Asaka, Japan - Twice MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner will continue to test for Honda this year, starting in Malaysia at the end of the month.
Honda Racing Corporation executive vice-president Shuhei Nakamoto said on Wednesday: “We are happy to be able to continue our relationship with Casey and keep him in the Honda family.
“The feedback he gives HRC is invaluable and we are fortunate to have a test rider capable of pushing the RC213V to its limits.”
The 2007 and 2011 champion retired from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2012 season, saying he was no longer enjoying it.
However, he tested for Honda in 2013 and 2014, fuelling speculation the 29-year-old had not ruled out a comeback.
READY TO RIDE
The 2007 and 2011 MotoGP World Champion, now 29 years old, will test for two days in Sepang from 29-31 January, prior to the first Official IRTA pre-season test.
He will also take part in a second test towards the end of the year, but no date is confirmed at present.
“It was refreshing to get back on a bike a few months ago,” commented Stoner, “after having such a long break from riding! Now after a relaxing Christmas and New Year I’ve been speaking to Nakamoto-san; we’ve come to an agreement, and I’m getting ready 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!”
Reuters