MotoGP : Casey Stoner is back!

Fiat Yamaha’s dominance in MotoGP is being tested by a re-energized Casey Stoner. Returning to the series at Estoril after being sidelined by a stomach ailment, Stoner quickly brought the message home that he had lost none of the form that won him the World Championship in 2007. Portugal was a ‘warm up’ according to Stoner, but in Australia, at his home Grand Prix, the 24 year old was confident, fearless and relentless.

The start of a MotoGP race is rarely without drama and at Phillip Island it was no different, as Jorge Lorenzo crashed out in dramatic fashion on turn one, after clipping Nicky Hayden’s rear wheel. With Lorenzo’s early exit, Rossi could focus on the task at hand, but little did he know how massive a task it was.

Breathtaking

Casey Stoner, for the entire race was a white streak, aboard his Marlboro Ducati, adorned with special livery for the Grand Prix. Stoner was chasing a hatrick of wins at Phillip Island and he wasn’t about to allow Rossi to deny him. There was not much overtaking between the two, but it was a great race, a classic battle, an epic duel between two World Champions. Stoner, determined to keep his lead and distance himself from Rossi and the pack set a mindboggling pace. It was as if he was qualifying! His commitment was unquestioned and his performance brought smiles (at times nervous smiles) to the faces of the individuals in the Ducati pit area. Stoner’s breathtaking performance saw him drifting his MotGP beast through several turns, at speeds approaching 120 mph! Spectacular stuff. The cheers which erupted from the fans, with two laps to go, confirmed that they loved every minute of the spectacle which they were witnessing.

Cautious

Casey Stoner was at his best, back to his best and was riding with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Rossi on the other hand rode cautiously, “I tried to attack….. gave the maximum with 3 laps to go but it was too risky”. Stoner was good at Estoril, but at Phillip Island he was even better. He brought the hammer down on the field with a dominant, entertaining display – sliding the rear tyre through turn 3 on the final lap!

With the win, Stoner brought truck loads of joy to the Australians in attendance and secured his hatrick. When asked if the win meant more than the others, a smiling Stoner responded, “Yes, definitely, after the season we have had”.

Rossi’s second place finish moved him closer to the title (world championship). He now has a 38 points cushion, thus requiring only a respectable performance at Sepang (to clinch the championship).

Stoner’s body and his bike worked well at Phillip Island in front of his home crowd. Stoner is now third in the championship. I wonder what would have been if he did not miss those three races. Welcome back Casey Stoner!

NB. This Sunday, the MotoGP carnival stops in Malaysia at the Sepang Circuit. It should be another interesting race as Rossi seeks to wrap up the championship.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer.