Stoner: I prefer Silverstone to Donington
As one of the few riders to have competed at both Silverstone and Donington Park during his career, Casey Stoner says he is happy to see this year's British Grand Prix move to the Northamptonshire circuit.
The Australian raced in the UK on his way up to MotoGP so will head to Silverstone with prior experience, even if he admits the layout changes for this year's race are unlikely to give him much of an advantage.
Still looking for his first podium finish this season, Stoner is looking forward to racing in front of the British fans once again.
"I am really pleased that MotoGP is going to Silverstone," he said. "I raced there when I was living in England, before I started in the World Championship, but not on the current layout, which has been changed a lot for this year and there is really only one section left that I know.
Anyway, it will be a fast circuit, one of the fastest on the calendar, and one of the most spectacular and I'm sure there'll be a great atmosphere. I can't wait to go there because I have always preferred Silvertsone to Donington Park. I think it will be more fun for the riders and for the fans too."
Team-mate Nicky Hayden, meanwhile, remains Ducati's top representative in the overall standings, despite crashing out of the Italian Grand Prix. It's a status he wants to maintain at Silverstone.
"I like the idea of going to a new track - it is exciting and it's a challenge for the riders and for the team. I have seen a video of the track and obviously the team have the layout, which we have looked at together and talked about what gear ratios we might need, things like that.
"It looks like a fast track and we have a fast bike so that is a positive start. We have an intense run of races coming up and even though unfortunately the race at Mugello didn't go to plan we did a good job in practice there and we'll be looking to do the same thing here."
