Six-time World champion Max Biaggi, who retired recently after winning the 2012 WSB championship (his second) for Aprilia, tested the Ducati MotoGP bike of Pramac Racing’s Ben Spies earlier today at Mugello. Spies is still recovering from injury. Biaggi is there with other Ducati MotoGP riders, including the factory pair of Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso.
Testing ended shortly after 3:00 due to rain, but Biaggi is expected to test again tomorrow. Reported lap times are unofficial, and confusing. The most reliable reports seem to indicate that Biaggi is circulating roughly six seconds off the pace of the fastest current MotoGP riders at this circuit . . . not too bad considering the dramatic changes to MotoGP bikes since 2005 when Biaggi last rode in the premier class, as well as the fact WSB does not currently race at Mugello, making Biaggi less familiar with the circuit.
Why is Biaggi testing? Speculation is all over the board on this topic, as well. Some think Biaggi is simply receiving a favor from his Italian pals at the factory, while others think this is potentially a more serious relationship developing. My best guess is that this a one-off test that does seek feedback from the most recent WSB champ.
If he had gotten within 3 seconds, Spies might be looking for a ride. As it is, he was probably just providing input on how to make the Duc competitive. I am sure they are getting desperate for the right formula to get back on track. It seems clear to me that the formula needs to center on rehiring a certain retired Aussie.
re: “It seems clear to me that the formula needs to center on rehiring a certain retired Aussie.”
granted, a very popular sentiment to parrot from the internet, however (comma) that’s a return to “kicking the can down the road”.
not even saying it has to win, but at a minimum they have to build kit that a cross section of riders can at least be competitive on (ie. consistently in the top 5). same as the Honda, same as the Yamaha. bringing stone’ back (even if he were somehow successful), would be “paddock poison”.
no rider, or team will want to touch the desmo with a 10ft. spanner (to a degree we’re at that point now :(). no, it’s sublime chassis or bust. on this, the future of their entire motogp program depends (yoda voice).
Parroting? Nope. The opinions expressed are purely my own, and are worth precisely what you paid for ’em. Plus it is probably only a coincidence that the only rider to be competitive on the MotoGP Duc is Stoner. Yapshore.
How does the 6 seconds off compare to Dovi? I’m guessing it’s 4 seconds slow, at least.
I’m more perplexed by the phalic-type image he’s shaved into his face. That being said, who really cares? The motogp races are anything but interesting to watch, maybe he can bring some much needed flair back into this sport.
Mid season replacement for Spies needed.
6 seconds off the pace? Cmon Ducati, let him race, he could give the CRT’s a run for their money
re: “Why is Biaggi testing?”
lord only knows…?
re: “Some think Biaggi is simply receiving a favor from his Italian pals at the factory”
yaaahhhtzeee…!!!
re: “My best guess is that this a one-off test that does seek feedback from the most recent WSB champ.”
melandri, capirossi, VR46, crazy joe, and dovisioso. biaggi was only one of “great italians” who HADN’T ridden the infamous home country product, turned to them and said, “this things SUCKS”. (how ever that goes in italian)
the circle is now complete.
Dunno if he can hang with Rossi these days, but, would be cool to see Mad Max and Rossi dicing again.
Don’t worry Max, you still suck and don’t have a chance at even a CRT ride….
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/biaggi-rossi-has-no-chance/22350.html