Casey Stoner to make MotoGP testing return for Honda

Casey Stoner will make a surprise return to MotoGP after HRC confirmed to MCN in Australia today that the double world champion will test a factory RC213V in Japan later this month.

Stoner will complete a two-day test at Twin Ring Motegi on October 29 and 30 in what will be his first ride on a MotoGP prototype for a year.

The Australian did some testing for HRC in 2013 after he stunned the paddock the previous year by announcing that he would retire from racing aged just 27.

Stoner had a spell racing a V8 Supercar in Australia last year before deciding to take a year out of motorsport while weighing up what to do in the future.

But he will be back in action on October 29 testing an RC213V on Bridgestone tyres before switching to Michelin rubber the following day to give his impressions of new development tyres that the French brand could use when it becomes MotoGP’s official tyre supplier in 2016.

HRC boss Livio Suppo confirmed Stoner would be testing again in Japan later this month but he told MCN there were have been no discussions about the 2007 and 2012 world champion continuing with more testing into next year.