Stoner keen to boost Australian interest

A record three-day crowd of 115,058 watched the new champion's progress to a home victory at Phillip Island.

"I don't think I've ever felt anything like it - seeing how many people are here supporting the Australians and supporting MotoGP," said Stoner.

"It's very refreshing to see new motivation for people to come out and watch Grand Prix racing.

"It's been dying off a little bit in Australia and I'm glad myself, Chris (Vermeulen) and Anthony (West) have been able to pick up the image of motorcycle racing again in Australia. It's unbelievable to see how many people turned out."

When asked if he felt he ought to be creating a 'legacy' for future Australian riders and following in the footsteps of his compatriots 1987 champion Wayne Gardner and five-times champion Mick Doohan, Stoner replied that he was still coming to terms with the significance of his new status.

"Maybe when I get a bit older I can understand it a little bit, but I'm still in the prime of my racing career at the moment and I'm very concentrated on that now," he said.

But he added that he hoped his achievements could encourage a revival in the sport in Australia.

"I hope the image of motorcycle racing in Australia can build up, because it has dropped off in the bit in recent years," Stoner said.

"There doesn't seem to be as many kids riding anymore. There don't seem to be so many places to ride anymore because of all the housing development.

"So many dirt tracks that I used to race on have now got houses all over the top of them. I really think people should consider setting aside some areas for kids to go out and do things."

Stoner denied that the level of attention in Australia had put him under more pressure to succeed at Phillip Island.

"There was no expectation," he said. "During the season there was a lot more pressure and a lot more expectation.

"Now it doesn't really matter what happens between now and the end of the season because we've got the championship. It was definitely a lot more fun for me this weekend."