Lorenzo: 'Talent of Casey is unbelievable'

Casey Stoner may not be making a wild-card entry in this weekend's Austrian MotoGP, but his pace at the recent private test once again impressed the likes of Jorge Lorenzo.

The retired double world champion and present Ducati test rider set the third fastest lap time, despite a late fall after putting in a soft tyre and 'pushing for the first time in four years'.

"Yes, I saw him on track today," said Yamaha's reigning triple champion Lorenzo. "It's impressive because he doesn't have the confidence that a normal rider in MotoGP has - because he doesn't ride much during the year - and he's at the level of Iannone and Dovizioso.

"But we didn't discover anything new; the talent of Casey is unbelievable."

Factory Ducati stars Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso topped the private test, attended by all but Repsol Honda and Tech 3 Yamaha.

Although Stoner won't be on the grid this weekend - when on paper Ducati stands a good chance to finally end the win drought since Stoner's 2010 Phillip Island win - there will still be a factory Desmosedici wild-card in the form of Michele Pirro.

Former title rivals Lorenzo and Stoner will work together at Ducati next season.