I think the last race proves that Vale is still a strong contender - the switch to Bridgestones is going to be a challenge for him as he is still up against Stoner.
It is going to take time for Rossi to fully understand how to set the bike up to get the best out of this new bike/tyre combination - Stoner has a huge advantage over Rossi from this point of view but if anyone can cross this bridge it is Valentino.

I agree with Tommm - Stoner made the right tyre choice and it paid huge dividends. You cannot just ignore that, you have to give the guy credit for getting it right when most of the others did not. But that decision was based on experience which Vale lacked - he has tested on Bridgestones but look at the experience Stoner already has over him and the amount of data already logged.
Looking at it that way, 5th was a great result.

Fair enough...
5th isn't too bad especially in his first race using the stones. That is what I've been thinking too. We must always remember Vale always used Michelin tyres before and the lack of info is the priority issue here. And, we also have to give him some time too. That's really important. He will bounce back and yes it's going to take some time but he'll come back.

just 1 question....do riders make the final decision on tyres on race day?

I would imagine the team and Bridgestone will give their advice and they will work things out together but I would guess that the final choice would come down to the rider himself. Particularly for someone experienced like Vale but that decision would be one very carefully made and based on all the advice given by the other experts.

So Casey won the race because of the right tyre choice....u can say that...not b'coz of his experience....maybe a bit of ridin experience...but not to make an important decision like that...if u say Vale won the race bcoz of his tyre choice i can belive it...i have numbers to back it up....hez capable of that...

Tyre choice is just one of many facrors. KC and his team chose a tyre that worked well given the set-up of his bike, his riding skill, the prevailing conditions of the track and temperature during the race and how hard he had to push and fight for postion around other riders, on that particular night. Not all of it was down to the choice of tyres - but that played it's part.

i totally agree with u Jrcambs... but i'm just not in a mood to give Casey full credit...

Who is Casey?...I just choose to pretend he doesn't exist sometimes, it saves having to admit to how talented he obviously is.

I am like you Jackie..who is this guy...never heard of him before....

KC and the sunshine band ?? come on girls before he wasin moto gp you must of danced around ya handbags to his tunes!