Media Release

For immediate release

16 October 2011

Birthday boy Stoner wins MotoGP World Championship and fifth straight at Phillip Island

Casey Stoner on his way to the 2011 MotoGP World
Championship and his fifth-straight win at Phillip Island.
Credit: Jeremy Gray

Casey Stoner has completed a perfect weekend, winning the 2011 IVECO Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and sealing his second MotoGP World Championship at Phillip Island.

Stoner was never headed, winning every session before leading the race from start to finish, taking his fifth consecutive Australian MotoGP crown in the process.

On his 26^th birthday it was a flawless performance from start to finish as Stoner quickly converted his pole position into a 2.976 second lead after just three laps before extending his lead beyond six seconds half way through the race.

A brief challenge from Italian Marco Simoncelli with 10 laps remaining was quickly stifled as the Respol Honda star marked his first year at the new team with a World Championship.

An elated Stoner said the day could not have been any better for him, despite the weather gods trying to dampen the spirits.

"Well I don't think I could fit any more things on this day," Stoner said.

"It's my fifth straight win at Phillip Island, my second World Championship, my birthday and my home GP.

"This weekend went so well it was almost perfect, but the weather threw up a few curve balls but we got through them."

Fellow Aussie Damian Cudlin did not take his place on the starting grid after succumbing to an injury suffered during free practice on Saturday.

In Moto2 it was a tough afternoon for the Aussie riders as Ant West and Kris McLaren crashed out, leaving Wildcard Blake Leigh-Smith as the sole local to finish the race.

The BRP Racing star came from 35^th on the grid to claim 27^th position.

Jack Miller was the standout performer in the Moto125 class, guiding his Caretta Technology KTM to 23^rd in testing conditions.

Miller sat third after three laps as rain greeted the riders, before the sun returned and he slipped back in the field.

Wildcard Josh Hook finished 26^th, while fellow Aprilia rider Nicky Diles was forced to retire after just seven laps.

For all the latest news, results, videos and galleries from an action-packed weekend at Phillip Island be sure to visit the Official MA Australian MotoGP Website.

-Ends-

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Max Bennett

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www.ma.org.au

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