Casey Stoner Criticizes MotoGP’s Technological Evolution: ‘I Want to See These Riders’ Talent; I Want Something That’s Hard to Ride’
Casey Stoner, two-time MotoGP World Champion, has once again voiced his concerns about the direction the sport has taken in terms of its technological evolution. In recent years, MotoGP has undergone a significant transformation with advancements in electronics, aerodynamics, and overall engineering. These developments, while pushing the boundaries of speed and performance, have not been without criticism. For purists like Stoner, the modern-day machines represent a departure from the core essence of motorcycle racing, and the Australian icon is not shy about expressing his opinions.
Stoner’s latest comments strike at the heart of what he believes MotoGP is missing today: the element of raw, unfiltered rider talent. “I want to see these riders’ talent,” Stoner remarked in a recent interview. “I want something that’s hard to ride.” For the former champion, the shift towards increasingly sophisticated technology means that riders are not as exposed to the physical and mental challenges that defined earlier eras of the sport.
During Stoner’s racing career, from the mid-2000s to his retirement in 2012, riders contended with powerful but comparatively less refined machines. Although there were electronic aids such as traction control, the technology was far from perfect, leaving much more to rider skill and feel for the bike. Today’s riders, however, benefit from advanced systems like ride-by-wire, seamless gearboxes, and increasingly complex aerodynamics, all designed to maximize stability, speed, and control. For Stoner, these improvements, while impressive, come at the cost of showcasing the true talent of riders.
One of the major points of contention for Stoner lies in the increasing use of electronics, especially traction control and engine management systems. These aids have become crucial in helping riders manage the immense power of modern MotoGP machines, which can exceed 300 horsepower. While these systems prevent dangerous high-sides and make the bikes more predictable, Stoner believes they diminish the skill required to ride at the highest level.
In addition to electronics, aerodynamics have dramatically evolved, especially with the advent of winglets and other appendages designed to increase downforce. Stoner has been critical of these additions, stating that they take away from the purity of racing. The aerodynamics not only make the bikes more stable but also reduce the amount of rider input required in certain conditions, such as cornering at high speeds.
“When you have so many aids and things that stabilize the bike, you take away what made MotoGP so special—the direct connection between the rider and the machine,” Stoner explained. He emphasized that when a rider can rely less on technology and more on their skill, it becomes a true test of their abilities.
Stoner’s appeal is rooted in nostalgia for a time when racing was more visceral. He sees the modern MotoGP rider as an athlete who is, to some extent, cushioned from the brutal forces of the machine by an array of technological aids. In his view, this detracts from the sport’s essence, which lies in the ability of a rider to master an unruly, powerful motorcycle through sheer determination, reflexes, and experience.
“I want to see the rider struggle a bit more,” Stoner said. “When I raced, you really had to manhandle the bike. Every corner, every acceleration point was a challenge. Now, it’s becoming a bit too predictable.”
For Stoner, the sport’s current direction risks turning MotoGP into more of a technological race than a rider-centric competition. While he acknowledges that advancements in safety are important, he argues that the pendulum has swung too far in favor of making the machines easier to handle. “I’m not saying we should go back to the bikes of the ’70s or ’80s, but there has to be a balance. Right now, I don’t think we’re there.”
Stoner’s critique raises a valid point: where does the balance lie between technological evolution and maintaining the sport’s integrity? While MotoGP has always been about pushing the boundaries of performance, the role of the rider is paramount. Modern technology has undeniably made the sport faster, safer, and more competitive, but at what cost?
For Stoner, the thrill of motorcycle racing is deeply connected to the difficulty of controlling a machine that is, by nature, unpredictable. “I want to see more sliding, more mistakes, more of the raw moments that show a rider’s true talent,” he said. “That’s what the fans come to see—the human aspect, the struggle, the danger. When everything is too controlled, too smooth, it loses that magic.”
Stoner’s comments reflect a broader debate within the racing community. Many former riders and traditionalists share his concerns about the increasing influence of technology in MotoGP. However, it’s also true that the sport has evolved to become more competitive than ever, with more manufacturers and riders able to challenge for podiums. While the technology may reduce some aspects of the difficulty, it has also tightened the competition, making races more exciting from a spectator’s perspective.
Interestingly, not all current riders share Stoner’s view. Many have embraced the technological advancements, arguing that they’ve pushed them to new heights. Modern riders like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, and Fabio Quartararo have spoken about how managing the complex electronics and adapting to aerodynamics requires a different kind of skill—one that blends traditional racing talent with a deep understanding of the machine’s capabilities.
While some riders agree that the current technology can be limiting in terms of rider expression, they also acknowledge that MotoGP is a sport that must evolve with the times. Today’s fans expect to see the best machines, the fastest speeds, and the most cutting-edge technology. For them, balancing these advancements with the purity of the sport is an ongoing challenge.
Casey Stoner’s criticism of MotoGP’s technological evolution brings to light an important question about the future of the sport. As technology continues to play a larger role, how can the essence of motorcycle racing—its reliance on the rider’s skill and bravery—be preserved?
For Stoner, the answer lies in making the bikes more difficult to ride, reducing the reliance on electronics, and minimizing the role of aerodynamics. “I don’t want to see robots out there,” Stoner concluded. “I want to see riders making a difference, taking risks, and showing what they’re made of.”
As MotoGP continues to push forward, balancing technology with the raw, untamed essence of motorcycle racing will remain a crucial debate. Whether Stoner’s call for a return to a more challenging, rider-centric experience will influence the future of MotoGP remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his voice continues to resonate within the sport’s passionate community.
