MotoGP news

Stoner pleased to survive 'crazy' qualifying

Casey Stoner was relived to have avoided falling, let alone qualify third, after Saturday at the Sachsenring. The Australian will start from third place on Sunday's German Grand Prix grid but, like Yamaha's Rossi and Lorenzo in front of him, is hoping for no more rain.

With the championship battle in full swing and the three contenders glued together at the front of the grid, the 2007 Champion talked after a dramatic one-hour period. "That was a crazy session because of all the standing water on the track and the grip levels were minimal," Stoner explained. "There were riders crashing all over the place, so once we knew we had a decent lap time in the bag I decided to sit out the last few minutes of the session because the last thing I needed was a crash."

Having fallen heavily in the United States only a fortnight ago, the Ducati rider may have elected to put safety first but remains well placed ahead of the race. "I'm still feeling the effects of the qualifying crash at Laguna two weeks ago so, to be honest, the first thing I'm pleased about is to have stayed upright today - the second thing is to be on the front row!" he admitted.

"I have to take my hat off to Rossi and Lorenzo today because, whilst everybody else was sliding around all over the place, those two looked like they were on rails; they are clearly the guys to beat again tomorrow - in wet or dry conditions - although, to be honest, I'd prefer it to be wet - at least that way I know I am physically fit enough to be strong to the end of the race!"

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