Full GP Review: Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske republiky

The Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske republiky was given the task of resuming the 2008 MotoGP World Championship action after a three week summer break. Fans were eager to see the riders back on track, perhaps most excited about the added spice introduced to the equation by a war of words between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca. Both riders played down the incident in the Thursday press conference at Brno, but it would be Rossi who had the last word on Sunday.

The tricky Brno circuit was made all the more difficult by a relaying of the asphalt, something that would be crucial to tyre performance in the Czech Republic. One rider who wouldn´t have a chance to try out the surface was 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden, injured over the summer break. An update on his condition was given by his Manager, Phil Baker, who predicted a return for the next round at Misano.

Despite being struck down by a fever, Casey Stoner appeared to be in the same sparkling form as at the previous five MotoGP races, heading the practice session timesheets and showing his rivals how to ride at Brno. The Australian´s quest for a sixth consecutive MotoGP pole position was made slightly easier by his clocking a fastest time in the drier part of the Qualifying Session. Conditions soon turned wet, leaving Stoner surprised but pleased that his early lap was enough for the top spot.

Whilst Stoner was enjoying the benefits of fast riding, the subject of corner speed was raised in a Saturday meeting of all the MotoGP riders, held in the presence of Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta.. He opened suggestions on how to reduce the numbers on the speedometer going into turns on the 800cc machines to the floor, with suggestions to be discussed at a later date.

Sunday saw a star-studded line-up trackside for the race itself, with Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and former MotoGP rider Anton Mang watching the action. Special mention must go to former MotoGP World Champions Mick Doohan and Alex Criville, who cast their minds back to their famous 1996 duel at Brno.

When the red light went out on Sunday, one of the best races of the year got underway. A spectacular Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske republiky saw victory go to Rossi, who didn´t have to battle as hard as in the U.S.A. His task was made easier by a first race crash from Stoner since joining Ducati Marlboro. Second place went to Toni Elias, with both he and Loris Capirossi taking first podiums for their new teams. Dani Pedrosa saw his title challenge become increasingly more complicated with just a solitary point, and pinpointed tyres as the guilty party. He was certainly more charitable in his praise of Wings For Life, the good cause for which he recently became an ambassador.

As well as Rossi, the Brno circuit also had reason to celebrate. The track was the winner of the 2007 Best GP Award from IRTA, and were presented with the trophy at this year´s event.