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

Casey Stoner sure he'll race in Australian MotoGP despite injuries

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."

shares
comments

FIM unhappy over Misano MotoGP start mess that hampered Dani Pedrosa

Pedrosa's title blow: Karma or cruel luck?

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

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

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Oriol Puigdemont

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

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

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

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

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 one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne? Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023 How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Germán Garcia Casanova

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races