Mick Doohan: Casey Stoner is mentally stronger than Valentino Rossi – MotoGP news
Five-time consecutive 500cc World Champion, Mick Doohan claims Casey Stoner has an edge over reigning world champion, Valentino Rossi.
The Australian veteran, Doohan has earned 54 grand prix wins in his career. He has been a successive rider in the premier class series. Doohan knows the ins and outs of motorcycle racing and has what it takes to become the top rider.
Doohan said, “Casey seemed to be, over the last few years, the only guy who could consistently pull results on that Ducati; it was night and day between him and his team mate and I think that confirms his dominance. Even though he hasn’t won the Championship
in the last few years, it’s been obvious just how strong a rider, he is.”
Stoner has earned eight wins in the 2011 season while just running the first year with Repsol Honda. He has also taken six podium finishes and only missed Jerez event. Stoner’s strong run has given him a 40-point lead over title contender Jorge Lorenzo.
Doohan also added that Stoner’s strong mental ability allowed him to ride Ducati out of the box. The Desmosedici was not able to win but he made it possible on several occasions as the most prominent rider in his 2007 World Championship success.
Doohan added, “I think towards the end of his time at Ducati, he was riding that thing beyond what it was capable of. Casey was in no man’s land a lot, which inherently leads to mistakes – which in bike racing is crashing!”
While looking at Valentino Rossi’s run with Ducati, he is conscious after experiencing some crashes. He now feels to improve the bike and avoid crashing with the disputed situation of the machine.
Doohan also expressed his views about the chances of a strong return of Valentino Rossi. The Aussie veteran said at the moment it is hard for him to return as a success in the sport.
He added that the main thing is for how long a sportsperson can perform at optimum level in the sport. Rossi has been in the premier class for long while now and enjoyed big success, so it might be difficult for him to return after few obnoxious injuries,
he said.
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