Ducati News Today

Former Ducati World Superbike team manager, Davide Tardozzi has not let a sense of nationalism cloud his judgement when it comes to rating motorcycle racers. Tardozzi rates Austalian and 2007 MotoGP Champion, Casey Stoner, as the best rider in MotoGP ranking him ahead of even reigning champion Valentino Rossi.

Tardozzi, who is now in charge of the BMW World Superbike effort, believes that changes in the regulations are playing further into Stoner’s hands.

“Ducati has the best rider in the championship, Casey Stoner – and I say that with no fear of being misinterpreted,” Tardozzi said. “The new regulations that have significantly reduced the amount of testing will also favour him; he only needs one lap to be able to go quickly.”

Stoner missed 3 races last season due to a still largely unexplained illness but returned in fine, race winning form. Stoner finished second in his first race back and won his second race back at home at Phillip Island.

“I’m fine and I feel great,” said Stoner, adding that he has been able to train at full tilt without operations or lingering injuries. Stoner expects a tough season from his main Yamaha and Honda rivals. “Valentino Rossi is still the man to beat because he is the world champion and he’s an extraordinary rider…”

link: Sydney Morning Herald

Stoner is also pleased with technical progress with his Ducati. The biggest change to the new 2010 Desmosedici GP10 racer is a switch from the screamer configuration of the previous 800cc bike to a big bang format closer to the old 990cc GP6. MotoGP is returning to a 1,000 engine format in 2012.

Want More?
Read More Posts like this in ourMotoGP category
Read More Posts on the Ducati Desmosedici

Try These Related Posts:

1. Stoner Going, Going, Gone to Honda? As a counterpoint to the Rossi to Ducati rumors, have been consistent and insistent rumors about Marlboro Ducati rider and 2007 MotoGP champion, Casey Stoner, following his former team manager Livio Suppo to Honda. The rumors began at Jerez with HRC reportedly speaking with Casey’s father Colin, but the latest...
2. Rossi Claims 7th MotoGP Crown Stoner Wins Battle Whilst Rossi Wins War Valentino Rossi made yet another case for the claim that he is the Greatest Roadracer of all time (GOAT) by taking his 9th World Champion title and 7th Premier class crown today after finishing 3rd at the penultimate round of the 2009 MotoGP...
3. Lorenzo Good at Overtaking, Stoner Just Fast says Rossi MotoGP World Champion, Valentino Rossi, has acknowledged the overtaking prowess of his teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, in recent comments to MotoSprint. Rossi likes to dice and so he likes racing Lorenzo. When asked about Ducati title hope, Casey Stoner, Rossi say he must not underestimate his raw speed. “Lorenzo is good...
4. Stoner Speaks Out on Rossi Ducati Test MotoGP rival Casey Stoner has spoken out on the decision facing Yamaha – whether or not to let Valentino Rossi test the Ducati Desmosedici following the final round of the championship in Valencia later this year. With the limited testing allowed now, it will be critical to how fast Rossi...
5. Stoner to Rossi: It’s Just a Broken Leg Honda bound Marlboro Ducati rider Casey Stoner who has been cementing his reputation as a whiner with his difficult season so far this year has jabbed at Valentino Rossi in the media after their close battle for the podium at last weekend’s German MotoGP. Stoner says injuries are common place...