Former world champion Casey Stoner will be watching from the sidelines at this month’s Australian Grand Prix, fingers crossed that the paramount record of his stellar MotoGP career remains intact.

Stoner will return to Phillip Island one year after his retirement to ride a lap of honour with fellow champions Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner moments before he faces an anxious wait to see if his historic mark of six Australian victories can be matched.

Only one man can do it this season – Stoner’s former arch rival Valentino Rossi.

But the seven-times world champion, who won at the Island from 2001-05 before Stoner eclipsed his record with a string of six straight triumphs, will have to find a perfect set-up and ride an ideal race to draw level with the Australian.

Rossi has won just once this season, at the Dutch Grand Prix, which was his first win since the 2010 Malaysian GP, and has managed just four podiums on his Yamaha.

Stoner, world champion in 2007 and 2011, earlier rejected suggestions he would race as a wildcard at his home round, saying last year’s success was the perfect way to bow out.

“The 2012 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was a fairytale ending to my MotoGP career,” Stoner said.

“It will be nice to take to the track with Mick and Wayne this year without the pressure of competing.

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

Doohan, five times world titleholder, won the last of his three Australian Grands Prix 15 years ago – his only victory at the Bass Strait circuit, where the sweeping Turn 1 now bears his name.

“Casey’s return to Phillip Island is big news for MotoGP fans,” Doohan said.

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

“MotoGP is enjoying great success around the world at the moment with the next generation of legends emerging. We are witnessing a new era for the sport.”

Gardner, who sparked hysteria at Phillip Island with wins on his Honda in 1989-90, will be joined this year by his two teenage sons Remy and Luca, who are beginning their own two-wheeled careers in Spain.

“As far as Grand Prix victories are concerned, this is where it all began for me,” Gardner said.

“It’s always a great pleasure to ride the Phillip Island circuit. I have enjoyed many special moments there and riding with Casey and Mick will certainly add to this list.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott, said that the champions’ parade laps will be a unique experience for fans.

“Casey has set Phillip Island alight, and thrilled our fans, time and time again,” Westacott said.

“Seeing him one more time on his favourite track flanked by Mick and Wayne will be a unique and electrifying opportunity for fans of all ages.”