Qatar MotoGP: Casey Stoner promises more from Honda

Casey Stoner has warned his MotoGP rivals that he has not yet unearthed the full potential of the impressive new factory Honda RC212V machine after he continued his domination of the Qatar MotoGP this weekend.

The Repsol Honda rider clocked a best time of 1.55.035 in the third and final practice session to finish 0.158s clear of team-mate Dani Pedrosa on combined times.

The Aussie was able to shave over 1.7s off his best time from yesterday (Thursday) to continue his fantastic start to the 2011 MotoGP world championship campaign.

Only Spaniard Pedrosa was able to lap within half-a-second of Stoner, who is chasing a fourth win at the Losail International Circuit in five years on Sunday night.

And Stoner said: “There’s always a bit left but it is a matter of where the limit is. I haven’t really found the limit with the Honda, I haven’t even tucked the front once, so I have no idea where the limit is yet. At the moment I’m happy running the pace where I am and the way I am riding.”

During the night test earlier this week and in the opening three practice sessions, Stoner and Pedrosa have held a commanding advantage over the rest of the field.

Pedrosa was 0.547s faster than Italian team-mate Andrea Dovizioso in third place with only the top four riders able to duck under the 1.56 barrier.

Stoner though denied Sunday’s 22-lap race was going to a straight shootout between himself and Stoner.

The 2007 world champion added: “I’ve no idea, I’m only looking on my side of the garage. I’m really happy with the bike and the way it is working for me and there are 18 races and this is one.

“We know Dani is capable of being on the podium and this bike has worked well here in the past, so we will have to wait and see how the season pans out. But at this stage Dani and I seem be able to ride a little faster pace than everyone.”