MotoGP: Stoner rules in Qatar

Former world champion Casey Stoner had a difficult 2010 season, but as the season came to a close, he had a series of impressive performances which confirmed that he had not lost the fire and he was still capable of wringing the best out of an irascible MotoGP machine.

Stoner left Ducati at the end of the season and joined the ranks of the Repsol Honda Team. The Repsol Honda Team has two ferocious riders, Andrea Dovizioso and the man with the lightning start, Dani Pedrosa. These two riders are not deficient in the skills arena and Pedrosa successfully disrupted Lorenzo’s steam rolling campaign at various intervals in 2010. Team Repsol Honda wanted to go for the jugular in 2011, they wanted a championship and the dominance Yamaha enjoyed, so they brought Stoner onboard for the 2011 season.

Stoner

Their decision to include Stoner may prove to be a masterful stroke. Stoner adapted rather quickly to the idiosyncrasies of the Honda. He was quick in testing and in qualifying he set the record straight with a clinical display of speed and control and took pole.

With a lot to prove, Stoner was fully aware that he had to keep the famished hounds at bay and that he did. When the race got underway and developed a rhythm he was able to flee from the chasing mob and put some much needed daylight between himself and the pack.

Defending champion Lorenzo tried to stay close but Stoner was never intimidated. The American Ben Spies, Lorenzo’s new teammate, had a poor start and spent some time scrapping with Rossi for 6^th .Rossi’s uphill task aboard the Ducati was in full swing but with his shoulder concerns and a bike in development, 7^th was all he could hope for.

Stoner was brilliant and after dismissing the rebels, the battle was always for 2^nd and 3^rd between Lorenzo and Pedrosa. The management at Repsol Honda must be beaming with pride. With the win, Stoner revved his intentions for the 2011 season to 18,000 rpms. Watchout Lorenzo!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer