Casey Stoner will complete two tests aboard Honda’s MotoGP machines this year. Source: Supplied
CASEY Stoner has once again signed up to ride Honda’s factory MotoGP bikes, but don’t dare mention the dreaded c-word.
Comeback.
Honda’s factory squad has confirmed that Stoner will complete two tests aboard their MotoGP machines this year.
The two-time world champion has largely stayed out of the limelight since the end of his difficult year racing in V8 Supercars, bar for a test for Honda late last year.
Though that was simply a good will test, to fulfil a 2013 agreement that was scuppered by persistent rain, it appears it was enough to whet Stoner’s appetite for more.
“After having a long break from riding, it was refreshing to get back on a bike a few months ago,” Stoner said in a statement from the team.
“Now after a relaxing Christmas and New Year I’m happy to announce that I’ve been speaking to (HRC boss Shuhei) Nakamoto san and we have come to an agreement in continuing our relationship.”
Despite ahaving the prodigiously talented Marc Marquez on the books, Nakamoto has made no secret of his efforts to try and lure Stoner out of retirement, revealing that Stoner was pleased to find he was able to set competitive times at last year’s test despite almost a full year out of the saddle.
Nonetheless, while Stoner is quite content to be an ex-racer, having one of the fastest men in the world as a test rider is a major boon for the squad as it tries to maintain its spot at the top of the sport.
“We are very happy to be able to start 2015 by announcing the continuation of our relationship with Casey and keep him in the Honda family,” Nakamoto said.
“The feedback he gives HRC is invaluable and we are fortunate to have a test rider capable to push the RC213V to its limits”
Stoner’s first test will be at Sepang in Malaysia at the end of this month, a few days prior to the first all-in test of the year at the circuit.
“I am currently preparing to ride in Sepang in a few weeks — which will be very different weather and humidity to Motegi — so I need to get myself fit!” Stoner said.
HRC have yet to confirm the date of Stoner’s second test, only that it will take place towards the end of the year.
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