Moto GP: Casey Stoner to retire at the end of this season

[Taff]

Casey will hang his boots up at the end of this season.

Quote from a recent post race media interview:
"This sport has changed a lot and it has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it," he said. "I don't have the passion for it and so at this time it's better if I retire." He added: "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. After a long time thinking, a lot of time talking with my family and my wife, this has been coming for a couple of years now, but... I will be not racing in the 2013 Championship."

Stoner recently brushed off rumours that he was contemplating retirement, claiming that "everyone seems quite good at making up stories".

Great rider who was not afraid in making his feelings known.

[ugocon]

Since the very beginning I said that the only true Valentino's heir was him.
Even when he fell a lot...
He had a new style and showed an unmatched skill.
I was right.
But that year of suspension from the races was a sign that something had broken in him.
I don't know the reason: could be ethic, religious, psychologic or other.
Anyway he has been (I already use the past... one of the gratest pilots ever.
Better than the eternal promise Pedrosa or the kiddish Lorenzo.
Since Valentino is on the Sunset Boulevard  , I fear that Lorenzo will take his place: the best pilot left probably but not the historical champion!
My opinion...

[VirginiaJim]

I miss Valentino being up in front.  I don't know what's happened to him.  As far as retirement goes, I think both Hayden and Edwards should do something else.  They're not going anywhere and haven't for some years in this league.  I'm having more fun with SBK now a days but I miss Haga there.  The last race set in Donnington was amazing to say the least.

[McJunkie]

Rossi is on a bike that just won't handle. Has plenty of power but they can't get it down coming out of the turns. Hayden is in the same predicament. When Hayden was at Honda they were tailoring the bike to Pedrosa's 5'1", 110 pound frame. They thought he was the next big thing. Until Ducati can get it's handling issues solved, Neither Rossi nor Hayden are going to be winning. Even Stoner had a hard time with that bike the last year he raced with them. Seemed to be on the ground more often than not. All or nothing. Sorry to see him go, but he has to do what he feels is right.

[Taff]

Since the very beginning I said that the only true Valentino's heir was him.
Even when he fell a lot...
He had a new style and showed an unmatched skill.
I was right.
But that year of suspension from the races was a sign that something had broken in him.
I don't know the reason: could be ethic, religious, psychologic or other.
Anyway he has been (I already use the past... one of the gratest pilots ever.
Better than the eternal promise Pedrosa or the kiddish Lorenzo.
Since Valentino is on the Sunset Boulevard  , I fear that Lorenzo will take his place: the best pilot left probably but not the historical champion!
My opinion...

+1

[Taff]

I miss Valentino being up in front.  I don't know what's happened to him.  As far as retirement goes, I think both Hayden and Edwards should do something else.  They're not going anywhere and haven't for some years in this league.  I'm having more fun with SBK now a days but I miss Haga there.  The last race set in Donnington was amazing to say the least.

I watched Hayden at Leguna Seca in 2006 and of course Edwards. Nicky was more than capable of retaining his world champion crown at Honda if he was given the support. Presently he and Edwards are not able to close the gap at the top (so to speak) so yes, they should move on or retire whilst healthly.

[Taff]

Rossi is on a bike that just won't handle. Has plenty of power but they can't get it down coming out of the turns. Hayden is in the same predicament. When Hayden was at Honda they were tailoring the bike to Pedrosa's 5'1", 110 pound frame. They thought he was the next big thing. Until Ducati can get it's handling issues solved, Neither Rossi nor Hayden are going to be winning. Even Stoner had a hard time with that bike the last year he raced with them. Seemed to be on the ground more often than not. All or nothing. Sorry to see him go, but he has to do what he feels is right.

I think the concensus is the same for all of us but you make some excellent comments.