P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Casey Stoner mastered one of MotoGP’s toughest corners by playing a PlayStation
Lucio Cecchinello, the boss of Honda LCR, recalls a weekend at Laguna Seca where Casey Stoner exhibited flashes of brilliance. Despite his premature retirement from MotoGP at 27 due to illness, Stoner’s talent remains legendary with two world titles under his belt, making him one of the most gifted riders in the sport’s history. Stoner made his MotoGP debut in 2006 with LCR Honda, showcasing his raw talent, which Cecchinello regards highly, even comparing him to greats like Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi. Stoner’s ability to quickly adapt to any bike and circuit, interpret turns effectively, and push the limits effortlessly set him apart. An early display of Stoner’s exceptional skills was seen at Laguna Seca in 2006, where he learned the track’s intricate Corkscrew corner on PlayStation, defying conventional methods.
Despite Stoner’s unfortunate crash at Laguna Seca that year, his impressive performance caught Ducati’s attention, leading to his signing with the Italian team for the 2007 season. During his time with Ducati, Stoner dominated the championship, securing their first MotoGP world title and showcasing his unparalleled talents on the Desmosedici GP7. While Stoner’s career with Ducati continued for three more seasons, he was unable to replicate his earlier success.
