Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner takes his second World Championship at Phillip Island – MotoGP news
Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner took his second MotoGP World Championship title after winning the Iveco Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
The Aussie took his fifth consecutive race win at his home ground.
The Phillip Island event ended in a stunning way with top places for the Honda riders. Behind Stoner at second place was Marco Simoncelli followed by Andrea Dovizioso at third and fourth position was taken by Dani Pedrosa.
The 2011 World Champion said, “I don't think anyone could plan things to happen better than they have today! The race was incredibly difficult, the conditions we're very tough. I built up an early lead as I saw the rain coming in, but I wasn't sure if it
would hit us.”
Though he has been successful at Phillip Island aboard Ducati machine but this time he dominated the race weekend aboard Honda RC212V, whereas Ducatis were out of capacity to take podium.
The Australian rider took this season’s most important win at Phillip Island on his 26th birthday. After the withdrawal of Yamaha Factory riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, and Mapfre Aspar substitute rider Damian Cudlin,
the grid was reduced to 14 participants.
Especially after Lorenzo being sidelined for race due a severe injury on his left hand, Stoner had to only finish in sixth place to take the 2011 title.
Stoner further added at the occasion, “I basically ran into a wall of rain, there wasn't any warning at the back part of the circuit and I came into the last turn and the rain started hard. I nearly lost control and thought for sure I was going to end up
in the gravel.”
The rain hit the race after about ten laps down and the sudden change in track conditions victimised about four riders. Valentino Rossi crashed while overtaking Alvaro Bautista. After couple of laps, Bautista slid into gravel as well followed by Cal Crutchlow
and Hiroshi Aoyama behind him.
During a short rain, Stoner faced trouble and slightly ran wide. Somehow, he managed to stay on track and continue his rhythm.
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