MotoGP: Stoner lays down marker in Australia

PHILLIP ISLAND: Home hero Casey Stoner dominated practice as he chases a sixth consecutive Australian MotoGP victory this weekend in his farewell season. The Repsol Honda rider was fastest by just under a second as the bikes took to the high-speed and blustery Phillip Island circuit ahead of tomorrow’s race. Stoner was the only rider to go under one minute, 30 seconds in posting a best lap time of one minute 29.999, ahead of world championship contenders and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (1:30.884) and Jorge Lorenzo (1:31.005). “I’ve been improving every day, but today helped me with some confidence,” said Stoner.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2012.