Casey Stoner joined the premier class in 2006 with the satellite Honda LCR team after working his way through the 125cc and 250cc ranks following his GP debut as a 125cc wildcard at Donington Park in 2001. His switch to Ducati in 2007 proved to be the catalyst for his potential, starting with his first MotoGP victory at round one in Qatar, followed by 9 more which ultimately gave him the Championship title. Stoner set out to defend his title in 2008 but rare mistakes and pressure from Valentino Rossi left him 2nd in the Championship. Stoner moved to factory Honda for the 2011 season, a switch that proved a resounding success. By the time Stoner clinched the 2011 title with a win at Phillip Island, he had already taken 9 victories. Stoner closed the 800cc era in Valencia with a 10th victory. 2012 would be Stoner's last year in the World Championship, the Australian making the shock announcement in France that he would retire at the end of the season. An ankle injury in Indianapolis would end his hopes of a third title, but he claimed one last win at Phillip Island in front of a packed house.
After his retirement he did some testing for Honda but from 2016 he returned to Ducati as their test rider. He made his first public appearance at the Sepang test before the 2016 season and posting competitive times. You can’t take the speed out of a rider.