Valentino Rossi Praises Casey Stoner: “He Is One of a Kind and I Have Always Wanted to Compete with Him
The world of MotoGP has seen many legendary rivalries, but one that stands out for its intensity and mutual respect is the one between Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner. Though their competitive battles on the track were fierce, the two riders have long expressed admiration for each other’s talents and achievements. Recently, Rossi spoke out about his Australian counterpart, offering glowing praise for Stoner’s unique riding style, abilities, and contributions to the sport. In a candid interview, Rossi described Stoner as “one of a kind” and reflected on the mutual respect and challenge they shared throughout their racing careers.
Rossi and Stoner first crossed paths in MotoGP in the mid-2000s when the young Australian began to make a name for himself in the premier class. By that time, Rossi was already a multiple-time world champion, widely considered one of the greatest riders in the sport’s history. Stoner, however, was undaunted by Rossi’s status, quickly proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with. Their rivalry reached its peak between 2007 and 2011, a period defined by intense on-track duels and contrasting riding philosophies.
Rossi has always been a rider known for his precision, calculated aggression, and ability to perform under pressure, whereas Stoner was often seen as the maverick, a rider who could extract incredible speed from any machine, especially his notoriously difficult-to-ride Ducati. Rossi recently recalled this, stating, “I always admired Casey’s ability to take the Ducati to places that no one else could. He could ride a bike that was almost unrideable for others and make it look effortless. That’s not something you see every day.”
While their rivalry was fierce, it was never defined by personal animosity. Both riders pushed each other to their limits, and in doing so, helped raise the bar for the entire sport. Rossi reflected on this dynamic, explaining, “There was always a lot of respect between us, even when we were battling for championships. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of competition, but I always knew that Casey was special. He had something different—his feel for the bike, his ability to manage the race, it was just at a different level.”
Rossi further elaborated on how Stoner pushed him to become a better rider: “I’ve always said that the best rivalries bring out the best in you. Racing against Casey, I had to be at my absolute best. He didn’t make mistakes, and if you wanted to beat him, you had to find something extra. In that way, I think we pushed each other to be better.”
Their 2008 Laguna Seca duel remains one of the most iconic moments in MotoGP history. Rossi famously overtook Stoner in an audacious move at the infamous Corkscrew corner, a moment that has since become legendary in the sport. Despite the high stakes of that race, both riders have looked back on it with admiration for each other’s tenacity. Rossi admitted, “Laguna Seca was one of the greatest races of my career, not just because of the win, but because of who I was racing against. Casey was at his best that day, and to beat him in such a way was something special.”
Stoner’s retirement in 2012, at the age of 27, came as a shock to many in the MotoGP world, including Rossi. Stoner cited a lack of passion for the sport and frustration with the evolving direction of MotoGP as reasons for his early departure, leaving behind a legacy of two world championships and 38 Grand Prix wins. Rossi, who continued racing for nearly a decade after Stoner’s departure, recently reflected on the impact of Stoner’s retirement on the sport, saying, “I was really sad to see him go. Casey had so much more to give, and I always wondered what more we could have achieved if he had stayed longer. I think the sport missed him because there was no one quite like him.”
For Rossi, Stoner’s absence left a gap not only in terms of competition but also in terms of innovation. “Casey had a way of riding that made everyone else think differently about what was possible. He was always one step ahead, and without him, we lost that push to redefine what we could do on the bike.”
As MotoGP moves further away from the Rossi-Stoner era, both riders remain towering figures in the sport’s history. Rossi retired at the end of the 2021 season, completing one of the longest and most successful careers in motorsport. Stoner, though largely out of the public eye, continues to be remembered as one of the most naturally gifted riders to ever compete in MotoGP. Rossi acknowledges that Stoner’s legacy is one that will stand the test of time.
“Even today, you can see how much respect people have for Casey,” Rossi noted. “It’s not just about the championships or the race wins; it’s about the way he did it. His ability to take a bike that no one else could figure out and win with it, that’s something people will always remember.”
Rossi also hinted at how much he missed the challenge of competing against Stoner after his retirement: “I have always wanted to keep racing with him. You know, you miss those battles, the ones where you really have to dig deep to find a way to win. Casey was that guy for me. He made me better, and I’ll always appreciate that.”
Valentino Rossi’s tribute to Casey Stoner underscores the mutual admiration that exists between two of MotoGP’s greatest competitors. While their rivalry was filled with high-intensity moments and unforgettable races, it was also built on a foundation of respect and a shared desire to push the boundaries of what was possible on a motorcycle. As Rossi reflects on his illustrious career, it is clear that the battles with Stoner occupy a special place in his memories, not just for the victories, but for the challenge of racing against someone he views as truly one of a kind.
In Rossi’s own words: “There will never be another Casey Stoner. He was unique, and I’m lucky to have raced against him. He made me a better rider, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
