At the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner delivered strong criticism of the new anti-highside stability control system being introduced in the championship. Stoner expressed his concerns following the first Free Practice session at the Red Bull Ring, joining notable frontrunners Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta, who voiced similar objections the day before.
Stoner’s outspoken response highlights a growing unease among riders regarding the impact of the electronic aid on rider skill and the sport’s direction.
Concerns Over Rider Skill and Over-Reliance on Technology
Stoner argued that the stability control system, which limits a rider’s ability to slide and modulate throttle, represents a dangerous shift that reduces the involvement of rider skill in favor of engineering intervention. He warned that MotoGP is following a path reminiscent of past mistakes made by Formula 1, where technology began to overshadow driver talent.
Right now, you know, we’re making champions out of engineers,
said Stoner, highlighting the shift away from rewarding riders’ abilities.
We’re not making champions out of riders. And we’re going into an era of all the mistakes that Formula 1 made.
The Australian further emphasized how previous attempts to control the bikes electronically have failed, yet MotoGP seems to be repeating those same errors.
We’ve had all these examples in the past of these things not working, yet we’re just following in all of the directions of every issue that Formula 1 has spent years getting rid of.
Riders Experience of the Stability Control System on Track
During the race weekend, riders reported perceiving the bikes as easier to handle but less responsive to their inputs, especially throttle control. Stoner described the experience this way:
This weekend, they’ve brought a whole other level of electronics. Speaking to the riders, you can literally go and twist the throttle. You’ve got nearly 300 horsepower and you can twist the throttle and nothing happens.
He criticized the reduced control over bike dynamics, revealing that even during his final testing days before retirement, he was restricted from using the clutch fully as it interfered with the system.
So there’s no more element of skill with every aspect. You literally just have to brake hard, get it into the corner, and then… all the guys are talking about how now they can just literally twist the throttle, press a button [that] drops it down. There’s just too much going on.
Stoner made clear his lack of interest in a sport where machines handle more of the riding challenge than the competitors themselves.
Safety Implications and Risks of the Stability Control System
Contrary to claims that the stability control feature enhances rider safety, Stoner disagreed, arguing it may create new hazards. He pointed out that reducing the risk at the bike’s rear causes riders to lose any feeling of danger, which leads to pushing the front end harder, increasing the risk of severe crashes.
I don’t see it as being safer. If you take all of the control out of the rear of the bike, you lose any fear of the bike. And then you just start to push harder and harder in one aspect, which is the front end.
He noted that front-end loss often results in dangerous re-entries onto the track, sometimes with catastrophic consequences, and that increased top speeds at the end of straights further narrow braking margins.
Also, your top speed at the end of the straight gets faster again. The margin for error in braking points is tiny, and then you have everybody absolutely on the limit in this area.
Impact Observed in Practice: Rider Errors Under Braking
The concerns voiced by Stoner appeared to resonate during the practice sessions following his statements. Although the event saw no high-side crashes, several riders ran wide while over-braking at the demanding Spielberg circuit. Enea Bastianini, competing for Red Bull KTM Tech 3, went off track multiple times, illustrating the challenge riders face managing the new dynamics.
The consistency under braking largely determined which top riders advanced directly to Q2 qualifying, underscoring the precision required when margins are so tight. The difficult balance between braking, grip, and bike control became more visible amid the electronic intervention.
Criticism of Planned 2027 Regulations on Aerodynamics and Bike Weight
Looking ahead, Stoner expressed skepticism about MotoGP’s plans for 2027, which include reducing aerodynamic devices, banning ride height adjusters, cutting engine capacity and lowering bike weight. He argued these changes would not sufficiently address safety or competitiveness.
The lighter bike will reduce top speed but will also shorten braking distances and diminish overtaking chances, according to Stoner. He warned that the ongoing presence of winglets could cause unstable airflow, increasing cornering difficulties on lighter machines.
You know, they’re still [going to have] winglets and they’re going to be carrying probably higher corner speeds as well. So that’s going to create turbulent air on a lighter bike. They’re still going to be having stability issues. They’re still going to be having tyre temperature issues.
Additionally, he highlighted the rising costs associated with aerodynamic development, which contradicts previous efforts to control expenses in the sport.
I just don’t know how nobody can see the problems. Each step they do in this direction is making it go in the wrong way.
Broader Implications for MotoGP and Its Future
Casey Stoner’s frank critique underscores a pivotal moment for MotoGP regarding its reliance on electronic aids and technological regulations. His warnings about diminishing rider agency and the unintended consequences on safety and racing quality suggest significant debate lies ahead.
As the championship moves forward, balancing technological innovation with preserving rider skill and competition will be crucial. The backlash against the anti-highside stability control system may prompt further reassessment of how electronics are implemented in the sport and spotlight the need to learn from mistakes made in other motorsport arenas like Formula 1.
