Buzzin MotoGP

Casey Stoner

It has now been confirmed that the Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner, is to miss the next three rounds of the MotoGP championship and is to be replaced by Mika Kallio.

Stoner has spent the majority of the season suffering from a strength-sapping type of virus, although the actual cause is still undiagnosed.

The symptoms first become evident in June at the Barcelona round of the championship, when the Australian, who finished in third place appeared exhausted, which continued for the previous rounds.

Stoner underwent several medical tests after the Laguna Seca round and was diagnosed with slight gastritis and mild anaemia, although he wasn’t convinced that this was the problem.  Stoner then returned to Australia after the British GP for further examinations but there is still no firm diagnosis.

Stoner will not return to the MotoGP championship until Estoril on the 4th October and said;

“After five extremely difficult races due to my health, I returned to Australia to visit the sports doctors who have looked after me for many years. We have taken the difficult decision not to contest the next three rounds of the championship, to allow my body time to recover from the recent stress.

The doctors believe that during the Barcelona race I was suffering from a virus, and, that I subsequently pushed my body too hard, leading to problems that have caused my fatigue since then. The doctors are continuing with many tests to try to understand these problems and make sure it does not happen again.

I have spoken with Ducati and thank them for their understanding at this time. I feel very sorry for the factory, my team, my sponsors and the fans and I am also disappointed because the bike in the last races has been very competitive. I will be doing everything possible to come back at full strength for Portugal.”