Former MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner says he will be more aggressive than ever when he returns to racing in the 2009 season after wrist surgery.
The Ducati rider finished runner-up to Valentino Rossi last year after the injury to his left wrist hampered his chances of retaining his title.
"Everything's fine, though my movements are a little restricted," he said.
"I'm at 80% but I hope to be practically 100% for the first tests in February. I'll be more aggressive."
"At the start of the year I thought I'd be stronger than in 2007," he said.
"(But) the end of the season was very difficult with my injury as I couldn't brake hard going into the bends.
"In 2009, I shan't have to change my tactics but I will be more aggressive overtaking."
Stoner's team-mate for 2009 will be another former world champion, 2006 title-winner Nicky Hayden, who has moved from Repsol Honda, and the Australian said he was looking forward to working alongside his new colleague.
"Nicky's always been very good to me. We'll try to adapt his bike as well as possible. As we're both English-speakers communication will be easier," he said.
Hayden, who had a famously frosty relationship with team-mate Dani Pedrosa at Honda, said he did not anticipate there being any clashes of ego between the two former world champions.
"The team wants us to work together and to help one another. They are giving me what I need to go quickly and it's up to me to do my job," he said.
"I think my style of riding will adapt well to the machine, plus I've always got on well with Casey. I think we'll form a strong team."
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk