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Well …… once again Hagasan proves why he’ll probably never win a championship. During the first round of World Superbike, held this past weekend in Qatar, the veteran Noriuki made a rookie mistake.

In the opening laps, Haga who was running in second place right on the tail of his teammate Troy Corser, was aggressively passed by Max Biaggi. The pass was completely legit and without incident. But, the Sterilgarda Ducati rider’s move caused Nori to have to “check-up”. This infuriated Haga so much that he decided to take his left (clutch) hand off the bar to give Biaggi the one-finger salute.

Almost immediately upon raising his arm, Haga’s right hand (throttle) moved just enough to cause the rear-end of his bike to break traction, violently high-siding him off and in front of his Santander Yamaha.

It’s obvious from the replay that if Haga had just maintained his composure, he would most likely have finished the race and maybe even made the podium.  The resulting injuries sustained in his crash, while not serious, barely allowed him to ride in Race 2 where he finished a respectable, but distant, 10th.

The fact that his gesture was directed at the back of his nemesis, made no sense at all. (At least Valentino Rossi would repass the offender - typically Biaggi - turn around in the saddle, and point the your-number-one salute at his face)

I like Haga, his riding style and talent on a racing motorcycle is unquestionable. I want to see him finally win the championship that he’s knocked on the door for, for so long. But the boy just can’t seem to keep is emotions in check enough to allow his talent to pay-off. It’s a shame.

 Rhino