Suppo hails the start of a 'Stoner era'

In only his second year in MotoGP and his first season as a Ducati rider, Stoner dominated the championship - winning eight races and sealing the title with three rounds to spare by finishing sixth at Motegi today.

"Now I can say honestly that we have found a new era," Suppo said.

"Casey is by far the best rider of this season.

"I think we have been lucky to sign Casey, to be honest. Everybody knew he was fast, nobody in this paddock knew he could be world champion this year.

"In history it never happened that a rider doesn't win a race (in his rookie year) and then in the second year he wins the championship."

Ducati had double cause for celebration at Motegi as Stoner's teammate Loris Capirossi rebounded from a difficult season to win at the Japanese track for the third successive year.

"For sure it's the best day in my racing life, by far," Suppo said.

"It's an unbelievable feeling, especially because I think the best (film) director in the world wouldn't have been able to put together a day like this - with Loris winning for the third time in a row in Motegi and Casey winning the championship."

Suppo added that he took particular pride from the fact that Ducati had won the title so soon after joining MotoGP. Its success is the first championship for a non-Japanese manufacturer since 1974.

"It's unbelievable that after only five seasons we win the championship," said Suppo.

"Yamaha took 12 seasons, and they had to sign Valentino (Rossi) to win the championship.

"Since 1974 a European, and Italian, manufacturer didn't win the championship, so it's something special. We are proud of it and it's a dream come true."

Suppo also praised Bridgestone's contribution to Ducati's success, and said he was glad that he gambled on switching to the Japanese tyres early in Bridgestone's MotoGP programme.

"For sure I pushed hard to get this decision," he said. "I knew if it was wrong I was in trouble, and if it was good, it was good for us. In life it makes sense to take risks."