Could Casey Stoner Be Tempted to Return to MotoGP in 2026? Five Experts Weigh In
In the world of MotoGP, few names hold the same level of admiration and respect as Casey Stoner. The Australian two-time world champion, known for his unparalleled skill on the bike and his raw talent, left the racing scene in 2012. While Stoner has since dabbled in occasional testing and made appearances at MotoGP events, speculation about his return to competitive racing has never entirely disappeared. With 2026 on the horizon, the rumor mill has been abuzz with questions: Could Casey Stoner really return to MotoGP? And more importantly, *should* he?
To explore this question, we spoke to five MotoGP experts who offered their insights on whether the Australian legend could be tempted back into the sport, and what that might look like.
Matt Oxley, a former racer turned journalist, has long followed Casey Stoner’s career. For Oxley, the possibility of Stoner returning in 2026 seems unlikely, but not entirely out of the question.
“Casey was always a bit of an enigma,” Oxley explains. “He retired at the peak of his career, citing health reasons and a disillusionment with the sport. He wanted a quieter life, away from the pressures of racing. But racers like Casey don’t just lose their love for the sport—they miss it. His sporadic testing and involvement with Ducati show that the fire still burns, even if it’s just embers now.”
Oxley adds that if Stoner were to return, it would likely be under very specific conditions. “It would have to be the right project with the right team. I think Ducati would love to have him back, but Casey would need to be convinced that the bike is capable of winning. He’s not the type to come back just for fun; if he’s in, he’s in to win.”
Randy Mamola, who competed in the 1980s and later became a broadcaster and commentator, offers a different perspective. Mamola believes that a return for Stoner would be physically demanding, especially considering his history of health issues, including his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome.
“Casey is an incredible talent, no doubt about it,” Mamola says. “But MotoGP has evolved so much since he last raced competitively. The bikes, the level of competition, the physical demands—it’s all different now. He’s been away from regular racing for over a decade. Even with his skill, coming back would be a huge challenge.”
Mamola highlights that, at 41 in 2026, Stoner would face an uphill battle against younger, hungrier riders. “Age isn’t everything, but there’s no denying that MotoGP is a young man’s game. If Casey does come back, it’s not just about the physical side—it’s the mental side, too. Can he commit to the intensity of a full season again?”
Simon Crafar, known for his insightful MotoGP analysis and his past experience as a 500cc rider, offers a more optimistic take. While acknowledging the challenges, Crafar believes that Stoner’s natural talent could bridge the gap between his time away and the current level of the sport.
“Casey’s talent is out of this world,” Crafar says. “I’ve never seen anyone able to do what he did on a bike. Yes, the sport has changed, but so has technology. The electronics, the data, the setups—it’s more sophisticated now, and I think that could actually work in Casey’s favor. With the right support system, he could make a comeback, no doubt.”
Crafar also points out that riders like Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa have stayed involved in MotoGP long after their retirements, either through testing or wild card appearances. “If Casey feels the itch to return, 2026 might be the perfect time. There’s no pressure for him to prove anything—he’s already a legend. He could just focus on enjoying racing again.”
Carlo Pernat, a veteran manager who has worked with many top riders, including Marco Simoncelli and Andrea Iannone, is more skeptical about a potential Stoner return. For Pernat, the issue lies in motivation.
“I’ve known many great riders, and for some, once they walk away, they don’t come back,” Pernat says. “Casey left because he wasn’t happy with the sport anymore. That feeling doesn’t just go away. He’s a family man now, and he’s been living a different life for years. Coming back would mean turning that life upside down.”
Pernat also raises the issue of adapting to the modern MotoGP scene. “When Casey was racing, he was the king of riding without relying too much on electronics. Today’s bikes are different. They require a different kind of riding, and while I’m sure Casey could adapt, it would take time. Does he have the motivation to do that?”
As a fellow Australian and a five-time world champion in the 500cc class, Mick Doohan shares a special bond with Casey Stoner. For Doohan, the possibility of Stoner returning isn’t entirely far-fetched, but he warns that the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Casey is one of the greatest riders I’ve ever seen,” Doohan says. “But coming back to MotoGP after so many years away would be a massive challenge. The sport has changed, and the physical toll it takes is huge. Casey had health issues even when he was winning championships—those issues don’t just disappear.”
However, Doohan also notes that Stoner has always been a unique case. “If anyone can pull it off, it’s Casey. But it’s not just about riding the bike—it’s the whole lifestyle. Traveling, training, media commitments—it’s a grind. Casey walked away from all that for a reason. If he’s thinking about coming back, he’ll need to be 100% sure it’s what he wants.”
The question of whether Casey Stoner could be tempted to return to MotoGP in 2026 remains a tantalizing one. Each of the five experts offers a different perspective, but one thing is clear: if Stoner were to make a comeback, it would be one of the most remarkable stories in the sport’s history.
For now, the possibility remains speculative. Stoner’s past health concerns, combined with the evolving nature of MotoGP, would make his return an uphill battle. Yet, his love for the sport and undeniable talent mean that the door isn’t completely closed. Whether he chooses to walk through it in 2026 will depend on factors only Stoner himself can truly know.
What is certain is that the MotoGP world would welcome him with open arms, and fans would eagerly tune in to see one of the greatest riders of all time back on the track.
