Stoner talks Honda 'dream', Doohan colours
The first images of Casey Stoner in full Repsol Honda MotoGP colours were released during a team launch at the Pan Pacific Hotel in KLIA airport on Monday evening.
The last Australian to race for Repsol Honda was MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, who ruled the premier-class from 1994-1998. Stoner admitted it felt special to wear the same colours as his hero and paid tribute to Doohan at the launch.
"It's been a dream of mine to ride in this team and follow in Mick Doohan's footsteps," said the 2007 world champion, who has moved to Honda's factory team after four seasons at Ducati.
"Even the three-rider [2011] team is going back to Doohan, Criville and Okada days.
"So there's a little bit of history there and hopefully we can all be running up front, pushing each other. I think having two strong team-mates [Pedrosa and Dovizioso] is fabulous."
"For me [to achieve what Doohan did] will be impossible," added Stoner, who has a revised helmet design for 2011.
"Number one, I'd have to overcome the same injuries as him. I think that's something people overlook when they compare him with other riders. What he had to overcome to win the championships he did.
"I'm not just saying that because he's a fellow countryman, but because of the career he had and what he had to come back from. Doohan's determination and never-give-up style is what I've tried to follow my whole career. He's been an inspiration for me."
Stoner will ride in Repsol livery during the first MotoGP test of 2011, which starts at the nearby Sepang Circuit tomorrow (Tuesday).
The last time Stoner was on track was during a stunning RC212V debut at Valencia in November, when he was fastest on the final day of testing.
"Valencia was a very exciting time for me, to finally get on the Honda, and it felt very nice from the off," said Stoner. "Of course, no motorcycle is perfect for every rider, but we couldn't have asked for much more from that first test.
"We had an unbelievable feeling from the bike and I had a great time. Now I'm looking forward to riding it again. It's been a long, long winter waiting for this next test."
Stoner was then asked what he feels are the strong and weak points of the Honda.
"Valencia is definitely not the best track to test on, and it's quite a strong circuit of mine, so this [Sepang] test will be more important to understand what we need to work on," he began.
"For me the [Honda] engine character compared with the Ducati was a lot smoother. I was able to control a lot more, in the hand, what was happening with the throttle. So I was happy about that.
"But I think as a general thing, and it could be seen from the TV last year, we need to improve the braking stability. All the riders have the same opinion on this, so we have a clear direction.
"If we can improve the braking stability and also a little bit more on the chassis, turning in the middle of a corner, the RCV can go from a great package to a championship-winning package."
Despite just two days on the Honda, Stoner has already been tipped as a firm 2011 title contender by both reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo and seven time former champion Valentino Rossi.
Stoner himself isn't making any predications.
"I try not to have too much expectation before a season begins," he said. "I do the best I can and see what happens. Things change race-by-race, so you have to roll with any punches.
"But, of course, I don't go into any championship without fighting to be world champion. I think that's why everybody is here."
Repsol Honda last won the MotoGP title in 2006, with Stoner's former Ducati team-mate Nicky Hayden.
