As everyone knows, Casey Stoner is officially a Ducati test rider, just like Michele Pirro. But it is clear that if one aligns the test sessions in addition to the wildcards and leading the Italian Superbike championship, the other is extremely rare and discreet.
Already in April, Jorge Lorenzo complained about the occasional presence of the world champion at his side and, since then, things have hardly improved since during the tests in Barcelona in May, the Australian only rode half a day out of the three days...
Since then, nothing more, apart from a vacation partially spent with Colin Edwards!
Also, in the paddock, the rumor of Ducati's dissatisfaction gradually grew, to the point that the question was asked directly to Gigi Dall'Igna by Manuel Pecino during an interview which will soon be published on Sport Rider.
Let's talk about Casey Stoner: Are you a happy family or are the rumors about distancing themselves true, to put it in a fancy way?
Gigi Dall'Igna: “All happy families have their moments of discussion. In my opinion, this is part of human nature, but if things stay within normal limits, it helps us become stronger. However, I cannot say that everything has been and will be wonderful.
Sometimes discussions happen because I think it's best to do a certain thing and your opinion is that it should be done differently. But like I said, I think there are situations that, in the end, help you understand things better.
The big problem with Casey is that he's in Australia and we're in Europe. It's difficult to keep him informed, and sometimes misunderstandings or a difficult situation turn things into a "crisis." In my opinion, if he was in Europe or if we were in Australia, everything would be easier. »
I'm impressed... If you weren't a master of engineering, you would certainly be a master of diplomacy; you have all the skills!
“(Laughs)…I always tell the truth. But sometimes I say things in a more… (more laughter)… Let's say, in a more balanced way. »
The Italian engineer therefore himself recognizes the use of measured language to describe a situation which no longer resembles an idyll at all...
Will we see Casey Stoner riding a Ducati again this year, and what was his real contribution to the competitiveness of the machine?
Only the thinking heads at Ducati could answer. And, obviously, they diplomatically avoid the subject!
