117 replies to this topic

[Spoone]

According to Soup, Stoner's done at the end of the year...
http://www.superbike...17bombshell.htm

TWB has it too..
http://www.twowheels...d-of-the-season

Edited by Spoone, 17 May 2012 - 03:29 PM.

[Sharp]

He seemed pretty sure in making that statement. I am curious as to what in particular he doesn't like as far as MotoGP and it's "changes"? I'm sure he misses his daughter and wife. Maybe Adriana doesn't want to play MotoGP anymore?

[Hugo]

All the sources have it now (MCN, Crash, MotoMatters, etc)

Holy hell indeed.

What a weird individual

Edited by Hugo, 17 May 2012 - 03:59 PM.

[Hugo]

So...... Rossi to Repsol Honda?

[Gary]

I think Honda was pretty clear on that one!

[Hugo]

Just wanted to be the first to make that ridiculous comment, so we could get it out of the way quickly

I know this probably deserves a new thread, but HRC are in an interesting situation now. Do they put a B rider there and focus on Dani for title hopes, or do they go for the big guns? If so, who would that be?!?

[redmike34]

Interesting timing of the announcement... just before the fourth race of an 18-race series? Wonder if he's just making it official so Honda has all kinds of lead time to secure his replacement?

Yeah Sharp, I've got to think that Adriana, having seen what happened to Simoncelli last year, had something to do with this. My girlfriend has told me unequivocally that me going back to Af-stan is grounds for her no longer being my girlfriend... thanks for the FB comment by the way.

[Gary]

Stoner said a couple of years ago that he was looking forward to the day that he took his socks from a drawer rather than a suitcase. I think fatherhood just moved that date a little sooner.

As far as who will replace him, beats the hell out of me. Marquez in 2014, but next season? No idea. I don't see Dovi being rehired. Bradl? Crutchlow? Maybe a seat filler until Marquez is ready.

[Dan]

agreed on all points there Mike.

Damo = suicide watch

[Winther]

Uh Damo will be doing seppuku now
Hmm not saying that I blame Stoner.....it is a downhill series....

[Graystroke]

Very weird......and unfortunate........THAT being said.....GOODBYE!!

Can't wait for Damo's response.

http://www.motogp.co...asey retirement

[Thornado]

It will be a seat filler, maybe Bradl? All of the resources from HRC next year will be on Marquez in the psuedo satellite time, in a similar setup to Rossi's first season. Look for the Catalunya Caixa 1 bike team.

[redmike34]

You know, I have to wonder if Dorna wouldn't try to muscle HRC into taking Valentino back.

We heard the Stoner will retire, then he won't, now he will thing. We've already done 2/3rds of that with Rossi. If the last act happens, and MotoGP loses both Rossi and Stoner in 2013... wow. Big change.

I have to think Stoner being gone would lessen Rossi's interest to some degree. He doesn't like Lorenzo, but I don't think he dislikes Lorenzo on anywhere near the scale that he dislikes Stoner.

[Graystroke]

Yeah Sharp, I've got to think that Adriana, having seen what happened to Simoncelli last year, had something to do with this. My girlfriend has told me unequivocally that me going back to Af-stan is grounds for her no longer being my girlfriend... thanks for the FB comment by the way.

Well Mike.......I don't put a "tour" of Afganistan on the same level as the MotoGP "tour". I can understand your g/f's point. As for Casey/Adrianna.......different story. Casey is a brilliant rider who doesn't like the "show".......and by THAT.....I mean the 'circus" that is Grand Prix racing. It's like biting the hand that feeds you. You can't have it both ways! Casey......don't forget to say "Thank you"!

[Graystroke]

Uh Damo will be doing seppuku now
Hmm not saying that I blame Stoner.....it is a downhill series....

Hey Max.......you have a Katana Damo can borrow?

As for a "downhill" series.........rats leaving a sinking ship?

[Dan]

We will never see Rossi on a Honda again. Let alone Repsol.

I give credit to Stoner, he's now got added motivation to win the championship on his way out, he is still well within his 20s, has a young family, money and an amazing life to look forward to. I respect any sports persons who can leave at the height of their career, and not be one of those old riders who should have given up a long time ago after they "lost it". I also have no doubt that Marco passing away and the timing of his newborn had a massive, massive part to play in his decision. And I'm also not surprised that he wants to raise a political point with regards to the series.

I wonder if he may be in Aussie V8s in a few years..

[Gary]

I don't think he will return to racing, but it's just an opinion. I think that he has had enough.

I hate to see it, but I agree with Dan. He has made his money and wants to go raise a family, out of the spotlight. Good for him!

[Jordan L.]

Same thing I was thinking, Dan. Stoner is by no means and old man (he's only a few years older than I), and I'm sure deep down he's still got a healthy desire for competition...if so, V8's would be a great avenue. He can fly to any race within a couple of hours...everybody speaks the same language...and could possibly leave Adriana at home!! LOL

When Casey tested Lowndes' car a few months back, he was quick and expressed a real desire to drive them. Whether that is a full-time gig or some one-off appearances, who knows.

But hey, if he wants to leave GP at the end of this year, more power to him. He's made his millions, he's got his wife and daughter...life's good, why not enjoy it?

[ninjasquaddie]

We will never see Rossi on a Honda again. Let alone Repsol.

Why would you be so sure? I wouldn't.

Casey's temperament has always been iffy.

He's either got massive mental strength in walking away, or he's mentally fragile and he's running.

[Gary]

The more I think about it, the more I think Honda may have laid down the law with a 2 year contract and this is Stoner's reply. Pure speculation, but I don't think winning a title and being ahead in the next would be a cause for mental weakness.