Ducati will have to do without Stoner's services as tester until after the summer. A few weeks ago, Casey was the first to test the 2018 Desmosedici at Sepang, during the session dedicated to test riders. Having returned to Australia, he decided to undergo surgery for a problem that has bothered him for a long while.

“Stoner has had surgery on the rotator cuff of his right shoulder - explains Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi - His shoulder was continuing to give him trouble following a crash many years ago."

Now his days as a rider are over, the Kangaroo has decided to solve the problem, but this also means he will be unable to ride for several months.

“The rehabilitation period following surgery is very long, we won't see Casey on the Ducati before September” adds Tardozzi.

So, the Borgo Panigale team will have to do without the talented test rider, though luckily Pirro is ready to make up for this absence.