The Assen track hosting this weekend's Dutch MotoGP Grand Prix has been "ruined" by recent modifications, Ducati's world championship leader Casey Stoner said on Wednesday.
"Riding here used to be exciting but since they've changed things it's become much less thrilling," the 21-year-old Australian said.
Stoner, who has won five out of eight MotGP races so far this year, said he was especially sorry about changes made to the 'De Bult' bend at the southern end of the circuit.
"They've ruined what was probably my favourite bend in the world, a splendid sloping left-hander. They've flattened it and practically destroyed it".
Changes were made to the Assen track, the oldest on the MotoGP circuit, early in 2006. It was shortened from 6km to 4.5km and most of a loop on the northern end of the track was removed to make way for car-parks and viewing areas.
Stoner, who leads the MotoGP standings by 26 points from Italy's Valentino Rossi, has never won at Assen. But many pundits think that could change this weekend.
"I'm sure that we'll see some fine racing at Assen but for me the new track is a disappointment," Stoner said.
