Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner will return to Phillip Island for a lap of honour at this month’s Australian Grand Prix.

Stoner, who retired from the sport at the end of last year, will ride alongside fellow Australian motorcycling world champions Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan moments before the race on October 20.

The 27-year-old has won the past six events at the island circuit, including last year’s race in what he described as a “fairytale ending” to his two-wheeled career.

“It will be nice to take to the track with Mick and Wayne this year without the pressure of competing,” Stoner said on Tuesday.

“I look forward to enjoying it and mixing with the fans that have supported me throughout my career.”

Doohan said Stoner’s return to the much-loved Bass Strait circuit was big news for MotoGP fans.

“The crowd will undoubtedly love it and I look forward to playing my part,” Doohan said.

Stoner fuelled speculation about a MotoGP comeback and possible wildcard appearance at Phillip Island when he tested for his former team Honda in August.

However, both he and Honda team boss Livio Suppo have since ruled it out.

Stoner, who has been racing in the V8 Supercars’ second-tier series this year for Red Bull Racing, is set to take a break from all motorsport in 2014 after deciding to pull the pin on his his V8 experiment at the end of the year.