Stoner looking forward to his “preferred” track
Added on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Stoner looking forward to his “preferred” track
Casey Stoner claimed that he is looking forward to racing at Silverstone this weekend, claiming that he “always preferred” the Northamptonshire circuit to Donington Park.
Stoner, who has endured a nightmare start to the new season, doesn’t have the fondest memories of Donington, despite having a respectable record at the East Midland’s venue, which gave up the rights to host the British Grand Prix last season.
Stoner won the British Grand Prix in both 2007 and 2008 but was vociferously heckled by British fans following his 2008 win whilst in 2009, a disastrous tyre choice left him ambling around in 14th position.
And the Australian is happy for the opportunity of a fresh start in England, claiming that Silverstone should prove to be a better experience for both riders and spectators.
“I am really pleased that MotoGP is going to Silverstone,” he claimed. “I raced there when I was living in England, before I started in the World Championship, but not on the current layout, which has been changed a lot for this year and there is really only one section left that I know.
“Anyway, it will be a fast circuit, one of the fastest on the calendar, and one of the most spectacular and I’m sure there’ll be a great atmosphere. I can’t wait to go there because I have always preferred Silverstone to Donington Park. I think it will be more fun for the riders and for the fans too.”
Meanwhile, team manager Vittoriano Guareschi has claimed that the team many try a number of technical modifications in order to make the most of a circuit that, on paper at least, should suit the Ducati team.
“As far as I’m concerned this is the first time that the team goes to race at a new track so that will be a new experience for me,” he said. “On paper Silverstone appears very fast and this is a characteristic that both the riders and the bike will enjoy but, having said that, there are certain variables that we have to bear in mind. From the weather, that forecasts say will be good but in England you never know, to the nature of the circuit, the asphalt, and how quickly we’ll be able to find the right set-up.
“At Mugello last week we worked on some new set-up solutions that we may try at Silverstone or, depending on circumstances, during future race weekends.”
