Casey Stoner was not happy with the results of the Jerez race. Stoner, who has been the MotoGP favorite throughout the beginning of the 2011 MotoGP season, scored no points on Sunday due to a crash with Valentino Rossi.
Rossi, who started from 12th on the grid, was making his way through the pack when he tried to cut inside of Stoner. Rossi lossed control of his bike and took Stoner out of the race. Rossi was able to remount and finish fifth. Stoner was forced to retire.
After the race, Rossi came over to the Repsol Honda garage to apologize to Stoner. Stoner asked if Rossi was having problems with his shoulder, but the Italian said it was just a mistake.
"Obviously your ambition outweighs your talent," Stoner said.
During the post race interviews, Rossi said that the Jerez race was the first time that he felt competitive on the Ducati bike. He said that he was on pace for a podium finish, and possibly a race win if it weren't for the crash.
So maybe Stoner's right. At least for that moment, during that turn, during that race. Rossi let his ambition get the better of him.
But what's important is that Rossi is now on a competitive machine. That puts at least three riders fighting for the win at each race. With tension building between Stoner and Rossi and Rossi competing with his former teammate Jorge Lorenzo, we're in for some great racing during the 2011 MotoGP season.
You can see a video of the Rossi - Stoner crash here.
Comments
He made a mistake. He said he was sorry. In 30 years barely anyone will remember Casey Stoner.
Seems like Caseys mouth outweighs his talent. He only wins when his bike is dominant. Hondas are doing well = Casey Stoner winning. Ducati got the leap at 800cc era = Casey Stoner winning.
Its also not the first time Rossi has made dangerous and sometime cheat moves to win races.
You are a pussy...I am not a Rossi fan, i am not a fan of any rider, just Moto GP itself so i do not care who wins as long as there is good action. CHEAT moves? There is no cheating, if you dont like aggressive riding then go watch bowling. I for one like any rider that takes a chance and rides hard, even if it means riding above his head, that is admirable to me. If you saw the whole race then you know that the track was wet. Ever ride in the rain yourself? Makes for some unpredictable conditions. try racing at a world class level in those conditions. In the meantime, shut up you squid, you sicken me.
I am not a rossi fan, or a fan of ANY particular rider, just of MotoGP itself. Did you notice the track was wet? Have you ever ridden in such conditons much less raced at a world class level in those conditions?? Did you see how many riders went down even when riding all alone on the track? And CHEAT moves? What the fuck does that mean? You dont like aggressive riding on the race track? there is no cheating, racing is racing. I would rather see exciting races any day with riders that make bold moves to win. stoner got taken out to no fault of his own, that is true, but rossi didnt outride his ability, just his tires. Hats off to rossi for having ambition and making things exciting! If you cant handle aggressive riding, then go watch bowling with your mommy you queer, you sicken me....
He didnt have to appologise to you at all, it was a racing incident but at least he had the balls to do so and admit when hes made a mistake. A true champion. oh and what was that comment you made 2009 season in Australia, that Rossi only won the Motogp because you what was it? had a tummy problem, man up. This would be the second season Rossi hasnt riden 100% and not once has he taken that away from lorenzo.
Clearly Stoner didn't read this from the body language and ploughed in with his stupid patronising comments. Rossi was fresh from the race and was composed. Stoner had perhaps had too much time to plan his reaction and when he encountered Rossi he didn't pick up on Rossi's humility and he came across as an ass.
Rossi made a bad mistake on the track in the heat of racing (and no one got hurt luckily) but Stoner's behaviour was worse because he'd had time to consider his actions.
Stoner has gone down in my estimation. And he wonders why he's less popular than Rossi!!
That said, things like this will happen in racing.
Casey could have won some fans by gracefully accepting the apology even if inside he was still angry about it.
he should focus on his own activities rather than dwell on someone else's
he will never even be close to rossi's popularity if he continues to behave this way
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