No he has been fairly lucky with injuries... well bike injuries anyway
Rossi: ‘We must keep focused’
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi is in a very strong position as he heads to Indianapolis, but he insists that he will not let up in his pursuit of another title.
Taking a 50-point advantage into the lasts six rounds of the year and heading to a track where he created history as the first ever MotoGP winner last season, Valentino Rossi is confident and optimistic about Indianapolis, but is taking nothing for granted.
As the 2009 season enters its final stages Rossi will continue to demonstrate the focus and ruthlessness which has helped him to six previous premier class titles, knowing that should he slip up his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo will try to take maximum advantage.
Rossi took victory in last year’s inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix in a race curtailed by bad weather (the symptoms of the tail end of Hurricane Ike) and he is looking forward to riding at the iconic U.S. venue once again this weekend. “2008 at Indy was something special because it was the first time we had been there and it is definitely the most famous racetrack in the world,” he stated.
“We didn’t really know what to expect but our bike worked very well and we were fast from the start, in the wet and the dry,” continued the 30 year-old. “Every year is a different story, however, so we won’t know where we are until we start our work on Friday afternoon. Last year I had a great win but, like everyone, I really hope that was the only hurricane we ever have to race in and that this time the conditions are more normal.”
Looking at the wider picture, Rossi also commented, “It would be stupid for us to relax and consider the championship won, anything can happen and we know that Lorenzo will be very strong this weekend and determined to make up for the last two races. We must keep focused.”
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi is in a very strong position as he heads to Indianapolis, but he insists that he will not let up in his pursuit of another title.
Taking a 50-point advantage into the lasts six rounds of the year and heading to a track where he created history as the first ever MotoGP winner last season, Valentino Rossi is confident and optimistic about Indianapolis, but is taking nothing for granted.
As the 2009 season enters its final stages Rossi will continue to demonstrate the focus and ruthlessness which has helped him to six previous premier class titles, knowing that should he slip up his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo will try to take maximum advantage.
Rossi took victory in last year’s inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix in a race curtailed by bad weather (the symptoms of the tail end of Hurricane Ike) and he is looking forward to riding at the iconic U.S. venue once again this weekend. “2008 at Indy was something special because it was the first time we had been there and it is definitely the most famous racetrack in the world,” he stated.
“We didn’t really know what to expect but our bike worked very well and we were fast from the start, in the wet and the dry,” continued the 30 year-old. “Every year is a different story, however, so we won’t know where we are until we start our work on Friday afternoon. Last year I had a great win but, like everyone, I really hope that was the only hurricane we ever have to race in and that this time the conditions are more normal.”
Looking at the wider picture, Rossi also commented, “It would be stupid for us to relax and consider the championship won, anything can happen and we know that Lorenzo will be very strong this weekend and determined to make up for the last two races. We must keep focused.”
Indianapolis practice report
Indianapolis MotoGP
Date: 29-30 August
Saturday 29 August: Qualifying: 1750-2100, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 30 August: 125cc and 250cc races: 1650-1805, BBC Red Button/online Race live: 1945-2100, BBC Three/online
Indianapolis MotoGP
Date: 29-30 August
Saturday 29 August: Qualifying: 1750-2100, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 30 August: 125cc and 250cc races: 1650-1805, BBC Red Button/online Race live: 1945-2100, BBC Three/online
Pedrosa sets pace in Indianapolis
Pedrosa has already won in the USA this season at Laguna Seca
Dani Pedrosa romped to pole position for Sunday's Indianapolis MotoGP ahead of Fiat Yamaha pair Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
The Spaniard set a lap time of one minute 39.730 seconds, half a second faster than Lorenzo, with a late surge on the last lap putting Rossi third.
James Toseland was among the early pace-setters but ended up tenth.
MotoGP debutant Aleix Espargaro was 16th, and Ducati stand-in Mika Kallio crashed out again before coming 15th.
Rossi edged out Alex de Angelis by just one hundredth of a second to get onto the front row of the grid, so the San Marino rider will start on row two alongside American duo Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden.
Toni Elias will start in seventh spot despite a spill, and shares row three with Italian pair Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Melandri, ahead of Toseland.
In qualifying for the 125cc race, runaway championship leader Julian Simon set the fastest time, ahead of Sandro Cortese and Nicolas Terol, with Britain's Bradley Smith fifth fastest.
On pole for the first ever 250cc race at Indianapolis will be France's Mike di Meglio.
Championship leader Hiroshi Aoyama was second fastest, with reigning world champion Marco Simoncelli in third place.
Indianapolis MotoGP qualifying result:
1 D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 1min 39.730 sec
2 J Lorenzo (Sp) Fiat Yamaha 1min 40.236 sec
3 V Rossi (It) Fiat Yamaha 1min 40.609 sec
4 A de Angelis (RSM) Gresini Honda Gresini 1min 40.620 sec
5 C Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 40.961 sec
6 N Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 41.067 sec
7 T Elias (Sp) Gresini Honda 1min 41.283 sec
8 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 1min 41.309 sec
9 M Melandri (Ita) Hayate Racing 1min 41.530 sec
10 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 41.620 sec
11 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 1min 41.742 sec
12 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 1min 41.773 sec
13 N Canepa (Ita) Pramac Racing 1min 41.910 sec
14 C Vermeulen (Aus) Rizla Suzuki 1min 42.038 sec
15 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 1min 42.250 sec
16 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Racing 1min 42.577 sec
17 G Talmacsi (Hng) Scot Racing 1min 42.736 sec
125cc qualifying result:
1 J Simon (Spain) Aprilia 1min 49.337secs
2 S Cortese (Germany) Derbi 1:49.387
3 N Terol (Spain) Aprilia 1:49.537
4 P Espargaro (Spain) Derbi 1:49.577
5 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 1:49.585
250cc qualifying result:
1 M Di Meglio (Fra) Aprilia 1min 44.341secs
2 H Aoyama (Jpn) Honda 1:44.461
3 M Simoncelli (Ita) Gilera 1:44.553
4 H Barbera (Spa) Aprilia 1:44.625
5 J Cluzel (Fra) Aprilia 1:44.860
Pedrosa has already won in the USA this season at Laguna Seca
Dani Pedrosa romped to pole position for Sunday's Indianapolis MotoGP ahead of Fiat Yamaha pair Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
The Spaniard set a lap time of one minute 39.730 seconds, half a second faster than Lorenzo, with a late surge on the last lap putting Rossi third.
James Toseland was among the early pace-setters but ended up tenth.
MotoGP debutant Aleix Espargaro was 16th, and Ducati stand-in Mika Kallio crashed out again before coming 15th.
Rossi edged out Alex de Angelis by just one hundredth of a second to get onto the front row of the grid, so the San Marino rider will start on row two alongside American duo Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden.
Toni Elias will start in seventh spot despite a spill, and shares row three with Italian pair Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Melandri, ahead of Toseland.
In qualifying for the 125cc race, runaway championship leader Julian Simon set the fastest time, ahead of Sandro Cortese and Nicolas Terol, with Britain's Bradley Smith fifth fastest.
On pole for the first ever 250cc race at Indianapolis will be France's Mike di Meglio.
Championship leader Hiroshi Aoyama was second fastest, with reigning world champion Marco Simoncelli in third place.
Indianapolis MotoGP qualifying result:
1 D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 1min 39.730 sec
2 J Lorenzo (Sp) Fiat Yamaha 1min 40.236 sec
3 V Rossi (It) Fiat Yamaha 1min 40.609 sec
4 A de Angelis (RSM) Gresini Honda Gresini 1min 40.620 sec
5 C Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 40.961 sec
6 N Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 41.067 sec
7 T Elias (Sp) Gresini Honda 1min 41.283 sec
8 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 1min 41.309 sec
9 M Melandri (Ita) Hayate Racing 1min 41.530 sec
10 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 41.620 sec
11 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 1min 41.742 sec
12 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 1min 41.773 sec
13 N Canepa (Ita) Pramac Racing 1min 41.910 sec
14 C Vermeulen (Aus) Rizla Suzuki 1min 42.038 sec
15 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 1min 42.250 sec
16 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Racing 1min 42.577 sec
17 G Talmacsi (Hng) Scot Racing 1min 42.736 sec
125cc qualifying result:
1 J Simon (Spain) Aprilia 1min 49.337secs
2 S Cortese (Germany) Derbi 1:49.387
3 N Terol (Spain) Aprilia 1:49.537
4 P Espargaro (Spain) Derbi 1:49.577
5 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 1:49.585
250cc qualifying result:
1 M Di Meglio (Fra) Aprilia 1min 44.341secs
2 H Aoyama (Jpn) Honda 1:44.461
3 M Simoncelli (Ita) Gilera 1:44.553
4 H Barbera (Spa) Aprilia 1:44.625
5 J Cluzel (Fra) Aprilia 1:44.860
Lorenzo gains vital Indy victory
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo won the Indianapolis MotoGP to cut Valentino Rossi's championship lead to 25 points as the world champion failed to finish.
Dani Pedrosa set the early pace before skidding off on lap four, leaving Rossi and Lorenzo to battle for the lead.
Two laps later Lorenzo had gone ahead when the Italian skidded off and out.
Lorenzo, who failed to finish in the last two races, came home nine seconds ahead of Alex de Angelis in second with home favourite Nicky Hayden in third.
Pedrosa did superbly to come back and finish in 10th place, and Britain's James Toseland boosted his chance of earning a new contract with the Tech 3 Yamaha team by equalling his career-best sixth place finish.
With five races of the season left, Lorenzo has cut Rossi's championship lead to just one win's-worth of points.
Afterwards, Lorenzo told BBC Sport he was happy to have luck go his way for a change.
"The last races have been very bad results for us, when I crashed in both of them, but today it happens to the others," he said."In this championship, if you want to win you have to be always at the limit. My bike was really good and I was riding OK."
Ducati rider Hayden was equally thrilled after struggling for much of the season."It's not a win, but it feels like one," he said.
"This season has been so hard, the hardest challenge of my life, but we're on our way.
"I was on the limit but I wasn't going to bring home anything less than a podium."
In a fiercely contested 125cc race, Britain's Bradley Smith was just edged into second place by Pol Espargaro, who recorded his first career victory.
Simone Corsi was third, with championship leader Julian Simon, who had started from pole position before slipping back to 10th place, coming home in fifth.
Marco Simoncelli recorded victory in the first-ever 250cc race at the Brickyard.
He kept alive his hopes of retaining his world title by coming home two seconds ahead of championship leader Hiroshi Aoyama, with Alvaro Bautista in third place.
Indianapolis MotoGP result (times to follow):
1 J Lorenzo (Sp) Fiat Yamaha 47'13.592
2 A de Angelis (RSM) Gresini Honda 47'23.027
3 N Hayden (USA) Ducati 47'26.539
4 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 47'27.070
5 C Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'39.846
6 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'46.000
7 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 47'47.992
8 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 47'48.448
9 T Elias (Sp) Gresini Honda 47'58.597
10 D Pedrosa (Spn) Repsol Honda 47'58.597
11 C Vermeulen (Aus) Rizla Suzuki 47'59.070
12 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 48'05.886
13 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Racing 48'17.144
14 G Talmacsi (Hng) Scot Racing 48'28.678
Championship standings:
1 V Rossi 212
2 J Lorenzo 187
3 C Stoner 150
4 D Pedrosa 141
5 C Edwards 123
6 A Dovizioso 120
7 A de Angelis 88
8 L Capirossi 86
9 R de Puniet 84
10 M Meldandri 79
11 C Vermeulen 77
12 N Hayden 73
13 J Toseland 72
14 T Elias 70
15 M Kallio 42
16 N Canepa 32
17 S Gibernau 12
18 G Talmacsi 10
19 Y Takahashi 9
20 A Espargaro 3
125cc race result:
1 P Espargaro (Spn) Derbi 42'07.925
2 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 42'08.045
3 S Corsi (Ita) Aprukua 42'08.373
4 N Terol (Spn) Aprilia 42'09.538
5 J Simon (Spn) Aprilia 42'09.726
Championship standings:
1 J Simon 185 pts
2 N Terol 132.5
3 B Smith 131.5
4 S Gadea 112
5 A Iannone 109.5
250cc race result:
1 M Simoncelli (Ita) Gilera 45'43.599
2 H Aoyama (Jpn) Honda 45'45.542
3 A Bautista (Spn) Aprilia 45'48.260
4 M Di Meglio (Fra) Aprilia 45'56.375
5 R Locatelli (Ita) Gilera 45'59.074
Championship standings:
1 H Aoyama 192
2 A Bautista 176
3 M Simoncelli 165
4 H Barbera 133
5 M Pasini 100
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo won the Indianapolis MotoGP to cut Valentino Rossi's championship lead to 25 points as the world champion failed to finish.
Dani Pedrosa set the early pace before skidding off on lap four, leaving Rossi and Lorenzo to battle for the lead.
Two laps later Lorenzo had gone ahead when the Italian skidded off and out.
Lorenzo, who failed to finish in the last two races, came home nine seconds ahead of Alex de Angelis in second with home favourite Nicky Hayden in third.
Pedrosa did superbly to come back and finish in 10th place, and Britain's James Toseland boosted his chance of earning a new contract with the Tech 3 Yamaha team by equalling his career-best sixth place finish.
With five races of the season left, Lorenzo has cut Rossi's championship lead to just one win's-worth of points.
Afterwards, Lorenzo told BBC Sport he was happy to have luck go his way for a change.
"The last races have been very bad results for us, when I crashed in both of them, but today it happens to the others," he said."In this championship, if you want to win you have to be always at the limit. My bike was really good and I was riding OK."
Ducati rider Hayden was equally thrilled after struggling for much of the season."It's not a win, but it feels like one," he said.
"This season has been so hard, the hardest challenge of my life, but we're on our way.
"I was on the limit but I wasn't going to bring home anything less than a podium."
In a fiercely contested 125cc race, Britain's Bradley Smith was just edged into second place by Pol Espargaro, who recorded his first career victory.
Simone Corsi was third, with championship leader Julian Simon, who had started from pole position before slipping back to 10th place, coming home in fifth.
Marco Simoncelli recorded victory in the first-ever 250cc race at the Brickyard.
He kept alive his hopes of retaining his world title by coming home two seconds ahead of championship leader Hiroshi Aoyama, with Alvaro Bautista in third place.
Indianapolis MotoGP result (times to follow):
1 J Lorenzo (Sp) Fiat Yamaha 47'13.592
2 A de Angelis (RSM) Gresini Honda 47'23.027
3 N Hayden (USA) Ducati 47'26.539
4 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 47'27.070
5 C Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'39.846
6 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'46.000
7 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 47'47.992
8 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 47'48.448
9 T Elias (Sp) Gresini Honda 47'58.597
10 D Pedrosa (Spn) Repsol Honda 47'58.597
11 C Vermeulen (Aus) Rizla Suzuki 47'59.070
12 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 48'05.886
13 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Racing 48'17.144
14 G Talmacsi (Hng) Scot Racing 48'28.678
Championship standings:
1 V Rossi 212
2 J Lorenzo 187
3 C Stoner 150
4 D Pedrosa 141
5 C Edwards 123
6 A Dovizioso 120
7 A de Angelis 88
8 L Capirossi 86
9 R de Puniet 84
10 M Meldandri 79
11 C Vermeulen 77
12 N Hayden 73
13 J Toseland 72
14 T Elias 70
15 M Kallio 42
16 N Canepa 32
17 S Gibernau 12
18 G Talmacsi 10
19 Y Takahashi 9
20 A Espargaro 3
125cc race result:
1 P Espargaro (Spn) Derbi 42'07.925
2 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 42'08.045
3 S Corsi (Ita) Aprukua 42'08.373
4 N Terol (Spn) Aprilia 42'09.538
5 J Simon (Spn) Aprilia 42'09.726
Championship standings:
1 J Simon 185 pts
2 N Terol 132.5
3 B Smith 131.5
4 S Gadea 112
5 A Iannone 109.5
250cc race result:
1 M Simoncelli (Ita) Gilera 45'43.599
2 H Aoyama (Jpn) Honda 45'45.542
3 A Bautista (Spn) Aprilia 45'48.260
4 M Di Meglio (Fra) Aprilia 45'56.375
5 R Locatelli (Ita) Gilera 45'59.074
Championship standings:
1 H Aoyama 192
2 A Bautista 176
3 M Simoncelli 165
4 H Barbera 133
5 M Pasini 100
MISANO - SAN MARINO
Saturday 5 September
Qualifying
1150-1500, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 6 September
125 and 250cc race
0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online
Race
1230-1400, BBC Two/online
MotoGP Extra
1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online
Saturday 5 September
Qualifying
1150-1500, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 6 September
125 and 250cc race
0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online
Race
1230-1400, BBC Two/online
MotoGP Extra
1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online
Yo! Thanks Heat. I knew they were on but not what time. See if Vale can fall off again eh
There's quite a long break after this race, I wonder if Casey will be back by then ?
quote:Originally posted by onetoo:
Hiya. Hopefully
Hehe at Vale's helmet
Do you want to re-phrase that?
Rossi eases to San Marino victory
Valentino Rossi produced a dominant home victory at the San Marino MotoGP to extend his title lead to 30 points.
The Yamaha rider saw Dani Pedrosa get off to a flying start and take the early lead, but Rossi bided his time before making his move on lap eight.
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi's nearest challenger in the championship, also passed Pedrosa but was unable to mount a serious challenge to his team-mate.
Rossi gradually extended his lead to win by 2.416 seconds from Lorenzo.
Honda rider Pedrosa took third place with Britain's James Toseland finishing in 10th place.
Lorenzo narrowly escaped a crash on the first lap when Alex de Angelis attempted a move that ended both Colin Edwards' and Nicky Hayden's race.
After crashing out in the last race in Indianapolis, Rossi secured his sixth victory of the season. With four races to go, Rossi believes the win could be a crucial one as he looks to win a ninth world title.
He said: "It was not easy, in the beginning I had a bad start but I was able to come back on to the pace and it was a perfect race. The people were very amazing - there was a lot of people and it was an important victory."
Rossi deserved victory - Lorenzo
Pedrosa moved above Casey Stoner - who is missing with a virus - and into third place but he admitted he struggled to keep pace with the front two once again.
"It seems normal now but I'm happy because at the end I had a lot of luck as my bike was misfiring on some corners," he said. "Today Rossi and Lorenzo were faster on every corner so it was just good for me to finish third."
Julian Simon of Spain won the 125cc with Britain's Bradley Smith finishing third, while Hector Barbera won the 250cc.
1 Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 44mins 32.882secs
2 Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 44:35.298
3 Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 44:45.282
4 Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 44:59.212
5 Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 44:59.421
6 Toni Elias (Spain) Honda 45:01.168
7 Mika Kallio (Finland) Ducati 45:03.066
8 Marco Melandri (Italy) Kawasaki 45:04.639
9 Chris Vermeulen (Australia) Suzuki 45:04.791
10 James Toseland (Britain) Yamaha 45:11.229
11 Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Ducati 45:19.555
12 Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 45:24.923
13 Niccolo Canepa (Italy) Ducati 45:36.080
14 Gabor Talmacsi (Hungary) Honda 45:55.229
Championship standings:
1 V Rossi 237 points
2 J Lorenzo 207
3 D Pedrosa 157
4 C Stoner 150
5 A Dovizioso 133
6 C Edwards 123
7 L Capirossi 97
8 A de Angelis 88
9 R de Puniet 88
10 M Meldandri 87
11 C Vermeulen 84
12 T Elias 80
13 J Toseland 78
14 N Hayden 73
15 M Kallio 51
16 N Canepa 35
17 S Gibernau 12
18 G Talmacsi 12
19 Y Takahashi 9
20 A Espargaro 8
Valentino Rossi produced a dominant home victory at the San Marino MotoGP to extend his title lead to 30 points.
The Yamaha rider saw Dani Pedrosa get off to a flying start and take the early lead, but Rossi bided his time before making his move on lap eight.
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi's nearest challenger in the championship, also passed Pedrosa but was unable to mount a serious challenge to his team-mate.
Rossi gradually extended his lead to win by 2.416 seconds from Lorenzo.
Honda rider Pedrosa took third place with Britain's James Toseland finishing in 10th place.
Lorenzo narrowly escaped a crash on the first lap when Alex de Angelis attempted a move that ended both Colin Edwards' and Nicky Hayden's race.
After crashing out in the last race in Indianapolis, Rossi secured his sixth victory of the season. With four races to go, Rossi believes the win could be a crucial one as he looks to win a ninth world title.
He said: "It was not easy, in the beginning I had a bad start but I was able to come back on to the pace and it was a perfect race. The people were very amazing - there was a lot of people and it was an important victory."
Rossi deserved victory - Lorenzo
Pedrosa moved above Casey Stoner - who is missing with a virus - and into third place but he admitted he struggled to keep pace with the front two once again.
"It seems normal now but I'm happy because at the end I had a lot of luck as my bike was misfiring on some corners," he said. "Today Rossi and Lorenzo were faster on every corner so it was just good for me to finish third."
Julian Simon of Spain won the 125cc with Britain's Bradley Smith finishing third, while Hector Barbera won the 250cc.
1 Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 44mins 32.882secs
2 Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 44:35.298
3 Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 44:45.282
4 Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 44:59.212
5 Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 44:59.421
6 Toni Elias (Spain) Honda 45:01.168
7 Mika Kallio (Finland) Ducati 45:03.066
8 Marco Melandri (Italy) Kawasaki 45:04.639
9 Chris Vermeulen (Australia) Suzuki 45:04.791
10 James Toseland (Britain) Yamaha 45:11.229
11 Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Ducati 45:19.555
12 Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 45:24.923
13 Niccolo Canepa (Italy) Ducati 45:36.080
14 Gabor Talmacsi (Hungary) Honda 45:55.229
Championship standings:
1 V Rossi 237 points
2 J Lorenzo 207
3 D Pedrosa 157
4 C Stoner 150
5 A Dovizioso 133
6 C Edwards 123
7 L Capirossi 97
8 A de Angelis 88
9 R de Puniet 88
10 M Meldandri 87
11 C Vermeulen 84
12 T Elias 80
13 J Toseland 78
14 N Hayden 73
15 M Kallio 51
16 N Canepa 35
17 S Gibernau 12
18 G Talmacsi 12
19 Y Takahashi 9
20 A Espargaro 8
quote:Originally posted by Heatseek:quote:Originally posted by onetoo:
Hiya. Hopefully
Hehe at Vale's helmet
Do you want to re-phrase that?
Stoner on the road to recovery
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
The 2007 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner is apparently recovering well from illness in his native Australia ahead of his scheduled return to action at the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal.
The Ducati Marlboro rider missed the visits to Brno, Indianapolis and Misano and returned to his family home in Tamworth, New South Wales, in order to try and fully recover from an illness which first affected him at the Barcelona race in June and which he was subsequently unable to overcome in the quick-fire rounds which followed at Assen, Laguna Seca, Sachsenring and Donington.
Stoner has enjoyed a fishing trip in the sunshine of the Northern Territory, at a place called Top End, where he took in the local wildlife and relaxed with his family. He is reported to be recovering well from the severe fatigue which was hindering him during those aforementioned races.
Several of his MotoGP rivals have wished him a speedy recovery and his team hope to have him back on top form in Portugal in just over three weeks’ time.
Stoner was quoted by newspaper Northern Territory News as saying, “I feel I’m getting better up here, and my appetite has really come back. We caught lots of fish, saw huge crocs and amazing birdlife. It was just like I expected Top End barra fishing to be.”
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
The 2007 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner is apparently recovering well from illness in his native Australia ahead of his scheduled return to action at the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal.
The Ducati Marlboro rider missed the visits to Brno, Indianapolis and Misano and returned to his family home in Tamworth, New South Wales, in order to try and fully recover from an illness which first affected him at the Barcelona race in June and which he was subsequently unable to overcome in the quick-fire rounds which followed at Assen, Laguna Seca, Sachsenring and Donington.
Stoner has enjoyed a fishing trip in the sunshine of the Northern Territory, at a place called Top End, where he took in the local wildlife and relaxed with his family. He is reported to be recovering well from the severe fatigue which was hindering him during those aforementioned races.
Several of his MotoGP rivals have wished him a speedy recovery and his team hope to have him back on top form in Portugal in just over three weeks’ time.
Stoner was quoted by newspaper Northern Territory News as saying, “I feel I’m getting better up here, and my appetite has really come back. We caught lots of fish, saw huge crocs and amazing birdlife. It was just like I expected Top End barra fishing to be.”
Hi Pam, this one has been a long time in coming...
ESTORIL PORTUGAL
ESTORIL PORTUGAL
Saturday 3 October
Qualifying
1250-1600, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 4 October
250cc race
1105-1205, BBC Red Button/online
Race
1230-1400, BBC Two/online
MotoGP Extra
1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online
125cc race
1430-1530, BBC Red Button/online
Stoner glad to be back in MotoGP paddock
The 2007 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner was back where he belongs on Thursday at Estoril, facing the press alongside Ducati management figures Livio Suppo and Filippo Preziosi - ahead of the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal.
Stoner has missed the last three races in Brno, Indianapolis and Misano as he remained in his native Australia for several weeks in order to fully recover from the fatigue and stomach problems which had hindered him since the Barcelona race in June.
Explaining his experiences, Stoner commented, “For me it was a very difficult decision to take, but we were struggling in the last few races I rode. After Donington I went back to Australia to see some more doctors, to understand what was going on and to try and go in the right direction. We were planning to come back at Brno but unfortunately we had not found a solution in that short time and I just had recommendations from my father, my wife and from the doctors saying ‘that’s enough, you have got to have some time out,’ and that is when the decision was made to spend three races away.”
“It has been very difficult. During this period we did everything we could, seeing the right doctors, being on the right diet, to try and increase levels which blood tests showed I was low on. So now we have to see what I can do this weekend and how I can perform.”
The ever-humble Aussie added in his usual understated manner, “I have apologised to my team for every race I have missed and also every race, before the break, since Catalunya, in which I knew I could not be fully competitive. Myself, all the team, all the mechanics, everyone was putting in 100% effort but we could not make it in the final stages of races. Hopefully now we can be competitive again, because I have been away from my bike for too long and I have missed it.”
Welcome back Casey 
Take it easy the rest of this season and whip Vale's backside next season 
Lorenzo on pole as Stoner shines
Jorge Lorenzo took pole position for the Portugal MotoGP, while Casey Stoner put in a stunning ride on his comeback from illness to qualify third fastest.
Australian Stoner has missed the last three races, spending the last two months back home undergoing tests after complaining of exhaustion.
Stoner, who has been unable to train for five months, drew on all of his resources to line up on the front row.
Championship leader Valentino Rossi of Italy qualified second fastest.
It was an incredible performance from Stoner, who was pipped for second place by Rossi right at the end of the session.
And the 23-year-old Australian was delighted to be back racing for Ducati - for the first time since the British MotoGP in July.
He told BBC Sport: "I did one half-decent lap which got me on the front row. We felt we could have done a little better.
"But there were no expectations, I just wanted to come back and see where we are. The championship is gone, so we just want to see if we can still finish in the top three and prepare for next year.
Spain's Lorenzo, who trails his Yamaha team-mate Rossi by 30 points in the championship standings, was quickest by just over two-tenths of a second.
The 22-year-old Spaniard won last year's race and must do so again this year and hope Rossi has a disaster if he is to have any chance of the title.
"I was worried with the soft tyre - but on this track I was fast," said Lorenzo. "Every top rider is going very fast and the level is so high. To win to we have to push at the limit."
Rossi, meanwhile, seemed less than satisfied with the performance of his bike.
"I need some more traction for the slow corners - I am a little bit in trouble there and I am losing time," said the 30-year-old defending champion.
"I will change the settings for Sunday and try to make them better. The race is going to be a long one, so we will see what happens."
Qualifying result for the Portuguese MotoGP:
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 1min 36.214secs
2. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 1:36.474
3. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 1:36.528
4. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 1:36.702
5. Colin Edwards (U.S.) Yamaha 1:37.142
6. Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 1:37.448
7. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 1:37.489
8. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 1:37.541
9. Nicky Hayden (U.S.) Ducati 1:37.654
10. Mika Kallio (Finland) Ducati 1:37.813
Lorenzo wins to reduce Rossi lead
Jorge Lorenzo strolled to a comfortable victory at the Portugal MotoGP while Casey Stoner produced a stunning comeback ride to finish second.
Starting from pole, Lorenzo retook the lead after losing it to Dani Pedrosa and was unchallenged to the flag.
His victory means he is now 18 points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi, who could only finish fourth.
Stoner, who has missed the last three races because of an illness, was second despite breaking a foot rest.
The Australian has spent the last two months back home undergoing tests after complaining of exhaustion and has been unable to train for five months.
"I had so many critics and so many people telling me that it was in my head," the 23-year-old Ducati rider told BBC Sport. "I never felt so bad in my life, it really ripped into me and to not be competitive like that was really a waste of time.
"To come back like this is a really good start for us and we only have to finish this season and make sure we put the bike in the right direction for next year.
"I had the strength to overtake people and it was kind of awesome. I was ready for the fight and I wanted to try and catch Jorge.
"Unfortunately on the second lap, after I passed Dani, I broke my foot rest and it kept folding up on me all the time.
"I had no foot rest going into right hand turns and I kept dropping my knee in too far and almost losing the front. Without that we might have been able to tag on the back but in the last few laps, physically, I am not ready."
Lorenzo, however, never looked in trouble after getting back past Pedrosa early on and eventually finished 6.3 seconds clear of Stoner.
It is the Spaniard's fourth victory of the season and reduces Rossi's lead with just three races of the season to go.
"I was very confident before the race because I knew I was first in every practice," said the Yamaha rider.
"I knew that Casey could be fast and he was at the beginning of the race, I couldn't open a big gap. But it's fantastic and it's almost the perfect victory."
Pedrosa posted a new lap record of one minute 36.937 seconds as he came third.
Rossi, who failed to make the podium for the first time at Estoril in the premier class, seemed out of sorts on his Yamaha - eventually finishing 23 seconds adrift of Lorenzo.
And with his team-mate closing the gap in the rider standings, Rossi has plenty to think about ahead of the next race at Phillip Island in Australia on 18 OctoberPortugal MotoGP result:
1 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 45 mins 35.522 secs
2 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 45:41.816
3 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 45:45.411
4 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 45:58.950
5 Colin Edwards (US) Yamaha 46:08.174
6 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 46:11.231
7 Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Honda 46:11.245
8 Nicky Hayden (US) Ducati 46:14.352
9 James Toseland (GB) Yamaha 46:19.615
10 Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 46:28.385
11 Randy de Puniet (Fra) Honda 46:31.220
12 Marco Melandri (Ita) Kawasaki 46:40.037
13 Niccolo Canepa (Ita) Ducati 46:40.060
14 Gabor Talmacsi (Hun) Honda 47:02.821
Championship standings:
1 Rossi 250 points
2 Lorenzo 232
3 Pedrosa 173
4 Stoner 170
5 Dovizioso 142
6 Edwards 134
7 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 97
8 De Puniet 93
9 Melandri 91
10 Elias 90
Aussie GP (Philip Island) this week 
Also Brazillian (cars) GP
Also Brazillian (cars) GP
Fired-up Stoner eyes home treble
Australian MotoGP, Phillip IslandDate: 17-18 October
Saturday 17 October: Qualifying: Qualifying 0250-0600, BBC Red Button/online Sunday 18 October: 0250-0505, BBC Red Button/online, Race live 0545-0700, BBC One/online, Race repeat 1200-1300, BBC Two/online ;
Button/online Sunday 18 October: 0250-0505, BBC Red Button/online, Race live 0545-0700, BBC One/online, Race repeat 1200-1300, BBC Two/online ;
Stoner keen to impress home fans
Casey Stoner says he will be a serious contender as he seeks a third win at Phillip Island in as many years in Sunday's Australian MotoGP.
Two weeks ago, the Aussie Ducati rider sealed a second-place finish in Portugal on his return from a three-race lay-off through a mystery illness.
"The package works a lot better here than it does in Portugal and even in Portugal it was fantastic," he said.
"We'll see what we can pull off here - hopefully we can be running up front."
Stoner won two races in the first part of the season before being struck down by an energy-sapping illness at Catalunya in June, and battled on for the next four races until he was forced to take time out to have the problem resolved.
That ended his hopes of challenging for the title this year, but he says if he had not taken a break, there would have been no point turning up for any other races this year."If we continued racing through the season and hadn't gone back to figure out what was wrong, coming to this race would have been another impossible task," he said.
Stoner's achievement in coming second in Portugal in his first race back almost overshadowed Jorge Lorenzo's victory, which saw the Spaniard cut Valentino Rossi's championship lead to only 18 points with three races remaining.
And the Australian said he was mentally and physically refreshed in the run-up to his home race.
"It was nice to have a good result in Portugal," he said.
"We got not so much our confidence as our belief back that we can be pushing at the front.
"I was training before (the Portuguese race in) Estoril lightly on the bike and we found the same problems as before through those five races - I trained again after Estoril and it was 100%, no problem.
"We're definitely in better condition than we were in Portugal and hopefully can get better condition before (the last race of the season in) Valencia, I think every weekend we do after here is going to get better and better to the point where we don't have an issue.
"After we've figured out what this is, I don't think we'll have something similar happen again and if we do we'll jump on it straight away."Despite his health problems this season, Stoner still lies fourth in the championship standings.
He said that if he had been at full strength, he would have been up among the front-runners - and he felt he still had a role to play in the final throes of the battle for the world title.
"We've had some good wins this year but not nearly as many as we'd like," he said.
"Those five races where I struggled, the bike was working at a very good level, so it was me letting everyone down.
"We know we've got a chance of winning this race and the next two."Stoner overhauls Rossi for pole
Australian MotoGP, Phillip Island
Date: 17-18 October
Sunday 18 October: 125 & 250 cc: 0250-0505, BBC Red Button/online; Main race: 0545-0700, BBC One/online; Race repeat: 1200-1300, BBC Two/online
 Stoner put in a late flying lap to edge out Rossi at Phillip Island |
Casey Stoner took pole position at his home Australian MotoGP after edging world champion Valentino Rossi in Saturday's close qualifying session.
Stoner, seeking a third win at Phillip Island in as many years, clocked one minute 30.341 seconds, with Rossi just five hundredths of a second slower.
Honda's Dani Pedrosa was third-fastest, with Rossi's Yamaha team-mate and title rival Jorge Lorenzo fourth.
Stoner's pole is his first since the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.
Rossi had knocked the Ducati rider off top spot in the final 10 minutes of the session, but Stoner hit back with the best time of the day.
"The past two years here our bike's been perfect due to the fact that we normally have very good traction here," he said.
"This year we have improved the turning in the long corners, but we've lost the rear grip coming out of the corners, so we've been working all weekend to try and improve that, but the general bike's been perfect.
"We'll just see what we can do tomorrow."
Two weeks ago, Stoner sealed a second-place finish in Portugal on his return from a three-race lay-off through a mystery illness.
Despite his health problems this season, Stoner still lies fourth in the championship standings.
Rossi leads Lorenzo by 18 points with three rounds remaining and was happy enough with his qualifying effort.
"Today we worked well on the bike, we found a good setting, and I am quite fast," he said. "But it's a pity because it was possible to take pole position but I made a mistake and Casey beat me.
"But from the championship point of view it is OK because I'm faster than Jorge. We have a good advantage, so I hope tomorrow to fight for the victory with Casey."
Britain's James Toseland will start 12th on the second Tech 3 Yamaha.
Stoner holds off Rossi in MotoGP
Australian MotoGP, Phillip Island
Report - Stoner wins as Rossi increases lead
Casey Stoner led from start to finish to beat world champion Valentino Rossi and win his home Australian MotoGP.
Stoner, on a Ducati, held off Italy's Rossi (Yamaha) to win in Phillip Island for the third straight year, with Spain's Dani Pedrosa (Honda) third.
Rossi's second place moves him closer to retaining his world title.
Italian Marco Simoncelli, riding a Gilera, won the 250cc race which was halted after several falls with six of the 25 laps remaining.
Stoner, who started on pole position, showed no sign of the illness that had affected his season to win Sunday's grand prix by 1.935 seconds.
The 24-year-old Australian had missed three races through fatigue before making his comeback with a podium finish in Portugal on 4 October."The whole team's done a fantastic job," Stoner told the BBC.
"We spent those three races away to fix myself up. It's definitely a big step from what we were in the middle of the season.
"It's nice to be able to fight for victories. Even if I didn't win today, I'd have had a ball."
Rossi's second spot moved him to 270 points in the table, 38 clear of Spain's Jorge Lorenzo. Stoner is third on 195 points.
Victory a 'big step' for Stoner
Lorenzo crashed out of the race before the first corner after tangling with American Nicky Hayden.
"It was the most fun second-place of my career because it was a great battle with Casey," said Rossi.
"I tried with all my energy, all my speed, but Casey rode very well and at the end it was impossible, and I also have to think of the championship.
"With Jorge out, we had a good advantage."
Spain's Dani Pedrosa finished third, while Honda team-mate Alex de Angelis of San Marino came fourth. American Colin Edwards (Yamaha) took fifth spot.
Two rounds of the world championship remain - Malaysia and Valencia - with a maximum of 50 points available.
Italian Marco Simoncelli, riding a Gilera, won the 250cc race which was halted after several falls with six of 25 laps remaining.
Hector Barbera (Aprilia) of Spain was second and Italy's Raffaele de Rosa (Honda) finished third.
Spaniard Julian Simon clinched the 125cc world championship after passing British Aprilia team-mate Bradley Smith on the final lap of the race.
"I'm really, really happy," said Simon. "The race was really complicated and even in the last lap Bradley was pushing a lot."
Australian MotoGP result:
1 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 40min 56.651secs
2 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 40:58.586
3 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 41:19.269
4 Alex de Angelis (SM) Honda 41:29.353
5 Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 41:32.536
6 Alex Dovizioso (Ita) Honda 41:35.133
7 Marco Melandri (Ita) Kawasaki 41:41.112
8 Randy de Puniet (Fra) Honda 41:41.592
9 Mika Kallio (Fin) Ducati 41:50.996
10 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 41:57.856
11 Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 42:02.068
12 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 42:02.601
13 Gabor Talmacsi (Hun) Honda 42:14.602
14 James Toseland (GB) Yamaha 42:14.636
15 Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati +1 laps
Championship standings:
1 Rossi 270 points
2 Lorenzo 232
3 Stoner 195
4 Pedrosa 189
5 Dovizioso 152
6 Edwards 145
7 De Angelis 101
8 De Puniet, 101
9 Capirossi 101
10 Melandri 100
Matt Roberts' Malaysian MotoGP column
Malaysian MotoGP, Sepang
Date: 24-25 October
Saturday 24 October: Qualifying: 0550-0900 (BST), BBC Red Button/online Sunday 25 October: 125 and 250cc race: 0350-0605 (GMT), BBC Red Button/online Race: 0645-0800 (GMT), BBC One/online, Race repeat 1230-1330 (GMT), BBC Two/online
By Matt Roberts BBC Sport at Sepang |
 Rossi can clinch the MotoGP World Championship at Sepang |
Valentino Rossi did not make the perfect start to his quest to win the MotoGP World Championship in Malaysia, lapping fourth fastest in free practice - a position that would nevertheless be enough to seal the title on Sunday.
With a lead of 38 points and a maximum of 50 up for grabs, fourth place for Rossi would secure a further 13 points and effectively wrap things up even if Lorenzo - Friday's pacesetter ahead of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa - were to win the race.
If Lorenzo is second, Rossi will take the title with ninth place and if the Spaniard is third he can win it in 13th. Nothing less than a podium will do for Lorenzo.Rossi clinches pole in Malaysia
Malaysian MotoGP, Sepang
Date: Sunday, 25 October
125 and 250cc race: 0350-0605 GMT, BBC Red Button/online
MotoGP: 0645-0800 GMT, BBC One/online, Race repeat 1230-1330 GMT, BBC Two/online
Rossi relieved to clinch pole
Valentino Rossi made the perfect start to his bid to seal a successful defence of his world title in Malaysia by claiming pole for Sunday's grand prix.
The 30-year-old Italian will win his seventh world crown in this class if he can finish in the top four places.
Rossi's Yamaha team-mate and nearest rival Jorge Lorenzo, who is behind in the championship standings by 38 points, came home second quickest.
Dani Pedrosa completed the front row, with Casey Stoner in fourth place.
Rossi's stunning performance, which delivered a lap record at the Sepang circuit, came in sweltering heat and humidity.
In recognition of his achievement, the defending champion pulled a wheelie and raised his left hand as he entered the pit lane at the end of qualifying.
Rossi, who broke Stoner's 2007 lap record of 2min 2.108sec, said: "The team worked well. The bike performed well. Hence I was able to go faster.
"It is great to start from pole position - its a good position.
"We have good settings on the bike and we have a good pace."
Rossi has had five wins and two other podium finishes from nine races at the Malaysian circuit.
Qualifying results for Malaysian Grand Prix:
1 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 2mins 00.518secs
2 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 2:01.087
3 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 2:01.254
4 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 2:01.455
5 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 2:01.716
6 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 2:01.918
7 Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati 2:01.980
8 Randy De Puniet (Fra) Honda 2:02.098
9 Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 2:02.195
10 Alex De Angelis (Smr) Honda 2:02.274.
Cool Rossi crowned world champion
Rossi celebrates in style on the Sepang circuit on his Yamaha
Valentino Rossi secured his seventh world MotoGP crown after finishing third in the rain-delayed Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.
Rossi, 30, began in pole and only needed a top-four finish, with Yahama team-mate Jorge Lorenzo the only rider able to catch up in the standings.
Australian Casey Stoner won the race on his Ducati ahead of Spaniard Dani Pedrosa (Honda), with Lorenzo fourth.
The final race of the championship is in Valencia in two weeks.
Rossi, on 286 points in the standings ahead of Lorenzo (245) and Stoner (220), said: "It was a difficult year. This race reflected how the season went - very tough, with some mistakes, some disappointing results."
"But I won six races, I was consistent and it's another world championship. I thank all the team and everyone who's helped me."
Italy's Lorenzo trailed Rossi by 38 points ahead of the championship's penultimate race and was forced to start from the back of the grid after being penalised for not taking his starting position on time.
 | 606: DEBATE |
With torrential rain hampering proceedings, the race got under way after a 35-minute delay and Rossi immediately slipped back to fifth on the opening bend with Pedrosa taking full advantage through the puddles.
At the end of the first lap Rossi found himself in 11th spot but used all his experience and nerve to slowly work his way up through the field.
Despite the drying conditions during the 21-lap race, the track remained slippery with Frenchman Randy de Puniet sliding off early on and Andrea Dovizioso losing control of his Honda with seven laps to go when pushing for second spot.
With 14 laps remaining Rossi moved up into fourth spot and cruised to the finish line behind Stoner and Pedrosa amidst wild celebrations trackside which involved a chicken being held up dressed in the Italian's blue and yellow colours.
It is Rossi's fourth title for Yamaha and seventh premier class world title overall.
American Nicky Hayden equalled his second-best result of the season with a fifth-place finish on Sunday, ahead of Chris Vermeulen, Toni Elías, Marco Melandri and Loris Capirossi.
In the 250cc category, Honda rider Hiroshi Aoyama celebrated turning 28 with victory ahead of second-placed Spaniard Hector Barbera and Italian champion Marco Simoncelli.
Aoyama holds a comfortable 21-point lead over Simoncelli going into the last race in Valencia.
Malaysian MotoGP result:
1 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 47min 24.834secs
2 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 47:39.500
3 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 47:44.219
4 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 47:50.684
5 Nicky Hayden (US) Ducati 48:03.539
6 Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 48:05.895
7 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 48:13.389
8 Marco Melandri (Ita) Kawasaki, 48:20.391
9 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 48:25.137
10 Mika Kallio (Fin) Ducati, 48:25.274
Championship standings (after 16 of 17 races):
1 Rossi 286 points
2 Lorenzo 245
3 Stoner 220
4 Pedrosa 209
5 Dovizioso 152
6 Edwards 148
7 Melandri 108
8 Capirossi 108
9 De Angelis 105
10 Elias 105
MotoGP calendar
| 2009 | MotoGP | |
| 12 April | Qatar, Losail | |
| 26 April | Japan, Motegi | |
| 3 May | Spain, Jerez | |
| 17 May | France, Le Mans | |
| 31 May | Italy, Mugello | |
| 14 June | Catalunya, Barcelona | |
| 27 June | Netherlands, Assen | |
| 5 July | United States, Laguna Seca | |
| 19 July | Germany, Sachsenring | |
| 26 July | Great Britain, Donington | |
| 16 August | Czech Republic, Brno | |
| 30 August | United States, Indianapolis | |
| 6 September | San Marino, Misano | |
| 4 October | Portugal, Estoril | |
| 18 October | Australia, Phillip Island | |
| 25 October | Malaysia, Sepang | |
| 8 November | Spain, Valencia | |
Stoner secures pole in Valencia
Valencia MotoGP
Date: 7-8 November
Saturday 7 November: Qualifying: 1150-1500, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 8 November: 125 & 250 cc: 0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online;
MotoGP: 1230-1400, BBC Two/online; MotoGP Extra 1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online
Stoner storms to pole in Valencia
Casey Stoner kept up his spectacular end-of-season form by taking pole position for the Valencia MotoGP.
The Australian, who has earned two wins in three races since his mid-season lay-off because of sickness, came home ahead of Dani Pedrosa.
Jorge Lorenzo, lies second in the standings championship with Stoner, was third fastest.
New world champion Valentino Rossi was fourth with American wild card rider Ben Spies in ninth place.
Stoner, who won the race from pole last year and also set the lap record, moved to the top of the standings just eight minutes into the session and only Lorenzo ever threatened to challenge him.
| 606: DEBATE Cavalierbiker |
The Ducati rider lies third in the championship standings 25 points behind Lorenzo and could still snatch second place from him if he wins the race and Lorenzo fails to score a point.
In the 125cc race, newly crowned world champion Julian Simon took pole ahead of Simone Corsi and Britain's Bradley Smith.
Danny Webb and Scott Redding both crashed in qualifying but are expected to be fit to race on Sunday.
And in the race for the 250cc title, Hiroshi Aoyama could only qualify in fifth place, while his closest rival Marco Simoncelli was second fastest behind Alex Debon.
Valencia MotoGP qualifying result:
1 C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 1min 32.256secs
2 D Pedrosa (Spn) Honda 1:32.519
3 J Lorenzo (Spn) Fiat Yamaha 1:32.537
4 V Rossi (Ita) Fiat Yamaha 1:32.922
5 C Edwards (US) Tech 3 Yamaha 1:33.085
6 N Hayden (US) Ducati 1:33.154
7 R de Puniet (Fr) Honda 1:33.391
8 T Elias (Spn) Honda 1:33.475
9 B Spies (US) Yamaha 1:33.539
10 A Dovizioso (It) Honda 1:33.678
11 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 1:33.809
12 A de Angelis (SM) Honda 1:33.844
13 L Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 1:34.097
14 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1:34.107
14 M Melandri (It) Kawasaki 1:34.188
15 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Honda 1'34.308
16 G Talmacsi (Hng) Honda 1'34.357
17 C Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 1'34.537
250cc race qualifying result:
1 A Debon (Spn) Aprilia 1min 36.166secs
2 M Simoncelli (Ita) Aprilia 1:36.450
3 H Barbera (Spn) Aprilia 1:36.470
125cc qualifying result:
1 J Simon (Spn) Aprilia 1min 41.472secs
2 S Corsi (Ita) Aprilia 1:41.476
3 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 1:41.830
Pedrosa ends season with victory
 Pedrosa was rarely threatened once he took the lead |
Spaniard Dani Pedrosa delighted the home fans as he won the final MotoGP race of the season in Valencia.
New world champion Valentino Rossi came second, with his Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in third place.
Casey Stoner, who had qualified on pole, missed the race after a cold tyre caused him to crash in the warm-up lap and smash his windscreen.
That ensured Lorenzo finished second in the championship standings behind Rossi with Pedrosa ending the season third.
It was a second victory of the season for the Repsol Honda rider, and afterwards he said he was particularly happy to have won.
| 606: DEBATE |
"All week I was only thinking about the race and I really wanted to win," he said.
"In practice we struggled a lot so the team did a great job - with Casey out of the race it was more easy but we did a great race so thanks to everybody."
With Stoner out of contention from the start, Rossi and Lorenzo disputed the lead in the early stages until Lorenzo suffered a bizarre bit of bad luck.
MotoGP podium press conference
He retained control of the bike after a severe wobble, but the movement set off the airbag in his suit, taking a whole lap to go down again, and costing him vital time.
"It was a difficult race - I never felt great at this track, and then my airbag stayed open for one lap. I was not comfortable and Valentino overtook me," he said.
"It was difficult to catch him - I started to, but it was not enough to overtake him."
Britain's James Toseland finished 12th in his last race in MotoGP for the Yamaha Tech 3 team before returning to World Superbikes, and said he was leaving the competition with his head held high.
"I'm really pleased for the team, they've done a great job for me in last two years," he told BBC Sport.
"It has been a tough year, but it's been an honour to represent my country in the elite class of motorcycling.
Toseland says goodbye to MotoGP
"There has been no lack of effort and I don't feel I have failed because I put everything into it."
Britain's Bradley Smith was just edged out by new world champion Julian Simon in the 125cc race, but the biggest drama of the day came in the final ever race in the 250cc category, which will be replaced by the new Moto2 class next season.
Japan's Hiroshi Aoyama came into the race only needing to finish 11th or higher to claim the world title, but he went off track on lap nine, returning to the race in 11th place.
Italy's Marco Simoncelli, who was the only person who could beat Aoyama to the title, was leading when he crashed out with seven laps left, allowing Spaniard Hector Barbera to win the race and take second place in the championship from Simoncelli.
Valencia MotoGP race result:
1 D Pedrosa (Spn) Honda 46'47.553
2 V Rossi (Ita) Fiat Yamaha 46'50.183
3 J Lorenzo (Spn) Fiat Yamaha 46'50.466
4 C Edwards (US) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'20.068
5 N Hayden (US) Ducati 47'22.138
6 T Elias (Spn) Honda 47'22.441
7 B Spies (US) Yamaha 47'25.259
8 A Dovizioso (It) Honda 47'25.917
9 M Kallio (Fin) Ducati 47'30.044
10 A de Angelis (SM) Honda 47'31.242
11 R de Puniet (Fr) Honda 47'33.571
12 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 47'37.779
13 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac 47'44.721
14 L Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 47'54.430
15 C Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 47'59.254
16 G Talmacsi (Hng) Honda 48'01.958
17 M Melandri (It) Kawasaki 48'20.978
2009 MotoGP championship final placings:
1 V Rossi (Ita) Fiat Yamaha 306
2 J Lorenzo (Sp) Fiat Yamaha 261
3 D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 234
4 C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 220
5 C Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 161
6 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda Team 160
7 T Elias (Spn) San Carlo Honda Gresini 115
8 A de Angelis (SM) San Carlo Honda Gresini 111
9 L Capriossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 110
10 M Melandri (Ita) Hayate Racing Team 108
11 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda MotoGP 106
12 C Vermeulen (Aus) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 106
13 N Hayden (USA) Ducati 104
14 J Toseland (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 92
15 M Kallio (Fin) Pramac Racing 71
16 N Canepa (Ita) Pramac Racing 38
17 G Talmacsci (Hng) Scot Racing Team MotoGP 19
18 A Espargaro (Spn) Pramac Racing 16
19 S Gibernau (Spn) Grupo Francisco Hernando 12
20 B Spies (USA) Yamaha Team 9
21 Y Takahashi (Jpn) Scot Racing Team MotoGP 9
Toseland says goodbye to MotoGP
Britain's James Toseland finishes 12th in his last race in MotoGP for the Yamaha Tech 3 team in Valencia and says he is leaving for World Superbikes with his head held high.
I think he could have done well given the chance