Casey Stoner sure he'll race in Australian MotoGP despite injuries
Casey Stoner is adamant he will be back in time for his home grand prix at Phillip Island, although he played down his chances of triumphing for a sixth consecutive time
The Australian hasn't raced since Brno after suffering ligament damage and fractures to his right ankle in a heavy qualifying crash at Indianapolis.
Speaking to Channel Seven, the reigning MotoGP world champion said there was no chance of him missing what will be his final home MotoGP race before he retires at the end of the season.
He has won the previous five editions of the race.
"I think it's going to be tough to make it six in a row, but we'll definitely be there, even if they have to duct-tape me to the bike," he said.
"I'll definitely be lining up for that one. I'm hoping to get back for a couple before that, but we'll see how things go and cross the fingers we can be back there.
"[The ligaments are healing] as well as they can be.
"We had a fantastic surgeon, he's done a great job with very small scars, so healing time's going to be minimal, but unfortunately with what I've done we've really got to keep some weight off it and try and let it heal before I get back on a bike."
His comments followed the revelation in his blog that he is planning to end his recuperation and return for the Japanese Grand Prix, the first of three back-to-back races which culminates in his home race a fortnight later.
"I had a check up with the doctor last Thursday and he was happy with my recovery but we will know more in a couple of weeks - no confirmed return date yet but I'm hoping for Japan," he wrote.
Stoner also indicated he could seek a switch into V8 Supercars following his retirement from MotoGP.
Asked whether he could move across to four wheels, he said: "I'm hoping to; it's been a long time dream of mine.
"Just recently I've shown more interest. It's been around since I've been 12 or 14 years old. I've had a huge passion for V8s.
"I have to be realistic whether I'll be quick enough or not to be competitive, but it's something I'd like to give a go, and I'll definitely be around the paddock."
Silverstone: Circuit of Wales is not viable
Silverstone: Circuit of Wales is not viable Silverstone: Circuit of Wales is not viable
Qatar MotoGP: Marquez beats Rossi in action-packed race
Qatar MotoGP: Marquez beats Rossi in action-packed race Qatar MotoGP: Marquez beats Rossi in action-packed race
Redding: I've got to 'do a Marquez'
Redding: I've got to 'do a Marquez' Redding: I've got to 'do a Marquez'
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race
The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race
Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns
Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns
How Aston Martin, Autosport and the BRDC find the next British F1 rising star
How Aston Martin, Autosport and the BRDC find the next British F1 rising star How Aston Martin, Autosport and the BRDC find the next British F1 rising star
Magazine: F1 Abu Dhabi GP analysis, BTCC season review
Magazine: F1 Abu Dhabi GP analysis, BTCC season review Magazine: F1 Abu Dhabi GP analysis, BTCC season review
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.