Former Ducati World Superbike team manager Davide Tardozzi has come out in support for
Casey Stoner by labelling him the best rider in
MotoGP over Valentino Rossi.
Tardozzi, who will be helming BMW's World Superbike effort in 2010 after the decision to leave Ducati at the end of last season, says he still harbours desires to take a managerial role in
MotoGP one day.
Indeed, Tardozzi was linked with a high-profile position in Ducati's
MotoGP team following Livio Suppo's decision to leave, but was attracted by BMW's promising package for the moment.
“Being truthful,
MotoGP remains something very close to me, so if I was to get the opportunity...,” he told
gpone.com. “The new regulations that will see a return to 1,000cc will make it the king of motorcycling classes once more.”
Even so, despite swapping his Ducati branded wear for BMW colours over the winter, Tardozzi still had kind things to say about his former employers, even suggesting that in Stoner they have the best rider in MotoGP.
“Ducati has the best rider in the championship,
Casey Stoner – and I say that with no fear of being misinterpreted. The new regulations that have significantly reduced the amount of testing will also favour him; he only needs one lap to be able to go quickly.”
Stoner, world champion in 2007, had his 2009 season spoiled by illness, but was still able to secure fourth position in the standings with four wins.