MM93 is back in the saddle

[Pittsdriverwes]

Well, this is going to be interesting. Before his tragic agricultural adventure the guys in the field were closing the gap that's been so wide for the past several years. Some mighty fast times have been set in his absence and not on a Honda. I remember a race where he had to start from pit lane and still won the race - otherworldly would not be overstating it. But I'm guessing there's more than a couple of guys in the field that are eager to show him that times have changed and I'm excited to see if that's true or will he come back and show that they're all still competing for the 2nd step on the podium.

[Capnrip]

[Doctor350]

[Capnrip]

[Pittsdriverwes]

Yeah, he seems totally at home skating around beyond the edge of traction. Otherwordly skill and reflexes.

[Capnrip]

I was watching the second practice session and the way he slides the bike with control through the corners is something to see.

[Capnrip]

My man Morbidelli finding some speed

[Pittsdriverwes]

That was a pretty entertaining Q2. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds in the race tomorrow with answering the question, can MM93 cancel out the advantage that Ducati and Yamaha have been enjoying.

[ZATO]

[cjs350]

i think last year's championship was the most fun to watch in years - without MM - it will be interesting to see how many races it takes for him to get back to racing fitness. I'm afraid when he does it will be another season where the interest will be on who finishes second. As for Rossi, I'm sure he will still be capable of flashes of brilliance but I don't think he's going to be a factor in the championship race, although I still cheer for the old guy every race.

[Capnrip]

Another side of this assuming Marquez regains his physical and mental strength is what is Honda capable of? None of their riders really did that great post Marquez injury.

[ZATO]

MM93 was fast in the rain at Le Mans and quick to fly out of the saddle... twice! He did a good job of getting back in the race.

[mondrage]

i think last year's championship was the most fun to watch in years - without MM - it will be interesting to see how many races it takes for him to get back to racing fitness. I'm afraid when he does it will be another season where the interest will be on who finishes second. As for Rossi, I'm sure he will still be capable of flashes of brilliance but I don't think he's going to be a factor in the championship race, although I still cheer for the old guy every race.

yeah, it was a nice championship of the best of the rest. I needed the real champion back. We will see...

[Pittsdriverwes]

You know, Lorenzo was never quite the same after his first really nasty spill. It'll be interesting to see if Marquez can return to his other-worldly pace but it's fun to watch a more competitive series in the mean time!

[Capnrip]

Unless Marquez comes back and dominates again not sure if we'll ever know if he's declined or other riders and machines have gotten better.

[cjs350]

Watching today's qualifying, Marquez continues to be an asshole, and I'm afraid that Rossi is past his sell by date. Looking for a good race tomorrow.

[Pittsdriverwes]

Yeah, what the hell was all that about with Vinales? It looks like he's trying to get in his head but if that's his strategy maybe he should focus it on someone that's winning races? Or better yet, not be a prick. There hasn't been a good controversy in MotoGP since the whole Lorenzo/MM bromance.

[ZATO]

You got that right, once an asshole... always an asshole. He needs a seat belt so he can stay on!