MotoGP: Stoner to ride for HRC in 2011

[Supersleeper]

A lot of talk about it in recents weeks, but I never thought it would happen....
A new chapter for Casey.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/casey+stoner+and+ducati+corse+part+ways

[kevrulezz]

just read about this just now, it appears I missed this post.

Honda haven't been my favorite team for along time now, must say I was expecting it, as it was the worst kept secret in MotoGP, along with the expected Rossi to Ducati (not yet confirmed), not sure how I feel about this perhaps a little of  a little of  and a little of 

[Mothers Worry]

Doohan backs Stoner's Honda switch

From aap via smh.com.au:

Doohan backs Stoner's Honda switch

July 22, 2010

Australian motorcycling great Mick Doohan says Casey Stoner's switch to Honda could revitalise his MotoGP career.

Stoner, the 2007 world champion, will leave Ducati at the end of the current season to join the Japanese manufacturer.

And five-time world champion Doohan, who won all of his titles on board a Honda, feels the move is the right one for Stoner.

"Casey can win with Honda, without a doubt," Doohan told Speedcafe.com.au.

"Casey has won a world title, and he's won numerous races.

"There are some good guys in Honda, and I think if Casey gets on with it, he'll do a very good job."

Stoner started his career at Honda in 2006 before switching to Italian manufacturer Ducati.

But after winning the world title in 2007 and finishing as runner-up in 2008, Stoner's 2009 was cruelled by a debilitating illness and his 2010 campaign began with crashes in Qatar and Le Mans.

Doohan feels Honda's lack of success in recent seasons will be a bonus for Stoner as they aim to get back on top.

The 45-year-old Queenslander doesn't feel Honda's plans to keep hold of current stars Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso as well as Stoner will pose much of a problem.

"I don't think anybody cares who your team-mate is," he said.

"A few years ago, Valentino (Rossi) was running an independent bike when there were two Repsol Hondas.

"In reality, you're out there racing for yourself.

"It's not a team sport. I don't think having two or three bikes in the team will be a factor for him whatsoever."

[Mothers Worry]

Hayden criticises Stoner decision

From The Press Association via Google News:

Hayden criticises Stoner decision

23 July, 2010

Former world champion Nicky Hayden has stoked up the tension in the Ducati camp ahead of this weekend's American Grand Prix by suggesting team-mate Casey Stoner should be ashamed to leave the team.

Stoner, the 2007 world champion, is to depart the Italian manufacturer at the end of the season to join the Repsol Honda team. The Australia first moved to Ducati in 2007 and they helped propel him to his title success and a fierce battle with Valentino Rossi for the 2008 title. But his last two seasons have been hit by illness and a series of crashes which he has attributed to a lack of front-end stability on his GP10.

Hayden, who won his title with Honda in 2006, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's his decision, none of my business. But I think it's a bit shameful, as Ducati has done a lot for his career and has helped him in every possible way in winning races and the championship. But he's done a lot for Ducati too."

Stoner's departure is set to pave the way for Rossi, who finished an incredible fourth at last weekend's German Grand Prix just six weeks after suffering a compound fracture of his right shin, to move to Ducati.

The move is likely to be confirmed at next month's Czech Grand Prix at Brno and Hayden, who partnered Rossi at Honda in 2003 and is close to agreeing a new deal with Ducati, would welcome the chance to link up with the nine-time world champion again.

"Ducati would be crazy not to hire him: he's won nine titles, and he's come back at the Sachsenring with a broken leg," he continued. "This shows where his heart is, and if someone still has doubts about his motivation...

"In the year we spent together I was a rookie and he was the champion. I wasn't even on his radar. I have a lot of respect for what he has done, both on and off the track. He is able to make a team stronger."

Title contender Dani Pedrosa, meanwhile, hopes to follow up his win in Germany by repeating his 2009 win at Laguna Seca to further close the 47-point gap to championship leader Jorge Lorenzo.

"We had a great race in Laguna Seca last year and we were able to win, so I would love to go on holiday after this weekend with another victory under our belts," he said.

"I know we have to work very hard to make it happen because Lorenzo is not making many mistakes, Stoner is back to his best level, and Rossi has returned very strong - and I'm sure that in the States he will be even better than in Germany. But we can be up there again if we push hard."

[Supersleeper]

Hayden would be better off concentrating on what he does on track, rather than criticising someone for making a move after a reasonable period of time with the 1 team. I'd say Hayden more than a little annoyed that he's about to get trounced and can't escape that inevitability.
"Shameful" - can't see it really....