Casey Stoner credits Alberto Vergani for his early MotoGP career

Casey Stoner says Nolan’s former president played a key role in his rise to MotoGP.

Casey Stoner of Australia looks on in the Ducati Lenovo Team box during free practice for the MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 14, 2022, in Phillip Island, Australia. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Casey Stoner has credited Alberto Vergani as a crucial figure in the early stages of his racing career, acknowledging the former Nolan Helmets president’s financial support as instrumental in his rise to the World Championship.

Stoner, who moved from Australia to Europe at the turn of the century to chase his MotoGP dream, began racing on closed short circuits in the UK and Spain before making his World Championship debut in 2002. His journey through the ranks saw him compete in the 250cc class before stepping down to 125cc for two seasons, where he secured two race wins. He returned to 250cc in 2005 and later moved to MotoGP in 2006, setting the stage for his first world title in 2007.

During these formative years, Stoner says he relied heavily on the backing of Vergani, who helped fund his racing ambitions at a time when sponsorship was scarce.

The impact of Alberto Vergani’s sponsorship

Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport during his trip to Italy last November, where he visited Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Motor Ranch and attended the EICMA show in Milan, Stoner reflected on how Vergani’s belief in him shaped his career trajectory.

“In the beginning, it was an amazing step from Alberto Vergani with Nolan,” Stoner said. “He was able to sponsor me when no one else wanted to support me, and I think without his support, it would’ve been very difficult or almost impossible for me to arrive in the World Championship.”

Financial constraints nearly derailed Stoner’s aspirations, as his family struggled to cover the costs of competing at an international level.

“We didn’t have enough budget just to travel between the races, and so his support helped us to survive for the year,” Stoner explained. “This is what paved the way for me to slowly improve in my career.”

Stoner’s path to MotoGP glory

Stoner’s rapid progression through the racing ranks saw him secure a MotoGP debut with Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR Honda team in 2006. His performances that season caught the attention of Ducati, who signed him for the 2007 campaign. In his first year with the Italian manufacturer, Stoner stunned the paddock by securing his first world championship, dominating the season with ten victories.

Vergani’s early sponsorship was a small but vital part of Stoner’s journey, providing the support he needed to reach the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.

Now retired, Stoner remains one of MotoGP’s most celebrated champions, with two world titles and a legacy as one of the most naturally talented riders in the sport’s history. His story highlights the importance of early financial backing for young racers, a factor that continues to shape the future of the sport.