Stoner launches attack on Austrian MotoGP track’s safety level

Stoner launches attach on Austrian MotoGP track’s safety level.

Casey Stoner has launched a scathing attack on the safety for racers at the Austrian round of the championship citing serious concerns about the run-off in some corners.

“I’m worried about the run-offs in Austria,” the Australian told Sky Italia. “Some of them are even painted on. Imagine what will happen if it rains: a rider who crashes will not slow down, just the opposite.

“They have to focus more on safety because people’s lives are fragile and you can’t always put performance first, with run-off areas that won’t slow the riders. The asphalt run-offs are dangerous, as Luis Salom’s accident at Montmelo showed.

“To those who say that it’s actually a safety measure I say no, it only benefits those who want to brake as late as possible and then go wide. It is only aimed at pleasing them, it has nothing to do with safety.”

Stoner is due to test the Ducati at the circuit on July 19 and 20, several other teams will also be at the test ahead of the race which kicks off at the circuit on August 14. The only team that will not take part in the test will be the Repsol HOnda squad of Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa. The pair have already been out on the track though, riding a pair of RCV road bikes for a promotional video which we brought to you on July 8. You can watch that HERE.