Repsol Honda team rider Casey Stoner’s performance in the 2011 MotoGP season so far
Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner is leads the 2011 MotoGP world championship at the moment.
The Australian rider moved to Repsol Honda for 2011 MotoGP season from Ducati Team. Since his debut with the LCR Honda team in 2006, he has rejoined Honda family after running four seasons for Ducati. Though he claimed a MotoGP title in 2007 but now with
Honda he is more successful than ever.
Stoner first tried the Honda at Valencia MotoGP test sessions. The off-season test was held in November 2010. During the two=day test session the Aussie rider was able to deliver a decent pace aboard the Honda RC212V. He stood second and first respectively
at the two-day test session.
With the season start at Sepang, Malaysia, Casey Stoner displayed promising performance in the MotoGP pre-season testing. The HRC saw Stoner steaming up his pace to rank himself at third position overall in the three days. His hard work never let him rank
out of top two slots.
The second MotoGP pre-season test was also held at the Sepang International Circuit, later in February 2011. In the second test session Casey Stoner clearly dominated all the three test days. His hard work impressed HRC as Stoner was able to perform better
than both teammates Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso. He was the fastest Honda RC212V rider in the three-day test session.
Approaching the final pre-season test session at Qatar ahead of season inaugural Qatar GP, Stoner sustained his outstanding performance. Though he was not on top during the first test day but on the second test day he dominated the session and topped in
overall time sheets.
Coming to the first round of the 2011 MotoGP season at Losail, Qatar, the Aussie was tough and strong. Stoner marked his season’s first win from pole position. His instant win with Honda RC212V started to shape the season in a new way. He was the only rider
to be successful with the team shift, whereas other riders were not so lucky.
While celebrating his maiden win, Stoner headed to second round of the season that took place at Jerez, Spain. After a good race weekend and his second pole seat of the season Stoner came short of luck on the race day. Stoner retired after crashing out at
Jerez. Meanwhile Jorge Lorenzo won his season’s first race.
Then came the third round of the MotoGP action at Estoril, Portugal. This was the round where Stoner’s performance declined a bit. While working hard during the practices he was able to qualify fourth on the grid. On the race day, the tricky track prevented
him from a victory. Stoner cautiously raced to minimise the risk of crashing and calmly came third without any noticeable fights.
With the fourth round in 2011, Stoner reached Le Mans for the French GP. This was the round where he once again charmed his fans and scored a clean victory from his third pole seat in the season.
Replicating his outclass performance he bagged the win at fifth round of the season held at Catalunya, Spain from second position on the grid. Running into Silverstone with his double win in a row, he was confident to attempt a hat-trick of wins. His effort
paid off and he won the British GP starting from pole position.
While coming to Assen he was not strong and qualified third on the grid and scored a second place on the podium. His lack of pace continued through the next round held at Mugello, Italy. While starting the Italian GP from the pole seat, he came third across
the finish line. In the following round at Sachsenring, he again managed a third place finish.
Although the last couple of races were not good for him but at Laguna Seca, he came out unexpectedly strong and won the race from second position on the grid. The recent win has strengthened his glorious lead in 2011 MotoGP points’ table.
Let’s see how Stoner fares in the remainder of the 2011 MotoGP championship.
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