In a recent interview, Ducati’s top executive vented his frustrations about two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner, whose comments and ongoing involvement in the MotoGP scene have, according to Ducati, unsettled the team. The Ducati boss claimed that Stoner’s outspoken opinions are creating tension, disrupting the team’s delicate balance, and interfering with their focus, causing a decline in morale among the riders and staff alike.
Casey Stoner, who famously won a World Championship with Ducati in 2007, has remained an influential figure in the MotoGP paddock. His recent statements have been critical of Ducati’s strategies, particularly regarding the pressure placed on riders to adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of their race bikes. Stoner has also offered his views on the team’s performance and even individual riders’ progress. While his remarks have garnered attention and sparked debates among fans, they appear to have struck a nerve with Ducati’s leadership.
“We respect everything Casey achieved with Ducati; he was one of the greats, and he played a key role in our history. But there comes a point where his commentary starts to cross the line,” said the Ducati boss in the interview. “Right now, we need unity and confidence within the team. Having a former champion who’s not fully informed on our current strategies and equipment publicly critique our decisions disrupts our process and affects morale.”
The Ducati executive expressed that Stoner’s influence—particularly given his legendary status among MotoGP fans and the racing community—is powerful enough to sway opinions and even create doubt among current riders. “Imagine being a young rider and hearing Casey Stoner, someone you respect, making suggestions or criticisms about your team. It’s bound to have an impact. Casey may mean well, but he’s no longer in our paddock. The constant analysis from someone who isn’t working within our framework just isn’t helpful,” he added.
Sources close to the Ducati team have suggested that the riders themselves feel the weight of Stoner’s ongoing commentary. Many within Ducati’s ranks admire Stoner for his achievements and his technical understanding of race bikes. However, the concern is that his remarks unintentionally fuel an expectation that the current lineup should be meeting the exact standards he once set. This has led to added pressure that Ducati’s leadership feels is unnecessary.
Stoner’s latest remarks on Ducati’s approach to testing and bike adjustments reportedly sparked further tension. He criticized what he saw as a lack of “freedom and fluidity” in the way the team has riders adapt to bikes that he believes are often “over-engineered.” Stoner went as far as to say that some riders might find their potential stifled by a “one-size-fits-all” philosophy that ignores individual preferences.
Ducati’s boss, however, disagrees with Stoner’s assessment. “Casey’s era was different,” he explained. “MotoGP has changed, and our strategies have adapted to match the current competition. Each team must make decisions based on data, technology, and a commitment to safety and performance. We work hard to balance our riders’ preferences with the technical requirements of today’s racing. The last thing we need is someone stirring the pot when they’re not even involved in the team.”
Some fans and MotoGP analysts see Stoner’s comments as being rooted in his love for the sport and his attachment to Ducati. After all, his victory in 2007 remains one of Ducati’s most celebrated achievements, and Stoner’s insights reflect the uncompromising standards that defined his career. However, others believe his constant public analysis can indeed create disruption, as the Ducati boss has expressed. They argue that Stoner’s critiques might unintentionally undermine the team’s hard work and erode confidence in Ducati’s carefully planned strategies.
As the MotoGP season continues, Ducati is aiming to maintain focus, especially in light of Stoner’s recent comments. The team’s leadership has been clear that their priority remains the unity and strength of their current riders and staff. “Our focus is on this year, this team, and the races ahead of us. We’re putting all our energy into making sure we finish the season strong. That’s our mission,” the Ducati boss concluded firmly.
It remains to be seen whether Stoner will heed Ducati’s request to “mind his own business,” or if his critiques will persist, continuing to draw scrutiny and perhaps fueling tension within one of MotoGP’s most formidable teams.
