Two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner has put the final nail in the coffin of rumours he might still come back to competition, telling bikesportnews.com at the Milan Show that he hasn’t raced for four years and he won’t be racing next year.
Stoner was on hand at EICMA to wheel out Ducati’s Panigale Superleggera 1299 ultra-bike and judging from the applause at the Ducati presentation, he still conquers the hearts of all Ducati fans.
The straight-talking Australian will be in Valencia for the final race and the test, but won’t ride. For those who were hoping for the ultimate challenge of Marc Marquez vs Casey Stoner, it will remain a dream. Stoner is happy inf his new position and to be back in the Ducati family, and hasn’t change his mind.
“I haven’t been racing the last four years and I won’t be there next season. Yes, I will be at Valencia for the finale and for the test. I’m curious to see how our new bike will work and also all the changes of team and riders for the 2017 season.
“The two-day test session is very important. We need to understand where we are and how to improve the bike. This year we have done a great job and I’m happy to have given my contribution. From the first test I saw massive changes and a group of people fully committed. I saw so much effort. Everybody was listening and working. Both Andreas (Dovizioso and Iannone) have been fantastic - showing what we are capable of and what we can do in the future.”
With one eye on this season and also looking at the next, Stoner added: “The season could have been different because in the last races Andrea Dovizioso has had great results, but for the 2017 season, Marc Marquez remains the favourite. Regarding Ducati, it will depend a lot from Michelin.”
There is a lot of expectation for the debut of Jorge Lorenzo: “I haven’t spoken with him recently but I don’t think he need special advice. For sure if he needs some information, I’m available to support him.”