The Rain In Spain

[Mad4TheCrest]

Has made for interesting qualifying for the Jerez MotoGP ...

During the rain-soaked first two sessions, Rossi was second fastest on his hated Ducati. Then came the mostly dry qualifying, and the demons returned, with Rossi finishing 13th. Those who are still certified Aliens we're in ther usual spots, joined by Nicky Hayden, who performed some sort of miracle to place his Duc in 4th. If this keeps up the Kentuckian will receive honorary Aussie citizenship ..

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Apr/120428b.htm

[allred]

I missed the main race............5am viewing was just too much for me this week.

Looks like Stoner did it again...........and Rossi managed one place better than his usual 10th.


.

[fatfatboy]

I woke up just in time to start the coffee and watch the race. What a nice way to spend a rainy Sunday morning.

It was a good race with not a lot of drama. Nice to see more than just Honda's in the top two slots.
Lorenzo gave Stoner a run for his money.
Hayden started in a good spot but just couldn't keep it in spot. I'd like to see him on the podium.

Moto2 is coming up in a few minutes. Time to make another pot of coffee.

[oldironnow]

We thought Jerez was a good race.
True, it was no fun watching NH and Spies fade,
But the scrap between P1/P2 and P3/P4 was real.

[fatfatboy]

What was up with that finish in MOTO2? Wasn't for sure who won for awhile and neither did he.
I think in all fairness I would think that a "We are going to cut the race short" flag would be beneficial for those that are planning their next lap strategy.

[Hoofhearted]

There was a time when the race wouldn't have been stopped. Fortunately today common sense prevails. If a "we're going to cut the race short" flag comes into use how far away is a "Its raining so we're going to cut the race short. So that no ones feelings are hurt everyone will be classified as first" flag?

[fatfatboy]

Originally Posted by Hoofhearted

There was a time when the race wouldn't have been stopped.

That was another part of our (wife and I's) conversation. Seems just last year we were seeing races in much harder/more rain. How is that decided? Is there a standard "Call of the race" formula? Do they throw out a hoola-hoop and count the dots?

I don't really think its a matter of feelings being hurt. It's more of how does the riders know if the race is going to be cut short if sometimes they run in rain and sometimes they don't.
Seems to me some wait for the last lap to make their moves and if you don't know the last lap how do you know when to make your Hail Mary move?

[Hoofhearted]

I don't think there is a hard and fast formula. Its up to the (what used to be called) the clerk of the course. I also think the riders who are out in the middle of things have a pretty good idea when it should be or will be called. Many years ago you had one tire for all conditions so you raced to the end regardless. Today's tire selection makes the choice for variable conditions dodgy to say the least. I guess its a case of if it starts to rain make your move (if you dare).

[fatfatboy]

Originally Posted by Hoofhearted

I guess its a case of if it starts to rain make your move (if you dare).

I guess that explains some of the crashes we see when it gets a little moist.

Not sure what race it was but last season I was watching a race and it started to rain but the race continued for quite a few laps until a gully washer came upon the race. The lead man and 2nd place rider where still duking it out until the lead man slipped off the track leaving the 2nd placer now in first. He immediatly started waving his arms around suggesting the race be stopped, which it was.

[Hoofhearted]

Can you imagine the mayhem and carnage if a "the next lap is going to be the last lap" flag was waived? Best to leave them guessing.