Downbeat Stoner looks to Motegi
Added on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Downbeat Stoner looks to Motegi
Casey Stoner seemed notably downbeat despite yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, having already admitted defeat in the championship race.
The defending world champion could see his crown taken away from him this weekend should title rival Valentino Rossi finish in the top four at Motegi this Sunday – regardless of what Stoner achieves.
The Australian, who continues to struggle with a troublesome hand injury, wrote off his slim chances even before Rossi secured a seventh win of the season and fourth consecutive victory at Indianapolis two weeks ago and his comments in the Ducati team’s official preview appear to sum up the mood in the team garage.
“I’ve had a mixed bag of results at Motegi – some good, some bad. Obviously the best memory is of last year with the title victory but as always I prefer to look to the future rather than reflect on the past.
“The track has always given me the impression that it is more suited to cars than bikes because it is full of hard braking and acceleration zones and there aren’t many flowing sections. Anyway, it is a fun track and I think it can be good for our bike and tyres.
“The wrist hasn’t given me great problems over the last week and seems to be improving on the last couple of weeks so I can’t wait to get back on the bike and try to get a better result than we’ve managed lately.”
Team manager Livio Suppo was more upbeat, pointing out the team’s previous successes which saw Stoner crowned World Champion last year.
“Motegi is a circuit with so many great memories for us,” said Suppo.” The first victory with Bridgestone in 2005, which came so many months after our first outright victory in MotoGP at Barcelona in 2003, has particular significance.
“Then there was the victory in 2006, when Loris was fighting for the title, and of course last year. It was entirely down to Loris because he picked the perfect moment to change bikes and take his third straight win there on the same day Casey was crowned World Champion!
“All in all, Motegi is a special place for us and even though we go there not in as good shape as last year there are still four races left and we’re glad that one of them is at this track.”
