For the third year running, Casey Stoner (Ducati) has won the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island in front of a crowd of nearly 51,000.

After a season marred by illness, Stoner was the hot favourite coming into Sunday’s race after qualifying fastest ahead of Series Leader, Valentino Rossi (Yamaha).

In what was a spectacular start to the main race, Rossi’s teammate Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) clipped the back of Nicky Hayden’s (Ducati) bike and careered out of control at the first turn, ending up in the gravel trap and unable to continue the race.

Hayden remained on two wheels, however, by the time he re-entered the track he was last and in no position to make any ground.

Stoner and Rossi were soon out in front with Dani Pedrosa (Honda) at one point more than 20 seconds behind the leaders in third place.

In the dying laps, it appeared that Rossi would make a move to pass Stoner, but with the Championship firmly in his mind and Stoner back on form, he remained in second at the chequered flag.

Australian Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) had hoped for a better result for his final MotoGP race at Phillip Island before moving to World Superbikes in 2010.

The Queenslander struggled in practice and qualifying, only looking competitive when it began to rain, and starting from the back of the grid he stood little chance of making up valuable positions.

In the end Vermeulen, gradually moved his way through the field and finished the race in 11^th place, ahead of his teammate Loris Capirossi (Suzuki).

(Lap by lap description at the Australian MotoGP site - click here; Summary from Motorcycling Australia at www.ma.org.au/2009motogp) 

What they said

Casey Stoner (Ducati)
On the race and his form since coming back from a three-race layoff:
“It’s been a really tough (season) for us. The start of the season, we were competitive enough to fight for the championship. By the time we got halfway through, we were just collecting points – we weren’t really even fighting for anything. That’s why we took that decision to take time off, and this is the result of it. Without taking that time off, we wouldn’t be anywhere near that podium today. Things would have been too difficult for me, and physically I wouldn’t have been able to last the race. It’s been fantastic to come back and get a second in Portugal, and almost have enough pace to win it, and to have enough pace to win here.”

On how he felt physically during the race:
“Basically every time I went on the brakes into (Turn 10) or (Turn 4), I kept expecting my arms to start buckling and for things to start getting real hard. But it just never came. Five races doesn’t sound like a long time, but when you have the same thing week after week and you’re not able to fix it, it was very difficult. I was definitely a little more exhausted in Portugal, because the weather was hotter and we hadn’t had any physical training. I did a little bit (of training) in the last week before this race to get my fitness up, and we were able to stay consistent throughout.”

On looking forward to next year:
“It’s not that we gave up on the (2009) championship, but after we took those three races off – even before – we were realistic about it. We decided to try to take the time off and fix (the health problems) for next year. This is what these four races are for – to get the bike set up in the right direction for next year and give it a real shot.”

On the performance of the Ducati:
“We had a really good bike under brakes, and the bike wasn’t too difficult to ride today. Because the bike was working so well under brakes and into corners, we weren’t having to push too hard. In other races, when the bike’s not working well, you push past the limit, and that’s when things get really difficult.”

Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)
On earning 20 points on a day when main title rival Jorge Lorenzo failed to finish:
“If I make a mistake today after the crash of my teammate, it’s a big problem. These 20 points are like gold for us, and now we have an important advantage on the championship.
Riding the MotoGP (bike) here in Phillip Island is always a great pleasure, as we did some great slides on the left side. I try to stay with (Stoner), and I put a lot of effort but always trying not to make any mistakes. (With) three laps to go, I was very close, but there was no way for the victory.”

On whether he knew Lorenzo had crashed out:
“Before the race, I speak with (Yamaha crew chief) Jerry (Burgess) and (ask) to say something to me if he makes a mistake. They put ‘Lorenzo out’ on the (pit) board. From that moment, I knew in my mind there were two ways – try to win, but try to keep the second place for the championship.

Dani Pedrosa (Honda), third place
On his fast start and leading for the first lap:
“It is a shame that they don’t give points for the hole-shot (laughs).”

On his race:
“It is (frustrating), because the last three races I am on the podium, but always the same way. It is not what I really like, but I pushed myself to the maximum, and this was it. (Stoner and Rossi) were much quicker, and I couldn’t follow. After my crash yesterday (in qualifying), it is good to be on the podium, but (third place is) not what I like to do every race.”

Round Results:

Championship Results:
1: Rossi 270 pts
2: Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 232
3: Stoner 195
4: Pedrosa 189
5: Andrea Doviziozo (Honda) 152