag who's unhappy with everything that isn't him or that doesn't suit him.

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BTCC Pick Em's Champion 2010
Formula Fun Cup Champion 2013
http://www.the-fastlane.co.uk

I've barely watched any races since 2009. It's become such a dull event, and having one of the big names leave isn't going to help. I didn't expect to be reading that today.

The problem with Stoner is that he hates the media and therefore he gets portrayed negatively. Rossi is God and no matter what he does, he remains God.

Stoner isn't the best in terms of personality, but he's undoubtedly the best out there at the moment.

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

That I get, but you can't blame the media for his behaviour towards Rossi (and the marshals) after Laguna Seca 2008 and then Jerez 2011 for instance.

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BTCC Pick Em's Champion 2010
Formula Fun Cup Champion 2013
http://www.the-fastlane.co.uk