Casey Stoner resurfaces in the Grand Prix sphere and his return to the spotlight was first made with a sympathetic mention towards Valentino Rossi who had just announced his retirement. An intervention appreciated by the Doctor who made it known. But the Australian does not have easy absolution. So with Ducati…
Casey Stoner thus commented on the announcement made by Valentino Rossi on his retirement: you were without a doubt one of my great rivals, my objectives achieved were more beautiful when they were achieved against you. We've had some tough battles over the years, and I've learned a lot from you. I hope you enjoy the next chapter of your journey, there is still much to enjoy ».
But because Casey Stoner plunged back into the past, he went to period Ducati from which he derived glory, but also frustration. In an interview with Australian Motorcycle News relayed by Solomoto.es, Casey Stoner is opening up about how difficult his life has been since he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue in 2018, right after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury.
He also recalls the reasons for his departure from Ducati, just one year after winning the only title MotoGP owned by the Italian brand. It will be recalled that Stoner then went to Honda and won another title for the Japanese brand. On his 38 Grand Prix victories, 23 of them were with Ducati during the four years he was a member of the Italian team.
A track record which a priori seals strong friendships, but that was not the case for the Australian who remembers his departure from the Borgo Panigale factory: “ I'm not going to lie: maybe I was stupid to refuse the last offer I received from Ducati, but either you are someone who does things for love or someone who does them for money. I made more money than I ever imagined, so I'm very happy with the decision I made then”.
Casey Stoner: “they really believe they have the best bike”
Because, and he has said it more than once, Casey believes that the Italian team did not respect him: “ in every possible way the Honda deal was better than the Ducati deal, so why should I stick with them? They didn't respect me there ».
And today ? We see in this 2021 season a clan Ducati rejuvenated, smiling, with brand executives always supportive of their drivers. But before, there was a Jorge Lorenzo who slammed the door and Dovizioso who threw in the towel, with less than complimentary comments on, once again, the respect given to the pilots. Have things finally changed? Casey Stoner think no and that this is just a facade: “ I think they are taking less and less care of their pilots. They have shown, time and time again, that they have no loyalty to their riders because they truly believe they have the best bike ».
