Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner says he has changed his approach to helping riders, admitting he no longer plans to share his knowledge freely after feeling his efforts have gone largely unappreciated.
Although Stoner retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2012 season, the Australian has remained involved behind the scenes over the years. He has worked as a test rider and has regularly offered advice to current riders, most notably Francesco Bagnaia during the Italian's championship-winning years with Ducati.
However, Stoner believes his willingness to help has often been taken for granted.
Speaking during the Goodwood Festival of Speed after attending World Ducati Week, Stoner said Bagnaia's public appreciation meant a great deal because it was one of the few times he felt his contribution had been recognised.
Source: The Telegraph
"I miss it, but I've given too much of myself and many times I haven't gotten the responses I expected in return," Stoner said.
He explained that while he genuinely enjoyed helping riders improve, the lack of recognition has changed his perspective.
"It was a great honour for me to hear Pecco thanking me for this and I did it for no reason other than to help him. But I won't do anything else for nothing in the future. I won't give away my knowledge for nothing," he said.
Stoner also claimed that, on several occasions, people had sought his advice before moving on without acknowledging the role he had played.
"Unfortunately, I have done it too many times in the past, and they simply move on from you once they have your knowledge and make you disappear," he added.
The former Ducati and Honda champion has made only occasional appearances in the MotoGP paddock in recent years. He has also spent time recovering from back surgery earlier this year, which was carried out to relieve pain linked to injuries from a crash during his 125cc racing career.
While Stoner remains passionate about MotoGP and continues to be regarded as one of the sport's greatest riders, he made it clear that any future involvement will now come on different terms.
Rather than offering his experience without expectation, the Australian says he will be far more selective about how and when he shares the knowledge gained from a career that delivered two MotoGP world titles and 38 premier class victories.
