Stoner wary of Lorenzo at Brno

Barring a major surprise, the 2011 MotoGP title will be won by either Casey Stoner or Jorge Lorenzo.

With eight rounds to go, starting this weekend in the Czech Republic, Stoner leads Lorenzo by 20 points with third-placed Andrea Dovizioso already 50 points - or two race wins - from the top.

Between them, Stoner and Lorenzo have won seven of the ten races so far this year, but new Repsol Honda rider Stoner has claimed five of those victories - including a significant win over Yamaha's reigning world champion Lorenzo at the Laguna Seca round, just before the summer break.

"I've really enjoyed this summer break. After a great race in Laguna, we decided to stay in California and visit some friends and enjoy some down time, mixed in with some training," said Stoner.

"Now I feel relaxed and ready for the second half of the season. I'm looking forward to going to Brno, it's a circuit I've always enjoyed and I believe with the results we've had in the past years we can expect to have a good race there.

"I've seen that the Honda can be very competitive at all circuits this year so I'm sure we will also be strong in Brno."

But Brno is also one of Lorenzo's favourite circuits and Stoner expects a tough challenge from the M1 rider. 

"The fact that it's very fast and flowing has helped the Yamahas in past seasons and I think Jorge will be strong there, so I will be watching for him," said Stoner.

"We'll be working on overcoming some of the issues we've had in the fast corners at circuits this year and we will certainly be looking for the win, or at the very least some more important Championship points".

Stoner, the only MotoGP rider to have tried next year's 1000cc Honda, will join team-mate Dani Pedrosa in testing the new bike during Monday's post race test. 

Third Repsol rider Andrea Dovizioso, who unlike Stoner and Pedrosa does not yet have a contract for next year, will not test the 1000cc bike (see separate story).

source: crash.net