World champion Casey Stoner is determined to bounce straight back in tomorrow’sItalian Grand Prix after last weekend’s crash at the Sachsenring dealt a blow to hishopes of defending his crown in his final season.

Casey Stoner crashed out with two bends of the final lap remaining in Germany, in a race won by team-mate Dani Pedrosa.

The main beneficiary of Stoner’s spill was Yamaha’s former champion Jorge Lorenzo who was gifted the runner-up spot to move clear at the top of the riders standings on 160 points.

Pedrosa climbed into second on 146 with Stoner on 140.

“I’ve always liked Mugello, we’ve enjoyed some pretty good results there.

“Last year didn’t go to plan but we know what we did wrong so hopefully this year we can be a little more competitive,” said Stoner, who was third last year.

“After a disappointing race in Sachsenring, I want to get back on the bike and take some points back in the championship.”

Pedrosa, who now lies second in the championship, confirmed this week he has signed atwo-year contract extension with Honda.

His new team-mate will be current Moto2 championship leader Marc Marquez, who will replace the retiring Stoner.

“It was great to win the race (in Germany), the feeling was so good. And after that Honda and myself announced that we will continue together,” said Pedrosa.

“This is great news for me, because I’ve been many years with Honda since I started racing professionally. I have always raced Repsol Honda.

“For us to continue it’s great and we are hoping to continue in a strong way, also now in the second half of the championship.”

Different outcomes

Lorenzo, like Stoner, has had a rollercoaster spell in the championship with his win in Germany prefaced by a crash in Assen the week before.

The Mugello circuit is a favourite for Lorenzo, having taken victory in the 250cc class, two second-place premier-class finishes in 2009 and 2010 and his first Grand Prix premier class win last year.

“After two very difficult race weekends we arrive at Mugello, where we delivered a great victory last year.

“I love the track... it’s very fast and should be a good one for our bike,” said the Spaniard.

“I’m very happy to be leading the championship but we still have many races to go so our target is to again aim for the podium and victory if it is possible.”

Standings

1. Lorenzo (Yamaha) 160 points, 2. Pedrosa (Honda) 146, 3. Stoner (Honda) 140, 4. Dovi-zioso (Yamaha) 92, 5. Crutch-low (Yamaha) 85, 6. Rossi (Ducati) 71, 7. Bautista (Honda) 67, 8. Hayden (Ducati) 65, 9. Bradl (Honda) 62, 10. Spies (Yamaha) 61.