Casey Stoner defends Indy criticism

Casey Stoner said he stands by his recent criticism of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Aussie, who dominated the Indy race last month, has never been a big fan of the circuit, which runs on the infield of the world famous oval course that stages the Indy 500.

The Repsol Honda rider was criticial of the bumpy surface and patchy tarmac in recent years and he joined a chorus of discontent with new asphalt laid for this year’s race.

His dislike for the track has angered some local American media, though Stoner was unrepentant in Misano last weekend.

He said: “Just because of where the road course is doesn’t mean it’s a great circuit. Just because of the history of the oval doesn’t mean that track we are on has got any history. I’m dead honest with my views on the track. If I went there to watch Indycar or Nascar it would probably unbelievable but to watch a MotoGP race, even the fans can say there are better tracks to watch and that produce better racing.

“They can slam me all they want but there are better tracks around the world and the history of that oval has got nothing to do what we race on. The corners get tighter and tighter until you are almost stopped and then you have to get on the gas and exit.  It doesn’t flow at all, each set of corners it muddles you up and then you go a little straight.

“I think even Formula One wouldn’t enjoy that track with all the slow corners. They have to get downforce to make those cars feel normal and those corners are that slow for us, so they must be ridiculously slow for F1 cars. I think the Formula One opinion would be similar to ours.  It is not just me, I’m just the only one who has voiced my opinion.”

Indianapolis will remain on the calendar until the end of 2014 at least after it was confirmed that the circuit had agreed a new three-year deal with Dorna last weekend.