Stoner determined to extend MotoGP lead

Australia’s Casey Stoner is determined to overcome a difficult history at the Jerez circuit as he attempts to extend his early MotoGP championship lead.

In his five seasons in the top category, 2007 world champion Stoner has only ever made the podium once at the Spanish circuit.

But Stoner is in a positive frame of mind for Sunday’s Spanish MotoGP with his Honda team off to a great start following his off-season switch.

Factory teammates Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso placed third and fourth behind winner Stoner in last month’s season-opener in Qatar and Honda is bent on going further clear in round two of the 18-race championship.

“We’ve had the best possible start to the season, but I’m now very excited to start the European Grand Prix.

“Jerez is definitely a circuit I haven’t gone too well at in the past, but there’s always time to turn that around.

“It motivates me and I’m hopeful after this start. I am confident in the bike and want to continue getting good results.” Spanish world champion Jorge Lorenzo looms as the biggest threat as he defends the title on his home track after finishing second to former teammate Stoner in Qatar. However he was calling for improvement to his Yamaha.