MotoGP: Ex-Stoner crew chief Gabbarini to join Lorenzo

Casey Stoner’s former crew chief Christian Gabbarini has been confirmed as returning to Ducati for the 2017 season, as he finally joins forces with Jorge Lorenzo for his switch to the red bikes.

Gabbarini, who remained at Honda after the departure of Stoner and now works with another Aussie, Jack Miller, brings a wealth of experience with him, as well as considerable experience of working both with the Desmosedici and within Ducati Corse.

Lorenzo has been chasing the services of the Italian for a number of years, but Gabbarini told MCN at the start of the 2015 season that he was happy to remain a part of Honda.

“It was very interesting to be approached by Jorge. 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.”

The move will further cement the links being built between the reigning world champion and Ducati test rider Stoner, who looks set to play a key role in helping the Spaniard transition to the Ducati after a career at Yamaha.