motorcycle news - Wednesday 15th April 2009
The latest motorcycle and insurance news from Wicked Quotes - the award winning motorcycle insurance specialist
Stoner takes win in MotoGP opener
Australia's Casey Stoner eased to victory in the opening race of the MotoGP season in Qatar, with 2008 champion Valentino Rossi in second.
It was the 23-year-old Stoner's third consecutive win at the Losail International Circuit.
Jorge Lorenzo finished in third, while Britain's James Toseland finished in 16th and out of the points.
For award winning motorcycle insurance click here …
The floodlit race should have taken place on Sunday, but had to be cancelled because of heavy rain.
"I now feel I'm stronger than at the end of last year," said Stoner, the 2007 champion who is still recovering from wrist surgery last November.
"It is now time to keep it up, go for the next race and see what we can do. This is the best way to start the championship."
Eight-time world champion Rossi said: "Unfortunately I lost a bit of time after the start to fight with Loris [Capirossi] and Jorge [Lorenzo].
"I had to decide if I ride second or crash and I decided to slow down a bit. The second place is a good result for us and the start of the season is better than last year."
Stoner led from the start on Monday, while Yamaha rider and defending champion Rossi moved into second with 20 laps remaining and with a two second deficit on Stoner's Ducati.
For moped, scooter and commuter insurance click here …
To speak to an experienced motorcycle insurance advisor call 0844 8800 962
Qatar MotoGP result:1. Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 42' 53.984"
2. Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 43:01.755
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 43:10.228
4. Colin Edwards (US) Yamaha 43:18.394
5. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Honda 43:21.247
6. Alex de Angelis (Smr) Honda 43:23.867
7. Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 43:27.611
8. Mika Kallio (Fin) Ducati 43:28.739
9. Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 43:33.465
10. Randy de Puniet (Fra) Honda 43:36.268
11. Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 43:42.510
12. Nicky Hayden (US) Ducati 43:42.867
13. Sete Gibernau (Spa) Ducati 43:46.199
14. Marco Melandri (Ita) Kawasaki 43:50.363
15. Yuki Takahashi (Jap) Honda 43:54.270
16. James Toseland (GB) Yamaha 44:08.962
17. Niccolo Canepa (Ita) Ducati 44:09.012
DNF: Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki
[ 2009 motorcycle insurance news archive ]