With talk that Stoner might be recruited as a test rider for HRC left one person cold, as the Australian’s latest successor as a Honda champion responded to questions with something approaching disdain.

Marc Marquez cast aspersions on Stoner’s availability for work, when he was Honda’s tester in 2013, before switching to the same role with Ducati.

Stoner’s talent was not in any doubt, but to be successful in the role, he said, you have to be available whenever you are needed.

A factory test rider “needs to test many, many days during a season. And you need to be available when the factory wants you. From what I heard, this was not the case.

“We have a very good test rider that is Stefan Bradl. I would like to keep him.”

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG

Bradl, Valencia MotoGP 2018
Stoner, French MotoGP 2017