Miller, Bagnaia in favour of rider coach; ‘Stoner would be a nice present’

Ahead of lining up first and second for tomorrow’s Algarve MotoGP, Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller have both agreed that having Casey Stoner as a rider coach would be great.

The former two-time world champion - once with Ducati and once with Honda - has been a guest of Ducati’s this weekend, which has involved helping both its factory riders. 

Stoner has been spotting for both riders and providing feedback on where they can improve, but also what their rivals are doing. 

After qualifying the subject of having Stoner as a rider coach was put forward to both riders with Bagnaia saying: "It could be a nice present from Ducati to have Casey [Stoner] as a coach next year. 

"It’s a different point of view, he’s a legend and it’s different to have a coach. 

"In Ducati we didn’t have this and for me it helps a lot. Maybe next year we can have him. For me he helped a lot in the last corner."

Miller was asked the same question, with the caveat of maybe taking a pay cut to allow his compatriot to help as a coach. 

As expected the subject of taking said pay cut brought out a funny response from Miller, however, he did agree with Bagnaia that having a coach like Stoner is something the team should consider. 

Miller said: "The same like Pecco [Bagnaia], there’s not much money to be cut out of my salary to bloody pay for him [jokes Miller]. But no, it’s great having Casey for these last two Grand Prix’. 

"He has a family though and lives on the other side of the world, so the idea of that working out could be too hard logistically and what not. 

"But, I would be all for it, 100%. But like Pecco said, it’s really nice to work with spotters on track, of course, Casey’s not your normal spotter, let’s say that. 

"It’s Casey Stoner! He’s a legend and one of the best to ever do it. I think it’s something that’s missing from our program and we definitely need to look at adding it to the program."