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Ducati challenge starts here

Casey Stoner is in determined mood ahead of the season-opening Qatar night race this weekend. Having lost his title to Valentino Rossi last year, and nursing an injury through the season, the Australian is confident that 2009 can be the year in which the red bike can be in contention for the title once again.

"I'm leaving behind the end of the summer holidays in Australia, but to tell you the truth I really can't wait for the new season to start," Stoner explained. "I'm really pleased with the progress we've made together, with the Ducati engineers behind the scenes and with the tests we've done out on the track. Everybody has worked really hard, the bike has improved in a variety of areas and it's much easier to ride. The power delivery from the engine is better, the carbon frame has improved stability and I'm happy with the carbon swingarm too, even though we have only tried it in the last two tests."

"It's nice to be going racing again," said team-mate Nicky Hayden. "The season is starting much later than usual this year even though we haven't been doing much testing. If I could have chosen anywhere to be making my debut on the Ducati I would have chosen Qatar, where we had a good test session a few weeks ago, so I guess I'm lucky in that respect! I'm looking forward to getting out there, where the temperature should be a bit higher than it was in the test, and we'll try to start out the season on the right foot by getting a decent result and enjoying myself as much as possible."

As 2006 champion and Ducati's newest recruit, the American is trying to focus on his race this weekend, rather than his age: "I can't believe it's already been a hundred GP starts!" he continued. "I have really enjoyed them all, well - some a lot more than others! But it's been an honour to race in Grand Prix with all these great riders, sweet tracks, and the awesome fans all over the world! I know it won't be easy but I really hope my best GPs are ahead of me - it seems only fitting to start my 100th race with a new bike and team!"

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• 07 Nov.
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• 06 Nov.
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  • Photos: Friday in Valencia
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  • Lorenzo searching for home victory
  • Stoner leads Friday practice in Valencia
• 05 Nov.
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  • Valencia extends contract to 2016
• 04 Nov.
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• 03 Nov.
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  • Rossi: Now we can enjoy ourselves
  • Pedrosa determined to finish on a high
• 27 Oct.
  • Ducati test rider to become Team Manager
• 25 Oct.
  • Lorenzo faced difficult race at Sepang
  • Photos: Sunday at Sepang
  • Title a great achievement says Rossi
  • Rossi claims 2009 championship as Stoner wins the race
• 24 Oct.
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  • Stoner disappointed with fourth place
  • Motivated Pedrosa aims for race win at Sepang
  • Lorenzo unhappy with lack of pace
  • Rossi surprised with pole position record
  • Rossi dominates in qualifying with pole position record
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• 23 Oct.
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  • Lap times not worrying, says Pedrosa
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  • Photos: Friday at Sepang
  • Lorenzo leads opening Sepang practice
• 22 Oct.
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• 21 Oct.
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  • Pedrosa hoping to secure Sepang victory
  • Rossi hoping for more 'gold dust'
• 20 Oct.
  • Dovizioso: Sepang is my favourite track

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