STONER'S RESPONSE TO ISLAND HONOUR

"It is not time on the track that has got my success because everybody I race against has had as many laps, if not more, than me at the island," Stoner said.

"The only thing I can explain is that because the track is quite slippery and with such high corner speeds, being fast there has a lot to do with balls -- how much you want to hang it out. It's a place that really gets the adrenaline flowing and I think most riders will say they love this track."

Stoner was given free rein by the Fox family and the Phillip Island management to choose what part of the circuit would have his imprint - and without hesitation he nominated Turn 3, a fast downhill left-hander which MotoGP riders hit at over 250km/h. The turn's 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. 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," said Stoner.

"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."

"The Island was designed 60 years ago before computers. It follows the flow of the countryside. It is a classic track and beyond anything else we race on. The high speed corners get your heart racing and there are a lot of corners you can slide through."

In his retirement year, Stoner will be hoping to add to his five successive victories at Phillip Island this weekend, but concedes the ankle injury he's carrying into this round will make Sunday's race a battle of endurance.

"It's definitely worse than when we came back in Japan," Stoner said of the slower-than-expected recovery of his injured ankle. "We're having a lot more trouble with it day to day, just getting around on it at all. But I don't think it will affect me any differently on the bike.

"The biggest moment I'm having at the moment is flexibility on the bike trying to get it working. Fortunately on this track there are not too many right hand corner that are so critical, so we should be a little more comfortable riding around here. The main fitness problem I'm having at the moment is endurance."

The renaming of Turn 3 in Stoner's honour was announced by Andrew Fox of circuit owners, the Linfox Property Group.
"Casey, like you, we think Phillip Island is a very special place in the world of motorsport. We congratulate you on what you have achieved here and declare, that from this day on, turn three will now be named Stoner Corner in your honour," said Fox.

In addition to the naming honour, Stoner was also presented with a special sterling silver, gold-plated trophy representing the Phillip Island circuit, with the Turn 3 section encrusted with 27 diamonds - the quantity reflectign Stoner's racing number. A special strip on the plaque lists the victories Stoner has enjoyed at the circuit, but Fox has a 'standby' option of a replacement strip should the Aussie champion make it six wins this weekend!

Stoner joins two other illustrious names in Australian motorsport - Wayne Gardner with Gardner Straight and Mick Doohan with turn one's Doohan Corner - to be honoured at the Victorian circuit.

Circuit chief, Fergus Cameron, who has managed the circuit since 1984, also acknowledged Stoner's tremendous achievements at the island.
"This year we celebrate the circuit's 60th year and are about to embark on a $3 million track resurfacing and upgrade," said Cameron.

"In the entire 60 years, 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 five times world champion, Mick Doohan who was gifted Doohan Corner.

"Casey has set Phillip Island alight, and thrilled our fans, time and time again. We congratulate you and now with Stoner Corner your performances at the island will always be hailed and remembered."

This weekend will be the final MotoGP appearance of Casey Stoner in Australia before his retirement race in Valencia.