Naming right bestowed on Casey Stoner

TWO-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has been honoured with a permanent slice of his beloved Phillip Island.

Casey Stoner

TWO-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has been honoured with a permanent slice of his beloved Phillip Island.

In recognition of Stoner's influence on the sport the high-speed turn three will known as Stoner Corner at the picturesque Victorian race track.

The Australian rider has dominated MotoGP racing at Phillip Island since 2007, claiming five consecutive MotoGP victories, with turn three the scene of many of the rider's most thrilling manoeuvres.

His mastery of  the Island circuit no matter the machine - his first four win were while he raced for Ducati, before piloting the Repsol Honda to victory a year ago.

“Phillip Island is a place that really gets the adrenaline flowing and I think most riders will say they love this track,” Stoner said.

Stoner, who will retire at the end of  the year, will make his final MotoGP appearance at Phillip Island on Sunday.

Despite an ankle injury sustained at Indianapolis back in round 11 which destroyed his chances of retaining the MotoGP title, the 27-year-old has his eyes firmly fixed on a sixth successive Phillip Island victory.

Stoner joins two of  the illustrious names of Australian motorsport - Wollongong's Wayne Gardner, the 1987 world champion, with Gardner Straight and Mick Doohan, a five-time title holder, with turn one - Doohan Corner - to be honoured at the Victorian circuit.

Stoner was given free rein by the Phillip Island management to choose what part of the circuit would have his imprint - and without hesitation he nominated Turn Three, a fast downhill left-hander which MotoGP riders hit at over 250km/h.

“Turn three is probably my favourite one in the world. I'm almost flat out in fifth gear through there and that is pretty damn fast and it really gets your blood flowing that's for sure,” he said.

Circuit chief, Fergus Cameron, who has managed the circuit since 1984, also acknowledged Stoner's tremendous achievements at the island.

“This year we celebrate the circuit's 60th year and are about to embark on a $3 million track resurfacing and upgrade,” Cameron said.

“Casey Stoner has set Phillip Island alight, and thrilled our fans, time and time again.”