Stoner Returns To Ducati

Just two weeks after rumours of Casey Stoner's return to Ducati as a test rider began circulating at the post-race Valencia pre-season test, Ducati today confirmed that he'll be returning to the team that bestowed unto him his first MotoGP world title.

Stoner's contract with HRC is to expire at the end of December after five years of service with the Japanese manufacturer. The Australian began his career with Honda machinery at the LCR team and won the second of his two MotoGP world championships with Honda in 2011, before ending his career with them in 2012. The double premier class title winner returned to HRC in 2013 as a test rider, joining their endurance racing project for the eight hours of Suzuka this year. Stoner was disappointed that Honda did not elect to run him in place of Dani Pedrosa for the opening races whilst the Spaniard recovered from arm pump surgery. This, supposedly, is what has led the Aussie back to Bologna.

Stoner stated, “It's been a great journey with HRC over the last five years, winning the World Championship in 2011 was obviously a high point and I've made many friends and formed lasting relationships along the way. For 2016 I am very excited to announce that I will again be joining the Ducati team! I have so many great memories working with the people and the brand of Ducati and the opportunity to work with them again is something very special. Gigi Dall'Igna has brought with him a new approach and I'm looking forward to assisting the team, Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone however I can. The Ducati brand the Ducati fans have been such a big part of my career and my life, so it will be really great to reunite the relationship and start another chapter with this iconic brand.”

It is still unknown as to whether Stoner will be making any wild card appearances or not, but he will be on track at certain points throughout the year at select test sessions.

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