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MotoGP, Casey Stoner bids farewell to Ducati

The collaboration comes to an end while Honda comes knocking at the Australian's door. "I will never forget the enthusiasm of the ducatisti"

MotoGP: Casey Stoner bids farewell to Ducati

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Ducati and Casey Stoner have decided not to renew the collaboration agreement that has seen them work together since 2016, as the official press release issued by the company states.

The accord had been stipulated on a three-year basis (2016-2018) and in these three years, thanks also to Casey’s important contribution, Ducati has constantly improved the performance of the Desmosedici GP, which is now considered to be one of the most competitive bikes in the MotoGP World Championship.

The collaboration between Ducati and Stoner also contributed to the final development of the Panigale V4, as well as offering important suggestions for the development of other bikes currently in the Ducati range. In his role as Ducati ‘brand ambassador’, Casey was one of the undisputed stars of the last two editions of WDW (World Ducati Week) in 2016 and 2018, in which the Australian champion actively took part, and where he was greeted with incredible signs of affection by Ducatisti from all over the world.

Casey is and will always remain in the hearts of Ducatisti and it is also on their behalf that we wish to thank him for the important collaboration he has offered us over the last three years -commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A -“His technical indications and suggestions, together with the work and the feedback of the factory riders and Michele Pirro, have helped to make the Desmosedici GP one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and his advice for the development of our production bikes has been just as precious and useful. Ducati and its many fans wish to offer their sincere thanks and their best wishes to Casey and his family for a serene and happy future.” 

I want to thank Ducati for the great memories and especially the support and enthusiasm of the Ducati fans for our shared passion for racing and motorcycling, I’ll always remember this - added Casey Stoner - Over the past three years I have really enjoyed doing my job with the test team, the engineers and technicians, as we worked towards improving the Desmosedici GP package and I sincerely want to wish the team all the very best for their future endeavours.”

Honda has already publicly opened its doors to Stoner, in case the Australian would like to test ride the RC213V. If this were to happen, the Tokyo manufacturer would have a real dream team on its hands, with Casey as test rider along with Marquez and Lorenzo as its factory riders.

Translated by Heather Watson
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