Casey Stoner expressed that he could not experience the true nature of the track due to the electronic and aerodynamic systems of current riders. The Australian rider suggested that Phillip Island is the most beautiful track in the world for himself.
The Character of Phillip Island's Track
Casey Stoner stated that the race at Phillip Island always carries a different meaning. He mentioned that the pressure on him increases with time because of the single race nature of the Australian GP and the changing weather conditions.
I loved riding there very much. It is the most beautiful track in the world. It is difficult to explain what the Grand Prix in his home means. Spanish riders have five races to win, but I only have one.
The Australian rider expressed that he felt less pressure in his first victories, but expectations at Phillip Island increased as his achievements grew.
Motorcycle Control and Power Transfer
Stoner said that Phillip Island demands much more control from the rider than modern MotoGP motorcycles. He pointed out that the low grip levels change the way a rider uses the motorcycle.
Especially for European riders, no one was taking too many laps on that track. The grip was not much, and the asphalt was a bit dirty.
Stoner stated that the biggest challenge in MotoGP races is transferring power to the ground and protecting the tires throughout the race. He also emphasized that the rider should not interfere with the motorcycle's movements.
In MotoGP, the hardest thing was to transfer power to the ground and ensure the tires last. You should allow the motorcycle to slip, not play with it.
Phillip Island is never an easy track, Stoner stated.
It is not a track where you can relax. Sometimes it leaves you behind and you don't know why.
Experience and Success
The Australian champion expressed that his success at Phillip Island is not solely due to natural speed, but also to the experience he gained over time. He said he struggled initially in the 125cc class but started to accelerate in the 250cc era.
I started to be fast in the 250cc. I was not very comfortable at first, and I didn't like that track in the 125cc. Thanks to my experience, I could ride fast without taking risks.
The 2011 Victory and Competitiveness
Phillip Stoner stated that his special memory took place at Phillip in 2011. Stoner, who won the MotoGP championship, also secured his fifth victory on his birthday.
It is hard to maintain the place of the 2011 MotoGP victory. Many things came together that day. I won the championship, it was my birthday, and I won my fifth race.
Returning to Phillip Island, Stoner mentioned that after his ankle injury in Indianapolis in 2012, he managed to get back into the race quickly and stated that he is unforgettable to the spectators on the track.
The City Track Controversy
Stoner was openly opposed to the removal of him from the MotoGP calendar for Phillip Island and the introduction of an urban track instead of the Adelaide city circuit. Despite safety concerns being discussed, he stated that there are no four wheels or a cockpit.
I do not accept the introduction of a city track instead. We talk a lot about safety, but we don't have four wheels or a cockpit. We hit the ground when we make a mistake.
The Effect of Electronics
Stoner pointed out in a striking manner how the electronic and aerodynamic systems of MotoGP motorcycles affect the experience at Phillip Island and how they have influenced modern motorcycles. He stated that these systems make it easier for the rider to control the motorcycle.
There is too much electronics, and I think today's riders do not experience what a MotoGP motorcycle on Phillip Island is like in reality.
Stoner stated that the aerodynamic wings and electronic systems make it easier to control the motorcycle.
They have all these electronic systems that prevent them from understanding what a motorcycle on Phillip Island is like in reality, by pushing the motorcycle down with the wings and the electronic systems.
Casey Stoner expressed that the track's old character and tire management and the rider's experience become more important after the separation of the track from MotoGP. The Australian legend believes that this character will no longer be important to a certain extent.
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
