Scotty, you are way late to the debate and what you bring to it will just get you flamed. Stoner needs fans that are prepared to debate rationally in his favour not rant. Ranting is saved for the Rossi-boppers.
I however agree with you that Stoner is purely a racer. He is not a showman or a great communicator. It is his ability to race a motorcycle that draws his fans and his lack of ability as a showman and a communicator that attracts his detractors. Most of us have come to accept this.
Lesson number 1... Listen to your mates Scotty! Spot on TP, but as shown: Lesson number 2... Go back and read Lesson number 1!
Tell Scotty not to get started with numbers please.
Who else with talent has won on the 800cc Duke (Capirossi won in 07 - who else)?
To answer the question though, I bet Ducati would rather have one person who can ride a bike to consistent victories than have two riders capable of fourth place finishes at best (thus far at least).
Gaz
Come on Gaz, you know you could lose that One Rider in a second! And then what do you have as a Manufacturer?
That first point aplies in Racing, but what about Sales? A fast Bike that everyone can ride also means lost more Sales because everybody can ride it (or though it would seem). A one man Rocket (not easy to hit that Jackpot often because other Manufactures will also catch up) means a lot of Sales get lost, take Capirossi and Melandri, and even though Ducati is Italian, they lost possible sales. I am sure Yamaha has sold many more bikes than they would have if only Rossi could have been winning in it since 2004. I know Yamaha may be doing crappy but that depends on Worldwide Economy and many more factors, still you cannot denny Lorenzo (and Even Edwards and Spies with no wins) have help sell M1s.
If that was the case then why de he attract so much hate in 2007 when he won 10 races and only just fell short of the highest points total in a season. I would say that was pretty consistent. Also he is still equal highest race winner in the 800cc era. Jeez I sound like V but on the other side!!! Either way Mick there are probably lots of reasons why different riders are liked and disliked. I like Stoner's lack of theatrical showmanship as much as I despise Lorenzo's display of it but that's just me. Each to there own.
I have been invoqued!!!
I'll step in with 'number' talk TP, cool... In 2007 (or by 2007) Stoner did not fall short in the Highest Total Points in Season, he tied up Rossi's 2005 with 367, only difference being 17 (2005) against 18 (2007) races per Season respectively, in average Points per Races is where Stoner felt short. Now this sounds like me!!! Sorry mate, I am down with Rossi's broken leg news.
Also I am sorry Rossi's numbers are stop in such a sad way
. Anyhow .... happens, the risk had always been there since the first GP in Malasia in 1996 with 229 Starts (169 x MotoGP/500cc, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc) without missing a single race! Come on back 46, we are still waiting for that 105!
