Rossi: MotoGP should reward talent, not technology

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/155...echnology.html

Record-breaking multiple MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi backs calls for a return to 1,000cc engines in the premier class - and stresses that man should count for more than machine in the end result

Legendary multiple MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi has revealed his vision for the future of the sport, contending that limits need to be imposed so that the focus of the competition returns to the best rider once more rather than simply who has the best bike at his disposal.

Rossi has already been outspoken and unequivocal in describing the reduction in engine capacity from 990cc to 800cc in 2007 as 'the biggest mistake the world championship has made in the last 15 years' [see separate story – click here], contending that the bikes are now less fun to ride and less spectacular for the fans as the dependency upon electronic gizmos has gone through the roof.

Now, the Urbino native – who has achieved title glory with every engine size and every regulations package in recent memory, in 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 800cc and 990cc – argues that the onus needs to be placed back upon the skill of the rider rather than the quality of the equipment beneath him, and as such has come out in support of the proposed 1,000cc, four-cylinder route the series is evaluating for 2012 and beyond [see separate story – click here].

“I would return MotoGP to 1,000cc and I would remove 70 per cent of the electronics,” the Yamaha star opined in an interview with Italian TV chain Rai Sport. “That's a fair reduction, I'd say.

“Unfortunately, for motorised sports it's difficult; until recently there weren't many rules and everyone pushed to the maximum. We need to impose limits, but in an intelligent fashion.”

I watched the 2002 Philip Island race the other day, and holy hell it was exciting. Multiple lead changes, tire sliding, riders dicing back and forth to get the best line/spot...

We need that excitement back.

Although I agree that riders should be a bigger part of the equation, I also think that the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is a place for the manufacturer to show off their best technology. Manufacturers are trying to sell bikes, they can't sell you Rossi's skill. Obviously, they build technology that will be in the best interest of the normal joe schmo consumer (traction control, abs, wheelie control etc...)

My suggestion is to bump the cc back to 1000 and give the riders a choice, if they want to race with the bike running on auto pilot or if they want to go old school and race without the traction controls etc.. Clearly, Rossi isn't happy that his competition is just as fast with half his talent, but, if he's that much better, he should still be able to win.

Originally Posted by maxspeed

Although I agree that riders should be a bigger part of the equation, I also think that the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is a place for the manufacturer to show off their best technology. Manufacturers are trying to sell bikes, they can't sell you Rossi's skill. Obviously, they build technology that will be in the best interest of the normal joe schmo consumer (traction control, abs, wheelie control etc...)

My suggestion is to bump the cc back to 1000 and give the riders a choice, if they want to race with the bike running on auto pilot or if they want to go old school and race without the traction controls etc.. Clearly, Rossi isn't happy that his competition is just as fast with half his talent, but, if he's that much better, he should still be able to win.

That won't work, because in most cases the bikes with electronics will win

Originally Posted by tamer

That won't work, because in most cases the bikes with electronics will win

I have read that rossi turns his electronics way down already and is more comfortable with his old school techniques.. yet, he's still able to beat stoner on autopilot...

I think the whole idea though is to level the playing field for better, more entertaining racing instead of pedrobot or stoner checking out and winning by 20+ seconds...

idk... they need to do something tho.. This year, a single round in wsbk was 10x more entertaining then the whole motogp season.. atleast last year we had the battle royale at laguna...

They should have two 1000CC races. One with all the gizmos and one with ZERO. Won't happen but I would like to see it

^that's a lot of money as well. i understand both ways, advancing tech vs. better racing, etc., but i'd like it to go old school with less electronics. that makes for much better racing. we'll see what they decide.

Originally Posted by TRAVR6

They should have two 1000CC races. One with all the gizmos and one with ZERO. Won't happen but I would like to see it

that would be a pretty awesome idea... turn it into a wsb format...

1000cc, no wc, no electronic engine braking and reduction of tc by 75%. lets be honest those bikes do put out a lot of power and you saw far less high sides and nasty crashes when they went to the more electronic friendly 990's. so reduce tc by 75. i think rossi, lorenzo, spies, edwards,melandri and simicello would shine

Up until the last couple seasons, I agreed with the whole "develop the technology" angle. But really, what's left to develop? What more could they add to a TC system to make it better for the mass market? Do like F1, and get rid of it. It's good enough already, time for it to go.