The big question: Rather Lorenzo or rather Stoner?

Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo. Two monsters who marked the end of the 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s, this famous sacred era. Despite many battles and overcomings, the two always respected each other. The rivalry maintained was similar to that between Valentino Rossi et Dani Pedrosa at the same time, firm but cordial. Moreover, the two are on good terms at the moment and one has never hidden his admiration for the other. But in such tense times, which of the two was better? Response elements.

This analysis will be divided into two parts. First, the statistical assessment, then, the more in-depth study with supporting examples. And of course, the conclusion, with our elected official.

I) Does Lorenzo have a chance?

Contrary to popular belief in France, the statistics are still significant. It is true that the old continent is quite reluctant to use numbers at all costs, but mathematics has a significant advantage: they are impartial.

From this point of view, Stoner has a head start. Over the period 2008-2012, the years shared by our two champions, the Australian dominates by a head. Certainly, Jorge was a two-time world champion, and ultimately, that may be the only statistic that matters. For the rest, Casey won 27 times against 17 for Jorge. The Majorcan totals 37 podiums, and better than Stoner's 30. The record for pole positions is surprisingly close, even though we know Stoner's legendary speed: 30-26 in favor of the Australian. The best laps in the race are also in the southern hemisphere, with 23 units against 16. It must be added to this that Lorenzo ran more often, and presented himself at the start at 85 times against 81 for Stoner.

Now, it is of course a question of contextualizing this data. As objectively as possible, it seems that the context was quite clearly favorable to Stoner, at least for comparison. First of all, the highlight of his career extends – in our opinion – from 2010 to 2015, while Stoner's never stopped from 2007 to 2012, more focused on the period. Keep in mind that Lorenzo was only a rookie in 2008. This small gap of two years must be taken into account.

 

Then, the environment was also “easier” for Stoner. The argument that the Ducati was inherently less capable than the Yamaha stands, but Casey was the reigning world champion in 2008 : thus, we cannot be surprised and hold this against Lorenzo, who discovered a factory machine. However, this effect diminishes in 2009 and 2010, we grant you that. Additionally, the Spaniard had to face Valentino Rossi himself, which is another matter altogether.. Then, during his move to the winged firm in 2011, Stoner knew where he was going. Honda Repsol was – still – a fairly respectable and respected institution, which gave itself the means to succeed by fielding three top drivers, namely Casey, Dovizioso and Pedrosa. Moreover, he found a very efficient machine there and undoubtedly more than the YZR-M1 shared by Ben Spies et Jorge Lorenzo (ask the American after Valencia 2011). This isn't going to help the conclusion, but we tend to say "tie" on the stats after weighting, especially since aside from wins, the difference is relatively small over a volume of races like this.

II) A surprisingly close debate

No matter how much we turn the question over and over, it is difficult to find a rational answer. Stoner was the fastest, the most explosive but also the most likely to make mistakes. Lorenzo had the advantage of regularity and consistency, and that was quite important at the time. On the track side, the two have crossed swords on multiple occasions but again, it is impossible to decide. There is no overtaking or braking in particular that tips the scales. Stoner has placed some beautiful ones, we think for example of this exterior in the break of the starting straight at Laguna Seca in 2011. But Lorenzo had a response, as in Mugello, again in 2011, with a gem of overtaking between Casanova and Savelli. Both have given us great moments like at Silverstone in 2012, with a magnificent pass of arms which smacks of the IQ race on full display. Either way, these are two of the best pilots of all time when it comes to close quarters battles. While everyone sees why in Stoner's case, it's a very underrated attribute of Lorenzo's driving. When he won, the Spaniard was often in front but he also excelled in packs, until very late in his career (Spielberg 2018, where he lectures a still-fit Márquez).

 

III) Conclusion

The real difference between the two is undoubtedly in the state of mind, and the behavior towards the press. It is on this point, in part, that we will decide. Lorenzo managed his image, his mind – and his rivalries – infinitely better than Stoner, who was more discreet by nature. The study of the history of motor sports is clear: silence rarely pays. The real question is: if you were a team manager, who would you want to hire?

If we need immediate results regardless of the machine, Stoner. On the other hand, and in absolute terms, Lorenzo is the most rational answer. With Jorge 2008-2012, you are sure to make a big splash, to have a few exploits at a minimum and above all, to perform well without too many absences, definitely Stoner’s “weak point” in his career (four full seasons in MotoGP only).

The answer to this question appeals to your preferences, that's obvious, especially since both have enormous qualities. Who would you choose if you had to make a choice? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Box Repsol