Casey Stoner considered stepping in at Pramac Ducati Moto...

[Blade]

I heard different. I heard Ducati wouldn't let Stoner stand in for Petrucci as they were worried Casey would beat Dovi and Iannone who would be GP16 mounted and Casey would be on the older GP15 of Petrucci's.

Ducati weren't prepared to see the GP16 being beaten by the GP15 which is understandable and might be annoying for the factory team sponsors.

[Kwacky]

Yet in an interview last week Stoner said he's got no interest in riding.

[D41]

I don't get this constant interest in whether he will ever ride.race again.....I get the "underdog" angle....the guy who comes back and blows the doors (sic) off every other bike/rider on the track...but until he actually does anything it's nothing more than idle BS....and imagine if he came last??....that would be badass!!

[Blade]

The internet is fill of rumours. Who knows what to believe. I have heard he wanted to race in Argentina and a more general comment where he has no interest in racing. Seems you can find which ever answer your looking for which is confusing to say the least.

One think I do know is I would love to see him race at, at least one round just to gauge where he would sit in current pecking order.

[Kwacky]

He would finish in the top 5, without a doubt. I guess the risk is putting someone that quick with nothing to lose out in the field of people who are racing for a championship

[Blade]

If he's in front of everyone I can't see the risk

[D41]

He would finish in the top 5, without a doubt. I guess the risk is putting someone that quick with nothing to lose out in the field of people who are racing for a championship

I totally agree with all of that....I think the "What if??" intrigue around bringing him back should remain just that....BUUUUT...end of the day it's a business, and if it sells then sobeit...I'll watch it either way.

[duke63]

I don't think Stoner has any interest incoming back to race on a regular basis. I wouldn't be surprised if he only races in Phillip Island this year and then only if Ducati have no interest in the Championship.

[Blade]

I think the fact Ducati are courting Lorenzo like royalty goes to show Ducati are fully aware Casey has no interest of a full time return.

A wild card would be nice though

I always remember Bayliss having his last outing on the Desmosedici at Valencia and taking a very popular win. Stuff legends are made off.

[Perkles]

yes I agree Troys wild card giant slaying rides in Moto GP were always awesome to watch

[Cav]

Lorenzo, Iannone and Casey Stoner in the same team... only person missing is Marquez and you've got the strongest team for the next 10 years!

[Blade]

Do you work for the Audi Board Cav as that's most certainly what they are thinking and have / will pull a blinder IMO.

[D41]

I don't think Stoner has any interest incoming back to race on a regular basis. I wouldn't be surprised if he only races in Phillip Island this year and then only if Ducati have no interest in the Championship.

I think that's a spot on assessment of how things will pan out.

You've got to give credit to Stoner for that marketability to be able to ride in the top class 'whenever he wants'...."Er yeah...I'll race...but only the one they have by my house". Smart man.

[duke63]

Stoner looks a far happier person now than i have ever seen him. He can ride the very fastest bike, make comment on it and say what works or doesn't, get to take in the atmosphere at any race meeting he chooses and be an ambassador for Ducati.

He's been there and done it and having seen the squabbling going on in the paddock over the last 6 months why would he want to go back to it now?

[markrsvr15]

I think he should come back he even come to a race to watch.

Think he might do a wild card at a race

[Kwacky]

There's no doubt he would sell a few tickets if he came back.

As mentioned above, he looks a lot happier now. He's got money in the bank, he's got a stress free job he loves and the spotlight is off him. Why give that up?

[duke63]

Really good interview with Stoner in the latest MCN Sport magazine some of which he explains how he made his bike go faster. Not that I understand how using a front brake while accelerating makes you go faster.

[Kwacky]

Wouldn't that make the back step out?

[D41]

Yep.....dirt bike stuff....assuming that he's setting up for a turn....I can't imagine any other situation where you would need to do that??

When I did my first TD the first thing they told us was front brake only for the track, rear for if you go off it.
Actually...the first thing they told us was "Hello, welcome to TrackXperience, blah, blah"...but you get the point.