Photo: Honda
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) announces that Casey Stoner will no longer be a test rider for the Japanese house as of the end of 2015. In a way, we sort of knew this would happen, because it would have been simply crazy to see all the rumors about this split being simply empty blabber.
The Australian MotoGP Legend has been involved with HRC for five years, after joining the Repsol Honda team in 2011 and getting used very quickly to the particularities of the bike Tokyo was fielding then.
2011 was a particularly successful year for Stoner, who claimed victory in no less than ten of a total of 17 rounds, including Phillip Island, his home race. His Australian victory in 2011 would make his fifth consecutive success at that venue. The 2011 was the second and the last World Title Stoner clawed, after the 2007 crown he got aboard a factory Ducati bike.
Honda also praises Casey Stoner for his achievements with the racing team, and for his efforts as a test rider after his retirement. With Honda, Stoner achieved 15 victories (10 x 2011, 5 x 2012), 2 second positions (1 x 2011, 1 x 2012), and 9 third positions (5 x 2011, 4 x 2012), which in total means 26 podiums. In addition, he scored 17 pole positions (12 x 2011, 5 x 2012) and 9 fastest race laps (7 x 2011, 2 x 2012).
Talks have taken place, and Ducati officials confirmed it, but with zero indications as to what they might yield. Ducati Corse has stated more than once that they have an open door for Stoner in case he ever considers a comeback or a job as a test rider.
Stoner was the only rider who was able to understand the Ducati machines so well as to win a championship in the last decade, and it's fairly easy to understand why Borgo Panigale would be so glad to have him back in the team.
Stay tuned, as the situation may escalate quickly, in a matter of days. If Stoner indeed goes to Ducati, it will be interesting to see how the Desmosedici GP16 will be, after a 2015 season that restored part of the lost Ducati glory.
2011 was a particularly successful year for Stoner, who claimed victory in no less than ten of a total of 17 rounds, including Phillip Island, his home race. His Australian victory in 2011 would make his fifth consecutive success at that venue. The 2011 was the second and the last World Title Stoner clawed, after the 2007 crown he got aboard a factory Ducati bike.
Honda also praises Casey Stoner for his achievements with the racing team, and for his efforts as a test rider after his retirement. With Honda, Stoner achieved 15 victories (10 x 2011, 5 x 2012), 2 second positions (1 x 2011, 1 x 2012), and 9 third positions (5 x 2011, 4 x 2012), which in total means 26 podiums. In addition, he scored 17 pole positions (12 x 2011, 5 x 2012) and 9 fastest race laps (7 x 2011, 2 x 2012).
Shuhei Nakamoto, HRC Executive Vice President
"We have great memories of Casey’s time with Honda. From the moment he arrived in 2011 in the Repsol Honda Team we had a very close relationship, and we always enjoyed speaking to him about racing and technical matters. Of course, his Championship win in 2011 was a very special moment for us and a highlight of my career. Even after his racing days were over, I enjoyed attending his tests to take with him and spend time together. We would like to thank him for everything he gave to us over the past five years and send our best wishes to him and his family."Is it time for Ducati's red livery?
Obviously, the big question is whether the rumors will turn out to be true in their entirety. Lately, more and more paddock whispers mentioned Casey Stoner as the would-be Ducati test pilot.Talks have taken place, and Ducati officials confirmed it, but with zero indications as to what they might yield. Ducati Corse has stated more than once that they have an open door for Stoner in case he ever considers a comeback or a job as a test rider.
Stoner was the only rider who was able to understand the Ducati machines so well as to win a championship in the last decade, and it's fairly easy to understand why Borgo Panigale would be so glad to have him back in the team.
Stay tuned, as the situation may escalate quickly, in a matter of days. If Stoner indeed goes to Ducati, it will be interesting to see how the Desmosedici GP16 will be, after a 2015 season that restored part of the lost Ducati glory.
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