Casey Stoner on the Possibility of Becoming a Ducati Racer Coach: “It’s Not As Easy As It Sounds
In a recent interview, two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner addressed a topic that has frequently resurfaced over the years—the possibility of him taking on a more official coaching role within the Ducati team. Stoner, who retired from professional motorcycle racing in 2012, has maintained a close relationship with Ducati, the manufacturer with which he claimed his first MotoGP title in 2007. Despite his continued ties to the sport and his evident wealth of knowledge, Stoner has always been measured in his responses about a full-time return to the paddock, even in a coaching capacity.
Casey Stoner is widely regarded as one of the most talented riders ever to grace the MotoGP circuit. His ability to extract performance from the notoriously difficult Ducati Desmosedici GP bike in 2007 earned him immense respect and solidified his place as a legend in the sport. Known for his intense focus and tactical racecraft, Stoner’s insights into racing and bike setup are still highly sought after by riders and teams alike.
Stoner’s continued involvement with Ducati, particularly in testing roles and as an occasional advisor, has led many to speculate whether he could eventually transition into a more formal coaching role. In the past, his reluctance to take on such a position was attributed to his health concerns, notably chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as his desire to spend more time with his family away from the intense demands of the racing world. However, during a recent interview, Stoner provided a deeper look into why the prospect of becoming a full-time coach is more complex than it might seem.
Asked directly about the possibility of coaching Ducati’s riders, including current world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, Stoner was quick to clarify that the decision is far from straightforward.
“It’s not as easy as it sounds,” Stoner said, addressing the numerous complexities involved in such a role. “Coaching is not just about giving advice or telling a rider how to improve. It’s about understanding the rider’s mindset, the technical side of the bike, and how to bring out the best in them without overwhelming them.”
He went on to explain that while he enjoys sharing his knowledge and helping Ducati’s riders on an informal basis, the expectations and responsibilities of a full-time coaching role would be immense.
“You’re responsible for not only providing insight but also for understanding the nuances of modern MotoGP, which has evolved significantly since my racing days. There’s the pressure to perform, not just for the rider but also for the team and sponsors. I know how intense that can be, and it’s not something you can take lightly.”
Stoner acknowledged that MotoGP has changed since he last raced competitively, particularly with advancements in technology and the introduction of more sophisticated electronics. Despite his reputation as a master of bike setup, Stoner was clear that adapting to these changes would require a lot of effort and study.
“I’ve always been someone who believes in the rider making the difference, but modern MotoGP is so much about electronics, data, and strategy now. I would have to spend a significant amount of time getting back up to speed with all the intricacies that are involved today,” he noted. “It’s not just about riding fast—coaching means understanding every aspect of the bike and helping the rider interpret all the data to find that extra tenth of a second.”
Stoner’s pragmatic approach highlights a key concern: his need to balance his experience as a former rider with the current realities of modern MotoGP. Despite being retired for over a decade, Stoner’s analytical mind and racecraft are still valued by Ducati, but he is aware that becoming a full-time coach would require much more than simply transferring his past experience.
Another factor Stoner touched on was his commitment to family. Since retiring, Stoner has spent much of his time with his wife, Adriana, and their two children, Alessandra and Caleya. He has consistently mentioned that his retirement allowed him to focus on his family life, which was often difficult to balance during his racing career.
“Racing takes a lot out of you, and it doesn’t just affect you; it affects your family too. My priority has always been my family since I stepped away from MotoGP,” Stoner explained. “Becoming a full-time coach would mean a lot of travel, long hours, and time away from them again, which is something I’m not sure I want to commit to at this stage of my life.”
His comments reflect a familiar theme in his interviews since retirement—Stoner values the time he has reclaimed to spend with his loved ones. Despite still harboring a deep passion for motorcycle racing, he has always been clear that his family comes first.
Despite his reservations about taking on a full-time role, Stoner reaffirmed his willingness to assist Ducati’s riders when needed, albeit in a more informal manner. He has maintained a testing role with the manufacturer in recent years, and his experience has been invaluable in refining their race bikes. Moreover, his occasional advisory role for young riders means his presence in the sport, while limited, is still impactful.
“I enjoy working with the riders, offering a few tips here and there, and helping Ducati when they need me,” Stoner shared. “But doing that without the pressure of being a full-time coach gives me the flexibility to stay involved without sacrificing my personal life.”
Whether or not Casey Stoner ever transitions into a full-time coaching role, his legacy in MotoGP remains untouchable. His ability to win with Ducati, a feat that few others have achieved, and his reputation as one of the most naturally gifted riders of his generation continue to inspire riders today. Even in his post-racing career, Stoner’s presence in the paddock—whether as a testing rider, advisor, or just an icon of the sport—remains deeply influential.
For now, it seems that Casey Stoner will continue to walk the fine line between his passion for MotoGP and his dedication to his family. While fans and riders alike would love to see him take on a more permanent role within Ducati, Stoner’s thoughtful and measured approach to the idea of coaching highlights the complexity behind such a decision. As Stoner himself said, “It’s not as easy as it sounds.”
