Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi training Luca Marini at their ranch and fuels expectations to Defeat Marc Marquez in 2025

Casey Stoner, two-time MotoGP world champion, made headlines again during his recent visit to Italy. After attending the EICMA Show in Milan, the Australian rider visited the iconic VR46 Motor Ranch, owned by Valentino Rossi, where he created memorable moments with his former rival and members of the VR46 Riders Academy. Among them was Luca Marini, who had nothing but praise for Stoner’s speed and technical insight.

Stoner’s visit generated enormous expectation, both for the reunion with Rossi and for the impact it had on the academy’s young talents. Luca Marini was one of those who was impressed, emphasizing his respect for the Australian, and as quoted by Motosan showed his admiration for the Australian by stating: ‘I have great respect for him; he’s a rider with incredible talent and speed, as well as a very intelligent mind’.

Despite being away from competition for over 12 years, Stoner surprised not only with his speed on track but also with the clarity of his technical analyses. According to Marini, the Australian offered a unique perspective on the current state of the sport and reflected on his era at the top of the discipline:

– I didn’t expect him to be so technically ‘prepared’ as well. It’s super interesting to talk with him about this MotoGP era, about the past; I think he has really brilliant ideas.

The Italian then admitted that he would like to see the former rider take a more active role in the MotoGP world championship: ‘We’ll see in the future if he has the energy to join us, maybe in a position within MotoGP’.