British MotoGP: Casey Stoner not worried by British boo boys

MotoGP world championship leader Casey Stoner has shrugged off the hostile reception he received from some British fans on the eve of this weekend’s British GP at Donington Park.

When the 21-year-old took to the stage for the Riders for Health charity auction last night (Thursday) he was met by a chorus of boos from sections of the crowd.

In stark contrast Valentino Rossi, who was on stage immediately before the Australian, got his usual rapturous reception.

Stoner currently leads Rossi by 14-points going into Sunday’s 30-lap British GP, having beaten the Italian in five of the opening seven races of the season.

And the factory Ducati rider said: “I didn’t expect to be absolutely loved here but I didn’t expect to be booed.

“I think its because everybody in England, myself included in the past, they are that disappointed when Valentino isn’t winning they basically just want to hate his competitors.

“And maybe it’s another Sete (Gibernau) or (Max) Biaggi thing where whenever they beat him they got a bit cranky over it.

“I’m not really sure what to think of it but I’m doing the best job I can and I’m not going to let it worry me.”

Stoner cast aside the shock welcome to post the fastest time on a rain-lashed opening day to the British GP.

His best time of 1.43.749 logged in this morning’s opening free practice session was good enough for the fastest time of the day, with Dani Pedrosa’s fastest this afternoon just 0.121s slower.