Casey Stoner was a MotoGP world champion with Ducati and in his career, he was also a rider for LCR Honda and Repsol Honda. Moving to the premier class with Yamaha was once a possibility on the table… but it did not materialize, ultimately serving as motivation for him.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Australian confirmed that there were approaches from the Iwata manufacturer… but they did not show real interest: ‘Yes. They closed twice! In 2005, before 2006, it was assumed I would go to the satellite team and then to the factory team the following year. Then, suddenly, everything went silent. It’s obvious they were using me as a scapegoat so someone else would sign for less‘.
Yamaha approached Stoner again in 2006, after his debut with LCR Honda, but Ducati was the choice for 2007 and he became champion. The former rider confided that the failed move to Yamaha was a source of motivation: ‘To be honest, Yamaha gave me motivation. All I wanted to do at the beginning of the year was to get some podiums. Make them regret a bit for not choosing me‘.
