English
Italiano
Stoner last appeared in the MotoGP paddock for a lap of honour at the 2022 Australian GP, and now fans have been able to enjoy the Australian's presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
"I'm happy to see all the people again after a few years - the former world champion, now 37, told Speedweek - I missed the people, but not the championship. Everyone knows what problems I have with the championship and what I like and don't like about it."
Does he still follow the races? "I'm currently renovating my house, so I don't have a TV. But when I have the opportunity, I watch a race every now and then."
Casey, and it would be strange otherwise, finds the current MotoGP disappointing.
"I would make some changes to the format. All the crap has to go – no winglets, no ride height device, no anti-wheelie control, traction control reduced to a minimum. Costs must come down and the rules must remain in place for ten years so that the defeated manufacturers can catch up. Nowadays there are no more wheelies on the bikes. The rider has little trouble controlling the bike. He just turns up the throttle on a 280 hp bike and nothing happens. That's frustrating. Every bike needs its strengths and weaknesses in order for the competition to be balanced. But at the moment, everyone is copying the best, which means that everyone is developing in the same direction. As much as I love racing, I'm disappointed by this development. We have more electronics than Formula 1. This has to stop."
"The controls should only be there as a safety net - continued the double world champion - when I was in MotoGP we had too much electronics and I didn't like it. I like simple things: short gears, finding traction with what you have. I like to find mechanical grip, find the pace, find the right balance. The only thing riders can do these days is brake later, risk more on the front and then there are big crashes. Let everyone make mistakes coming out of the corners. We don't want a championship with a single bike, we want differences".
When asked about the future and if he would like to be an active part in the championship again, perhaps in a super-consultant role, Stoner clarified his thoughts.
"I'm very wary of putting myself in a position where I can suddenly be used as a voice to be manipulated, to get me out of the way. I prefer to cause more problems by being on the outside with an outside perspective. But I could contribute something, because I'm not blocked. I'm on the outside seeing these big changes over the years. If the situation is right, with the right contract, and if I have enough power, then I'd love to make some changes."
