The only rider who managed to embrace the world title on the Ducati bike, Casey Stoner will return to action on the track MotoGP. The two-time MotoGP world champion will be dropped in the first pre-season trials in Sepang 24 through 26 January.
Stoner tested with other Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. These trials are conducted by the IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) which may only be followed by test riders, not the main drivers.
Just two days later the brand-new motor will be handed over to Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo on the official test of the season on the same circuit.
The last time Stoner tested the Ducati MotoGP motorcycle occurred in Valencia September 2017. This year is the second season of the Australian rider tested the latest Ducati motorcycle at the beginning of the season.
Last year, the rider who also championed with the Honda motor is testing the GP17 motor which then brought Andrea Dovizioso won six series and compete for the MotoGP world champion title against Marc Marquez. '' This test is very important to prepare the best bike in the first pre-season test, '' wrote the official statement Ducati.
If Ducati lowered Stoner, Honda decided to call former KTM racer Stefan Bradl. The German driver's career slumped after failing to perform well with the Austrian manufacturer. Approaching the peak of his career as Moto2 champion in the 2011 season, Bradl became unemployed last season.