Francesco Bagnaia has revealed Ducati needs to hire Casey Stoner as MotoGP coach for the challenging 2022 season.
Stoner became MotoGP World Champion in 2007 for Ducati after first competing internationally in 2002. He was back in the Grand Prix paddock this weekend for the first time since 2018 and held a special press conference in Portimao.
“Could be a nice present from Ducati to have Casey as a coach next year. It’s a different point of view, he’s a legend and it’s different to have a coach, because in Ducati we didn’t have a coach and for me it helps a lot.” Bagnaia said.
“Maybe next year we can have him. But for me today he helped a bit for the last corner, the exit of the last corner, and it was useful.” Bagnaia added.
Stoner is present at the Algarve Grand Prix this weekend and will also attend the Valencia race as a guest of Ducati.
Bagnaia on Sunday was unstoppable at the Grande Premio Brembo do Algarve and picked up his third victory of the 2021 MotoGP season. His win also had the effect of wrapping up the Constructors Championship for Ducati
“I’m very happy because I enjoy a lot this weekend. When you enjoy a lot with your bike, everything comes easily. Yesterday afternoon and today from the morning, with this type of wind I was struggling a bit.” Bagnaia said.
“But we worked well and now I feel great also in the last sector, where the wind is more strong. I think we’re ready for the race, we’ve tried all the tyres for the race, medium and hard.
“And with both we were fast, so I think that our engineers are studying which one is better and I’m sure tomorrow our pace will be very competitive.” Bagnaia added.
