MotoGP news

Ducati pairing looking forward to Jerez

Ducati riders Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden are excited to be making a return to Spain this weekend as the European season gets underway. After rain resulted in the postponement of the Qatari Grand Prix plus the cancellation of qualifying in Japan, forecasters are predicting sunshine and temperatures in the mid-twenties for the south of Spain.

"I've never really done well at Jerez," admitted Stoner, who finished 11th last year. "But in the winter test we worked well and set some quick times so we'll try to use that as the base for a positive weekend; you need good handling at this track and a bike that allows you to get into the corner quickly and then onto the gas straight away, as well as having good stability."

A poor getaway for Casey at Motegi saw him fall to sixth place on Sunday before fighting back up to fourth. In Qatar for Round 1, though, the Australian shot away from the field to win in commanding fashion. "The start of the season has been better for us this year than it was last year so we have to try and keep our standards up," he added, as he continues his mission of snatching back his title from Valentino Rossi.

With his team-mate third in the standings, Hayden's start to the championship has been one of contrasting fortunes as the 2006 Champion is currently 15th with just four points to his name. "I can't deny that it's been a tough start to the season, especially in Japan, but we have to move on and look ahead," the American admitted. "Now we go to Jerez and, even though we didn't have a great test there in March, things are different now." To date, Nicky's best result at Jerez was a podium finish in his title-winning season and a repeat performance would come as very welcome in 2009. "At Motegi I felt as though the communication within the team had improved," he continued. "The work we're doing together as a group is becoming smoother, so I'm looking forward to starting again at Jerez with a clear and positive mind. I don't even want to think about the possibility of it raining again there!"

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