Casey Stoner Calls Ducati Performance “Short Straws”
Casey Stoner has publicly accused Ducati of dismissing Francesco Bagnaia’s complaints, saying the Italian rider was left in a bad spot that ultimately led to the factory’s decision to let him go.
Stoner’s critique begins with the 2025 season, when Bagnaia – who had secured the 2024 riders’ title on the GP25 – saw his edge wane. He claimed the Desmosedici’s behaviour had fundamentally changed, stressing that the bike no longer behaved like its predecessor.
Although Bagnaia captured two wins and a handful of podiums in 2025, he finished six out of seven races, a sharp contrast to the record he set in 2024. The rider’s challenges persisted despite teammates Fabio di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez proving the GP25 could still win, with Marquez retaining the title five races early.
Stoner noted he could see “the bike was not the same” from the outside. “It behaved in ways it shouldn’t,” he said, underscoring how Bagnaia’s smooth riding style could’t mask the underlying problems.
Bagnaia Signs with Aprilia, Marks End of Ducati Era
Over the winter break, Ducati poached Pedro Acosta from KTM for 2027, freeing Bagnaia to join Aprilia. The move ends one of the most successful rider‑team partnerships in MotoGP, as Bagnaia, the factory’s first champions since Stoner’s 2007 win, delivered Ducati titles in 2022 and 2023.
Stoner expressed optimism that Aprilia’s environment could help Bagnaia return to his best with the GP26. “He was the one who gave Ducati their first championships since mine, back‑to‑back,” Stoner said, adding that Bagnaia “got the short straw” at Ducati.
Stoner also highlighted the potential for new motivation and a fresh “family” at Aprilia, believing the rider’s confidence will be rebuilt. He praised Bagnaia’s smoother style and his approach to racing, hopeful that the rider’s journey will resume its prior momentum.
Future Outlook for Ducati and the Italian Rider
While Ducati has found recent success with Marquez, Bagnaia’s legacy remains integral to the brand’s history. The alliance with Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia signals a new chapter, one that could determine whether Ducati’s legacy will revive or remain grounded in past achievements.
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