Australian Casey Stoner arrives at the Mugello circuit for the Italian Grand Prix leading the MotoGP World Championship after seven of 18 races.

Last week, on a perilous cold track in the Dutch TT, Stoner came second, which continued his string of podium appearances for every race he’s finished this season.

Stoner has a class-leading four wins, along with a second and a third, in the quest for his second MotoGP World Championship. The 25-year-old Australian won his first championship in 2007.

“I’m really looking forward to Mugello especially after a difficult weekend in Assen where I was extremely happy to have finished second in a very difficult race,” Stoner said.

“Last year we didn’t get the best result but I’ve always enjoyed this circuit and I think this year we can expect to be quite competitive.

“I’m hoping to have a good race and score important points for the championship, but we need to keep our heads down and continue working hard.”

Stoner also looks forward to experiencing the new track surface at Mugello, which has proven popular since its resurface.

“From what I’ve heard, the new surface is a lot smoother and a lot faster which will make Mugello an even better circuit from what it already was,” Stoner added. “I’ve been excited about coming here to try it out!

Though he has a 28-point lead, the season is just over a third complete and Stoner will be looking to maximize his points take in Mugello, where his record is encouraging.

Stoner won Mugello in 2009, finished second in 2008, and was fourth in 2010 and 2007, his title-winning season.