MotoGP news

Stoner expects better performance in China

After a brief two-week pause in the calendar the MotoGP World Championship fires up again this weekend in Shanghai. The Grand Prix of China represents the start of the most intense section of the season, with the transcontinental trip to the Orient immediately followed by an extensive European road trip that leads through to the summer.

Casey Stoner has taken the opportunity to spend a week at home in Australia with his wife Adriana, resuming his training programme as he aims to tackle the fourth round of the season in top form. With three different winners from the opening three rounds of 2008 it promises to be an evenly contested championship between the riders, factories and tyre providers. Victor of the opening round in Qatar, Stoner is keen to get back to winning ways at Shanghai, where he already celebrated on the top step of the podium with Ducati last season and in the 250cc class in 2005.

Commenting on the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix Stoner said: "After such a great start in Qatar the last two races in Spain and Portugal have been tough, and to be honest a little unlucky too, but we made a few set-up changes in the Estoril test that should prove helpful in China.

"At Shanghai we should also have some new tyres available from Bridgestone. Our package worked really well at this track last year but there's no point looking into the past - we have to look to get the most out of what we have available to us right now. Shanghai is a really nice track, quite flowing, even though I'm not too keen on the first two turns. Between races I've been able to spend some time in Australia with my family out at the farm, away from the computer and the mobile phone! It was nice to get away from things and relax but now I can't wait to get back on the bike."

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