Two-time world champion Casey Stoner's possible return is continually making headlines, especially after he made a demo lap on Honda's RC213V-S road bike in Catalunya.
The Australian who cited political stress as one of his reasons, retired at the end of the 2012 season. He has been under the racing radar since then.
However, just after vocalizing his desire to stand-in for the injured Dani Pedrosa earlier this year, which wasn't permitted by Honda due to lack of preparation, Stoner has been back yet again in the racing scene.
The 29-year-old will be back to the competition with a one-off ride in the 2015 Suzuka 8 hours. In regards to this, his former MotoGP rivals were asked about their reactions on his potential comeback.
“It's his decision. If he comes back I personally will receive him with open arms.” Movistar Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo said.
On the other hand, current championship leader Valentino Rossi has something else to say.
“Stoner was without any doubt one of the best riders in MotoGP in the last years. He won championships, he won races. He was always fighting for the podium with the Ducati and with the Honda,” Rossi said.
“But you know it's quite a lot of time that Casey doesn't race. Don't have a lot of sense that now he [would] come back.
“But will be very interesting to understand and follow the potential of Stoner with the Honda in the Suzuka 8 Hours, because also racing will be Smith and Espargaro that are MotoGP riders,” the Italian added.
“So will be interesting to understand his level of riding after a lot of time without races.”
Stoner's former fellow Repsol Honda rider, Pedrosa spoke of his utter respect for him whom he have competed against for most of his career.
“Of course to watch him ride and to be at the time one of his rivals it's a great pleasure. If I remember now, I've been racing with him since we were 15. Huge respect." the current 10th placer said.
“Of course watching him ride is special and we'll see him ride in the 8 Hours. So I hope he enjoys that and here in MotoGP it's hard to say.
“The will and the desire is the most important to be racing in MotoGP," he concluded.
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