Stoner can clinch MotoGP title at home race

Monday, 10 October 2011

With a 40 point lead at the head of the MotoGP championship standings following his third place finish in Japan, Casey Stoner is in a position to take the title with a good result at Phillip Island, depending on the result of his closest rival Jorge Lorenzo.

Only Lorenzo can stop Stoner taking the title in Australia and with only 75 points available with three races to go, the following scenarios would give Stoner the world title:

- If Stoner wins the race and Lorenzo does not finish on the podium

- If Stoner is second and Lorenzo finishes no higher than sixth

- If Stoner is third and Lorenzo finishes no higher than tenth

- If Stoner is fourth and Lorenzo finishes no higher than thirteenth

- If Stoner is fifth and Lorenzo finishes no higher than fifteenth

- If Stoner is sixth and Lorenzo fails to finish

The 2007 World Champion has an impressive record at his home race in Australia, recording four victories on home soil on his last four appearances. Lorenzo has yet to win at the Phillip Island circuit in his MotoGP career; his best result is finishing second to Stoner in 2010. Stoner could wrap up his second MotoGP championship within 100 MotoGP starts, with the Iveco Australian Grand Prix this weekend his 98th race in the premier class.

The Repsol Honda rider celebrates his 26th birthday on race day in Australia and providing he finishes the race with at least a 50 point advantage over championship rival Lorenzo, the MotoGP crown will be his.