Czech MotoGP, Brno
Date: 15-16 August
Saturday 15 August: 1150-1500, BBC Red Button/onlineSunday 16 August: 125cc and 250cc races: 0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online Race live: 1230-1400, BBC Two/online ; MotoGP Extra, 1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online
 Stoner has battled on bravely despite health problems this season |
Casey Stoner will miss the next three MotoGP races as he continues his recovery from illness, with his place being taken by Finland's Mika Kallio. Ducati rider Stoner, 23, is third in the title race and was recently diagnosed with blood disorder anaemia and an inflamed stomach lining. "Doctors are continuing tests to try to understand the problem and ensure it doesn't happen again," he said. "I'll do everything possible to come back at full strength for Portugal." Stoner, who is 37 points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi of Italy, will miss this weekend's race in the Czech Republic, as well as others at Indianapolis and San Marino. The Australian admitted three weeks ago that he was not 100% and was struggling with painful ribs after crashing in qualifying at Laguna Seca.  | 606: DEBATE |
He has clearly been in distress and discomfort in recent races, where he has still managed two third places and two fourths, but a disastrous tyre choice last time out at Donington saw him come home in 14th place, all but ending his hopes of the world title. Stoner has also been plagued by a recurring problem with his left wrist, which he broke in 2003 and which required further surgery last year after it failed to heal properly. "It has been a very difficult decision that we took with the whole team," Ducati team director Livio Suppo said about the former world champion. "We are very disappointed, but it is the best for him." Suppo added: "He isn't well and the best thing for him is to stop, mainly to prevent the problem getting any worse."
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