Suppo underlines Stoner brilliance

Ducati Marlboros MotoGP Project Director Livio Suppo was understandably a very happy man after Casey Stoners sensational performance in the opening race of his title defence season at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.

The Italian team boss watched Stoner come from fourth on the grid to win by more than five seconds at the floodlit Losail International circuit, before commenting: Casey did an amazing job as he always does. At the beginning of the race it was tough but when he found his rhythm he was putting in very good lap times, one after another.

Every time Casey goes on track he is almost unbeatable, continued Suppo, so we have to say thanks to him first of all. The bike is still working well, the top speed is still there and ride-ability is still there, fingers crossed.

Its a good package, its the package of a World Champion and I think Casey proved again why he has number one on his bike.

Suppo also reviewed the result of new recruit Marco Melandri on his race debut for Ducati, an 11th place finish from 16th on the grid after some tough testing sessions finding his way on the Desmosedici GP8 over the winter.

I think Marco really just needed to race, said Suppo. Finally after the halfway point in the race he put together some decent lap times and I hope this will help him to build confidence in the package he has. He knows the package can win races and World Championships so he must just believe in the package that he has.