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Silver Bullet is one of only a few Websites worldwide that receives Desiree Crossman`s newsy behind the MotoGP scene column (not always PC). She reports on #21 John (Hopper) Hopkin`s MotoGP exploits and her own as they travel the globe.
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Hi everyone.
To start off, it was a rowdy night in the town of Welkom and sleep deprivation was in it for me. I don’t know how they can stay up all night revving engines and then go to the races. Crazy.
Anyway, today was another good day in the field of dreams for these riders. Let’s talk about me for a moment; I was the biggest moron this morning. Every day it has been lovely weather in the morning with a nice temperature and I had yet to wear a skirt. So, I decided to throw one on, on the coldest morning yet. I walked into the paddock not only freezing my *&^ off but thinking to myself, “What an idiot!” The one day I decided to wear a skirt, the temperature was a little too chilly for it. Needless to say, I went back to the hotel with John after the first session to throw on some pants. Yes, I will openly admit it was a stupid decision to wear a skirt.
Back to the focal point of this update, today was rather a good day in “the pits”. In the first session, well, most of the time, Valentino was on top along with most of the Honda brigade right behind. John and Kenny were up in the mix as well staying pretty consistent in the top 10 or so. Seemed like the session went relatively well for them. I know John’s main objective was to find a good race tire, which he did. Not to mention he was the second fastest in the first section behind Nicky which was a big improvement for both the team and John. Kenny stayed I believe fourth fastest for a good period of time too. Either fourth or fifth, I can’t recall exactly.
No crashes in the first session but there were two in the second. Alex Hoffman went down and so did Ruben Xaus, but nothing major. They were both back out there in no time. The one rider who has been steadily making his way up is Shinya and he grabbed pole with 10 minutes to go in the session. In our native California lingo, I was pretty “stoked” for him. It’s good to see him up there in the top. Everyone seems to be doing well in their own right for the first race, but it is only the first round and there hasn’t even been a race yet until tomorrow. I think Marco Melandri should do quite well this year too.
The one person we haven’t seen a lot of in the top 10 is Troy. Now, from the conversation I over heard with John and others, he reckons him and Troy are the only few who use front brakes which I guess this track doesn’t favor. Not to mention the Ducati is an animal from how he sees Loris ride the bike. With that combination, he may be struggling a bit but that’s ok, cause’ it is only the first round and we’ve all seen what he can do on the bike anyway, so it’s just one of those weekends when things don’t click. I’m sure come Jerez, he’ll be up there burnin’ gas and kickin’ ass. I sound like I know what I’m talking about but really I’m just stating what John told me. At least I’m honest.
I don’t know anything about Shayne Byrne on the Aprilia but his debut hasn’t been disregarded. WCM is here with their rider Michel Fabrizio and I know Chris Burns will be back for Jerez. Good to see them racing.
Well that should be it for now. Again, until tomorrow when the real racing starts and the points start rolling, I will write later. Bye for now. Oh and yes, I’m sure everyone knows by now, “The Doctor” got pole.
Bye,
Desiree.
