Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali has made a few confessions at La Gazzetta dello Sport. In the columns of the Italian newspaper, he recalled the fond memories of Casey Stoner, the only one to have won the MotoGP title for the Italian manufacturer.
“Stoner is the strongest driver we’ve had at Ducati. He has a natural instinct to find the limit. It’s pure talent. There have been other great riders, including Superbike: Bayliss was very strong.” Domenicali said.
“But Casey could rider everything with ease and has an extraordinary relationship with the bike. Then there’s his character, of course: difficult, never happy with himself, complicated. But he’s a phenomenal champion.” Domenicali added.
The Australian officially retired at the en of 2012 season because he couldn’t stand the Grand Prix world anymore.
While he was in mid-season in 2009, the Australian had suffered chronic fatigue syndrome. After his retirement, Stoner took on the role as test rider for Honda in 2013-2015 and Ducati in 2016-2018.
When asked about the Spaniard rider Jorge Lorenzo, Domenicali said a departure where the economic aspect played an important role.
Lorenzo’s two-year at Ducati was worthwhile in investment and development despite a premature split before he joined Repsol Honda at the end of the 20
“When making decisions, the elements available are different. Each analysis is realistic by considering significant aspects, such as the economic aspect. We are a company that sells 53,000 motorcycles a year and that finances itself. We need to do assessments that go beyond sport.” Domenicali said.
It is currently unknown when the definitive first race of the 2020 MotoGP season will be. No new calendars have been issued due to the coronavirus outbreak so far.
However, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta insisted he wants a new MotoGP calendar in early June, with a 10 race championship in this season.
