MotoGP: Casey Stoner says his title hopes are over after injury

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Casey Stoner says his chances of retaining his MotoGP title are "finished" after breaking his ankle at Indianapolis last weekend.

Stoner, who will fly back to Australia for surgery and will miss Sunday's Czech Grand Prix, says he has "no idea" when he will return.

"Until we've had the surgery we won't know," said the 26-year-old Australian, who retires at the end of the season.

"It's disappointing news but it's finished our championship."

Stoner currently lies in third place in the standings, 39 points behind leader Jorge Lorenzo with seven races remaining.

Stoner took fourth place in Indianapolis despite suffering torn ligaments, bone damage and fractures to his ankle in a crash in qualifying. But he has been advised by doctors to have the surgery to prevent permanent damage.

The Honda rider, who won the championship in 2007 and 2011, said: "The plan is to get back to Australia as we have to wait for the inflammation to go down before having surgery. We already have everything lined up to see what we can do and then try to get back.

"Normally my doctor doesn't have a problem with me riding with injury but as soon as he read the report he advised me against riding in Indianapolis. All the reports have been the same, that I need to get off this foot as soon as I can."

Stoner hopes he can return a race or two before his home GP at Phillip Island on 28 October.

"To have these kind of disappointments is frustrating, especially in my last year, but that's racing," he said.

"I'm not in this championship to finish on a fairytale. I'm not always going to keep waiting for a fairytale ending."

Title rival Jorge Lorenzo, who is favourite to regain the crown he won in 2010, said: "I wish Stoner a quick recovery.

"It won't be the same in the next races, and for sure it will be easier for Dani Pedrosa and I to win."

British rider Cal Crutchlow said on Twitter:external-link "Sad to hear Casey Stoner cannot ride but after seeing his ankle yesterday I can't believe he rode in Indy!

"Hope he's back soon with the other guys too."

Nicky Hayden and Hector Barbera have also been ruled out of this weekend's Czech Grand Prix

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79 comments

  • steve - ''And head-to-head, Stoner beats Rossi. Mind you, Rossi did well to clean up when there were no other aliens about.''

    well steve here it is in black and white :

    Rossi 9 world titles , stoner 2 world titles .
    2006 : rossi 2nd - stoner 8th
    2007 : rossi 3rd - stoner 1st
    2008 : rossi 1st - stoner 2nd
    2009 : rossi 1st - stoner 4th
    2010 : rossi 3rd - stoner 4th
    2011 : rossi 7th - stoner 1st

  • ...at last a real title contender . Stoner is one of the fastest riders out there for sure ...but consistency wins titles ...not just race wins ! . Stats speak for themselves , and best rider of the modern era and one of the greatest of all time is Valentino Rossi ...

  • Enjoy your retirement Casey you undoupted talent will be missed.

  • Rate this comment if you think Steve Parrish should be replaced !

  • The British public showed their contempt for (a very young) Casey Stoner early in his career. Not much has changed, it seems.

    He has astronomical talent and will be missed by people who appreciate how difficult it is to do what these guys do (tip of the hat to Steve Parish).

    If Casey "moaned" half as much as his detractors, they'd have a point. Please, enough with the whinging.

  • @13 it was a memorable moment, but that was the one time I liked Casey actually because he wasn't afraid of Rossi. He was the first rider to come along and actually challenge Rossi and get in his face. Even if it was a bit disrespectful it was a heat of the moment thing and I liked the drama.

  • It's a real shame that Stoner's personality is a juxtaposition of his talent - there's no doubt whatsoever that the bloke is an awesome rider but frankly, I cannot stand him.

  • Honestly, I feel sorry for him. Previously Casey Stoner said this will be his last season in the MotoGP. And the best way to finish his career is with a championship. I think the last few races he will ride for his fans!.

  • Sure his injuries are bad luck, but it's almost sods law; you announce it's your last race or last year and it always goes wrong. It's ok he's calling it "a day". Family and the Simoncelli accident, mad him think there's more to life. Doesn't matter if he's moaning and whining all the time. He's won enough races to put two fingers up at MotoGP. By the way WSB and BSB are by far better racing.

  • @77 agree with that, and he has to think if he can get a few podiums this year and next and maybe a win his stock will rise. Then see how things go, because nicky isn't exactly secure at Ducati after next year, so maybe it will be a chance then. Or even a Yamaha ride in two years to take over from Rossi. But if he wants results tech 3 is better than Ducati right now

  • I know Cal needs to earn some money but I think he may well look back at the Ducati saga and realise he had a lucky escape.

  • Jorge on pole! Now even with Dani for pole positions even though in Motogp for two less years. Cal 2nd tomorrow has to be a real opportunity to get that 1st podium. Hoping for a good race. Also glad that Cal has signed with tech3 as the Ducati still looks like a dog to ride and Dovi can have it.

  • @73, His approach to interviews and general communication with the fans is awful. He may have been charming with you. A shame all he does in interview is complain about everything and make petty comments about his piers.

    You're going to struggle to convince anyone differently because they keep hearing it from his own mouth.

    Despite being such an unpleasant chap, he's an amazing rider!

  • @73 fair point, I'm just saying on tv he seems pretty miserable. I'm not denying how great a rider he is and wish he wasn't retiring. I hope after a year off he realises it was a mistake and comes back.
    Just to say I have respect for all them guys, risking themselves for our entertainment, I know they get paid handsomely but still they have real balls and it's great to watch all of them.

  • Stop flaming Stoner and saying he's miserable. Having met the dude on more than one occasion and had a good chat with him, I can assure you he's a very modest, humble and above all friendly and nice guy. His talents on the bike are obvious for all to see but I can promise you, he's a lovely fella, so stop saying he's this and he's that when you don't have a clue who he really is.

  • @69 I've been a fan for 15 years and I still stand by the fact that stoner is quicker than Dani. But I prefer both Rossi and lorenzo over stoner. I don't like stoners personality or danis they are both miserable. But stoner is a great rider and that can't be doubted and you are delusional because you put your personal thoughts over fact.

  • On the track I think Stoner is one of the best riders I have ever seen, Rossi is the best rider I have ever seen, so far. Stoner is his own worst enemy, he is living the dream, amazing talent , beautiful wife and now a child, independently wealthy, riding a motorbike for a living. What the hell is there to moan and have sour grapes about, has no one ever had the balls to tell him get stuffed?

  • Stoner has his faults like all of us but has a great riding style and is a double world champion. He has come through the different classes and has been a pleasure to watch. I am a Rossi fan through and through and had great pleasure in watching Rossi overtake him on the corkskrew and put him in his place but i also have to say he is a worthy world champion.

  • @rach 85
    well about time ...your obviously pro stoner and a newbie to the sport ...i've been an avid fan for 25 plus years and am a huge Rossi fan and feel privileged to have seen him race so many times and hope to see many more , motogp wouldnt be what it is today if it wasnt for valentino ...fact.
    bbc coverage ( new topic !) , has vastly improved but can we please get rid of parrish

  • This convo with you is just like hitting my head against a brick wall so I will bow down to you ninja. Of course Dani is fastest, fastest man ever. Casey is slow and rubbish and his triumphs mean nothing. All hail Dani Pedrosa!!

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