Casey Stoner “Marquez Wouldn’t Have Edged Out With Me In Spaniard Before Retirement” For A Fact That He…Read More

MotoGP legend Casey Stoner has sparked a lively debate in the motorcycle racing community with his recent assertion that Marc Marquez wouldn’t have had the upper hand if they had competed against each other before his retirement.

“Marquez is quite athletic, no doubt,” Stoner said in an exclusive interview. “But the fact is, I was competitive too. Who knows how it would have played out?”

Stoner, a two-time MotoGP world champion, retired from professional racing in 2012, two years before Marquez’s dominant era began. The Australian rider’s statement has ignited speculation about what could have been if the two champions had clashed on the track.

“I’ve always said I retired too early, and I still believe that,” Stoner reflected. “I was still riding at a high level, and I’m confident I could have given Marquez a run for his money.”

Stoner pointed to his past victories against other MotoGP greats as evidence of his ability to compete with Marquez. “Of course, I won against Lorenzo, Rossi, and even Dovizioso, and they all beat Marquez at some point, so I could have won too,” Stoner argued.

“That’s not to say Marquez isn’t an incredible rider, but I’ve beaten the best of my era, and I’m confident I could have adapted to his style.”

Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, is renowned for his exceptional skill and physicality. However, Stoner’s impressive résumé, including 45 MotoGP victories, suggests he would have been a formidable opponent.

“Casey was an incredible rider,” said MotoGP commentator and former rider, Steve Day. “His speed and consistency would have pushed Marquez to new heights. It’s a tantalizing prospect to imagine how their rivalry would have unfolded.”

While we can only speculate about the what-ifs, Stoner’s comments have rekindled interest in the era that bridged his retirement and Marquez’s ascension.

“Racing is about timing and circumstance,” Stoner concluded. “Perhaps I would have adapted and found ways to beat Marquez. We’ll never know, but it’s fun to imagine.”

Stoner’s assertion has sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits, leaving us to ponder the tantalizing prospect of what could have been if two of MotoGP’s greatest champions had gone head-to-head.