Casey Stoner hails world champion Chaz Davies

Casey Stoner has spoken of his delight at seeing close pal Chaz Davies make a major career breakthrough by clinching the 2011 World Supersport crown earlier this month.

The Australian has remained good friends with Davies after the pair raced together in the British 125cc championship back in 2000.

Stoner was unable to watch Davies clinch the title on a Yamaha R6 at Magny Cours as he was flying home to Australia after finishing third in the Japanese Grand Prix at the Twin Ring Motegi.

But Stoner, who could clinch his second MotoGP crown on home soil at Phillip Island on Sunday, told MCN: “I never got a chance to see the race but I got the word immediately as soon as it came through when I got to Australia, so I’m very, very happy for him. Considering he hadn’t even had a pole position or a race win in a world championship before this year, to come through to win the championship like he has being finally on a good bike, it is great for me to see to be honest and I am very, very happy for him.”

Stoner has tried unsuccessfully to contact the Welshman since his maiden world title success and he added: “I’ve tried to call him a few times but every time his phone was busy, so he probably hasn’t been off the phone since he won the championship, but I’m very happy for him.”

Stoner will win his first MotoGP world title since 2007 on Sunday if he scores 10 or more points that factory Yamaha rival Jorge Lorenzo. It will be Honda’s first premier class world title since 2006 and first in the 800cc era.