Former Moto GP World champion Casey Stoner has fuelled speculation that he may return to the sport by announcing he will test with his old team Honda at Motegi.
Stoner, who won world titles in motorcycling's most prestigious category in 2007 and 2011 shocked the sport in 2012 when he retired at the peak of his career aged just 27.
At the time, he said he was disillusioned with the sport and switched to V8 Supercars.
But he admits he has missed the thrill of two wheels and will now complete four Honda test sessions, joining the team in Japan on August 6 and 7.
WILD CARD RIDE?
It has increased speculation that he could make wild card race appearances this year with the Australian and Japanese Grands Prix seen as most likely, although Honda has denied this.
Stoner said: “There are times when I miss riding my RC213V so I am really happy that Honda has asked me to do some testing in Motegi this year.
“It will allow me to enjoy what I miss - which is riding a MotoGP bike.”
A spokesman for Honda Racing Corporation insisted that wild card appearances were not part of the plan.
Team principal Livio Suppo siad: “There have been rumours of a wild card race for Casey but this is out of the question.”
Crucially, Honda wants Stoner's assessment of the current RC213V, which is locked in a tense struggle with Yamaha for this year's world championship.
Suppo commented: “When you have a new bike it is good to have a test rider who can really push the limit before you give the bike to the factory riders.
“If you do something you do it properly which is why HRC have agreed with Casey to come and do a series of four test sessions in Japan.” - AFP