Stoner returns to the track in Sepang
February 07, 2012 14:57:20 UK
After being absent on the first day of the pre-season testing, MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner expressed his excitement at returning to the track.
Casey Stoner ruled the roost in MotoGP last season.The opening MotoGP race of the 2012 season is scheduled to take place in Qatar on 8th April and the teams have already began their preparations to get themselves ready.
The current practice sessions are taking place in Sepang, Malaysia, where Stoner is also present, but he missed day one of practice. He returned to action on day two and it didn't take long for him to be excited about the new season.
"After the winter break and a long time off the bike, we were preparing in order to be ready for day one of testing," Stoner said.
"Unfortunately I had a problem with my back and we missed that opening day. We had our schedule planned out for the three days, but we were able to pack it all into two in the end.
"I was a little bit disappointed, but then I felt really good when I was able to get back riding and experience the feeling of being on track again. Everything went pretty well and I hope that we can improve."
I think that the 1000cc has a lot more acceleration but I don't have to change my style too much for that.
Casey Stoner
In the upcoming season, the riders will be using 1000cc bikes rather than the 800cc ones that were used last year and while some experts might be emphasizing a great deal on this change, Stoner seemed unfazed by it.
He added: "We haven't changed much in terms of riding style; with the 800cc we already had an abundance of power, so we had to learn to manage that in many ways.
"I think that the 1000cc has a lot more acceleration - which makes things more fun - but I don't have to change my style too much for that."
Stoner is 1.66 to retain his world title in 2012, with Jorge Lorenzo 2.20 and Dani Pedrosa 15.00.
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