Australia’s Casey Stoner is convinced he can snap world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi’s extraordinary dominance of the Italian’s home race this weekend.
Rossi has won at the Mugello seven times in succession - but admits the pressure to continue performing before a patriotic crowd is building.
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Stoner and Rossi are in second place in the championship, just one point off the leader, Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo - Rossi’s Yamaha teammate.
The 2007 titleholder will on Sunday be aiming for a major breakthrough as he attempts to become the first Ducati rider to win in Mugello.
“I can’t wait to race again in Mugello - a circuit where I’ve had good results and some unforgettable moments, such as my first ever pole position in 2003 and my first pole for Ducati in 2007, even though we just missed out on the podium in that race,” Stoner said.
“It will be a tough race because the level of the competition is so high, as you can see from the championship standings, and all the home riders will be more determined than ever to do well.”
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Despite being out of contention for the lead in recent rounds, Stoner’s consistency has kept him well in the series hunt. The Age
Stoner, an adopted son of the Italian crowd on board his Ducati, heads to Italy coming off a disappointing fifth at Le Mans.
The 2007 world champion will be looking to better his second place in last year’s race and give his team their first-ever home win at Mugello.
“Last year I finished second, and considering the progress we’ve made since then, I’m sure we can be fighting for it again this time,” Stoner said.
“Hopefully we can pick up a good result because this is Ducati’s home circuit and that always makes it extra special.” FOX Sports
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