German MotoGP: Stoner unconcerned by MotoGP world championship outcome

Casey Stoner says he will be proud of his 2007 season regardless of whether he inflicts defeat on rival Valentino Rossi for the MotoGP world championship crown.

The Australian goes into this weekend’s German GP at the Sachsenring holding a 21-point lead over Italian Rossi at the halfway point of the season.

Factory Ducati rider Stoner has emerged as Rossi’s big threat in 2007, but he reckons success or defeat in the battle for the MotoGP crown won’t detract from an amazing season.

“I can’t complain about this season like I’ve said over and over again. This is my dream to be where I am at the moment. If I haven’t won I’ve been on or very close to the podium. No matter what, win or lose, we will do the best job and whether we end up on top or not in the championship we have done a great season,” said Stoner, who has been victorious in five of the opening nine races of the season.

Stoner is preparing for his first MotoGP race at the Sachsenring after his controversial exclusion in last year’s race. Doctors banned him from riding after a crash in the Sunday morning warm-up.

Speaking ahead of this weekendss clash he said: “I just rode around on a scooter and it looks like a couple of corners have changed and also the surface. It looks to be in better condition than last year but with the new surface though nobody really knows. I’ve heard it could be a little worse but we have to wait and see what happens.”