Casey Stoner targets title challenge in 2010

Free from the mystery illness that wrecked his 2009 MotoGP world title bid, Casey Stoner is determined to mount a stronger challenge for premier class glory next season.

Stoner’s title challenge last season was ended by a chronic fatigue issue, which forced him to take a three-race sabbatical at a crucial phase of the season.

But he returned for the last four races in dazzling form and only once missed the podium after a shock blunder on the warm-up lap of the final race in Valencia in early November.

The 2007 world champion is now hopeful he can sustain a title threat in 2010 and the 24-year-old told MCN: “I can’t be sure I can compete for the championship but I’m going to try.

“And now we know we have taken one problem out of the equation. In the period I had my biggest problems our bike was very strong and I had a lot of opportunities but my physical condition prevented us from taking advantage of this.

“But next year now we concentrate on all the other things and hopefully challenge for the championship again.”