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Casey Stoner: How MotoGP has changed

In the first of a series of columns from MotoGP stars, two-time champion Casey Stoner - now a Ducati test rider - explains how the pinnacle of two-wheeled racing has changed since he retired at the end of 2012

It's fantastic being back with Ducati this year, adding to the great memories I have from working with the people and the brand between 2007 and 2010. Ducati has been such a big part of my career and life, including winning my first MotoGP championship, so it's a special feeling to be here at such an exciting time for everybody involved.

I have taken part in two tests so far this year and the biggest thing I noticed when I got on this Ducati for the first time is the sheer power, sheer grunt. First time out of the pits at Sepang, down towards Turn 4, I opened it up a little bit and it scared the hell out of me! I thought, 'gosh, I've spent too long away from bikes'. It was a bit of a shock to the system. I've still never really got used to how much grunt this thing's got. It's really impressive and it's really fun to ride.

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