Casey Stoner’s return; What the riders said

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The rumours that came out yesterday of a possible return to Ducati for Casey Stoner took the paddock by storm, with everybody having an opinion on the matter.

Yesterday’s rumours said that Stoner looks set to sign for Ducati in a testing role for 2016 with a view to wildcards, meaning riders such as Marquez and Iannone could battle with the Australian for the first time, whilst riders like Lorenzo and Rossi could rekindle old battles.

Should Stoner start testing the Ducati, it could Andrea Iannone (unless you ask Marc Marquez who doesn’t hold the Australians testing abilities in too high a regard) help the Italian as Ducati attempt to bridge that final step to challenge the Yamaha’s and Ducati’s.

“If there’s a contract between Ducati and Casey I’m glad,” said the Italian. “I’m glad because a fast rider in the group never hurts.”

Jorge Lorenzo’s relationship with the Australian has seemingly grown after Stoner hung up his leathers with a great mutual respect between the two of them. After winning his third MotoGP World Championship Sunday, Lorenzo called Stoner one of the greatest riders of the 21st century, and that respect seemed to continue when he was asked about his potential return. 

“I have always respected Casey, he is the rider with the most talent I’ve ever seen riding,” said the new World Champion. 

“It would have been nice if he had been there in the race this year at Phillip Island, too.”

Marc Marquez took over Stoner’s seat in Honda when the Australian retired and despite never racing against him (or complimenting his testing skills) he said he still thinks the two-time MotoGP World Champion will be fast.

“It’s interesting… Of course Casey stop very soon and of course and for sure he will be a good rider if he does many, many tests,” said the 22-year-old. I’m happy for him because looks like he stills keeps the motivation and I think he will be fast.”

And as for Valentino Rossi? “I’m happy for him and for Ducati.” 

 

Photo via HRC

10 thoughts on “Casey Stoner’s return; What the riders said

  • November 13, 2015 at 7:30 am
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    Respect to Jorge. Not much shown from other 2. As far as testing feedback goes, didn’t Rossi have to turn the Ducati into his Yamaha when he got on it ? ( Aluminium frame FFS ! 1st ever on a Ducati ! ) And still could not set it up and race it. So much for the young pups skills. 2 championships in a row, and look what he developed for the start of this year. Contented smile here. Cant wait !

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    • November 17, 2015 at 2:12 am
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      Ducati made much progress wth the standard frame than with their box and armed to fix front end issues. + they pinched Dalligna because they old crew were getting nowhere. Rider ain’t the engineer

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  • November 13, 2015 at 3:34 pm
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    Stoner is past it. Nakamoto and Suppo said the reason he didn’t replace Dani was because he was too slow and it would have been embarrassing.
    They tried to protect his fragile head and he treats Honda like this?

    Marquez summed it up, he might be a good rider if he puts the hard work in.
    Problem is, he’s always been the laziest rider.. hardly doing any laps in testing and having time off in the middle of the season for fishing holidays.

    Casey never earned bif money like Rossi and needs the Ducati Lira to carry on with his vacations.

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    • November 15, 2015 at 3:11 am
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      Dear old Wosi, spreading his hate far and wide. Just another jealous Englishman who has never seen one of his fellow countrymen win a single motoGP/500 race in his entire lifetime!
      I spose that would make anyone bitter.
      btw Wosi, do I need to remind you I’ve seen MORE than 100 individual race wins by Australian riders in my time, including Gardner, Magee, Doohan, Beattie, McCoy, Bayliss and Stoner?
      How d’ya like them apples! hahahahaha…

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    • January 1, 2016 at 6:44 pm
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      Agreed. He was burned out at 20 years old. Did what he has to do to pay back mom and dad. Know the money is drying up, his run in V8 didn’t pay. Time for some easy money and he won’t have to talk to the media. I’m curious why Stoner? His setup was only good for him. Ask Hayden and Rossi….

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    • February 4, 2016 at 12:02 am
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      Guessing you don’t still think he’s too slow after this last set of testing huh?

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  • November 14, 2015 at 2:58 pm
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    Comments of the clueless…… Haters hate

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  • November 21, 2015 at 12:31 am
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    Wosi, in which article(s) did Nakamoto San and Suppo mention this? Far as I know, Suppo didn’t want Stoner to run in the mid field for not having the right crew with him. Just like the great Valentino rossi who wouldn’t want to race in 500cc without Burgess. Because that extra edge needed to be up there can be found in the hand of great mechanics.

    But how many wins did the great Valentino rossi get on that hot red bike again?

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  • December 7, 2015 at 4:42 am
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    The bikes and the tires have changed as much the racing culture. Casey will return to a new world of different everything.
    That said, Stoner is still Stoner. After some fitness and training hopefully he will still be able to do what he does best. Ride a bike no one else can ride beyond its limits.
    He’s better than Marquez at adaptation demonstrated this 2015 season. Where Stoner had the Duc sidways burning rubber, Marc was on his arse in the gravel with “power management issues.”
    It will be quite interesting indeed to see how he handles the youngsters banging the sh*t out of each other like roller derby. I’m going to guess they’ll try to scare him.
    Remember the noise he made at Laguna after Rossi’s infamous Corkscrew pass in the dirt from riding “too close!” Indeed it’s a new area. Loads to get on board. I CANNOT WAIT to see him race again.

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  • February 23, 2016 at 11:25 pm
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    stoner class rider as all of the gp boys

    Reply

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