MotoGP: Casey Stoner ‘unbelievable’ says Ducati crew chief

Casey Stoner’s Ducati crew chief Cristian Gabarrini has labelled the Aussie ‘unbelievable’ after he clinched his first MotoGP world title last month in Japan. 

Cristian Gabarrini formerly worked as an engine data technician in the LCR Aprilia squad Casey Stoner rode for in the early part of his MotoGP career and he reckons it was clear from the start of his MotoGP career Stoner was a one-off talent.

“I checked a lot of data from Casey and Lucio Cecchinello’s bikes and my first impression was this is a very good rider, he was unbelievable,” said Christian Gabarrini.

Gabbarini confessed to being shocked at the performance of Ducati’s Casey Stoner, who has won eight races to cruise to the world title with three rounds remaining.

“I didn’t expect the results. For me it is difficult to believe what has happened. I am the number one of fan of Casey.

“I loved the 125 experience I had with him but to try and imagine that he could make a season like this was almost impossible. We were quite sure that he could probably make some good races. But this season is a beautiful gift for Ducati,” added Cristian Gabarrini.

He reckons the first indication he had that Casey Stoner was world title material in 2007 came in a thrilling Catalunya MotoGP in June.

Stoner held off a fierce onslaught from Valentino Rossi to claim a narrow victory and Gabarrini said: “Barcelona was the revelation for me.

“In Barcelona the tyres were the same performance and the bike the same. Also Qatar was impressive. This was his first race with Ducati and he had Valentino behind him every lap and in this race Casey was unbelievable to survive the pressure without many any mistakes.

“Sure Ducati and Bridgestone make a very good package for Casey. Maybe in some occasion the best. But for me Casey makes the difference this year.”