Ducati has confirmed test rider and brand ambassador Casey Stoner will end his association with the Italian MotoGP team at the end of this year.
Stoner won Ducati's only world title to date in a dominant 2007 season, and returned to the marque in 2016 to begin a role as test rider and brand ambassador, having previously done so for HRC from '13.
However, Stoner has not ridden the Desmosedici since January, and signs of an exit appeared likely when he told Italian media Ducati was not listening to his feedback.
“I want to thank Ducati for the great memories and especially the support and enthusiasm of the Ducati fans for our shared passion for racing and motorcycling, I’ll always remember this,“ said Stoner.
“Over the past three years I have really enjoyed doing my job with the test team, the engineers and technicians, as we worked towards improving the Desmosedici GP package and I sincerely want to wish the team all the very best for their future endeavours.”
Ducati boss Claudio Domenicalli added: “Casey is and will always remain in the hearts of Ducatisti and it is also on their behalf that we wish to thank him for the important collaboration he has offered us over the last three years.“
“His technical indications and suggestions, together with the work and the feedback of the factory riders and Michele Pirro, have helped to make the Desmosedici GP one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and his advice for the development of our production bikes has been just as precious and useful.
“Ducati and its many fans wish to offer their sincere thanks and their best wishes to Casey and his family for a serene and happy future.”
Ducati has secured second in the manufacturers' standings this year, while Andrea Dovizioso once again took his Desmosedici to runner-up spot in the riders' table.
Next year will see Dovizioso joined by current factory-backed Pramac rider Danilo Petrucci, as Jorge Lorenzo departs for Honda after two years with the Italian manufacturer.
