Stoner to return to Ducati test duties in Malaysia

The Australian, who last rode the Italian manufacturer's bike at Valencia in September last year, will join fellow test rider Michele Pirro in the three-day test, which takes place on January 24-26.

Although Ducati is yet to reveal its plans for the test, Stoner's programme could include riding the team's 2018 bike before Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo do so in the first official pre-season test that starts in Malaysia two days later.

Stoner, who claimed his first world title with Ducati in 2007, took part in the first test with the Italian maker's new bike last year.

Yamaha will also be present at the test with Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane, while Honda could field former MotoGP star Stefan Bradl alongside test riders Hiroshi Aoyama and Takumi Takahashi.

Sylvain Guintoli will ride for Suzuki, Mika Kallio will be on testing duties for KTM and Matteo Baiocco rides for Aprilia.