Stoner tightening the screws....

[Jester]

I think they got it figured out. Again, maybe they decided not to "Pedrobot it".

Pedro wasn't the problem.  It was his injuries.  I think he would have given a hell of a run at a few championships if he didn't break himself into pieces each year.  The guy is just as fast as the others.

[fastwin]

At times he is indeed. But Stoner was just on a roll last season. McBrittlebones for sure has had injury issues the last couple of seasons but I don't think Dani could have put on a big threat this last season hurt or not.

Hopefully everyone will stay healthy this season and we can see what everyone has got on the new big block bikes.

[swampduc]

I don't remember Vale smack talking about Honda or whiny boy.

Are you serious?!

[fastwin]

Yes, I am serious. Vale always speaks the truth. He would never smack talk or say a disparaging word. Just like Colin Edwards never says how it really is. Both of them altar boys for sure.

[triangleforge]

He isn't whining. They asked a question, and he answered it. He's right, the Duc wa a POS in 2009, 2010, and as Rossi found out - 2011. He's also right that it'd be very surprising if Ducati is suddenly fighting for podiums this year.

Immediately, maybe. But I think the change in rules regarding testing is huge; Casey has shown that he's got the natural talent, feel & guts to go crazy fast on anything with two wheels, even if it's not fully developed for him - put him on a bike as sorted as the 2011 Honda and it's good from the first lap. But Rossi and Burgess have shown that, with enough testing time & a willing, deep-pockets sponsor, they can use brute force to turn most any dog into a greyhound. Might explain why Stoner's was the loudest voice questioning the expansion in testing for 2012...

[Triple J]

I doubt Stoner's all that worried. He knows he's fast and on a good bike. He probably didn't directly question the increased testing time, but rather answered a question as to whether he thought it was good/necessary. I'm sure he thinks what they're allowed now is OK.

I hope Ducati can turn it around...we'll see. I'd love to see some good battles for the podium.

[duccarlos]

I doubt Stoner's all that worried. He knows he's fast and on a good bike. He probably didn't directly question the increased testing time, but rather answered a question as to whether he thought it was good/necessary. I'm sure he thinks what they're allowed now is OK.

I hope Ducati can turn it around...we'll see. I'd love to see some good battles for the podium.

Anyone riding a bike that is as sorted as the Honda would not want the competition to have 1 second of additional testing. It would be ridiculous to expect anyone to answer any differently. I'm sure he doesn't want to give Vale/Burgess any sort of chance to make the Duc better.

[Triple J]

Anyone riding a bike that is as sorted as the Honda would not want the competition to have 1 second of additional testing. It would be ridiculous to expect anyone to answer any differently. I'm sure he doesn't want to give Vale/Burgess any sort of chance to make the Duc better.

True...Stoner is also well known for getting comfortable on a bike very quickly though.

[duccarlos]

Exactly, another reason for him to prefer limited testing. This rule change was meant to be an advantage for he CRT's and Vale. I don't see the Yammie getting much different. The Honda is already a beast.

[fastwin]

The masses are right. If you are in Stoner's shoes with a good bike why in the world would you want any team or rider to have more testing time? I'm sure he would like to have more testing but not everyone else. God forbid they might catch up! And that's what DORNA wants. They claimed the limit was all about saving everyone $$$ but Honda blew that excuse by being a little too dominant. Ergo, more testing.

[fastwin]

Stoner speaks:

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2012/01/30/casey-stoner-ready-for-test/


And his new bike:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/2012rc213v/

[OT]

This is funny!

Casey's new baby 

Born on Rossi's birthday 

Let the head games begin!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/moto-gp/motogp-champion-casey-stoners-wife-adriana-gives-birth-to-the-couples-first-baby-allessandra-stoner/story-fn2ms4i4-1226273586588