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Stoner may partner Rossi
By Robert Grant
July 15, 2006

AUSTRALIAN rookie Casey Stoner could partner world motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi next season.

The Yamaha factory team is accelerating moves to sign the young MotoGP star in bid to have him race as teammate to Rossi in 2007.

And as Yamaha moves to try to snatch Stoner away from arch-rival Honda, it has been confirmed that Ducati has joined the race to sign the young gun Australian.

The three-way battle for Stoner has made him the hottest property in MotoGP following a stunning debut season aboard a Honda V5 including a second place (Turkey) and pole position (Qatar).

And Yamaha has already agreed to one of Stoner's main conditions - a place in the factory team riding equal equipment to superstar Rossi.

"If I was to go to Yamaha it would have to be in the factory garage alongside Valentino, on the same bikes," Stoner said.

"I'm in a satellite team now with Honda, why would I leave Honda just to go to another satellite team at Yamaha?"

Stoner, who is set to become a millionaire bike racer by the time he turns 21 in October, says that factory bikes, not money, is the main issue.

According to reports in Britain's high-profile weekly Motor Cycle News, Stoner could be earning at least $2 million in 2007 if he accepts the Yamaha offer, and even more from Ducati.

And as practice began for tomorrow's German Grand Prix Ducati team boss Livio Suppo said he has spoken with Stoner's father-manager, Colin, to confirm his interest.

"Casey is of interest to Ducati and I've spoken with his father to check his availability for next year," Suppo said.

"Casey is young and very talented."

But in the face of speedy mid-season moves by Yamaha and Ducati, Honda has not given up hope of retaining Stoner for 2007 and beyond.

"We want to keep Casey and are having discussions on that basis and I think we have a good chance," said Honda sporting director Chris Herring.

As part of that process Honda has supplied Stoner with a new chassis, updated to the same specification as used by Spanish star Dani Pedrosa, to race in Germany today.

"It is no secret we have had serious talks with both Yamaha and Honda about Casey's future," Colin Stoner said.

"Casey is riding a Honda now and they want to keep him but I expect to have other formal offers for Casey to consider after the USGP next week."

Despite rumours of a multimillion-dollar offer, it is thought Ducati's use of the less competitive Bridgestone tyres, compared to the Michelins on Yamaha and Honda, will work against the Italian bid.

Yep it does seem as though we're getting into silly season despite the fact there's still half of 2006 left!

Stoner is no doubt going to be in demand, but so are many other riders and with loads of contracts ending this year it looks as though there could be a real shake up for 2007.

It'll be very interesting to see how it all works out in a few months time.

there are big shake ups every year, and surprising moves by just about every team. who thought rossi would be on a yamaha...

If Stoner does go to Yamaha it will be a huge test for him as Rossi is fast on the Yamaha but edwards is struggling this season.
I do think Honda are quicker than Yamaha this season, It's just that Rossi brilliance is keeping him in the hunt.

Mammola said the other week in MCN about stoner binning it alot in his first season and compared him to Rossi's first season in the top flight, He stated that the only way you can learn where the limit is, is to go over that limit, I'm also thinking Troy Bayliss here and look at him in WSB this season.

For the viewing public it would be a dream, Hayden and Pedrosa V Rossi and Stoner - Interesting :D

For the viewing public it would be a dream, Hayden and Pedrosa V Rossi and Stoner - Interesting :D

that would be nice to see. you could watch a veteran and a rookie for both teams...it would give an interest point of view on teams and bikes.

I think this would be a great move for Casey. Let's face it, Honda isn't gonna ditch Hayden or Pedrosa to give Stoner factory wheels. However, Yamaha could and should show Edwards the door(all respect to Col but WSBK is where he belongs.) Another Bayliss v. Edwards battle for '07 is what I say :D

Either way, it's always interesting to see a rider's second season. It's when the pressure and expectations start to hit home imo. Maybe even more so with someone like Rossi in the same garage.

yes, hell have the pressure and expectations, but like you said, hed also be in the same garage as rossi. who would you want teaching you? couldnt get any better than the best. but then again, casey might just want to stay with honda, hoping in the long run that it would pay off somehow.

Don't Forget It's all change As it'll be 800's Next season Could Bollox it all up :?

My Guess is Honda with Their Financial clout will be back on top, but then again Yamaha have Rossi and there's no one better at bike development, also BMW could be a big surprise as they have only one thing to concentrate on and thats developing thier bike - STONER TO BMW ? Cause i Can't see Jeremy Mcwilliams doing the bike credit.