Casey Stoner is to remain as a Honda test rider for another year. Today, HRC officially announced that the former world champion will undertake two tests for the factory during 2015.
The first test will be at Sepang from 29th to 31st of January, four days before the official MotoGP test at the circuit.
No date has been set for the second test, HRC stating only that it will be towards the end of the year, when Stoner will presumably be providing feedback on the 2016 machine.
No doubt this agreement will once again revive speculation that Stoner could return to MotoGP, but there is zero chance of that actually happening.
The Australian has stated both in public and to HRC boss Shuhei Nakamoto that he does not want to race again, and has turned down an offer from HRC before.
His speed and the quality of the feedback he provides means he remains an extremely valuable asset to Honda’s test program.
The contents of the press release issued by Honda are shown below:
HRC renews relationship with Casey Stoner
Honda Racing Corporation have retained the services of two-time World Champion Casey Stoner through 2015.
The 2007 and 2011 MotoGP World Champion will test for two days in Sepang between the 29th and 31st January, prior to the first Official IRTA pre-season test.
A second test will take place towards the end of the year, but no date is confirmed at present.
Shuhei Nakamoto
HRC Executive Vice President
“First of all, Happy New Year! We are very happy to be able to start 2015 by announcing the continuation of our relationship with Casey and keep him in the Honda family. The feedback he gives HRC is invaluable and we are fortunate to have a test rider capable to push the RC213V to its limits”
Casey Stoner 27
Test Rider – MotoGP
“After having a long break from riding, it was refreshing to get back on a bike a few months ago! Now after a relaxing Christmas and New Year I’m happy to announce that I’ve been speaking to Nakamoto san and we have come to an agreement in continuing our relationship. I am currently preparing to ride in Sepang in a few weeks – which will be very different weather and humidity to Motegi – so I need to get myself fit!”
Source: HRC
This article was originally published on MotoMatters, and is republished here on Asphalt & Rubber with permission by the author.
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