Multiple Moto GP world champion Casey Stoner has just announced that the 2012 season will be his final year on the Moto GP international circuit.
The Australian rider’s seemingly sudden decision to conclude his immensely successful career in the Moto GP has shocked the motorcycling world, especially considering he was recently offered a lucrative contract with Honda to continue.
Adding to the confusion regarding his departure, Stoner is in peak form. The defending world champion is currently replicating the dominating performances which enabled him to claim two championship titles for both the Ducati and his current Repsol Honda teams.
Making the announcement in France, Stoner explained ‘I’m not enjoying the sport. I don’t have the passion for it’.
Rumours were rife in the racing world that Stoner would be retiring at seasons end. However, Stoner denied as recently as one month ago that he wanted to leave the sport.
Stoner currently has a slender one point lead over Jorge Lorenzo in the Moto GP title race. His strong season was particularly evident in the last round, where he dominated his fellow riders in the last round.
A third world title in the elite level of motorbike racing would be the ultimate result in his final year on the Moto GP circuit.
For Stoner fans, the good news is that he may not be lost to motor sport forever, with the growing possibility that he will join the ranks of the V8 Supercars.
Whether he makes the transition to V8 Supercars, he will be remembered as one of the elite riders in Moto GP history.
Bearfax
Guest
Does he remember where Australia is though?. He's been to Phillip Is a few times in recent years but is Melbourne part of Australia?
falcore
Roar Rookie
Rumours are he will end up in V8s,which is an understandable fit I guess, he's lived in Europe since he was a kid and presumable wants to jut come home for a bit, new family and all. That'd be quite an adjustment though, goin from the world of MotoGP to V8s, wretch...
nordster
Guest
good on him if its what he wants, he just had a kid so i guess he should only be taking the risks if he is 100pc into it.
Razza
Guest
Who gives a rats arse whether he announced his retirement now or it was released two months ago. He has decided enough is enough and thats that, he was heard to say on ABC grandstand that the rumour mill was running hot two months ago about him tossing it in and he denied it, now he has come out and said he is, as i said who gives a rats arse. He will go down as one of the greatest and that is all that counts, obviously of late there was no competition while he was racing, so someone else can have a go. Also he can walk away from the sport, not hobble away with serious injuries like other great champions and there is a rumour that he might take up V8 super car racing, sorry the speed is the same, but totally different to two wheel racing and i dont think he would be competitive, look at Wayne Gardener, up there, but not up there enough. Goodluck anyway Casey you done yourself and your Country proud.
Bearfax
Guest
Smart kid. Its a very dangerous sport and doesnt take much to be seriously maimed or worse. He's reached the top, made his fortune and is still young and fit enough to enjoy it. He wont be lacking in offers for work in much more comfortable and perhaps just as lucrative roles, perhaps even in the media. As long as he plays it sensible, he has made his name and can now enjoy the benefits. Good luck to him. He's obviously smart enough to realise when its best to call it a day.
NCB619
Guest
Dragging on..? He is the reigning champion, and has won 2 of this season's races, also finishing on the podium in the race he didn't win. Hardly call that dragging on with poor results. But this did come as a shock to me, despite hearing murmurs of the story over the past week or so. I've hot a feeling he will eventually have some sort of a comeback, but you never know. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
CoreyRosser
Roar Rookie
Good on him for admitting that he has lost the passion, rather than dragging on with poor results, just so he can fill his bank account some more. Would love to see him have a go at V8 Supercars!