After Casey Stoner's tests on the Misano circuit, some players in the industry had hinted half-heartedly that the times had been... “we can’t tell you, but…”.
Combined with the lack of news, it was enough for the rumor to form and materialize in the form of the following information: “Stoner beat Jorge Lorenzo’s Misano circuit record by a tenth of a second”...
This is false, and Ducati wants to make it known: “pure invention”, even if the Italian firm recognizes that the Australian driver's times were “impressive”.
In fact, there was much more communication about these tests during World Ducati Week than during the tests themselves.
We will remember the following elements:
- Technically, the tests at Misano allowed progress in many areas, starting with electronics and chassis settings to improve corner entry. Progress has also been made on two other delicate points for the Ducati, namely the behavior of the motorcycles under high temperatures and on loose tracks. To conclude, the double world champion declares frankly: “Honestly, I don’t think we’re that far away anymore. The bike is good. Right now it seems pretty good for my pace. If you go even higher, we need to listen to both Andrea and the other drivers to understand exactly what we need.".
- Physically, Casey Stoner admits he is not yet at the level of permanent drivers, and his goal now is to be at the top for the two days of testing which will take place on July 19 and 20 at the Red Bull Ring, in company of all the other riders in the MotoGP world championship.
- This test in Austria is, at the moment, the only concrete thing scheduled for Casey Stoner. No wild card is, and the Australian decided not to answer any more on the subject of his possible return to competition, considering that he had done so sufficiently, in the face of the same question repeated dozens and dozens of times.
- Casey Stoner was welcomed as the savior by the Tifosis gathered in Misano. A welcome that the Ducati rider considers exaggerated: “Honestly, the popularity and affection people showed me during World Ducati Week is exaggerated. I couldn't imagine so much popular fervor. I have to admit that this made me very happy, but I didn't expect it. But the fans only waved and applauded for me, sometimes excluding the current official drivers; at one point I felt embarrassed for them. »
- The possible coaching of Jorge Lorenzo, a hypothesis put forward here and there, is not rejected: “I don't know if I will be Lorenzo's coach next year, but one thing is certain; I will work as hard as possible to give him a bike that can be in front and win. »
