The MotoGP half-term report
With the MotoGP season having reached its halfway point with last weekend's United States Grand Prix, Toby Moody gives his expert view on how the front-runners have performed so far
Casey Stoner
The marriage of Casey Stoner and Honda brought together two parties on a mission to prove a number of very important things: Stoner to show that it was he, and not his Ducati, who won the 2007 MotoGP World Championship; and Honda Racing Corporation to prove that it can at least take something from the 800cc era, following domination firstly by Ducati and ever since by Yamaha.
For a manufacturer with such depth and history in grand prix motorcycle racing, it is nothing but embarrassing for it not to have even been close to a title since the end of the 990cc era in 2006. That means that the job for 2011 is nothing short of domination (and relief) in the name of winning. Heads will roll back in Asaka if trophies are not brought home; the hiring of Stoner to execute said job is all part of the plan.
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