Casey Stoner undaunted by wrist problem

Casey Stoner is confident his troublesome left wrist injury will not severely hamper him during this weekend’s Japanese GP, despite the hard braking and acceleration zones at the Twin Ring Motegi.

Stoner has vowed to finish the season despite a scaphoid injury dating back to 2003 giving him problems at the last two races in Misano and Indianapolis.

Stoner could surrender his MotoGP crown this weekend in Japan with Valentino Rossi a massive 87-points clear of the Aussie. Ironically Stoner could lose the title on the track where he wrapped up the 2007 crown.

The 22-year-old, who will be joined by American Nicky Hayden in 2009, said: “The wrist hasn’t given me great problems over the last week and seems to be improving on the last couple of weeks so I can’t wait to get back on the bike and try to get a better result than we’ve managed lately.”

Stoner hasn’t registered a podium since his second place in an epic Laguna Seca clash in California back at the end of July and assessing his hopes of success in the Far East this weekend he said: “Obviously the best memory is of last year with the title victory but as always I prefer to look to the future rather than reflect on the past.

“The track has always given me the impression that it is more suited to cars than bikes because it is full of hard braking and acceleration zones and there aren’t many flowing sections. Anyway, it is a fun track and I think it can be good for our bike and tyres.”