Casey Stoner Back for Phillip Island, but Only for the lap of HONOUR
Well, out hearts skipped a beat or two, as well, when we read the beginning of a similar title. However, we will not see Casey Stoner racing for real at Phillip Island on October 20: his presence is a more symbolic one, to honor the circuit owners who have recently named the third turn the "Stoner Corner".
Stoner will be joined by other two Australian racing legends: Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan, both sharing their names with two sectors of the Phillip Island track. All those who will ride on the Phillip Island asphalt will blaze along the Gardner Straight, then break for the righthander Doohan Corner, the very first turn of the track.
A local legend, Stoner has won the last six races in a row at Phillip Island, mercilessly clawing victories to impressive career statistics: 115 MotoGP races, 39 pole positions, 29 fastest laps and 69 podium finishes. Add in two Premiere Class world titles and you can start seeing how big Stoner is Down Under.
Casey Stoner also sits 4th in the all-time premiere class winners' list, with Rossi, Giacomo Agostini and Misk Doohan in front of him. Stoner, Gardner and Doohan will ride at Phillip Island on October 20, prior to the start in the 2013 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.