Casey Stoner, a former double world champion in MotoGP, has expressed his surprise at Ducati’s decision to allow its riders to race freely this year. Stoner believes that Ducati is keen on maintaining the revered number one plate in MotoGP and may not want Jorge Martin, currently leading the championship, to win the title.
Despite initial skepticism from the paddock insiders that Ducati would not let a rider from outside the factory team win the championship, Jorge Martin has taken a commanding lead in the standings. His decision to sign with Aprilia for the next two years has further fueled speculation about Ducati’s intentions.
Stoner, who has firsthand experience with Ducati’s internal politics, doubts the fairness of the situation and believes that Ducati may have conflicting views on the matter. While Ducati’s team manager, Davide Tardozzi, has reiterated the importance of fair competition, Stoner remains skeptical.
The Australian rider commended Jorge Martin for his performance this season and expressed his belief that Martin deserves to win the championship. He highlighted Martin’s maturity and consistency in challenging Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, for the title.
Martin’s decision to move to Aprilia next year after Ducati opted to sign Marc Marquez instead has raised questions about Ducati’s treatment of its riders. Stoner criticized Ducati for not giving Martin the opportunity to move up to the factory team despite his impressive results.
In conclusion, Stoner emphasized the importance of loyalty and passion in racing, suggesting that Ducati’s decisions may have consequences in terms of rider motivation and commitment. He praised Martin for his determination and skill on the track, expressing hope that the true world champion will emerge at the end of the season.
