2007 MotoGP of Valencia
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 7:56 am
Casey Stoner has the chance to end a memorable MotoGP campaign by matching Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini with 11 wins in a single season, at this weekend's Valencian Grand Prix.
Last year at Valencia, it was another Australian leading the way for Ducati. Stepping in for the injured Sete Gibernau, Troy Bayliss took victory from second on the grid, ahead of team-mate Loris Capirossi. Stoner retired from the race on lap seven, but has previously sampled the top step of the Valencia podium in the 2003 125GP - his first ever world championship win.
Former seven times world champion Rossi has bad memories of the tight and demanding track, having thrown away an eight point lead when he fell during the 2006 title showdown - handing Nicky Haydenthe crown. But the Fiat Yamaha star won at Valencia during 2003 and 2004 - and just a single point in the 30-lap race on Sunday would at least ensure second place in the championship over Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.
The battle for fourth place is much closer with just 19 points separating Marco Melandri, John Hopkins, Chris Vermeulen and Capirossi. For three of those riders it will be their last ride for their current team. Melandri leaves HondaGresini to join Stoner at Ducati, while Hopkins leaves Rizla Suzuki to join Kawasaki and is replaced by Capirossi who leaves Ducati.
Last year at Valencia, it was another Australian leading the way for Ducati. Stepping in for the injured Sete Gibernau, Troy Bayliss took victory from second on the grid, ahead of team-mate Loris Capirossi. Stoner retired from the race on lap seven, but has previously sampled the top step of the Valencia podium in the 2003 125GP - his first ever world championship win.
Former seven times world champion Rossi has bad memories of the tight and demanding track, having thrown away an eight point lead when he fell during the 2006 title showdown - handing Nicky Haydenthe crown. But the Fiat Yamaha star won at Valencia during 2003 and 2004 - and just a single point in the 30-lap race on Sunday would at least ensure second place in the championship over Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.
The battle for fourth place is much closer with just 19 points separating Marco Melandri, John Hopkins, Chris Vermeulen and Capirossi. For three of those riders it will be their last ride for their current team. Melandri leaves HondaGresini to join Stoner at Ducati, while Hopkins leaves Rizla Suzuki to join Kawasaki and is replaced by Capirossi who leaves Ducati.