I think it's worth taking a look, a long hard 30,000 ft look, at what has transpired over the last few races in MotoGP.
Seven different winners in seven races, four first time grand prix winners, two manufacturers returning to the top step. Micro-analyze all you'd like, but the fact remains; this season has been unbelievable and best of all, unpredictable.
One thing I'd like to say is how awesome the battle between Marquez and Rossi was. I don't care if they are friends or not, that's immaterial. The fact that we get to see these battles between the greatest of all time and perhaps the greatest of all time 2 is just something to appreciate. And the fact Valentino is still competitive as ever at his age, I mean just wow.
I wish I could write as well as David at motomatters, but that's not my job. So perhaps some others will comment on some of these bigger picture items in our beloved sport. It's truly the best time ever to be a fan.
PS Crutchlow fighting at the top again is awesome. Go Cal!
I can’t seem to find a definitive answer. Most sources say that MotoGP was the new name given to the 500cc championship in 2002 when they switched to using 4 stroke 990cc bikes. But old broadcasts from the late 90’s use the “MotoGP” branding and there was a video game bearing the name in the year 2000.
So when and where did we first see the series being called MotoGP? Was it in 1992 when Dorna bought the commercial rights? Because I watched a 1992 broadcast and it referred to the series as the “FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle Championship”.
So where did the MotoGP branding originate, does anyone know?
Birds' Eye View of the Sumatra Islands Indonesia Grand Prix Racing Complex
Information & Circuit Descriptions:
- Formula One Indonesian Grand Prix Circuit - Sumatra (Center): This winding yet demanding 22-turn Formula One circuit guides drivers through a series of flowing sweepers interspersed with braking zones that foster overtaking and battling throughout. Its Valencia-Bahrain inspiration serves to provide challenges for drivers across all categories of motorsport while offering spectators a panoramic 360 view of its compact layout. It additionally features an overarching Indonesian-inspired hotel, offering a comprehensive view of the entirety of the circuit. One distinctive attribute of this focal circuit is its stadium, where spectators can view vehicles negotiating the menacing Bahrain-inspired turns 19 through 20. With its two pit straights, a featured skidpad, multiple panoramic, encompassing grandstands, extensive safety features, two DRS zones, and a stunning backdrop of a race hosted at sundown, this Grand Prix circuit is the host of a new era of Formula One.
- Formula E Indonesian Grand Prix Circuit (Northeast): This all-electric motorsport series plays host to its first-ever Indonesian Grand Prix, where this "electrifying" 20-corner circuit, located in the northeastern portion of the racing complex, is sure to be adrenaline-inducing for drivers and spectators alike. Drivers negotiate hairpins, double-apex, high-speed corners, chicanes, esses, and challenge as they battle in the heat and humidity of the Indonesian climate. With an Attack Zone at turn 8, several all-encompassing grandstands, and a formidable sequence of corners, this circuit necessitates tenacity and vigor within drivers that test their abilities at this Indonesian staple of all-electric racing.
- Tuban City Indonesian Grand Prix City Circuit (Southeast): Adapted from the streets of Tuban, Indonesia, this 28-corner grandiose street circuit, in the midst of an urban backdrop, is a thrill for drivers as they make their way around the compact and winding coastline roads. Comprising of interspersed esses, roundabouts, and hairpins, this circuit is the embodiment of all street circuits alike, as exemplified by its street-like flow and style, pushing drivers to surpass their and the circuit's limits through the two DRS zones
I've just started following MotoGP, and straight away I've noticed how Italy and Spain have the most number of riders.
Together, they account for 20 of the 30 riders on the current grid (including test riders)
In comparison, there are only 2 Spanish drivers and 1 Italian driver in Formula 1.
My question is, what's so unique about these countries when it comes to motorcycle racing? Insights will be much appreciated.
ROUND 22: United Arab Emirates
| FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 |
|---|
| Fri 10 Dec - Sun 12 Dec |
| Abu Dhabi |
| Session | UTC |
|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Fri 09:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Fri 13:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Sat 10:00 |
| Qualifying | Sat 13:00 |
| Race | Sun 13:00 |
Click here for start times in your area.
Yas Marina Circuit
Length: 5.554 km (3.451 mi)
Distance: 55 laps, 305.47 km (189.810 mi)
Lap record: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2019, 1:39.283
2020 pole: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing-Honda, 1:35.246
2020 fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo, Renault, 1:40.926
2020 winner: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing-Honda
####Useful links
- F1.com: Race
- Wiki: Race | Yas Marina Circuit
- Live weather prediction and radar (by /u/Forzonex)
Streaming & Downloads
For information on streams, please visit /r/MotorSportsStreams. Please do not post information about streams in this thread. Thank you.
####Live timing leaderboard
For those of you who are F1 ACCESS members, you can check the position of the drivers throughout the race on the official live timing leaderboard
Race Discussion
Join us on /r/formula1's IRC chat: #f1 on irc.snoonet.org
Stream talk has a channel of it's own: #f1streams on irc.snoonet.org
Be sure to check out the Discord as well.
####F1 Fantasy League
Remember to update your F1 Fantasy team. Join the official subreddit league here, or use invite code 2fe7c4ac4a.
