STONER SAYS ROSSI RIVALRY TAUGHT HIM TO PUT HIMSELF FIRST

Casey Stoner said his rivalry with Valentino Rossi taught him to stand up for himself on track and focus more firmly on his own race. The Australian described that lesson as an important step in his career, helping him become more confident without crossing the line into dirty riding.

Stoner arrived in MotoGP in 2006, then moved to Ducati the following season and won the 2007 world title. That championship was Ducati’s first riders’ crown and came in the team’s distinctive red colours. His battles with Rossi produced several memorable moments, including Rossi’s aggressive pass at Laguna Seca in 2008 and Stoner’s pointed remark at the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix.

Speaking on the Gypsy Tales podcast in 2022, Stoner reflected on what the rivalry had taught him: “I just needed to start being a little bit more selfish.” He explained that this meant “riding for me a little bit more,” rather than constantly worrying about how others might respond.

Rossi’s approach to racing and public life also offered lessons beyond the track, Stoner said. “That helped me step a long way forward, was learning from Valentino: how to deal with the media, and how to deal with riders on track.” Stoner noted that some riders were willing to make contact or try to push a rival aside. He felt it was important to show he would not be intimidated, while insisting that he did not need to ride dirty to succeed.

“I would never ever count myself as being a dirty rider,” he said. Learning to be more assertive, Stoner added, made him more confident in his abilities and helped him move forward for the rest of his career.