Stoner hot favourite for Phillip Island win

CASEY STONER is looking to put the disappointment of last weekend's DNF at Sepang behind him, as MotoGP heads Down Under to Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix.

The 2007 World Champion has taken victory at the coastal track for the last three years, making him hot favourite for a win on Sunday. The young Australian is looking to replicate last year's stunning form but admits the competition may be tough:

"I am sure it will be a close race. It is one of my favourite circuits but that's the same for a lot of riders and as always I imagine it will be a fun race to watch."

Valentino Rossi, who took runner-up spot in a thrilling battle at last year's event is lookling for a second consecutive win, following the Italian's victory at Sepang last weekend. The win was his 21st since the introduction of the 800cc class in MotoGP; Rossi requires just one victory to equal Casey Stoner, who rates as the most successful rider of the 800cc era in terms of Grand Prix wins.

For reference, Australian riders have taken eight premier-class victories in their home Grand Prix; Wayne Gardner at Phillip Island in 1989 and 1990, Mick Doohan at Eastern Creek in 1992 and 1995 and Phillip Island in 1998, Casey Stoner for the last three years at Phillip Island.