Bridgestone motorsport wrap 24th September 2007

Stoner secures world title at Japanese GP

Australian rider Casey Stoner has given Bridgestone its first ever MotoGP World Championship, with a gutsy sixth placed finish at the Japanese Grand Prix.

After starting well back, Casey handled the wet-dry conditions to collect 10 points - enough to secure the world title with three races remaining.

"There is really no better feeling than this. I didn't really expect to clinch the title this weekend. It would have been a dream to win the title at any of the remaining races but to do it here with three races to go is unreal," Stoner said.

"There's a lot of people I have to thank - my parents who have always been there for me and supported me through my whole career, my wife, who has been there through this season and the past few, and everybody who has helped me along the way - my whole Ducati team and everyone at Bridgestone."

With the riders starting the 24-lap race on wet weather tyres and changing to slicks as the track dried out, the lead was constantly changing.

In the end it was Stoner's team-mate Loris Capirossi who took the flag - for his third consecutive win at the Motegi track - ahead of Kawasaki�s Randy de Puniet and Honda's Toni Elias, which gave Bridgestone a brilliant 1-2-3 result at their home circuit.

Stoner's championship rival, Valentino Rossi, brought his Yamaha home in 13th after experiencing tyre problems.

Stoner's world crown has been celebrated by Bridgestone internationally.

"Congratulations to Casey Stoner and the Ducati Corse team for their 2007 MotoGP championship triumph," said Shoshi Arakawa, Bridgestone Corporation�s Chairman of the Board, President and CEO,  "I am greatly honoured to see Casey win this championship in only our sixth season of competition and on our home soil. This is a truly unforgettable day for Bridgestone."