Top MotoGP quotes of 2011

10. Estoril, Portugal R3, 1 May 2011

Casey Stoner (3rd) happy with rostrum finish:
"I was challenging Marco for third position in the first turn and he cut me off which I'm not so happy about, then in turn four he crashed and I lost the tow to Dani and Jorge. Then during the race at some point, I felt my back completely lock up on me and I couldn't move for three or four corners, so I'm very happy to stay in third place today."

9. Losail, Qatar R1, 20 March 2011

Jorge Lorenzo (2nd) finishes on podium at first round:
"I think maybe I am more proud of that podium than a race victory, that's how I feel tonight. I put everything I have inside into my riding on the track for the race from the start to the end and was on the limit every lap. I almost crashed on one corner but I managed to stay on the bike and finished in second position which is the best that I could do."

8. Silverstone, England, R6, 12 June 2011

Cal Crutchlow after breaking collarbone in qualifying:
"I am not very happy that this happened to me ahead of my home race at Silverstone when things were going really well for the weekend.

"The operation on my collarbone was a success and the doctors seem really happy with the outcome, but I am still in a lot of pain. Unfortunately, the break is a lot worse than the one Colin [Edwards] had in Catalunya, and I've got different pain and movement levels. I've also spent two days lying on my back with a suspected neck injury, so my shoulder just got swollen."

7. Phillip Island, Australia R16, 16 October 2011

Casey Stoner wins world title in style:
"I don't think anyone could plan things to happen better than they have today. The race was incredibly difficult, the conditions were very tough.

"I managed to control it and maintain the gap to everyone and thankfully bring it home for the win, but it was a little bit nerve-racking for sure. I'm really sorry that Jorge had the accident this morning, he's a great competitor and I think if he'd been here racing today things might not have turned out the way they have."

6. Valencia, Spain R18, 6 November 2011

Valentino Rossi gives thoughts on Simoncelli funeral:
"It was a difficult week and a difficult moment for sure from Sunday in Sepang. I tried to stay as much as possible with Paolo and all the family of Marco that are very good friends of mine, also his mother and sister.

"The feeling in Italy was unbelievable but also great for Marco because a lot of people remember him from the whole part of Italy and demonstrated that many people followed and liked a lot what Marco did on and off the track.

"Also in a bad moment like this the atmosphere was great with a lot of people wanting to say Ciao to Marco. It is good to be here in Valencia and it is a strange feeling for everybody. But I think it is the best way to remember Marco."

5. Assen, The Netherlands, R7, 25 June 2011

Ben Spies on maiden MotoGP victory:
"It was a strange race today as it was one of the most comfortable races we had and it resulted in a win. I saw the Simoncelli crash on the TV screen in the corner of my eye so I knew about it. [Simoncelli crashed on lap one, wiping out Jorge Lorenzo.]

"I had a good feeling in the bike in the first couple of laps and had to push as much as I could to get a gap. To do it this weekend with the 50th [Yamaha anniversary] colours gives a little bit of pressure but it came out good! I was racing as hard as I could, I have to thank my guys; they gave me a great bike today. At least we've won a race now!"

4. Le Mans, France, R4, 15 May 2011

Marco Simoncelli on Pedrosa incident:
"I am unhappy about what happened, because a result that was within my reach was denied and above all because of the fact that Pedrosa is hurt.

"I think that he had hit the brakes well before the corner, and I found myself on the outside of him and in front on the entry to the corner. I didn't want to back off, so I left him with a metre between myself and the kerb in order to go in.

"I saw that it was tight, so I tried to adjust my position. That was when he touched my back wheel and went down. I repeat that I am unhappy about it, and I want to avoid any controversy regarding penalisation, but I believe that my ride-through was a result of all the talk over the past few days."

3. Le Mans, France, R4, 15 May 2011

Dani Pedrosa fumes after Marco Simoncelli incident:
"I leave here with a broken collarbone and he with a ride-through penalty - good for him!

"Yet again I come out worse off. We only just recovered from the nightmare of the last operation and now I'm hurt again. It is very unfair, I don't deserve it.

"I was having a good race, the goal was to ensure another podium and I had it in my grasp. But it counts for nothing. Simoncelli overtook me, I passed him back and I had the better line, he just came into me releasing the brakes and I could do nothing."

2. Sepang, Malaysia, R17, 23 October 2011

Andrea Dovizioso on death of Marco Simoncelli:
"In these circumstances, words don't seem to be appropriate. I think of Marco's family and all the people dear to him, in particular his father and mother. I also have a child and what happened today is the hardest situation you can imagine.

"I watched the images and I'm shocked: in a race you fight and push hard and disaster is often around the corner. Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard.

"We raced together since we were kids, I saw him always pushing to the maximum, he crashed many times, but without major injuries, he seemed invincible. What happened today seems impossible."

1. Jerez, Spain R2, 3 April 2011

Casey Stoner on Valentino Rossi clash:
"I heard Valentino arriving and I wasn't worried about anyone passing me at that point in the race so I gave him plenty of room. What is more frustrating is the reaction of the marshals and their assistance for Valentino and not for me, it was unbelievable."

Stoner later told an apologetic Rossi in the paddock: "Obviously your ambition outweighed your talent."