Estoril MotoGP: Camera fault slammed by Casey Stoner

Aussie Casey Stoner blasted Dorna after a loose on-board TV camera seriously hampered the reigning world champion in today’s Estoril GP.

The 22-year-old looked like he was going to finish outside the top ten at one stage as he grappled with part of the on-board camera, which was flapping dangerously between his handlebars and fairing.

It also repeatedly interfered with his clutch, but he kept his composure and produced a rousing fightback to claim sixth to stay in touch with the early leaders in the championship.

He trails joint leaders Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa by 21-points after today’s tough race followed his worst Ducati result of 11th in Jerez last month.

Stoner said: “It was incredible what happened today, we had a problem which was no fault of the bike from the beginning of the race. I didn’t understand what was going on and wasn’t sure if an important part of the bike was involved.

“It was a major distraction and I’m not happy that something involving the organisers cost me. Sometimes the piece would lock the steering and sometimes it locked the clutch lever. It was a very difficult situation but eventually I worked out a way of how to ride it.

“Every time I came down the straight I pushed it back into place but the turbulence from the wind would blow it back out again so it was very frustrating.

“I think a better result was possible for sure. It wasn’t a good weekend but the problem in the race was not a general fault with the bike.”

Dorna boss Manel Arroyo personally visited Ducati management to offer his apology for the incident.