Retired double MotoGP champion Casey Stoner could be set for a return to Ducati.
The Australian claimed the factory's only MotoGP title in 2007, moving to Honda in 2011 where he claimed a second crown before retiring at the end of 2012.
Stoner has since taken part in test riding duties for the Japanese factory, plus an entry in the Suzuka 8 Hours, where he was injured after the throttle jammed open. Significantly, Stoner offered to fill-in for injured former team-mate Dani Pedrosa earlier this year, but was turned down by HRC.
Rumours of Stoner's Ducati return began with a Speedweek report during the flyway races and have since intensified, prompting Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti to visit the media room in Valencia:
“As you know Casey has been a hero for Ducati, winning many GP races and the world title in 2007. Obviously he moved to Honda and has been working with them, but still he is in the heart of all the Ducati fans and has a good relationship with many Ducati people.
“So let's see what the future brings. We know the contract with Honda expires at the end of this year and obviously if there is a chance to do something together we would love to do it. That is the only thing I can say.”
It is not thought that Stoner would consider a return to MotoGP full time, but a wild-card alongside some testing duties could be possible...
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MotoGP News - MotoGP Valencia: Casey Stoner to test for Ducati?