Visiting Italy to carry out demonstrations at the two-wheeler show (EICMA) in Milan, the double MotoGP world champion, Casey Stoner, did not fail to make a name for himself. Taking advantage of his transalpine trip to visit the drivers of the VR46 Academy, at the Valentino Rossi Ranch, the Briton also gave a few interviews, where he was invited to discuss the inevitable fight for the title between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia.
In comments relayed by the Gazette dello Sport, Casey Stoner did not keep his tongue in his pocket when discussing potential favoritism for the driver of the factory team in Barcelona. What Borgo Panigale has until now always been careful not to admit.
If Jorge Martin enters the Barcelona Grand Prix with twenty-four points ahead of his opponent, Stoner predicts a final strewn with pitfalls, accentuated by the fact that he will compete under the colors of Aprilia next year.
“I think Jorge deserves the title and is in a position to win itconfides the latter in the columns of La Gazzetta dello Sport. Pecco will do everything he can to win it. And Ducati would like to keep number 1. I hope everything goes well. There could be chaos. »
« I know the brand and I know what they are willing to do to win. I'm surprised I didn't see it sooner. Or maybe it just happened and Jorge is good at it. »
Jorge Martin embarrassed by Ducati in Barcelona? ©Red Bull Content Pool
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A rivalry that disturbs at Ducati
Gigi Dall'Igna, the brand's key personality, has been insisting for months that neither of the two contenders for the title has an advantage in this duel. Not even Pecco Bagnaia, although the latter is part of the factory team. According to Casey Stoner, however, the threat does not come from there.
“That's what Gigi thinks, he assures so as not to call into question the engineer's words. But there are the Ducati bosses. They don't want to lose number 1. Everyone is watching them very closely. If they make a mistake like this, it will be discovered. If they create a problem, it will backfire on them. I hope everything goes well and we see the real world champion. »
It would indeed be disappointing to see that Ducati tries to stand in the way of Jorge Martin, as the outcome of this final is so awaited. After a first clash in 2023, the fight for the title has kept millions of spectators in suspense in recent months, gaining intensity during the latest rounds. A fight punctuated in particular by an anthology duel in Sepang, during the Malaysian GP race.
Apart from the ethical aspect, Jorge Martin proved that he deserved to become world champion, progressing at lightning speed. In one year, the Spaniard was able to learn from his mistakes to continually compete against a Pecco Bagnaia who was in better shape than ever. This is evidenced by the ten successes achieved by the Italian this season.
The chance of a lifetime?
This opportunity to take the crown could also be the Pramac driver's only one for many seasons to come. The current state of form of the Aprilia RS-GP, which he will drive next year, does not allow any driver to compete with the Desmosedici GP during twenty meetings. Casey Stoner also does not find it fair that Marc Marquez was promoted to the factory team in place of the No. 89 last June, given the efforts and work accomplished by Martin with Ducati.
Casey Stoner regrets Ducati's methods © Red Bull Content Pool
“Jorge showed what he was capable of and continually improvedremarks Casey Stoner again. He deserves to win the world title. For Ducati, it's a big blow to lose him next year. But I think it's even more so for Jorge. He has been loyal to the brand all these years. He made extraordinary efforts to be the only one capable of fighting against Bagnaia. To win races and the title. They deprived him of access to the factory team. I don't think that's fair. »
Stoner criticizes Ducati mentality
A ruthless work ethic that bothers the Australian. The opportunity for the latter to have his dirty laundry washed in public. He thus began to list with regret certain values of the brand that he does not share.
« Unfortunately, this is how Ducati works. That's why they lost so many pilots. You have to have the best bike, but you don't just race for money. We run for passion and to have fun. And when there are people who turn their backs on you so easily, you find motivation by going elsewhere. »
Methods that he is not criticizing for the first time, and that he had already commented on in this way during previous divorces. This was particularly the case when the end of the adventure between Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati was announced.
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