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Casey Stoner says MotoGP full of puppets and comeback unlikely

Casey Stoner says MotoGP riders have become 'puppets' and the atmosphere in the sport would have to change substantially for him to consider going back

In an interview with Australia's Sunday Telegraph newspaper to announce his move into V8 Supercars' Development Series for 2013, the double MotoGP world champion cited the long-term response to Marco Simoncelli's death as an example of his discomfort.

Stoner also acknowledged that animosity towards him in the paddock was a major factor in his shock decision to quit aged just 27.

"Injuries weren't any part of why or retired, or that I wanted to do new things," Stoner said. "Family wasn't a part of it either.

"I just fell out of love with the sport. We had a lack of respect from a lot of people around the sport and I didn't like the direction it was taking.

"We got spat at [by fans], they tried to knock us off scooters going from the motorhomes to the pits, everything like that.

"Unfortunately they didn't like my honesty in the paddock.

"That was part of it, but more it was the direction of the sport.

"We lost a rider a couple of years ago [Simoncelli] and within a month it was like it never happened.

"They want to see biff and barge and they don't realise our lives are on the line.

"We became puppets in that world and it had nothing to do with racing."

Although Stoner refused to completely rule out an eventual MotoGP comeback, he doubts the series will make the changes required to tempt him back.

"I had no intentions of going back to the sport," Stoner said.

"But if I see the sport changing dramatically, to the point that it is interesting, there is every chance.

"But the way I see it going, there is no chance."

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