Stoner mystery illness diagnosed

German MotoGP, Sachsenring
Date: 18-19 July
Saturday 18 July: Qualifying: 1150-1500, BBC Red Button/online)
Sunday 19 July: 125cc & 250 cc races 0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online
Race live: 1230-1400, BBC Two/online; MotoGP Extra, 1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online

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Stoner finished second in the MotoGP championship last year

Casey Stoner is to battle on in the MotoGP championship after being diagnosed with blood disorder anaemia and an inflamed stomach lining.

The Australian has been plagued by illness recently but has stayed in the title race, and currently lies third.

"I'm still not 100% but my biggest problem now is my ribs are painful after crashing in qualifying at Laguna Seca," said the former world champion.

"It'll probably be another hard weekend in Germany but we'll do our best."

The Ducati rider was clearly in distress and discomfort after the recent races at Catalunya, Asssen and Laguna Seca, but still managed to finish third, third and fourth respectively.

606: DEBATE I simply can't believe that no one gave Casey a simple blood test, which should have shown anaemia instantly, in all this time he has been suffering! jcnoodle

"This is a delicate time for Casey but we know he is made of stern stuff," said Ducati team chief Livio Suppo.

"He will continue to fight like a lion, as he has done in the past few races, even though the crash at Laguna left its mark on him and that certainly won't help."

The 23-year-old 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.

Stoner is now 16 points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi of Italy, with Jorge Lorenzo second.

The next round of the championship takes place at Sachsenring in Germany on 19 July.