Honda line-up delay no concern for Casey Stoner

Casey Stoner insists he’s got no regrets about moving to Honda despite being caught up in a long-running political saga that has engulfed the Japanese factory.

Over three months since his HRC move was confirmed, the 24-year-old still has no idea whether he will be part of a three-rider factory squad with Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso.

He could end up partnering Pedrosa in the Repsol squad with Dovizioso moving to Gresini Honda on a factory machine.

Other rumours suggest the 2007 world champion could be operate in a one-man squad but in the same colours as Pedrosa and Dovizioso.

Honda has yet to finalise its 2011 strategy having failed to conclude negotiations with Repsol.

The Spanish fuel giant reportedly doesn’t want Livio Suppo to have a more hands-on role in the operation of the HRC factory team, with plans to change senior management being met with a frosty reception from Pedrosa, who has pleaded with Honda not to alter the way its squad is managed.

The three-rider factory line-up though appears to be back on with Hiroshi Aoyama linked to Gresini Honda following the collapse of his Interwetten Honda squad.
Stoner said:

“I’m in the factory team no matter what. I’m not really worried about it and I’m still 100 per cent behind my decision and looking forward to next year.

“There have been a lot of changes and a lot of rumours going around and people keep changing their minds and going back and forward.

“I have no idea what is going to happen yet and it doesn’t really matter to me.  My side of the garage is the one I have to worry about.”

Stoner said he was excited at the prospect of forming part of a three-man HRC attack on the last ever 800cc world title.

He added: “I heard the rumour of the three-man team but I don’t want to know anything until it is official. I think a three-bike team could be interesting. There were days with (Tady) Okada, (Alex) Criville and (Mick) Doohan and that was pretty cool.”