Casey Stoner returns to Honda Racing, but as a test rider

All  rumours and speculations pointing towards a wildcard entry of two time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner to MotoGP for Honda Racing Team has been put to an end by HRC itself.

It has been now clarified that former Honda Racing Team rider Casey Stoner will be getting back on the Honda MotoGP machine RC213V for the first time since Valencia 2012, but as a test rider. Stoner would be doing four tests in Twin Ring Motegi (Tochigi, Japan) in the next few months with HRC’s R&D team and would be working on the development of the Honda RC213V MotoGP bike. Also he would be involved in Honda’s new production racer bike that Honda would be selling to selective teams in MotoGP next year onwards.

Speaking on the occasion the two time world champion said “It’s been almost seven months now since Valencia and I’m still happy and comfortable with the decision I made to stop motorcycle racing, even if sometimes I miss riding my RCV. That’s why I am happy with HRC’s offer to do some tests in Motegi this year! This will allow me to enjoy what I miss: riding a MotoGP bike! I can’t wait to get on the RCV to see how it has changed from last year and I’d like to thank Honda for this opportunity.”

Adding further to Stoner’s comments Executive Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation- Shuhei Nakamoto said “We are very pleased to have Casey back in the team! He knows this machine very well and I’m sure he can help our engineers and technicians with the development of the RC213V. We will also ask him to test the new production racer and give us his initial feedback to assist us in producing the best machine possible.”

Now this is not the happiest of news as we were all excited speculating Stoner’s return to MotoGP. But nonetheless it’s good to see Stoner back to where he belongs- on a racing bike. You simply can’t keep these chaps out of the sport, can you?