Casey Stoner makes Honda debut in Valencia

Aussie Casey Stoner has kicked off his preparations for next year’s MotoGP campaign today when the 2007 world champion made his factory Honda debut.

Riding an RC212V with plain white bodywork that he’d personalised with a large red kangaroo sticker, the 24-year-old waited until 1pm before taking to the track on a weather-hit morning at the Spanish circuit.

Rain started to fall at around 9am and delayed any meaningful action until gone midday. 

Stoner, who quit Ducati at the end of the 2010 campaign, will partner Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso in the Repsol Honda squad next season.

Pedrosa is currently quickest with a 1.33.722. Stoner’s best so far is a 1.34.342.