[signit98]

I'll give you the benefit of a doubt, seeing how you are a big VR fan... and he is undeniably one of the all time greats...

But to say that Stoner has had luck when he hopped on the Ducati? A bike that pretty much everyone else (including your precious Dr.) deemed unrideable? THAT is funny!

Stoner himself has said it best, I guess:

"When I win it's the bike.... when I don't win, its me.."

I think in terms of talent and riding abilities, Stoner is special, probably more so that VR or anyone else. His motivation may not be there anymore, but - seeing how you have been at LS 2 weeks ago - what he does with a motorcycle is just magic.

Your hero, as you may recall, threw his bike away after he was handed through... remember where Nicky finished?

Rossi RULED his era, there is no other way to say it... sure, there was the odd challenger and winner, but Rossi was the ruler... but that era is a thing of the past. I am not saying he will not win races anymore, but I do not think he will manage to string together enough to win a championship again.

...there will be MANY, very talented riders who are hungry, have competitive rides and will be breathing down his neck... one of them is his team mate. VR has shown this season (and last) that he does not seem to handle adversity as well as he used to, who knows what that will do to him.

Rossi loves the limelight and MotoGP offers plenty of that for him... let's see how long until it wears off. Many other greats have missed the correct exit point. Sadly.