SENNA AGIUS PRAISES CASEY STONER’S WORDS AS “GOLD”

Australian Moto2 rider Senna Agius has named Casey Stoner as the figure who has most shaped him, not only for the Australian’s extraordinary ability on a MotoGP bike, but also for the way he carries himself within the sport. Speaking exclusively to SPEEDWEEK.com, Agius said: “Yes, Casey is my role model. Especially because of his personality.”

Agius pointed to the distinctive manner in which Stoner approached the MotoGP paddock and the circus around it. When asked about Stoner’s decision to step away from MotoGP, Agius emphasized respect for the choice itself. “Some people say he was a special character. Whether it was right to retire for the reasons he did, that is his decision alone. I really respect his attitude,” he said.

The admiration is rooted in Stoner’s achievements, particularly his first championship. Stoner won two MotoGP titles before ending his career at the age of 27 in late 2012. Agius highlighted the 2007 season when Stoner moved to Ducati and immediately became world champion. “I have a lot of respect for how he switched to Ducati back then. He led a project to the world title that, in theory, shouldn’t have been competitive—and it wasn’t for the other side of the garage either. Still, he became world champion,” Agius said. For him, that outcome demonstrated both mental strength and exceptional riding. “That shows incredible mental strength and extraordinary riding ability. Casey is a big reference for me and my biggest idol.”

Agius also explained that he has met Stoner in person. While his connection has grown over time, he noted that he was already aware of Stoner before his closer work with Chaz Davies became more central. “I met Casey and even knew him a little before I worked more closely with Chaz,” Agius said. Since then, he has naturally gotten to know him better, though he stopped short of describing it as a close friendship. “If Casey comes to Europe and we see each other at the track, we talk a bit,” he added.

The rider recalled spending more time with Stoner in Australia, specifically at Phillip Island during the event held before the Grand Prix. “Especially at Phillip Island at the event before the Grand Prix, we spent a few hours together,” Agius revealed.

What Agius values most from Stoner is not just what the former champion says, but how he says it. Agius described Stoner as someone who watches everything carefully but does not constantly offer opinions. “He observes everything very closely. He’s not someone who is constantly saying what he thinks. But if he says something, then it’s gold,” Agius said. He added that Stoner’s comments, recommendations, and tips carry significant weight. “His comments, recommendations and tips are incredibly valuable.”

Agius believes the key is that Stoner chooses the right moments to speak. “I get the feeling Casey is someone who observes everything, but he selects very carefully when to say something. And that’s why every piece of feedback from him is something special,” he said.

From idol to occasional advisor, Stoner has become a source of targeted guidance for Agius—someone he listens to closely whenever the opportunity arises.