Motogp: Stoner ruled out of Czech GP

CZECH REPUBLIC: Honda’s Casey Stoner has been ruled out of this weekend’s Czech MotoGP because he needs surgery on his damaged left ankle, according to the race organisers.

The Australian, third behind leader Jorge Lorenzo in the overall standings, was hurt in Sunday’s Indianapolis Grand Prix and is running out of races before he quits the sport at the end of the season. He had been pessimistic about his chances heading into Brno.

“In Brno there are many changes in direction and a lot of right hand corners so there will be a lot of weight on my ankle and it’s going to be very difficult,” said Stoner. “I’m not feeling too optimistic.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2012.