IN the build-up to the Le Mans race the growing tension between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi is no more than an on-track misunderstanding.
Recalling the testing incident that saw Stoner supposedly baulk Rossi under braking at the Estoril circuit, Casey commented: "I wanted to see what the Ducati was capable of, so I pulled to the side to let Valentino past... but I missed the braking... I didn't want to overtake him, but I ran a little wide and came past him too quickly."
Defusing the situation between the pair, in a rivalry that has been poked by the press since their clash at Laguna Seca in 2008, the Australian dismissed any more controversy between himself and the Italian, "The only real incident between Rossi and I was at Jerez, with the missed intervention of the marshals; there is nothing else beyond that. Now I'm focused on recuperating points to Jorge and Dani, who were both strong again in Portugal." said Stoner in closing.
Rossi joined the Repsol Honda rider in lessening the hype around the disagreement: "Yes, sure, he is correct," Valentino said with a grin, “In reality nothing special, nothing, no problem. Nothing happened.”
