Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner arrives at the
Dutch TT at the historic Circuit van Drenthe in Assen in fine form and with the MotoGP championship lead after winning his third
race in a row, and fourth of the season, when he raced to victory at
the rain-sodden British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The victory was
the 27th of the Australian's career. He now sits sixth all-time and
within striking distance of fifth by the end of what is already an
impressive season.
In the first six races, the 25-year-old has four
pole positions, four wins, a third, and one non-finish. It adds up to
a 19-point lead heading into the seventh race of the championship,
and at the mid-point of a run of six races in eight weeks.
"It was a tough race in Silverstone and to come away with three wins
in a row and also the championship lead is awesome, so it's been nice
to have a break after such a good time," Stoner said.
"I'm really looking forward to
going to Assen, it's a nice track, the first section is a little slow
and doesn't do too much for me, but the last part is a lot of fun. I
believe the RC212V will work well for us there as it has done at all
circuits so far this season.
"We will work hard to get the set-up
right on the bike and hope to challenge for another win, but right
now we need to go ahead doing our best each race. I'm really sorry to
hear Dani (Pedrosa) had to undergo another operation, he really
doesn't deserve all this bad luck and I hope he'll be OK soon."
Stoner's team-mate Andrea Dovizioso finished behind Stoner in
Silverstone, giving the team-mates a 1-2 finish for the second time
this season. (The first was in the French GP at Le Mans.) Other than
an off weekend in the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, Dovi hasn't
finished worse than fourth this season and he believes by applying
his race strategy from Silverstone he can card another strong finish.
"After the podium finish at Silverstone, I look forward to race in
Assen," Dovizioso said.
"I really like the old track; now with the several
modifications it has lost a bit his unique identity. We are on good
form and feel that we will also be strong this weekend. In particular
at Silverstone we did a very good strategy and a good race so I'm
motivated to get another strong result for the championship. It's a
circuit in two sections - the first part is quite slow while the
second part, the old Assen, is technically more demanding. I'm really
sorry that Dani had to have another surgery. I hope that he recovers
soon and he comes back completely recovered," he concluded.
Main Photo: Casey Stoner and Mick Doohan
Photo: HRC
