In the lead-up to the final MotoGp meeting of the season at Valencia this weekend, there is a lot of chatter about a minimum weight limit for Moto2 in 2013. Most strident in his criticism of the lack of such a levelling process has been Marc VDS rider, Scott Redding (pictured) who has let it be known since the start of the season that he has the ability to run with the Espargaros and Marquez’s of the class but is prevented from doing so because he weighs twice as much as them and is way taller. There is no doubt that all the successful riders in the category are small and light as this SHOULD confer a power-to-weight advantage for riders of this type. Whether it does or not or whether the rider’s ability is able to surmount this perceived disadvantage is a moot point although history does suggest that the point may be valid.
In 1977 and 1978 Australia’s racing hero, Gregg Hansford was competing in the 250cc and 350cc class of Grand Prix racing. He was on a “works” Kawasaki, tuned and fettled by Neville Doyle who was widely acknowledged as the master of the art. And yet, Gregg was mostly unable to beat South Africa’s Kork Ballington, riding for the “works” also on ostensibly identical bikes. There was talk at the time and it has resurfaced from time to time since that the reason for the disparity in performance had a lot less to do with rider ability (many, myself included, regarded Hansford as a vastly superior talent to the likeable South African) and a lot more to do with Ballington’s size advantage when riding the little bikes. Hansford, if you look at contemporary photos, towered over Ballington and was noticeably heavier as well and many have suggested that it was the Aussie’s inability to “tuck into” the little bikes as well as his rival could that hurt his race performances. Of course, we will never know, but the current situation in Moto2 is eerily similar.
220kgs, including the rider wearing his riding gear, is the figure being bandied around as the “sweet spot” if a weight limit is going to be applied for 2013. It should be noted that a minimum weight limit already applies in Moto3, a factor that will probably heavily influence the FIM’s thinking when they sit down to thrash this one out after Valencia.
WSBK World Champion, Max Biaggi, has called a Press Conference at Italy’s Vallelunga circuit (where he made his racing debut back in 1912 !!!) for the 7th of November. Speculation is rife that the Roman Emperor will announce his retirement at this conference. There seems little point making a big fuss if all the meeting is for is to announce a contract extension. Should Max decide to hang it up, after 6 world titles, it will start a huge scramble for seats for 2013. It already looks like Hiroshi Aoyama is heading back to MotoGp, riding for a CRT team next year. Ten Kate have already signed Leon Haslam in his place (a strange choice in my book, but, it’s their money). Hiro had a miserable year at Ten Kate, totally failing to come to grips (sorry about that) with the “spec” Pirelli tyre and heads back to familiar territory. Who will replace Max at the “plum” seat at Aprilia? Answers on a postcard, please.
Monday after Valencia begins the first round of testing for 2013, the new riders getting the chance to sample their new machinery. One rider will be missing, however, Ben Spies. Following his operation, he has been advised that at least 10 weeks is required to recovery from the very complex surgery he underwent so he will have to wait until the January 2013 test session before he can ride the Ducati for the first time. All eyes will be on the two swapping riders come Monday. How will Rossi find the Yamaha (probably will fit right in and be on the pace straight away) and how will Dovi find the Ducati? The answer to this question is far more clouded in mystery. I hope, for his sake, that he hasn’t made the wrong decision. I’ve been a fan since the days of when he was racing Lorenzo on 250’s and I’ve always felt that he had the right stuff. Certainly his performances this season have confirmed that, I hope that the Duc doesn’t ruin his career like it has so many other riders who have tried to tame it.
Postscript to the Ducati/Althea fallout. It now seems that Ducati is in discussion with Francis Batta (long-time head honcho of the Alstare Suzuki WSBK outfit) about putting their rider, Carlos Checa, on a Ducati and having the team running under the Alstare banner. Watch this space.
And finally, on the subject of weight, I’m pleased to have passed a small personal milestone this week. I have now lost 10 kgs since instituting my exercise programme. Being injured means that, even if you eat sensibly, which I have always done, you gain weight because you can’t exercise. Walking on the home treadmill and riding my bicycle, combined with a sensible diet, means that I am well on the way to reaching my target. Having said that, I don’t think I’ll be getting down to Moto2 riders’ figures!
sanoptic says
Good onya Phil !!
Losing 10kgs is great for body & mind ,i only wish i had motivation to do the same…LOL
Phil Hall says
It’s not easy, but it is worth it. I feel better than I’ve felt for a long time. Thanks.