South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Been watching the MotoGP testing and see yet again the Stoner is top of the time sheets yet again. Ducati seriously need to pay that man wads of cash and get him back on the race grid. Watching him and Marcquez would be amazing

He walked. Don't think it's about the money.

It's a shame, but fair play to him. Doesn't need the money, stress or gratification.
The world would be a better place if more people settled for being comfortable and happy

he's doing what Adriana told him to do.

I suppose theres more to life than doing a job you dont enjoy, even if you're getting paid a lot. I'm sure he earns enough being a test rider plus other sponsorship stuff he has.

Maybe Dorna told him if its that bad and you have to moan all the time, why not leave? So he did .

Mind you being a test rider means you get to ride the best track days, with the best riders in the world, without the stress of having to win to get paid, keep your ride etc. No wonder he was fastest on track, no pressure ;) .

Plus he's already been riding the bike before the other riders so he already has the feedback and feel of the bike

Agree with all the above but would still love to see him and Marquez race.

Of course, the fact that he's had a key hand in the development to date might have an impact, especially as he seems to have a style/setup that suits him and few others.

The problem now is it's obviously set up how cassey rides but can they set it for a smooth style like lorenzo's...... hope not.

I met Neil Hodgson a few years ago and he said he preferred his riding now to what he did when he was racing and even winning.

No matter what the haters say, Stoner was and is a great rider and deserves the same respect as any other who risk their lives on the track.

I feel sorry for those who cannot see that. They are missing a lot of real riding geniuses performing on track.

Quite right Tom.

I am not a Stoner fan (comes across very poorly in media/interviews, doesn't seem to appreciate his fans) and can't take to Lorenzo either (poor ethics/sportsmanship, tries too hard to be the person he supposedly hates), but you cannot deny their class and talent on a bike, and the last few years would have been much poorer without them.

Personally, I don't blame Stoner for walking away from the limelight. I imagine it would take it's toll over time and you need the required personality to deal with it. Now he can just ride enjoy the lifestyle, give his input without the media circus.

I agree that watching him, Marquez, Lorenzo and now possibly Vinales battling would be awesome this year and then you have the Rossi factor. The Rossi-Stoner Laguna Seca battle is still my all time favourite.