Retired MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has impressed his former team bosses at Honda with flying runs aboard the manufacturer’s new production bike during testing in Japan.

Poor weather hampered the opening day of Stoner’s return to Motegi Circuit, but the Australian managed to squeeze in some hot laps on the world championship-winning RC213V on Thursday.

He also rode Honda’s production racer for the first time, clocking average speeds worthy of the much pricier and refined RC213V.

Honda is developing the track-only production bike to allow teams and riders to race in MotoGP next year with a reasonable budget.

Stoner said the bike was more much impressive than he predicted.

“It had a similar feeling to the RCV but with a little less power and a different feeling in engine braking,” he said.

“With some small modifications I believe this bike will be competitive and I look forward to the next test with it.

“In general it was a good, but busy day.”

Despite his several recent test rides with Honda, Stoner has rejected suggestions he would race as a wildcard with the team at this month’s Australian Grand Prix.

He is, however, set to ride a lap of honour at Phillip Island alongside fellow champions Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.