As Casey Stoner is having a rest from the next three races to recover from his fatigue problems, the Ducati Project Leader Livio Suppo explains the circumstances prior to the Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix.

Stoner stayed in California for a multiple array of medical examinations after the Laguna Seca event, medics were unable to prove a current adaptation of his health issues, his body incorporated symptons of ‘slight gastritis and mild anaemia. However when the signs progressed after Stoner came back to Australia for the short break, it was confirmed that a full rest break would be needed.

Stoner is still enduring examinations and is unable to return to his racing before the Portuguese Grand Prix at the start of October, Mika Kallio is substituting from Ducati satellite staff Pramac Racing to compete in the spare factory Desmosedici.

Suppo explained, “Of course it has been a very difficult decision to take. When Casey got back to Australia he was getting very tired with whatever he did, even riding a horse or anything like that. So the Australian doctors suggested stopping, because if he can’t do anything it means there is definitely something wrong.”

He adds, “Unfortunately we still have to understand exactly what it is. It is not the first time and it won’t be the last time that it takes a while to understand why somebody is sick. Casey is a sportsman, leading the Ducati factory team and fighting for the World Championship so it makes it more difficult for him. We believe and the doctors believe that these two months will be enough to understand the problem and for Casey’s body to recover.”

Commenting on the arrival of Kallio as Stoner’s substitute replacement, Suppo says, “I personally thought immediately, if Casey is not here then Mika is the right one to put in there, because he is already used to a bike that is very similar to ours and because he is doing pretty well. He has been unlucky but he has been fast, so I’m pretty sure that Mika and Nicky (Hayden) will do a good job in these next three races.”