As Red Bull-backed reigning MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner, prepares for his second season in Repsol and Honda colours onboard the 1000cc RC213V, we catch up for a chat about expectations - both on and off the track...
After the long winter wait to get back on the bike, you weren’t able to ride on the opening training day in Sepang…
Unfortunately I had a problem with my back and we missed that opening day. We had our schedule planned out for the three days, but we were able to pack it all into two in the end. I was a little bit disappointed but then I felt really good when I was able to get back riding and experience the feeling of being on track again. Everything went pretty well and I hope we can improve.
Does the riding style required change much with the switch from 800cc bikes to 1000cc bikes?
No, we haven’t changed much in terms of riding style. With the 800cc, we already had an abundance of power so we had to learn to manage that in many ways. I think the 1000cc has a lot more acceleration - which makes things more fun - but I don’t have to change my style too much for that. The feeling is very similar as with the 800cc bikes and it seems as if everyone is adapting well.
Have you made any changes in your winter training with the new bike in mind?
No, because I think that the physical demands will be very similar. It will be a little more difficult, but we were already training with the aim of being as fit as possible for any bike. It wasn’t specific training for the 800cc before. In my opinion, I can’t improve my fitness much more before the start of the season.
'They say you slow down when you get married, but in my first year of marriage I won the title.'
Do you notice the 4kg difference between the bike used at Sepang and the one used at Valencia?
Yes, and it is rather frustrating. We already had the bike developed and then they decided to change the regulations, so we had to add 4kg to the weight of our bike. This is a disadvantage for us, because the bike was already developed with a specific weight in mind and now we have to add more. This affects the bike. It isn’t something you notice much in general riding but unfortunately you do feel it quite a bit mid-corner. We have to try to adapt a little more and overcome this, but it is disappointing that the decision was made so late on.
With these more powerful, heavier bikes, you still have the same fuel capacity permitted. Do you follow the collaboration between Honda engineers and Repsol to provide Dani Pedrosa and yourself with the best fuel posible?
Of course, when you have more power there is a critical aspect involved: Obtaining the same performance with less fuel consumption. We have the same fuel tank capacity as with the 800cc bikes, only with a lot more power available, so it is going to be difficult to ensure we can finish each race. That is why it is crucial that Honda and Repsol work together to find the best solution.
There's an old rider saying that you lose a tenth of a second per lap when you become a father. Do you agree with that?
They also say you slow down when you get married, but in my first year of marriage I won the title. When I found out we were having a baby I won it a second time. I don’t think that's the case.
If one of your children were to say to you in the future 'Dad I want to be a rider!', how would you respond?
We would definitely teach them from a young age, but the decision to be a rider or not will be completely down to them.
Copyright: Repsol Honda
Want More?
- Repsol Honda team page
- Casey Stoner profile at motogp.com
- Dani Pedrosa interview
- Stoner Fast Out Of The Traps In Sepang
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