Stoner would welcome Biaggi return

But Stoner added that Gresini should only give Biaggi the ride if they were confident he could perform at the top level after two years away.

Fausto Gresini confirmed at Sepang that he had approached Biaggi after the Italian parted company with the Alstare Suzuki World Superbike team and hoped to continue negotiations with him in the next week.

"I've had a lot of respect for Max," Stoner said. "I watched him win many 250 world championships and also beat my hero, Mick Doohan, many times. I didn't like him for this when I was watching in Australia the GPs when I was very young.

"I never was able to race with Max, and for sure it would be a privilege."

After falling out with Honda at the end of 2005, Biaggi sat out the 2006 season before switching to Superbikes.

Stoner believes that returning to MotoGP after a two-year absence would be a test of Biaggi's commitment.

"Anybody can be fast, depending on their situation and their determination," he said.

"For sure it's difficult to come back from Superbikes to MotoGP, but we can all be proven wrong. Maybe it's been a very good two years for Max, and he comes back with a different mentality or a different situation."

And he said that he did not want to see the high-profile Italian get the Gresini deal at the expense of an up-and-coming rider unless he performed at his best.

"It depends if he performs or not," Stoner said. "If he is fast enough, then fair enough. But if he is not fast enough then maybe it's more fair to let somebody else have that opportunity."

Biaggi had a notoriously fierce rivalry with Valentino Rossi, and the Yamaha rider was guarded in his comments about Biaggi's possible comeback.

"It's okay, it's interesting," Rossi said.

"From 2005 MotoGP has changed a lot - the bike, the tyres and the electronics. For sure it would be difficult. Not the mentality, more the performance of the bike and the way to ride. But for sure Biaggi was fast when he was in MotoGP."

Nicky Hayden was Biaggi's teammate at Repsol Honda when the 36-year-old last raced in MotoGP. While Hayden hinted that Biaggi would not receive a universally warm welcome in the paddock, he admitted that his return could be good for the championship if it happened.

"I'll light the candle..." Hayden joked.

"Honestly, his speed's never been a problem. Like it or not, he would probably be good for the series. He's a hard guy to race against, which is good - I didn't come to MotoGP to go up against any softies.

"I'm sure a lot of people missed him... no, probably not too many people missed him... Bring him back, yeah. He does add a bit of life.

"For the racing, I'd say it wouldn't be a bad thing."