Well, as they say: finita la comedia... The fight for the WC title in 2008 is over, congratulations to Casey... Yep, we`re sad, very sad and dissapointed, as we expected so much of this season... But let`s weap tears off and try to answer the question: WHY? Why Vale has lost the title? What was the reason for it?

Just say your oppinion!

I suppose that the factors are:
1) Michelins
2) problems with developments in of the bike
3) luck of good luck...

There are many factors but the main ones have to be:
a) Tyres - the Michelins did not really seem to get to grips (sorry about the pun) with this season - the new rules did not help but Michelin were way out at sea for most of the time.

b) The bike. It seemed to be going so well in pre-season testing but when it came to racing it just did not have enough.

c) Vale has made a few mistakes - they would not have made a major impact overall but still played their little part.

d) Luck - we can't just ignore it as it is ever-present and Vale has had more than his fair share of the bad sort this season whereas perhaps Stoner had some of his share of good luck.

e) And to be honest I am having a bad year and wonder if Vale just got caught up in it. Someone up there decided to make Vale lose just to upset me!
(That last one is a joke but not too far from how I feel!!)

Tyres, a little mechanics & tax/media pressure

Because Yam and Michelin didn't improve bike and tyres!!! And they had enough time for it!!! Since Turkey! And because Duke and Bridgestone were perfect!

About good luck:
With Casey, Vale had none!
With Dani, Vale had a lot! Or was Dani luckless than Vale???

Gi

oh very easy question..because Casey won more races and more points than Vale

(yes lame joke...I am tyred <--- even more lame....just got back from a 4 and a half hour class)

well, for me it does come down to all the changes this season and yamaha and michelin not being able to cope (although I hope they're getting their act together soon!!!!), Vale making some mistakes whereas Stoner made virtually none and yeah, luck has it's part too. but as Jrcrams said, Vale has had his fair share of good luck in the past. I guess karma has it's way of balancing out... Let's hope that karma thinks it is enough of bad luck for Vale now

You may have something there Lisa - I think the number of points is the crucial element!.

And I like the tyred bit...haha!

Lack of straight line speed for the Yamaha, I dont think anyone would have guessed that Ducati would be so strong from the first race and then reliability issues with the Michelin tyres. Vale did the best with what he had.

its a good question but at the same time it is very clear.the maximal fact is michelin&bike problems..and also like you said luck of good luck...if rossi had a good bike,certainly he would be the champion again..

i think like turk_chick.