What a year for motorcycle racing! The World Superbike and British Superbike Championships are over, while MotoGP has 2 more rounds, though the championship has already been won.

So, congratulations to:

• Casey Stoner, AUS, Ducati Marlboro, 2007 MotoGP Champion
• James Toesland, GB, Ten Kate Honda, 2007 WSBK Champion
• Ryuichi Kiyonari, JPN, HM Plant Honda, 2007 BSB Champion

These are the 2nd championship titles for JT (2004, 2007) and Kiyo (2006, 2007). While Stoner in only his 2nd year of MotoGP, the 1st year of 800cc bikes, manages to comfortably win the title. Ducati’s 1st MotoGP championship!

Now JT will be in MotoGP next year on one of Yamaha’s satellite teams, with many hoping he will end up taking Rossi’s ride in 2009!? While Kiyo takes JT’s place with Ten Kate in WSBK. Stoner’s domination of the MotoGP championship has caused many waves, with talk of maybe just one tyre manufacturer for next year (a control tyre, like in WSBK), or maybe a relaxation in current regulations.

Who knows? In fact, I just want next year’s season back on TV as soon as possible. WSBK, in my opinion, was the best championship to watch this year. BSB second, mainly due to ITV’s very ‘interesting’ viewing schedule, while MotoGP was hurt simply by the runaway success of a very talented rider, backed by a relatively small factory team.

If next year has half as many surprises as this year then it really can not come quick enough.