Stoner to decide on wild-card after Austria test

The Australian has been one of the main focuses of interest during the two-day test that began on Tuesday at Spielberg, where he was fourth fastest on the opening day.

Stoner, who has been critical of the safety of the track, especially of the proximity of the protection barriers, is riding the Desmosedici GP in his role as test rider for the Italian manufacturer.

However, apart from continuing with the development of the current bike and the one that Jorge Lorenzo will ride next year, the Southport rider is also testing himself with the intention of finding out if he is competitive, and if he would be capable of withstanding the physical demands of a grand prix weekend.

Ducati insists that the return of Stoner, who left Honda at the end of last year, was never aimed at a possible racing comeback. However, the company would relish that scenario if the rider wants it.

"We didn't go after Casey to make him return to racing, because he has always said that he doesn't want to, that he's not interested in that life because of the pressure and so on," Ciabatti told Motorsport.com at the Sachsenring.

"But he also hasn't said that he is not going to think about taking part in a grand prix, and we have left that door open. It if happens, it will be just once and that's it, because he has nothing to prove.

"If he tells us that he wants to race, we'll do all we can to please him. If he doesn't, we'll never put pressure on him. This test is just another test, on a new track, also for him.

"He will share the track with other riders and after two days and many laps, and as long as he's not exhausted, he might consider taking part in a race."

Stoner retired at the end of 2012 with two titles, one with Ducati (2007) and one with Honda (2011). Since then he has been busy testing with both manufacturers, travelling around the world with his wife Adrian and his daughter Alessandra by his side.

The test at the Red Bull Ring appears to be the best place for a final exam, the definitive one, to be in a position to make a decision that could lead to him racing mid-August, at this very circuit.

It's a venue where none of the current riders have competed much, so there are few references, which means everybody would be starting from scratch.