The month of January was a big one for the sport with plenty happening across all disciplines both domestically and internationally. CycleOnline.com.au outlines select standout moments and events from the month in this latest edition of Five Stars.

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1. Return of Casey Stoner:
There’s been great hype surrounding the Aussie two-time world champion’s Ducati reunion. Last Saturday at Sepang marked his first appearance on the Desmosedici GP15 and he was immediately up to pace amongst the sport’s elite. The team opted to place him on track again during Tuesday’s official test, where he was ninth fastest overall. We, like so many, are truly hoping we at least see him line up for one wildcard – preferably Phillip Island!

2. Australians galore at Phillip Island:
There will be 11 locals on the grid at Phillip Island’s WorldSBK season opener on 26-28 February, between the Superbike ranks and WorldSSP. In Superbike we’ll have Josh Brookes, Josh Hook, Mike Jones and more than likely Jed Metcher, while in Supersport keep a close eye on Aiden Wagner, Glenn Scott, Lachlan Epis, Ant West, Alex Phillis, Kane Burns and Mitch Levy. It’s the largest Aussie contingent since 2002!

3. MA and AASA partner:
Motorcycling Australia (MA) and the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance (AASA) announced a pivotal partnership recently, which means MA’s Australian Superbike Championship’s (ASBK) rival Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC) will need to align with a new sanctioning body in 2016. There’s been lots of speculation doing the rounds about this, but from what we understand it’s still a work in progress by all accounts. A major factor is that Benalla Auto Club owns the AASA, as well as national race circuits Winton and Wakefield Park – both scheduled to appear on the ASBK and ASC calendars.

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4. Brookes makes BMW debut:
When Josh Brookes clinched the 2015 British Superbike Championship, we all had our fingers crossed that he’d be heading to WorldSBK this year. Well, it happened, and he’s heading with his Milwaukee-backed British team to the world championship on board a BMW S 1000 RR. His first test on the bike at Jerez was promising, albeit with a minor glitch or two along the way, and we think he’ll be competitive internationally this season.

5. Superbike class bolstered:
Some great news to filter through into our inbox this month were the announcements that Australian Supersport Champion Brayden Elliott and fellow former 600 class contender Michael Blair will be moving to Superbikes in 2016. It’s not yet finalised what series they’ll enter, but either way it’s promising to see top young talent climb the ranks. We’re also hearing more riders could be back in the premier class this season.