Misano MotoGP

Against all odds, it looks more and more apparent at each race that Casey Stoner has the MotoGP field covered. At first I thought that the Ducati would go well on the big, fast tracks with long straights. After Rossi won a couple races early in the season I thought it would be nip and tuck all the way 'til the end. But as the season progressed, the Stoner/Ducati/Bridgestone package got stronger. Barring any major accident or mechanical failures, Casey Stoner will be the next MotoGP World Champion.

Witness Misano...

He came to a track that had not been used by MotoGP in over a decade, took pole, and walked away with the race. The Suzukis were strong again, which makes me question why Hopkins is leaving. Melandri had a good race coming from 12th to 4th, of course his Honda had Bridgestone tires... The factory Honda team was (again) beset by a collision not of their own making. Its one of those years for the Repsol Honda Team but that's racing.

Meanwhile, nobody had anything for Stoner, who rode a controlled and consistent race. I really think his riding has improved during the season. Some of the early races he looked ragged under acceleration on some corners, but now he looks glass smooth.

Rossi has to be scratching his head over this season. I really think tires have played a large role this season but when you compare Stoner to the other Ducatis, he is miles ahead of them. Right now, I would say that the factory Ducati team has the 800cc bikes figured out better than anybody else. Well done.