Stoner's out (temporary) [Archive]

The Phantom

10th August 2009, 15:34

Bad news indeed.

If it's only one race then the title is theoretically not out of reach, but he's got it all to do.

If more than one race - who will Ducati put on his bike? The list of available riders out there is fairly limited. The rider would not be expected to go out and win races, they just need to be in the race for Ducati to meet its Dorna obligations.

Bayliss won't do it. Gibernau is an obvious choice as he has recent form with the Duc.

Barros? McCoy?

Steve Martin? He's ridden everyone elses bikes...

Corny

10th August 2009, 16:11

Stoner will be out for 3 races, Phantom

Kallio will take his place in the factory team. For Brno, Fabrizio will take the Kallio seat. Not sure if that's going to be full season long

I am evil Homer

10th August 2009, 16:56

Big Kallio fan here so glad he's got the nod for the factory ride...even in less than ideal circumstances

Wim_Impreza

10th August 2009, 17:15

The criticasters that said Stoner has nothing serious, must change their opinion now. I hope his problems will be over when he comes back. The title fight is over now, Rossi will be again champion with all his experience.

Again the title fight in WSBK will be much more interesting than in MotoGP. I really don't understand why Fabrizio drives the Pramac Ducati, he has a chance on the WSBK title and my opinion is that he must only focus on WSBK. Good luck to Kallio.

Roby44

10th August 2009, 22:28

Why Fabrizio??? Why not Gibbers or (My pick) Bayliss!!

Shouldn't Fabrizio be thinking about WSBK races???

MrJan

10th August 2009, 23:13

Why Fabrizio??? Why not Gibbers or (My pick) Bayliss!!

Shouldn't Fabrizio be thinking about WSBK races???

Gibernau did nothing worthy on the satellite bike and it's better to look at new riders than keep flogging the old ones.

patnicholls

10th August 2009, 23:33

Gutted for Casey - although in the circumstances it does make more sense to rest up and try and find out what's wrong than continue to ride when clearly not well.

I think the choice of replacements is the right one (although let's hope Fabrizio's not in the seat for too long, he's not completely out of WSB contention in what has to regarded as his breakthrough year). Again, agreed with the sentiments on younger riders rather than Bayliss, Barros and Gibernaus of this world who are now enjoying retirement (Sete's being somewhat abrupt, but still looking like being true nonetheless).

gco0307

11th August 2009, 06:00

Why Fabrizio??? Why not Gibbers or (My pick) Bayliss!!

Shouldn't Fabrizio be thinking about WSBK races???

For me, Fabrizio is a good choice and this allows them to test his suitability for possible future MGP efforts (ie. a full season), but one has to hope that it does not dent his WSBK season.

As for not Gibbers, well yto me it is a given as he has showed little of any desire or abilty he is known to have in his brief return this year, basically he did nothing to earn it.

As for Bayliss well my bet is they called and he said no. Bayliss is true to his word and having retired he has nothing to gain by returning and is well down the path of his non-motorcycling career.

Kallio an excellent choice as well.

Garry

leopard

11th August 2009, 08:04

It would be more understandable that riders are suffering which caused by accident at the track. Despite illness is something can happen to every human, such illness are related each other that may prompt to different illness. It might not be easy to identify which one the main cause of the problem so that the closest approach of remedial can be taken right in place, but usually condition of person mentally may influence either of speedy recovery or otherwise being worsened.

He must understand that pressures are always around, he can't avoid it but better to create mindset so that it has immunity that pressures are something can happen naturally. He must believe self healing power. We don't hope such illness keep going that force him to be out of some upcoming races, get back on right form, the battle is not yet finished.

There might be some names of replacement riders, a shame that Ruben Xaus is no longer with Ducati, I see him capable of performing at second team of Ducati couple years ago, should be able to show some challenge better at the factory team. Kallio, or Fabrizio perhaps among the choice. I'd prefer give Kallio a try.

ozrevhead

11th August 2009, 12:07

If its a mystery virus and they dont know what it it, how do they know its going to take three races?

Something doesnt add up :(

Roby44

11th August 2009, 12:41

If its a mystery virus and they dont know what it it, how do they know its going to take three races?

Something doesnt add up :(

This Doctor is supposed to be very good. So perhaps he can predict how long it will take!! :rolleyes:

I read somewhere on the net that Stoner was actually thinking of leaving racing altogether and this is time out from Ducati to rethink his plans!! I can't find where I saw that again now either!! :dozey: Maybe I dreamt it!! I do that at times!! Blonde moments!! :eek:

Corny

11th August 2009, 12:42

If its a mystery virus and they dont know what it it, how do they know its going to take three races?

Something doesnt add up :(
Yes, it's quit weird to me too.. There have been training session where he rode like a race distance (in Assen, Barcelona for example) and there was nothing that you could see on him.

But sure he will not miss those 3 rounds for his pleasure, that's for sure

ozrevhead

11th August 2009, 13:07

This Doctor is supposed to be very good. So perhaps he can predict how long it will take!! :rolleyes:

I read somewhere on the net that Stoner was actually thinking of leaving racing altogether and this is time out from Ducati to rethink his plans!! I can't find where I saw that again now either!! :dozey: Maybe I dreamt it!! I do that at times!! Blonde moments!! :eek:
Oh he looked like he was about to collaps after some races this year so there is no doubt he is not well

gco0307

12th August 2009, 04:25

If its a mystery virus and they dont know what it it, how do they know its going to take three races?

Something doesnt add up :(

The three races is then followed by an effective 1 month break caused by the Hungarian GP being cancelled due to the track not being ready.

He now does not return (if indeed he does) until the Portugese GP on the weekend of 4th October so he will effectively have had a 2 and half month break since the Britich GP on 26th July.

It would seem that the three month break guarantees a lengthy break and that is no doubt what is required.

This Doctor is supposed to be very good. So perhaps he can predict how long it will take!! :rolleyes:

I read somewhere on the net that Stoner was actually thinking of leaving racing altogether and this is time out from Ducati to rethink his plans!! I can't find where I saw that again now either!! :dozey: Maybe I dreamt it!! I do that at times!! Blonde moments!! :eek:

You did not dream it as it was a comment that has been made by a few people in various forums (ie. poster thoughts, not linked to any articles etc)

Gaz

Roby44

12th August 2009, 23:26

http://www.bikesportnews.com/articles/article.html?id=MOTOGP_BRNO_HAS_STONER_SPLIT_WITH_ DUCATI_1&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=rss

Corny

13th August 2009, 09:50

Mmmm, who do they want to ride it then? I think he's the only one in the field to get so much out of that bike

TheFamousEccles

13th August 2009, 10:39

Interesting stuff, Roby44. That's the first I've read anything like that - lets hope (for Ducati at least) that it is in fact scuttlebutt. They would be up sh*t creek otherwise, no one else can ride the thing.

Roby44

13th August 2009, 11:10

TheFamousEccles

13th August 2009, 14:04

Troy Bayliss could....

Yes he could. Maybe he could be persuaded? Who knows - if you were a retired Troy Bayliss, might you be tempted? ;) I know I would.

leopard

14th August 2009, 07:58

No, 44 is too old .. :)

leopard

14th August 2009, 08:29

Bayliss won on the last race two years ago, he is only 39. Sorry my short memory :)

jim mcglinchey

14th August 2009, 10:17

..and it was on a big old 990, not one of these PCs on wheels.

ozrevhead

14th August 2009, 13:11

There is absolutly no reason why they would need to lie if indeed ducati and casey have split (and it wouldnt work anyway as we would find out sooner or later) and I cant think of a reason why they want to either. Casey provides them with the only success in recent times and Duc given Casey the bike to keep winning races and chapionships.....one would be crazy to let the other go.

Not everything is a conspiricy you know

As we say in oz.... I call b***s***

Roby44

15th August 2009, 06:37

No, 44 is too old .. :)

Crikey I'm an antique then!! :D

NinjaMaster

16th August 2009, 10:37

Troy Bayliss could....

...finish mid-pack.

I'm really hoping that this 3 race hiatus for Stoner is purely a rest period for him to overcome his illness. I am concerned though, that there is more to it, particularly talk of him quitting. He's been racing for a long time not, even though he's young, and many sportspeople who have been competing since they were young often suffer burnout. It's hard to know what effect this illness and medical advice would have on his psyche.
Hopefully for his sake he can get back to full fitness and for our sake, back to championship battling form.

ozrevhead

16th August 2009, 14:53

...finish mid-pack.

I'm really hoping that this 3 race hiatus for Stoner is purely a rest period for him to overcome his illness. I am concerned though, that there is more to it, particularly talk of him quitting. He's been racing for a long time not, even though he's young, and many sportspeople who have been competing since they were young often suffer burnout. It's hard to know what effect this illness and medical advice would have on his psyche.
Hopefully for his sake he can get back to full fitness and for our sake, back to championship battling form.
we dont know - the burnout could be what exacerbate this illness - however like I said before i think its all talk myself as you can tell he wasnt well for months now. Hopefully the break is enough for his health to recover but I am not convinced - especally if one school of thought is that the illlness is indeed Chronic Fatigue or a form of it is true.

I am worried

The Phantom

16th August 2009, 16:19

Ninja, I had considered that point you make regarding burn-out - a good mate of mine ended up finishing our school HSC years (final high school years) as school captain, and it was just another feather in a hugely successful life he'd lead - at that time he was already a horse dressage & show-jumping champion here in Oz and had been setting records in that field for years by the time he left school. However, despite his obvious abilities, it was largely the pressure of his parents which had pushed him to these levels, and eventually it ended in a melt-down.

Worth noting that he came back from that with his drive to succeed intact, but now with a deeper understanding of himself and his motivation. Hopefully the 'more to the story' side of things that is alway present is not too serious for Casey to overcome, and we'll see him back taking that Duc by the scruff of its neck for a few years to come.

leopard

16th August 2009, 20:21

Crikey I'm an antique then!! :D
yeah, antique is ancient... :)

Roby44

17th August 2009, 11:02

yeah, antique is ancient... :)

Yeah thats me then... Had a pet dinosaur as a child and all.... ;)

leopard

18th August 2009, 04:46

Yeah thats me then... Had a pet dinosaur as a child and all.... ;)

No wonder if you have it all, ancient is expensive :)

Jarman

20th August 2009, 12:43

The Pramact Team has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will drive the Kallio's Ducati in the next two races.

Corny

20th August 2009, 13:58

The Pramact Team has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will drive the Kallio's Ducati in the next two races.
Which sure is the best choice I've heard of! :rolleyes:

Allyc85

20th August 2009, 15:47

The Pramact Team has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will drive the Kallio's Ducati in the next two races.

He must have a very generous sponsor...

AndyRAC

20th August 2009, 22:44

The Pramact Team has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will drive the Kallio's Ducati in the next two races.

Oh dear me, what a surprise. After all, he's Spanish - and there are 3 Spanish races in the series.

Why don't Dorna have done with it and rename MotoGP Spanish GP - that's all it seems to be run for.

Roby44

21st August 2009, 00:15

Ducati offer Jorge Lorenzo £13m bumper pay deal
from MCN
Ducati has made Jorge Lorenzo a lucrative multi-million pound offer to quit Yamaha. Desperate to sign a top rider while the future of Casey Stoner remains the subject of intense speculation, Marlboro has offered the 22-year-old a bumper £13m two-year deal.
MCN understands Lorenzo had further talks with Phillip Morris executives in Brno on Sunday night, though the Spaniard insists his first choice is to remain in Yamaha’s factory squad.
Marlboro is ready to bankroll a swoop for Lorenzo with the tobacco giant anxious to capture a big name should Stoner’s health issues drag on. Stoner is undertaking a period of complete rest to try and regain fitness for a planned return to action at the Estoril round in Portugal in early October.
Lorenzo said: “Ducati is an option. The important is to have a bike that can win the championship. It seems the Yamaha is the best right now,”
A decision from Lorenzo is imminent, with his manager Marcos Hircht revealing a decision could be made as early as tomorrow (Wednesday), and an announcement would likely be made in Indianapolis

leopard

21st August 2009, 03:34

Thanks for that Roby44

Lorenzo has to take it into worthy consideration. There were numerous riders who failed to manage the Duck. I get a feeling that he is above average of those failed on Ducati. He has opportunity for the title on Yamaha, but considering super talented rider Rossi is already there with more experience riding the bike, Lorenzo opportunity remains opportunity. At least on Ducati he is offered more handsome amount, something at the current team he is fussing around.

Mach24

21st August 2009, 06:15

The Pramact Team has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will drive the Kallio's Ducati in the next two races.

And Dorna wonder why the audience is dropping off. Gimme a break, with all the talent around and they choose this rich (Spanish) kid.

I spit in your general direction, Pramac!

NinjaMaster

21st August 2009, 06:27

I don't understand the scorn upon Pramac for this decision. It's a fill in role for 2 races (or longer if Stoner doesn't return). They wanted Pasini but he didn't want to do it. One of the rounds clashes with WSB so no Fabrizio available. The top 250 riders are unavailable so they were left with whatever free agents are around and Aleix has been testing Moto2 bikes and was considered the best available. He hasn't been signed to a 2 year deal, it's 2 races. Plus, it could give some small gauge of how a Moto2 rider can adapt to a MotoGP bike.

Roby44

21st August 2009, 09:19

What about My Roby!!! He rode a Ducati before!!

Fabrizio was an odd choice though wasn't he?? Why bring in someone with an injury let alone someone who is one of the front runners in Supers???

Me thinks it was a ploy for Fabrizio to take out a few riders and there by level the playing field for Stoners return!! ;) But that could be just me and my imagination running riot once again!! :)

The Phantom

22nd August 2009, 13:39

Perhaps Fabrizio was offered the ride as reward for his excellent efforts in WSB, also he already has MotoGP experience which helps a lot. And I don't think he was injured when he was drafted in?

This could be Ducati's Annus Horribilis... I just hope Stoner is back to flying form for Phillip Island - Hayden gets around PI pretty good too.

patnicholls

22nd August 2009, 20:31

As a fan of Michel (and someone with him on my Fantasy League team) I didn't really see the benefit in putting him on the Pramac bike cos only bad could come of it and compromise his WSB efforts where he's still an outside shot for the title, and in any case having a career-best year whatever happens so he needs to give his best to the WSB rounds.

Troy B has retired (from bikes - I see he's lining up for some Aussie V8 Supercars which'll be interesting) and he is fourty years of age, yet alone that he's not raced an 800cc bike before at all so he was never likely to do it.

When you're talking about short-term stand-ins, you never take anyone who has major commitments elsewhere in case it ruins those, and stand-ins tend to not do a great deal on the whole anyway because they've not had the whole season to go at things. So Aleix Espargaro makes sense to me actually (otherwise, it'd have been Angel Rodriguez etc probably).

Rod Richardson

22nd August 2009, 22:45

Have a think about it...............

*Ducati has obviously given up on its quest for the Manufacturer's title in MotoGP.
*The Hungarian round was canceled.

So what better way to keep Fabrizio in race trim for his shot at the WSBK crown than to give him a ride in MotoGP pending the remainder of the WSBK season.

I also suspect that if this was Ducati's reason for Fabrizio's temporary transplant, it is highly likely that the bike he has been riding is close to a WSBK spec bike and that Ducati would be using these races to improve the bike's performance.

NinjaMaster

29th August 2009, 04:47

Casey has finally spoken out about why the 3 race break and that he will be back. Here's some excepts of what he had to say from Autosport:

"I haven't lost my love for bikes and racing," he told Motosprint this week. "And neither for Ducati. My plan is to return to racing as soon as I get my energy back.

"The objective is still to race in Portugal."

"At one point I started having a bad feeling: I felt vulnerable, and I found myself in the position of someone doing something he hates. It's like finding yourself doing a job you can't stand, but that you have to do anyway.

"It was a really bad feeling for me, to realise that while I was riding my bike, while I was racing and fighting against my rivals, I was really pushing to the maximum, I was giving it my all, but there was nothing I could do to avoid those results I don't like. They are not up to my usual level of performance.

"This [break] was the only possibility I could see. I convinced myself that I had to detach myself, for a short time but completely, from what I was doing: I had to disconnect from racing.

"The most frustrating thing is being unable to ride my bike perfectly. It's bad for me, for the team, for Ducati. This situation is difficult for everyone.

"I can make shift and manage injuries, but I can't manage something I don't know."

Really happy to hear that he's not thinking about quitting. Hopefully the rest and an altered fitness regime will see him return to health and his best. The series needs it.

Roby44

7th September 2009, 21:31

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/09/08/82571_ntnews.html

Bike ace Stoner kicks back in Top End

ABDUL KERI

September 8th, 2009

FORMER world motorbike racing champion Casey Stoner has retreated to the Territory to try to get over the mystery illness threatening his career.

He is staying at a Darwin caravan park and was seen playing computer games on his iphone before the shops opened at Casuarina Square.

Stoner, who is believed to be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, has dropped out of the MotoGP circuit.

World champion Valentino Rossi said that the absence of his arch rival was making the racing less competitive.

Stoner, 23, and his cousin Mark Ranger drove 4000km from their home town of Tamworth in New South Wales to the Top End.

The 2007 world champion has been fishing from the Nightcliff jetty and foreshore - and at Corroboree Billabong.

Stoner didn't catch a barra - but cheekily posed with a smallish fish caught by another angler.

"I feel I'm getting better up here, and my appetite has really come back," he said.

"We caught lots of fish, saw huge crocs and amazing birdlife - it was just like I expected Top End barra fishing to be."

Stoner has pulled out of three grands prix this year due to his illness. But he said he would return to action on his Ducati GP9 at the Grand Prix of Portugal in October.

Before pulling out of the circuit, he competed at the Catalunya Grand Prix in Spain in May.

But there were already signs that he was getting sick - he vomited into his helmet.

"Doctors believe that during the Barcelona race I was suffering from a virus and that I pushed my body too hard, leading to problems that have caused fatigue since then," he said.