Ducati Blog

According to reports from the Italian media, Australian Casey Stoner is planning to switch teams from Ducati to Honda following the 2010 MotoGP season that’s currently taking place. If true, that will punch a gaping hole in the Italian manufacturer’s rider lineup for 2011, leaving American Nicky Hayden alone in the race paddock (assuming he will be back with Ducati).

The Australian is reported to have been lured away by Ducati MotoGP’s former manager, Livio Suppo, following months of speculation as to whether Stoner would stop with Ducati.

It’s believed Stoner fell out of favour with Ducati bosses over last year’s ‘mystery illness’ which arguably cost the Italian team the 2009 MotoGP title.

It’s also alleged the 2007 MotoGP World Champion also became disillusioned with the team after Ducati attempted to poach Jorge Lorenzo from Fiat Yamaha, offering the Spaniard almost double Stoner’s reported salary.

Reports also say Ducati have put a two-year deal on the table for Valentino Rossi. The multiple World Champion has until June to decide on whether he wants the offer.

Nothing official, we know but the original source is a trusted one.

Related posts:

1. Stoner would have been closer to Yamaha boys
2. Casey Stoner wins at Phillip Island
3. Casey Stoner fastest in wet warm up
4. Casey Stoner tops Free Practice 1 at Qatar
5. Stoner: Late-2008 form repeat will be enough to beat Rossi