Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has announced he will retire from the sport at the end of the 2012 season. The 26-year-old Australian says he has lost the passion for MotoGP racing .
“After a long period of thought and numerous discussions with my wife and family, I have decided to stop competing at the end of the season,” Stoner said at a press conference ahead of this weekend’s French GP.
“After so many years taking part in this sport that I love, and with all the sacrifices that I have had to make, I no longer have the passion to continue and I think that it is best to stop.
“There are a lot of things that have disappointed me, and also a lot of things I have loved about this sport, but unfortunately the balance has gone in the wrong direction. And so, basically, we won’t be continuing any more.”
In February Stoner became a father for the first time when his wife Adriana gave birth to Alessandra; she was born on the same day as Valentino Rossi’s birthday.
Stoner started his MotoGP career in 2006 and his move to the factory Ducati team in 2007 paid immediate dividends when he won the world championship. He stayed four years at Ducati before switching to the Honda team last year. Stoner was dominant in 2011 winning 10 races, securing his second world title.
After winning two of the first three races so far in the 2012 season, Stoner leads the world championship by one point from 2010 champ Jorge Lorenzo.
On hearing the news MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi said, “It’s a huge surprise to me as it is for everyone else. It’s bad news for the world of MotoGP.
“At the end of the season, we are going to lose a great rider and a great rival, but it’s his decision.”
[Source: Fox Sports | Pic: caseystoner.com.au]
3 replies on “Casey Stoner to retire from MotoGP”
will be sad to see a brilliant rider leave GP but i got a feeling he do a Schui and be back in a couple… the lure of big money and sheer boredom will be the reason
I couldn’t believe the news when I heard it on the radio this morning. It is hugely surprising. He definitely is pulling the plug early, and despite his muscle cramps in his arms, he’s fairly fit for a bikey.
I wish him all the best, he has been a great ambassador for Aussie Motorcycle Racing in recent years, and he leaves a giant hole for us Aussies in the MotoGP class.
Reckon he might be back too. He has indicated he’s a bit unhappy with th category in general. Would be interesting to hear him expand on that point.
Either way he has worked hard to get where he is and from a young age. If he wants to retire then good luck to him and his family.