Two-time MotoGP champion ওCasey Stoner is back in the Grand Prix paddock this weekend for the first time since 2018 and held a specไial press conference in Portimao. 

The former Ducati and Honda🐓 rider - won titles with both manufacturers - the last of those in 2012 (Honda), remains the last Ducati rider to win a world championship, despite them getting close in recent years.&🐬nbsp;

Most of that came from three-time series runner-up Andrea Dovizioso who took the 2017 c▨hampionship do🔯wn to the final race before losing out to Marc Marquez. 

And while Francesco Bagnaia lost out on the chance to fight for the 2021 title two weeks ago at Misano, Stoner feels they are and have always b🍸een ‘on the brink’ of winning again.

"For a long time now they've been close to having, you know, the complete package and getting𒐪 the job done," said Stoner. 

"But unfortunately, you know, it's again, which Ducati rider is going to be fast on whic▨h weekend. We need to see a little bit more consistency and maybe a bike that is going to suit all the tracks. 

"We've always had that issue, all the manufacturers have good tracks and bad tracks. But yeah, certain styles ꦺand certain circuits that do seem to be a struggle. So they just need to create a little bit more consistency and a little bit, let's say, easier package at certain times. 

"But Ducati have always been🤡 o🅰n the brink. If everything sort of swings their way, yes, they can win a championship. 

"But when꧅ you've got Yamaha that's producing a great package year after year and I mean what a year Yamaha has had across a whole lot of different forms of motorsport this year. So they're constantly putting out a pack🔯age that is very, very difficult to beat."

Stoner, who shared his best years racing against Valentino Rossi, al♋so touched upon the two’ long-standing rivalry ahead of the Italian retiring at the conclusion of this season. 

"You know, me and 🧔Valentino have had some amazing battles, we had a fantastic rivalry. Some good points a💦nd bad points, some things went my way and other things really didn't," added Stoner. 

"But there was one thing that 𝄹was fantastic about racing Valentino, and it's that I got to learn from him, whether it was on track or off the track wi🧸th his media. 

"He was always very savvy, and very clever, very cunning. So I got to learn a heck of a lo🐻t. 

"And I think also, my achievement🔴s in my career were validated all the more having raced against him in his era."

Rossi repaid the complement by calling Stoner ‘an incredible talent’ in his media debrief follo𝐆wing day-one of the Algarve MotoGP. 

Rossi said this ab🌄out his former rival: "I enjoy the battle with Stonဣer very much. I can say that now. When I battled with Stoner it was very difficult because he had an incredible talent and he was very, very fast in all situations and conditions. 

"He was a very strong rival. We fought for the championship, sometimes he win, sometimes I won, but it ꦺwas a great battle. 

"Also because I raced with Yamahඣa and he raced with Ducati. And then also with different bikes, different teams, bꦺut I enjoyed it very much. 

"For sure I want to see Casey and I ju🌳st want to say ciao to him during this weekend for sure."