On the eve of this weekend's Phillip Island round, turn three at the circuit has been officially named in honour of Australia's retiring double
MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner.
The high-speed turn, the site of many Stoner slides, will now be known as 'Stoner Corner'.
The naming is in recognition of Stoner's sensational career and total dominance of Phillip Island from 2007, where he has claimed five consecutive
MotoGP victories.
Apart from turn one, already named after five-time world 500GP champion Mick Doohan, and the main straight, named after Australia's first 500GP champion Wayne Gardner, Stoner was given free rein to choose which part of the circuit would have his imprint.
Without hesitation he nominated turn three, a fast downhill left-hander which
MotoGP riders hit at over 250km/h. The corner is a constant reminder of Stoner's sublime talent as he 'hangs' the rear tyre out lap after lap.
“Turn three is probably my favourite one in the world,” said Stoner, “I am almost flat out in fifth gear through there and that is pretty damn fast and it really gets your blood flowing that's for sure.
“It always gives me a great rush going through there so to have a corner named after me at Phillip Island is something quite special. It is a great privilege".
Fergus Cameron, who has managed the circuit since 1984, paid tribute to Stoner's 'Island achievements.
“In the entire 60 years [of the Phillip Island circuit], there are only two riders who been recognised in this way and that is the man who bought international motorcycle racing to life in Australia, Wayne Gardner, with Gardner Straight and of course five times world champion Mick Doohan was gifted Doohan Corner,” he said.
“But no-one has set Phillip Island alight, and thrilled our fans, time and time again like Casey. Casey, we congratulate you on an incredible career and now with Stoner Corner your performances at the island will always be hailed and remembered".