Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner is targetting a return at the Japan Grand Prix in mid-October after ankle surgery.
The Repsol Honda rider is currently third in the 2012 world standings 104 points behind leader Jorge Lorenzo, having missed the past three races after breaking his ankle in Indianapolis.
Stoner, who has announced his intentions to retire from the sport at the end of this season, may be out of the running for the MotoGP championship with four races to go, however he remains hopeful of returning at Motegi.
“It’s been another quiet week here in Australia, I’ve been resting, having some physio and following doctor’s orders to recover,” Stoner wrote on his personal blog. “The good news is that I feel I can race in Motegi and will be rejoining my team next week and I can’t wait to get back on track.”
“This weekend I’m off to the V8’s at Bathurst, I was lucky enough to go there last year also and it is truly one of the greatest motorsport events of the year, so I’m really happy to be going again this year.
“Thanks for all the kind messages on this blog, I look forward to return in Motegi in front of all the Honda home fans!”