---
title: "Lorenzo hoping for Stoner return in 2016"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2015/12/18/lorenzo-hoping-stoner-return-2016/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Connor McDonagh"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2015-12-18T15:42:22Z"
modified: "2015-12-18T16:28:44Z"
---

# Lorenzo hoping for Stoner return in 2016

2015 Moto GP champion Jorge Lorenzo says he hopes Casey Stoner races through the ‘wildcard’ system next season after joining Ducati as test rider.

Last month it was confirmed that two-time Moto GP champion Stoner would rejoin Ducati. Stoner’s final two seasons in Moto GP, before leaving the sport, saw him ride for Repsol Honda where he won his second Moto GP title in 2011.

Lorenzo hopes Stoner makes his first Grand Prix start since 2012 in 2016 through the ‘wildcard system’.

“Surely he will be encouraged to run as a wildcard in some races; I think that is their intention,”[Lorenzo said in an interview on MotoGP.com](https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/12/16/lorenzo-it-may-be-that-more-riders-get-into-the-fight/191343)

“I thought last year he would be out in a race \[to replace the injured Dani Pedrosa\], but at the end, due to circumstances, he wasn’t.

“He will want to go out on Phillip Island or some other tracks, surely we will see him fighting with us, I think for victory.”

Lorenzo believes Stoner would challenge for race victories if he was to return to Moto GP.

“I have seen very few, if any, riders with the natural talent of Casey, to be fast right away with any bike and in all weather conditions,” said the Spaniard.

“It would be great news for everyone if Casey were to decide to come compete again.”