After torrential rain postponed the presentation of the MotoGP season opener in Qatar to Monday, Ducati team leader Casey Stoner completed a perfect week-end by dominating every practice and qualifying session, and leading the race from flag to flag.
Valentino Rossi stayed with Stoner until midway through the 22-lap race, then dropped back almost 8 seconds at the end, followed by team mate Jorge Lorenzo and by Colin Edwards, all three on Yamahas. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) stayed with the leaders at the start before crashing on lap 7.
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Ducati team leader Casey Stoner completed a perfect week-end by dominating every practice and qualifying session. |
Stoner and Rossi were in a class of their own throughout the event, with Stoner having a small but definite advantage on this twisty track featuring a 1 km straight. It will be interesting to see if Stoner can dominate on different track configurations, such as the tighter Montegi (Japan) where the second MotoGP of the season will be held on April 26.
MotoGP Race 1 - QatarPos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 42m53.984s
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha + 7.771s
3. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha + 16.244s
4. Colin Edwards Yamaha + 24.410s
5. Andrea Dovizioso Honda + 27.263s
6. Alex de Angelis Honda + 29.883s
7. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki + 33.627s
8. Mika Kallio Ducati + 34.755s
9. Toni Elias Honda + 39.481s
10. Randy de Puniet Honda + 42.284s
Photo Credit : Ducati