MotoGP – IRTA Jerez Test Day 3 – Fall with head trauma for Stoner

For Casey Stoner this was the worst test of the season, not so much for the sixth time obtained in the timed session, but for the troubles that befell him today. Yet, the morning seemed to start well, having immediately made the right choices for the set-up, but the worst came in the last part of the day, after the forty minutes of fire to win the BMW. The Australian was in fact forced to interrupt the race simulation due to a small engine problem and subsequently crashed while he was trying a different rear tyre. The accident caused him a head injury and problems with his left eye, which convinced Doctor Costa to subject the Ducati rider to a CT scan at the Cadiz hospital: fortunately the test came back negative.
Despite these inconveniences however, this day was still satisfying for Casey, who was not aiming to go home with a new car, but rather worked on the qualifying tyres, which left him happy and convinced that he can improve during the year.

“The day started very well today, because we quickly identified the right choices regarding the set up”, Stoner said. “After the timed session we tried a race simulation which however didn't go well due to an engine problem, not serious, but which forced us to interrupt the test. Afterwards we decided to go out with a different rear tire but I crashed. Generally I don't like to keep trying after 17,30pm but in this case I wasn't pushing too hard when I suddenly lost control of the bike and couldn't get it back. Evidently we need to find a different direction for the race we will have here in a month. This was the least positive test ever for us and, given that up until this morning things had gone quite well, all in all I'm satisfied. What I mean is that if the worst we can expect is still the sixth best time overall, we should be quite satisfied. My objective today was not the car but to test the qualifying tyres, which I found quite satisfactory. The feeling was good and I think that by continuing to use them and improving the set-ups, our starting position on the grid will improve more and more. At this point I can't wait for the races to start."

Marika Farinazzo