Valentino or Casey

TKDmasterZ · 08-07-2007, 11:49 AM

We know now that Casey Stoner is the man to beat this year. We can never count Rossi out, but has he met a true rival whom even the Doctor himself cannot beat?

slickwill · 08-07-2007, 12:04 PM

There is a difference in who I like and who I think will get it done. I've been a Rossi fan from day 1. I think Stoner has what it takes to finish it this year.

my2ndhornet · 08-10-2007, 4:34 AM

Yep - OK - I'm biased for sure - Stoner's the lad to beat.

They said he was only winning early on 'cos the fast tracks suited his Duke.
They said he'd succumb in Europe.
They said he'd be swamped by the Yanks at Laguna Seca.
They keep saying The Doctor will challenge.......waiting, waiting, waiting......

Racing is such that Stoner could fall off next race and not see out the season. That would be cruel luck. So far, everyone else is doing the falling, including the Doctor.

Only one rider so far has earned the right to win the title this year.

Go you good thing

.OrgOwner · 08-10-2007, 4:49 AM

Stoner, I think the torch is being passed and he will only get better.

dicknose · 08-10-2007, 4:50 AM

I think most logic says that Casey not only has what it takes but is also in the lead position and so is the logical choice to be favourite.

Do I think he is as good a rider as the Doctor? No. But I think Valentino was happy to hurt his chances with the move to Yamaha a few years ago to give him some incentive as it was all too easy. The Yamaha is now not a bad bike, but I dont think its as good as the Ducati.

But its not about "who is the best rider" - its about who is the best overall package. And I think thats definitely Casey this year. He has shown he has what it takes in different conditions, fast, slow, wet, dry. Id even say he has coped with pressure - he has been points leader and that doesnt seem to phase him. I dont think it will even as he gets closer to winning the title.

And to the person who voted for Hayden - lets get serious! You might be a fan, but I cant see any possible way he could win the series from here. Not unless both Stoner and Rossi are injured for most of the rest of the season. Even then I think he would have trouble getting past Pedosa (and possibly a few others).
Wishing is a lot different from thinking its the most likely outcome!

MR_TiGGer · 08-10-2007, 8:26 PM

Stoner is the man to beat this year and next. He showed the way from Race 1, and Rossi has become such a petulant child now things aren't going his way. I've lost so much respect for him this year.

But remember, Casey is the only man with the skill to get the very best out of the Duke, even Ducati admit it's a ferocious machine "We wanted the most powerful bike then work out how to control it later"

But please keep an eye on Britain's James Toseland next year on the Tech 3 Yam, long time since we had a decent Brit on a GP bike that "Should" have the right package and no Dunlops in '08

giza · 08-11-2007, 5:44 AM

Its not always the equipment.
Yes its a top bike,but,you have to be skillfull and talented to get to the top.
Rossi is the current legend of this sport,going on most gp wins,Rossi,Agostini & Doohan are so far in front its damn stupid to say Stoner is far the better.(mind you this season he is).
Dont get me wrong Stoner is proving himself to be one of these riders that can get to this position, and just might get to number 1 of all time wins.
Rossi is the man,he wont go down without a fight.
Hayden is the dissapointment,i watched him all 2006 season, loved the way he rode,i bought my blade because of him,he rode a honda and won on one,and who dosent like those repsol colours,(i got a silver one though)i hope he is not down and out,cause theres so much talent coming up and it wont be easy, i hope he can win again.
Stoner is to strong this year.
Time will tell.

MR_TiGGer · 08-11-2007, 12:06 PM

Not sure that's entirely fair but you might end up to be right. But to me I'm not 100% convinced that Rossi's head is in the game, while Stoner seems totally locked in to the job in hand. He's traveling around the world with his wife, and he's never been happier in his racing career as I understand it. Since he 1st moved from Oz to the UK he's always been away from those he cares about until this year and look at him go. How many bike did he trash last year??
Laguna Seca he was fastest in EVERY session from 1st free practice to the chequered flag on Sunday, that's what I call focus

Rossi ain't got it all his own way or the best & fastest bike in the universe since he moved to Yamaha, and his teddy is still in orbit around the planet, far far away from his cot