Moto champion Stoner upbeat, fit for title defence

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — World champion Casey Stoner said Friday his injured shoulder is improving and he is ready for serious training to defend his world MotoGP title this year.

The 22-year-old Ducati rider injured his right shoulder ligaments at the end of November, and although he did not undergo surgery he needed a long rest period to recover.

"We couldn't have started the year better. My shoulder feels better every day and now I know I can get back to full training," he said during pre-season testing at Malaysia's Sepang Circuit, according to organisers.

"I'm leaving Sepang feeling really happy -- partly because my shoulder hasn't given me too many problems and partly because I feel even more competitive than last season," he said in a statement.

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