MotoGP news

Bug ruins Stoner's shot at pole

It was "A Bug's Life", quite literally, for Casey Stoner at Motegi today as a rogue intruder ruined the Australian's final challenge for pole position in the Grand Prix of Japan. An insect that hit his visor and restricted his vision when out on his third and final qualifying tyre cost the World Champion his concentration and vital tenths off his lap time.

However, with a safe second place already in the bank and a good pace in race trim throughout practice here this weekend, Stoner will launch a confident challenge for the podium from the front row of the grid in tomorrow's race.

"For the race we're in quite good shape. We've still got a few things to improve for tomorrow but we're reasonably happy because we're running consistent lap times," said Stoner. "I'm a little bit disappointed with qualifying. Of the three qualifying tyres you always use the first one to try and get used to it and build from there but the second tyre didn't work as we hoped and then on the third one I got a bug on my visor at the start of the lap! I couldn't get the rip-off visor off because I was trying to push but the bug distracted me and I couldn't see properly. It's a silly little thing but stuff just doesn't seem to be going for us at the moment! Anyway, second place is still good and tomorrow's another day. We're in good shape for the race and we'll do the best we can."

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