Meeting Scheduled For Rossi, Stoner Incident

Cycle News Staff | April 4, 2011

A hearing will be held on the eve of he Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril between Race Direction, the Clerk of the Course and the Chief Marshal to review the aftermath of the crash in which Valentino Rossi took out Casey Stoner in last Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, according to an FIM news release.The April 28 meeting will take place so all parties can hear the explanation of the officials in charge after cornerworkers were seen to show favoritism over towards Rossi, while mostly ignoring Stoner. Rossi remounted to finish fifth, but Stoner was unable to get his Honda restarted to rejoin the race.

“I don’t blame Rossi for the mistake – racing incidents happen,” Stoner, who had only one corner worker helping him, said.  “Losing his talent in the corner was a mistake. For me, the worst was the way the marshals helped him get going again, but didn’t help me. It’s completely unfair … but riders up against Rossi have to learn to deal with this.”We had a very good chance of winning. We had a great package. It’s disappointing to lose so many points so early in the season without it being my fault.”.