Casey Stoner was a MotoGP World Champion with Ducati and also rode for LCR Honda and Repsol Honda during his career. Moving to the premier class with Yamaha was a possibility that never materialized, but it served as motivation for him.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Australian confirmed there were conversations with the Iwata-based manufacturer, but they didn’t show real interest: ‘Yes. They closed twice! In 2005, before 2006, it was assumed I was going to the satellite team and then the factory team the following year. Then suddenly, everything went silent. Obviously, they were using me as a scapegoat so someone else would sign for less’.
Yamaha approached Stoner once again in the same way in 2006, after his debut with LCR Honda, but Ducati was his choice for 2007 and he was the champion. The former rider admitted that the failed move to Yamaha was a source of motivation: ‘To be honest, Yamaha gave me motivation. All I wanted to do at the beginning of the year was get a few podiums. Make them regret a bit for not choosing me’.