Stoner’s Qatar test possibly in doubt

Casey Stoner’s planned test this week at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit may be in doubt, as the Ducati Corse team seek clarification on rules banning testing near race weekends.

Stoner was due to take part in a two-day test under the floodlights alongside fellow Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, but with MotoGP rules preventing a team from running at a circuit within two weeks of a race that may now not happen.

Ducati have confirmed to MCN that they are currently seeking clarification on the rule, to see if the 14-day period mandated is taken from the day of the race itself (Sunday) or from the day of the event starting, which is technically Thursday.

However, there may be a way out of the situation for the Italian manufacturer, with the organisers able to grant a concession to allow the test to go ahead.

This could be protested by the other teams, but with all of them coming off the back of a three-day test and with potentially no real gains to Stoner and Pirro, it may be that they others allow the event.