Ex-Stoner crew chief flattered by Lorenzo approach

Casey Stoner’s former crew chief Cristian Gabbarini says it was flattering to have been approached by double MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo about a technical role with the Spaniard in 2015.

Factory Yamaha rider Lorenzo was in contact with Gabbarini while it was unclear during last season whether he would continue his long relationship with Ramon Forcada.

Forcada has worked with Lorenzo since he first moved to MotoGP back in 2008 and was eventually confirmed on a new two-year deal with the 27-year-old.

But ahead of that extended agreement, Gabbarini was approached and the Italian, who steered Aussie Stoner to a world title with Ducati in 2007 and Repsol Honda in 2011, told MCN: “It was very interesting. But my first priority was to stay in HRC because they have trusted me and asked me to stay and have given me an unbelievable chance to learn many things and have an interesting job.  On the other hand it was very interesting to have this other option and I explained to Jorge and Yamaha the reasons for staying with Honda and they understood.”

Gabbarini will be Aussie star Jack Miller’s crew chief at LCR Honda in 2015.