German MotoGP: Casey Stoner fast but fatigued again

Casey Stoner might have set the fastest time in opening practice for this weekend’s German MotoGP race, but the Aussie is still struggling with the chronic fatigue that has drastically slowed him recently. A lap of 1.22.779 at the end of a weather-hit session gave the 23-year-old top spot by 0.255s from a resurgent Dani Pedrosa on the Repsol Honda RC212V. But any hopes that recent medical checks and subsequent treatment would boost Stoner’s energy levels quickly vanished in the Sachsenring. Stoner was diagnosed with mild anaemia and slight gastritis during medical assessments that followed his disappointing fourth place in Laguna Seca, It’s a diagnosis already disputed by the factory Ducati rider, who said: “I didn’t have to do very much work today. I was just trying to keep the workload as light as we can so iI can have some energy for the race. Also the first part of practice was wet and we had a big break waiting for the track to dry so it was an easy-going session and there wasn’t a lot of physical force. But even after a few laps I started to get really tired and considering this is a 1’20 lap it is frustrating. I should be able to do ten or fifteen laps before I start to feel anything. I feel exactly the same as the other races though.” Stoner added he was beginning to get frustrated that despite taking medication and supplements to boost his fitness, he is showing no obvious signs of a recovery. He added: “These last few races, the bike has worked so well and the team has done a great job and they have given me new parts, things I’ve been asking for and the bike has been getting a little better at each race. But I’m not getting any better, so I can’t ride the bike to the level it needs to be ridden. That is the most frustrating part. Not being able to ride properly is bad for the team, it is bad for Ducati its just not good all round. If it rains again tomorrow it would probably be beneficial to me because I’m sure it would leave me in better shape for the race and give us a much better chance of challenging for the win.”

 

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