Gardner: Stoner could be on way back

Former 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner says Casey Stoner’s upcoming tests with Honda could reignite the Australian’s passion to compete again in MotoGP.

Stoner, who retired from the sport last year at the age of 27 is currently racing in the Dunlop V8 Supercar Series, will complete four tests for the Honda Racing Corporation at the Motegi circuit in Japan in the coming months.

Speaking to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix ‘Keeping Track’ podcast, Gardner said the tests have the potential to lead Stoner to a MotoGP return.

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“If the tests go well and if the lap times are there, and if he’s developing the bike with Honda, I think they’ll probably say ‘why don’t you go and do a race or two?’,” Gardner said.

“In most cases for people who retire and then come back, it turns into a disaster – the difference is that Casey is obviously an exceptional talent (and) he’s still relatively young. He’s still got time, and I don’t doubt his ability. I think he can come back… I don’t think he’s lost it overnight.”

Gardner, who moved to four wheels from two when he raced in the Australian Touring Car Championship and V8 Supercars after his motorcycle career, conceded he was surprised Stoner would choose to test a MotoGP bike so soon into his retirement.

“I think Casey was excited to jump into a V8 initially, but I think the novelty has worn off and the results haven’t been there, so he’s looking for that adrenaline rush again,” he said.

“I didn’t expect he’d want to get back on the bike again, (but)… I think he did the V8s as a replacement for a MotoGP bike. I can say, and I’m well experienced in that area, it will never replace the excitement."

“When I drove touring cars… it never replaced the thrill of riding a Grand Prix bike. It’s very hard to find anything in the world to replace (that).”