I was not suggesting either would return, Because they won’t. I would not be surprised if Honda did not ask though. They are desperate. Casey’s last ride on a GP bike wasn’t that long ago and he was close to the top of the timesheets. He can still do it in short bursts if not race distance.
I have said this before, MM was a superb rider for Honda. Not convinced that he can develop a bike though, my suspicion is that the credit had to go to Pedrosa. Probably why they are happy to take Zarco, valuable feedback again instead of just bitching.
again, you take what I write and turn it into something different, superimposing your interpretation on top. The original post speculated if they had offered Dani and Casey money. That’s not the same as them accepting for whatever reason. dani has clearly shown himself to be competitive but he is happy at KTM and unlikely to go back to Honda Casey would also be competitive and had said many times he wouldn’t go back, but if you think people don’t change their minds when offered money then you don’t live in the same world as me. Maybe most famously, Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again. There was a time no one expected to see Casey back at Ducati but he did go back. Honda are in a bad way. There are two Experienced riders not riding. I would be surprised if there was at least not an internal discussion at Honda about them If not a phone call to them. here is Casey in 2020, wondering about a comeback https://m.gpone.com/en/2020/06/08/m...est-rider-because-the-young-gun-didnt-want-me
This is a bit of a complex pickle for the big H. Firstly, no current racer wants to ride a Honda right now as it’s guarantee that you won’t win for the foreseeable. And every rider out there has the belief that they can win the title if they get the right package. So when it comes to Zarco as an example. He has probably thought to himself that he’s on the best bike and has been for a while now but has not managed to get the elusive win. He’s not got lots of time left and has seen a lucrative deal that will mean he’s financially set up for life. Whilst winning is still his priority, he’s probably not just as hungry as a young dude and is thinking about the longish game for him where he could be seen as the man who helps turn Honda around (and maybe get a couple of wins in the process) on his way to retirement. All the young dudes are focussed on getting a European bike as they’re all trying to be the next MM and all believe they can be. As to Casey and DP, I’m sure someone in Honda will have mentioned DP, especially after his wildcard recently but I don’t think he would seriously entertain coming back as a full time racer and even if he did, DP is worth enough cash now where he doesn’t need to risk life and limb anymore. Whilst obviously fast enough, one race meeting isn’t a full season so I think he’ll sit back and smile but tell them no thanks. As for Casey, I don’t think he will have entered their thoughts, I think his physical condition never mind he outlook on life now rule him out entirely. Lectona wants to revitalise his MotoGP career and seem popular with the factory so he’s a pretty good shout. I reckon with him, Zarco, Taka and Mir, they’ve got a pretty respectable squad with a really good spread of age and talent. As an outsider, Digi might even be a possibility, it seems he’s coming good now - finally. I can’t see Honda looking elsewhere like WSBK but WTF do I know?!? Mart
I’m sure this had been posted before, it was released about a year ago and is bit of an eye opener in terms of Casey’s mental state during his racing career. The full podcast is something like 4 hours long and it’s well worth a listen. Certainly gives perspective on what was going through the lads mind before races.
Casey Stoner. What an absolute legend!! Listening to him makes me realise how utterly shite I am at riding a bike
It has been interesting watching the testing in Valencia to say the least. Morbidelli from Yamaha to Ducati, just circulating. MM, what did he do, 40-50 laps? and already in the top four. 2024 is going to be even more interesting. Binder, Martin and obviously Marc not shy at rubbing fairings!
If Marquez starts next season well and Bastianini continues his current form (post injury etc..) i wonder if theres a potential switch on the cards mid season.
