Ducati Care More about Appearances than Racing says Stoner
Former Ducati pilot Casey Stoner continued the war of words between himself, Valentino Rossi and Ducati claiming that in contrast to his new employer Honda, Ducati care more about appearances than racing.
Despite winning the 2007 MotoGP title in his debut with the company, Stoner never seemed entirely at home with Ducati during his 4 year tenure there. Although he won 23 races he seems frustrated that his talent was not recognized and the support he was suspecting was not apparent. A turning point was his withdrawal from 3 races mid season in 2009 due to a mysterious illness.
“In the last couple of years, the relationship with the factory is not exactly warm,” he said. “With the people on the track, with the test team, everything is perfect. Let’s say that there are some problems with the top management. “When I had my [health] problems, I understood that it wasn’t really a family like I had previously thought. I had problems and they didn’t help me.”
Lashing out at both Valentino Rossi and Ducati, Stoner claimed that Rossi’s much touted move to Ducati was only due to his decision to leave (Stoner signed with Honda early in the 2010 season).
“Valentino arrived only because I did not renew. The decision was up to me. I left and they contacted him….They thought Valentino would bring great results.”
Admitting that he was more relaxed now at Honda he also opined that the Japanese company was more focussed on racing success than Ducati.
“Very different. With Honda I’m more relaxed. In contrast with Ducati, the Japanese think more about racing than about appearances.”
Despite Rossi’s very public struggles with the Ducati in both GP11 and GP11.1 forms so far this year his more modest but more consistent results mean he has amassed more points so far in the 2011 series than Stoner achieved on the Ducati at the same point in 2010 (91 vs 83 after 8 rounds). Casey Stoner ultimately finished 4th in the 2010 title with 3 race victories. It remains to be seen if Valentino can also win on the Ducati this year.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport via AutoSport
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Yeah right! And in the near future, when he’s working for a other brand, Honda sucks too!
Casey is a talented driver, but is also a crybaby! Several times he mention, the reason, Rossi switch to Ducati! Everybody knows Rossi whanna leave Yamaha in that time, because of Lorenzo!
So for sure Hayden had to leave if Vale like to join and Casey stays or, a less minor option, they do 3 bikes like Honda!
I’m glad Hayden stays, because he’s not bitching after he leaves;-)
I think Casey is the best raw talent in the paddock, and though vale is my favorite I like casey and his demeanor most of the time plus he is fun to watch race. Anyway I think vale lack of results comes from him sorting out the bike rather then ride around its flaws like casey did. If vale was in his prime I believe he would be riding more on the edge and willing to push. I don’t have much hope for this season but I do still belive that Vale will get the bike sorted for next year and he will fight for the championship.
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Stoner doesn’t seem too relaxed…. he is picking fights and doing dangerous things at the track. And what a load of crap about Rossi only going to Ducati because he left! As far back as October 2009 it was common knowledge that Ducati was talking to Rossi. In fact they two wanted 2 teams – one headed by Stoner and one headed by Rossi. Within weeks Stoner spat the dummy and gave up even trying to win races for Ducati. Ducatri were very patient with his ‘illness’ and fishing vacation. And as for that stupid comment that comment that Rossi’s ambition is bigger than his talent, lol, when did whinger Stoner win the other 8 world titles????????????? Grow up Stoner.
Casey is absolutely right!!!! I love Ducati motorcycles but hate the people who represent the brand. If another company made such gorgeous great V twins then i would not buy a Ducati.
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