Source: Supplied.

Double MotoGP World Champion and Ducati test rider Casey Stoner back on track at Misano this week in his first European outing since the 2012 season.

Since leaving racing at the end of 2012, the Australian has tested for Honda in Japan, run in the Suzuka 8 Hour and done two tests for Ducati in Sepang and Qatar.

The Australian made his return to Europe and Ducati’s home circuit on the eve of World Ducati Week, where he will be one of the main draws.

“We’ve had a very positive test, this being my first time on a European track since 2012 and my first time in Misano since 2011,” Stoner recalled.

“It’s been a long time and it’s really nice to ride these European-style tracks again and get a feel for what a bike is for basically 70 or 80 percent of the season.

“Everything we have done has been very positive, we got 95 percent of our test done over these two days so it’s been very good. We got some direction with Michelin and were able to get a bit of direction between the chassis’ and the electronics, etc.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes from this for the next stages and also what the factory riders really think of the steps we’ve been able to make.”

Details and times from the test were scarce, Ducati keeping their cards close to their chest again. What is for certain is that Stoner was aboard the 2016 Desmosedici GP, his second test on the bike having run the GP15 in Sepang.

With the Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini taking place on the ninth to 11th of September, Stoner’s test will give the Ducati riders an idea of what to expect from the Italian track with the new Michelin tyres.

Stoner’s ability to still put in competitive lap times, he finished the Sepang test in ninth overall, also allowed Ducati to understand the direction they need to take with the chassis and electronics.