Casey Stoner, who needs no introduction, remains a significant figure in motorcycling, despite his retirement. His media appearances, although rare, are often marked by frank and direct criticism. Stoner, who has shared the track with legends such as Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo, opens up about his experience and observations of the world of MotoGP.
Stoner remembers with bitterness the difficulties encountered during his career in MotoGP, particularly regarding his relationship with the media. “ It was a difficult time, the media was against me and there was a lot of hatred,” he admits. Aware of not matching the extroverted image sought, he admits that this difference has earned him “bad press.” »
Unlike Valentino Rossi, known for his charisma and showmanship, Stoner focused solely on piloting. “ I didn’t want to follow in Valentino’s footsteps, » he explains. This personality divergence has often been poorly perceived. “Maybe I should have played dumb; but I wasn’t like that. I wasn’t looking for attention, I was just driving.”
The rivalry between Stoner et Red is well documented, notably with the famous phrase of Stoner à Red after a racing incident: “ your ambition exceeds your talent.” Stoner also criticizes the way in which Red managed his relationship with the media: “ Valentino controlled everyone when it came to the press because he was very important to all the media, so if they wrote stupid things about him, he put them on a blacklist.” Stoner, not being able to afford such luxuries, has often found himself in the position of “villain” in media narratives.
Casey Stoner: “ I have nothing but respect for Dani Pedrosa »
Despite the rivalries on the track, Casey Stoner expresses deep respect for Dani Pedrosa. “ I have nothing but respect for him,” he says on Todocircuito, highlighting a rare friendship in a sport often marked by intensity and competition.
Stoner also addresses the controversial incident of Sepang in 2015, which marked the beginning of the enmity between Red et Marc Marquez. According to Stoner, « Marc, to a certain extent, deserved the criticism, » but he adds that “ Valentino started it all. » He maintains that Red sparked a “war of words” which exacerbated the situation.
Casey Stoner, although retired from competition, remains an influential and critical voice of MotoGP. His frank and straightforward analysis offers a unique insight into the internal dynamics of sport. Stoner reminds us that behind the intense competitions and public rivalries, there are complex personalities and stories that are often overlooked. Casey Stoner, with his thoughts and critiques, continues to provide a valuable and honest perspective on the world of MotoGP, enriching his understanding.
