Casey Stoner spoke at length during an interesting interview with Akrapovic.
The Australian champion addresses many topics with his usual frankness, but we only retained five answers regarding MotoGP.
What was the reason that made you decide to collaborate again with Ducati?
Casey Stoner: “During 2015, I considered no longer collaborating with Honda, because I had the impression that they were not using my data and my input during testing. I know my value as a test pilot because I have a lot to offer design engineers. I can push to set very fast times and have a better understanding of what the machine is doing. When Ducati came to me last year, I told myself that my contribution would surely be better used by the people at Ducati. During my previous stint at Ducati (2007-2010) I always had a good relationship with the team, I was only disappointed by some decisions that were made while I was racing for them. But now I have built a new relationship with Ducati. I really want to help them get back to the top of the MotoGP World Championship. To a certain extent, I will still have to do with the MotoGP World Championship, but not going to every race at this very high level and all that goes with it, not working full time.
Did you have to adapt your riding style when you returned to Ducati?
“One of my strong points is that I don't have a particular riding style, I adapt to all the bikes, as much as necessary. I think that's why I can go fast with any bike. I can adapt, instead of asking to change the machine to suit my riding style. The rider also has to go part of the way to understand the bike, because you will never find the perfect bike.”
How do you look at the MotoGP World Championship now, compared to when you were there? Has he changed?
“I think there should be more stability in the rules, at least for five to eight years. This would encourage other factories, like perhaps Kawasaki, to return to the sport. Every time the rules change, it costs a lot of money, because factories need to build new motorcycles and develop them. Rule changes don't always result in a better race. The standard ECU, which was introduced this year, is a step in the right direction, although I think the electronic systems are still too advanced. Since I did my last race, the electronic systems haven't changed much, but things like engine braking management are still too sophisticated. When I test drive the Ducati, I feel the wheelie and traction control very restrictive. Who needs wheelie control? I say do without it and let the pilots control the throttle with the grip. This would result in races depending on the skill of the drivers, even if they could make some mistakes.”
Which current MotoGP rider do you respect the most, and why?
“If we talk about respect, I cannot forget Jorge Lorenzo. I raced against Jorge. Over the past few years, he has proven himself to be by far the strongest and most consistent driver. If he does not win the world championship, he is the first challenger to the winner. His title in 2015 was very impressive. After three races he had yet to make a podium, but he came back and won the title. There were a few races in the rain where things weren't to his liking, but at the end of the season he wasn't like the other drivers who got involved in stupid things, but chased the leader of the championship and won the title. It was fantastic. We can't take anything away from Jorge.
And I always had a lot of respect for Dani Pedrosa, who had more bad luck. He is a talented, dedicated and underrated driver.”
How do you see the fight for the MotoGP title in 2016?
“I can’t really say. Jorge is the favorite, because he is defending the title, but Marc Márquez won the previous two years, and Rossi is back. Besides, Dani is still an unknown element. Last year Andrea Iannone did a very good job and learned a lot. If he takes his Ducati even closer to the maximum, he can create a big sensation. The important thing is who will fit Michelin tires best. It's difficult."
