Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwigav
Look at his first few results on the Honda, don't forget he missed 9 days of testing the 990. He was 6th in his 1st race, qualified on pole and finished 5th in his second ever race and was 2nd and on the podium in his 3rd!
Some fast learner huh? And this all on a privateer RCV! I believe Repsol and possibly Rossi's Yamaha team put pressure on Michelin and ensured that Stoner was denied the special treatment tires and service that they got.
If Stoner was on the factory Repsol Honda this year, I think he'd be getting the better of Pedrosa. So who would be on the factory Ducati in Stoners place? Nicky Hayden? You think he could dominate the season like Stoner has?  |
Stoner demonstrated his great talent last year and the year before in 250s. Whatever inconsistency he demonstrated due to equipment disadvantages, inexperience (premier class) and because he lacked focus, maturity and conditioning, he really made up for in spades during the off season leading up to this year by conditioning himself intensely for the first time in his career. I think the only one who might have dominated on the Ducati like Stoner did would be Rossi and that's a "might" as opposed to a "for sure".
Pedrosa and Hayden would likely have each been able to win the title as well had they the same ride but again that's not for sure and I don't believe either would have been as dominant as Stoner.