Video: Casey Stoner reflects on wrist recovery and 2008

Casey Stoner has spoken of his recovery from major wrist surgery and his reflections on defeat to Valentino Rossi in 2008 at the launch of Ducati’s 2009 factory MotoGP squad in Italy.

Looking back on 2008 when the Aussie surrendered his world title to a resurgent Valentino Rossi, last year’s runner-up said: “The first half of the season was very disappointing.

“We had such a strong start and everything felt so good and I guess because I was riding with so much confidence we overlooked a lot of problems that hindered us throughout the rest of the beginning of the season.

“The confidence I had from 2007 meant I was just riding around a lot of those problems and riding well and we didn’t realise how far we actually were off the pace. It was a very disappointing beginning and in general my season was disappointing, but when I think back the results were too far at the beginning.

“I had two crashes and an engine failure and I still ended up second in the championship and still fighting for it. I ca safely say we have got to be satisfied with that.

“I didn’t win the championship but I still have a very good season and I believe I can push a lot further this season and at least take it down to the last round and improve in some of the areas we struggled with.

“It was very much a learning year, some parts I want to forget and some to stick in my memory so I make sure I know what I’m doing next time we come into that situation.”