This Sunday will mark Casey Stoner's final
MotoGP appearance in front of his home Australian fans and the penultimate race of his career.
Adding to the occasion, the reigning double world champion will seeking a record sixth consecutive Phillip Island victory -
Valentino Rossi having also won five straight premier-class races at the circuit from 2001-2005.
But the Repsol Honda rider, who had turn three named in his honour on Thursday, isn't sure if his healing ankle and lack of fitness will allow a victory challenge on Sunday.
“It's the last time I'm going to be racing here and there are only two races to go for me in my career. So it's been built up to be a big weekend,” began Stoner on Thursday.
“I'm still going attack it exactly as I have always done and in a lot of ways it's no different for me than any other weekend, except that I do really enjoy this track. I love it.
“Honestly, people have been expecting me to win here for more than just this year. It's not something new to me and even last year I didn't feel the pressure I did the years before.
“I know what my capabilities are. Unfortunately this year they are not the same at this point. The only thing I can do is my best. I can dream all I want, but when I get out on track there is only so much I can do. I'll only know what that is after Friday and Saturday.
“We've managed to get five wins in a row, which is fantastic, but I'm not going to start the weekend expecting more than I'm capable of. We'll just have to wait and see.
“As for being my last time here, there will definitely be some feelings I suppose on Sunday afternoon.
“It's not going to be the last time that I ride this track, for sure I'll come back here and still ride around and maybe enjoy the views and really enjoy the track properly.”
And what would he ride?