One hand on the title

Valentino Rossi was beaten, but you could hardly be surprised by the pace (or is that determination) of Casey Stoner racing a motorcycle around Phillip Island. Stoner may well have returned from nowhere after being absent for three vital races, not having ridden a motorcycle at all during his self imposed nine week lay off, but an Aussie at home and at work on that Ducati is a very tall mountain to climb if you are the opposition.

Stoner has probably never forgiven himself for falling out of the lead of the 2005 250cc race at Phillip Island before the first lap was completed. It was the same day as his birthday and the opportunity for him to get a hat trick of wins. Ooops, yes. But he's been a tad fired up after that embarrasing day and people ought not to forget it, which is why he won with only Valentino Rossi on his tail.