Doohan backs Stoner to break Rossi records
Added on Thursday, October 6th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Doohan backs Stoner to break Rossi records
Australian MotoGP legend Mick Doohan believes that Casey Stoner will break his own records and those of nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.
Doohan, who won five world championships in his career, four of those with Honda, believes that the 25-year-old Stoner will go on to surpass those records and that he can go on to lead Australian motorcycle racing into a bright future.
Speaking to Fox Sports in Australia, Doohan said: “I think he’ll at least have five years to push the way he’s pushing now so he could easily surpass what I’ve done, and perhaps even Valentino Rossi. The future is looking good for Australian motorcycling.”
Stoner will claim the MotoGP championship this weekend if he wins at his home Grand Prix at Phillip Island, a circuit where he has tasted victory for the past four years, and Jorge Lorenzo finishes no higher than fourth.
However, Doohan recognises that it will be difficult for Stoner to secure the championship at his home round and on his 26th birthday.
“Lorenzo is a tough opponent, he’s very consistent and very rarely makes mistakes,” he added. “That’s not to say it can’t happen. There’s about a 75 per cent chance that will happen.”
