Stoner starts Spanish sojourn on slower pace than at test

The standout rider of the Official Test at Jerez, Casey Stoner encountered some early difficulties as the 2009 race weekend began at the track. The first practice session, in which the Australian finished third with a time of 1’40.268, was dedicated to finding a solution to a front end problem, although he remains self-assured of a better run on Saturday.

“We found that we were running too much pressure on the front tyre, and kept losing the front end,” analysed Stoner after his re-acquaintance with the Spanish track. “Unfortunately we had a problem with the engine on the second bike, and were unable to use it. We tried a few different things with the bike that we had, and I lost a little bit of confidence.

“We couldn’t understand if the back was pushing too much or not. We think that it’s just the front, so hopefully tomorrow will be a different situation.”

Stoner’s result in the Gran Premio bwin.com de España will come under close scrutiny following his disastrous 2008 race at the circuit, and also his not placing on the podium last time out in Japan. The former MotoGP World Champion however, has little respect for previous form as he aims to regain the title.

“We’re struggling a bit more than we were in the test here, although the bike does seem to be turning really well. We need a bit of time before race day, but we’re confident.”