Jorge Lorenzo says Casey Stoner would win if he returned to MotoGP
Casey Stoner would still be a MotoGP winner if he ever made a comeback, reckons Jorge Lorenzo
Double world champion Stoner retired from MotoGP aged only 27 at the end of the 2012 season.
He has remained a test rider for Honda and will return to racing for the Suzuka 8 Hours next month.
Stoner reappeared in the MotoGP paddock to demonstrate a new Honda road bike at Barcelona last weekend, and Lorenzo is convinced his former title rival is still quick enough to be a frontrunner.
"For me Casey is a real natural talent," said Lorenzo.
"I never saw a better natural talent riding a bike. It was clearly a great show watching him ride a bike, especially in Phillip Island, and he has my respect.
"If he came back some day he would be there winning and fighting for the win.
"I understand his decision to retire because racing is sometimes very stressful for us.
"It depends on your personality or way of living. It's hard but it's his decision.
"If he came back I would receive him with open arms."
Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi - who also battled for several championships with Stoner - suspects too much time has now passed since the Australian stopped racing.
"But it would be interesting to understand his level of riding without a lot of races."
Dani Pedrosa, who was Stoner's Honda team-mate in 2011-12, thinks it unlikely he will ever return to the grid.
"I've been talking to him and he looks quite comfortable in his situation," said Pedrosa.
"Of course, to watch him ride and to be one of his rivals was a great pleasure. Big respect."
Stoner and Honda discussed the possibility of him returning to MotoGP to stand in for Pedrosa during his arm surgery absence earlier this year but the Japanese marque decided against it.
Previous article
MotoGP bike changes causing arm issues, suggest Marquez and Rossi
Next article
Honda rider Dani Pedrosa says arm surgery saved his MotoGP career
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How Ducati has developed MotoGP's most versatile bike
His third place at Misano made Enea Bastianini the fifth different Ducati-mounted rider to score a podium in 2021. Amid a season that has seen one rider amass the bulk of Yamaha and Honda's success, the Ducati's versatility makes for a potent weapon, but the contribution of a former leading light shouldn't be forgotten
The next steps in the rebuilding of a stalled MotoGP career
Maverick Vinales’ early debut with Aprilia has been one of the most interesting plots of the recent MotoGP rounds. The results may not look standout on paper, but a closer inspection reveals just how much progress Vinales has truly made in understanding a bike that has taken him well out of his “comfort zone”
How ‘El Diablo’ and ‘the Beast’ starred in MotoGP’s Misano contest
On a day each of the podium trio could claim to be the star of the show, the San Marino Grand Prix will be remembered as a pivotal race in both MotoGP’s present and future. While Fabio Quartararo demonstrated his world title credentials just behind Francesco Bagnaia’s flawless victory charge, a new threat emerged from the shadows
How Ducati’s Aragon MotoGP win harks to its past and its future
Duelling against Marc Marquez at the Aragon Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came out on top to secure a long overdue MotoGP victory. As Marquez likened Bagnaia to a Ducati title contender of old, it appears the Italian rider could finally start to fight for wins on a more regular basis
Why Dovizioso is more of a temporary fix than a Yamaha gamble
OPINION: The return of Andrea Dovizioso to the grid at Misano will be an interesting subplot to the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season. But the circumstances that have led to the former Ducati rider ending his sabbatical point to his signing being one more of convenience than a long-term commitment
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
OPINION: The 2021 British Grand Prix was a historic day for MotoGP. At the centre of it was Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia after securing its first podium in the modern MotoGP era. It was something of a full-circle moment that highlighted just how far MotoGP has come in the last decade
Why Silverstone should be regarded as MotoGP's rightful UK home
OPINION: Many of the UK’s MotoGP fans would prefer Donington Park to host the British GP beyond the expiry of Silverstone's current deal. But the circuit's fast, flowing circuit provides the best racing and should be regarded as its best bet for the foreseeable future
How MotoGP's record smasher is facing his toughest challenge
The 2020 MotoGP season was an utterly enthralling affair, but few would argue with you if thought it the world championship was a poorer place without its biggest star Marc Marquez. In an exclusive interview, he explains the challenges he's faced in his comeback from injury and what he makes of the current MotoGP landscape
