![thumb Lorenzo has been declared unfit to race](https://speedcafe.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Lorenzo4-344x224.jpg)
Casey Stoner's quest to wrap up his second MotoGP World Championship at Phillip Island this afternoon has received a surprise boost with rival Jorge Lorenzo being forced to withdraw from the event.
Lorenzo, the reigning champion, injured his left-hand after crashing on the exit of Turn 12 in the morning warm-up.
In his last lap of the session, the Spaniard high-sided off his Yamaha before coming to rest on the edge of the circuit.
Stoner now needs only a top six finish to seal the title. The Honda-mounted Australian has topped every on-track session this weekend at the Island, and has won in Australia for the past four years.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com's qualifying report
Australian Damian Cudlin will also be a non-starter today following his crash in practice yesterday morning. Cudlin had been riding in place of the injured Hector Barbera on the Aspar Ducati.