Casey Stoner will return to MotoGP following ankle surgery at next week’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The race at the Honda-owned Motegi circuit is one of four remaining this season including the Australian GP at Phillip Island later this month.

Stoner has been out for six weeks since he damaged ligaments in his right ankle at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

The two-time world champion will retire at the end of this season but had made a commitment to return from injury, specifically targeting his home race at Phillip Island.

Next week’s event at Motegi is the home race for Stoner’s factory Honda team.

“I’ve been resting, having some physio and following doctor’s orders to recover,” Stoner said.

“The good news is that I feel I can race in Motegi and will be rejoining my team next week and I can’t wait to get back on track.”

Stoner has won four races so far this season although his chances of retaining his 2011 world title ended with his injury.

Stoner’s Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa is locked in a battle for the title with Yamaha’s 2010 world champion Jorge Lorenzo.