Honda open to Casey Stoner wild card deal in 2013
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:28 pm
18 February 2013
Honda has said it would give serious consideration to offering Casey Stoner the opportunity to step out of retirement and race in at least two MotoGP rounds in 2013.
There has been speculation that Stoner could ride a factory Honda RC213V machine in a bid to extend his phenomenal winning record on home soil at Phillip Island, while also taking part in the Japanese round at the Twin Ring Motegi later this season.
Stoner is undefeated in the Australian Grand Prix since 2007 and were he to confirm a wild card entry for the Phillip Island round on October 20, it would be a huge boost for race organisers who would be instantly assured of another bumper crowd.
HRC would also be keen on having Stoner wild card in its all-important home race at the Twin Ring Motegi a week later, which was the track were Stoner clinched his first MotoGP crown with Ducati back in 2007.
The rumours surrounding Stoner’s wild card appearances in MotoGP emanated in Australia, where the double MotoGP world champion is preparing for his debut in a Red Bull-backed Triple Eight Holden in the Dunlop V8 Supercar Series, which is a feeder series to the main V8 Supercar championship.
But while HRC has said no agreement is in place with Stoner at present, should he express serious interest in making selected appearances, the Japanese factory would attempt to honour any request.