When I think of Casey Stoner, I think of Ducati . . . and vice-versa. That stunning first year aboard the all-new 800cc MotoGP bike in 2007 will never be forgotten. Taking the very first 800cc race win, as well as the championship that year, Stoner established himself as a young phenom, and, although he never took another championship for Ducati after that one, was frequently the fastest rider and on pole position thereafter. Next year, Stoner will ride a Honda and leave the Italian factory behind.
The “Stoner to Honda” rumor has been active for a while now, just as the other half to that rumor, “Rossi to Ducati” still lives. Just about everyone expects Valentino Rossi to leave Yamaha and take Stoner’s vacant seat at Ducati next year. Indeed, one could easily speculate that Rossi’s recent test aboard a Yamaha Superbike, shockingly soon after his serious leg injury just weeks ago (requiring two surgeries) is as much (or more) about showing Ducati he is not permanently debilitated by the injury, and thus still an extremely valuable rider worthy of his undoubtedly lofty contract demands. In other words, Rossi’s injury came at exactly the wrong time from the standpoint of his bargaining power with Ducati, and Ducati surely would want to know that Rossi is “the same old Rossi” after his crash.
Here is the Ducati Press release received by MD earlier today:
The Valencia Grand Prix on November 7th 2010 will be the event that concludes four years of extraordinary collaboration between Ducati and Casey Stoner. An important relationship characterized by a strong reciprocal esteem and many victories, among which the first MotoGP World Title for both the Italian manufacturer and the Australian rider.
Stoner arrived in Ducati in 2007 and, riding the Desmosedici GP7 that was making its debut in the new 800cc category, he took his first victory in the very first race, embarking on a path that would lead to the world title later in that same year and many more successes during subsequent seasons.
Ducati would like to thank Casey Stoner, who has decided to undertake a new challenge, with gratitude and affection that will always remain.
“I would like to thank Casey on behalf of our fans and our sponsors, but most of all on behalf of all the people working at Ducati,” commented Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director. “The victories and emotions he gave us, rewarded all the hard work and sacrifice we made. In these four years together we have had a lot of great moments. Securing the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title and the victory at Mugello in 2009 were moments that we will never forget. In Casey we not only found an incredibly talented rider, but also an honest and loyal guy and that’s why there will always be a strong and sincere bond between us, even as a competitor.”
“I must thank Ducati for giving me such a great opportunity to race and win with them over these past four years” commented Casey Stoner. “They took a gamble when they signed me at the end of 2006 as I was unknown, but as we worked together we were able to win a Championship, many races and challenge for the Championship in the last two seasons. I have now decided to move on and I will have new challenges in the future and different obstacles to overcome, but I will not forget these years with Ducati and the people I have had the privilege to work so closely with. So a big thanks to Ducati and all our sponsors who we have shared success with while achieving lifelong goals”
Methinks Rossi going to Ducati is a done deal! Stoner’s mechanics were asked to look for new jobs too. This was way before his departure to Honda was officially announced. The only reason the mechanics would be asked to look for jobs elsewhere is because they have to make way for “Team Rossi”. It’s the ultimate Italian dream. Valentino on a Ducati to take the world championship. I’m just waiting patiently for the announcement.
Honda knows that to compete with Lorenzo and Spies over the next few years, Stoner is the guy. These three are the future of MotoGP. Pedrosa leads the outliers including Dovi, Hayden, and Rossi if he moves to Ducati and struggles with the bike’s deficiencies. First major get off and Rossi moves to four wheels.
So since Stoner is going to Ducati, it follows that Rossi will take his place?
Not buying it. Unless there is some inside info to back it up.
If you cast your mind back a couple of years you may remember Honda loved Stoner he was at everything for Honda from the Monaco F1 GP to the opening of a Honda envelope. Rossi to Ducati for sure makes Hayden #2. There is only one Rossi.
Last year rumors were rampant that Stoner had grown afraid of the Ducati due to it’s handling flaws, so if those rumors are true, it’s no wonder he would be interested in leaving the team. On board a Honda, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he steps up and challenges Lorenzo next year, and if Spies moves up to the Fiat team, things will get very interesting. It would also be fun to see if Rossi can tame the Ducati. I think it would be great for MotoGP to see these team personnel changes. With Rossi injured, the races are boring this year, with nobody stepping up to challenge Lorenzo.
Pretty gracious words from Preziosi. I wonder what he would have said if Stoner had signed with the Miami Heat
His achievements at Ducati are fantastic and yet easy to underestimate. What’s often overlooked is that he was brought to the team as understudy to Loris and blew him into the weeds. We can never forget that Rossi is the GOAT, but to beat him is the target for all racers, and his absolute faith in the bike and team, with not a little motorcycle ability, gave us the best season of late and a fantastic battle between bikes-riders-tyres.
This may say as much about Honda as it says about Stoner, Ducati, Rossi or Yamaha. Not long ago, Honda seemed to be slipping in the MotoGP rankings and losing its cache or prestige as a brand (like Suzuki this year). But with Dovi and Pedrosa challenging in nearly every race this year and rumors of more consistent committment to R&D, Honda may be the place to be for a guy like Stoner. Could be Stoner wanted Team Honda as much or more than Team Honda wanted Stoner? We’ll see how he does 8-10 months from now.
Next season is going to be very interesting, very interesting indeed……
Stoner to Honda huh…. What squad is he going to ride for? Repsol…..I doubt it. Pedro and Dovi seem secure there. Rossi to Ducati – back with Hayden. DOes that make quick Nick #2 on the team or does he move to the #1 spot? Spies to Fiat with Lorenzo? Wow….quite the powerhouse! And what of Tech3? Edwards retires and 2 spots to fill on that team. SIlly season indeed!
Honda wants to keep Dovizioso and Pedrosa and plan to run a three rider team next year. It will be interesting to see how that ends up.
Dovi will probably be on a single rider, Red Bull Factory Honda team with Casey and Pedrobot on Repsol bikes.