New Ducati boss determined to keep Casey Stoner

New factory Ducati boss Vittoriano Guareschi has told MCN one of his main priorities for 2010 is to ensure Casey Stoner remains with the Bologna factory beyond the forthcoming MotoGP season.

Stoner’s existing Ducati deal expires this season and the Australian will unquestionably be the subject of major interest from Honda and Yamaha with Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa all chasing new deals too.

The 24-year-old will be hot property given his brilliant record in the 800cc era. Not only did he guide Ducati to a stunning first world title with ten wins in 2007, but Stoner still has a better winning record in the 800cc than current world champion Valentino Rossi.

And Stoner is fundamental to the success of Ducati, with the Italian factory as yet unable to find a rider capable of emulating Stoner’s brilliant performances.

Former Ducati test rider Guareschi, who has formed a close professional relationship with Stoner, told MCN: “Obviously we want Casey to stay with us. I signed a three-year contract to do this job and I want Casey to stay for all of that time.

“It is really important that he does that for Ducati because right now I think he is the best rider.

“I think in terms of outright speed he is the number one. Now he has a lot of experience too and I think he can be winning in MotoGP for another ten years.”