Stoner Issues Apology for Qatar Error

Regarded as the main favorite to take his 4th consecutive win at Losail International Circuit last weekend, Australian rider Casey Stoner failed to live up to the expectations and, while building a comfortable lead up front, crashed out of the season opening round after only 5 laps. Obviously, that was a big hit not only for him but also for the Italian manufacturer, who looked at Qatar as to a 100 percent winning Grand Prix.

With those scheduled 25 points in the overall classification going to championship rivals Valentino Rossi and Yamaha, Stoner admitted his immense disappointment over his crash, which was the result of a rider's mistake. Consequently, the Aussie apologized for his mistake, which occurred in a time when he was pushing hard to detach himself from the field.

“Once I got to the front I started to get into my rhythm but I lost the front end a couple of times in long corners so I made the decision to try to ride a bit smoother and not put so much pressure on the front tire with the full tank,” tried to explain Stoner his unfortunate accident.

“Unfortunately that is what led to the crash because looking at the telemetry I didn't have enough load on the front, so I guess in hindsight I should have stuck to the way I'd been riding all weekend. It's my mistake and I apologize to the team because we'd done a great job this weekend and we leave empty handed.”

“Having said that it's not a complete disaster because we've found this weekend that the bike has improved in areas where we have struggled in the past - for example the rear grip was unbelievable - and we have a long, long way to go,” added a frustrated Stoner, who is now already 25 points behind main title rival Valentino Rossi.