Casey Stoner admits it will be tough to return to racing in this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix, following the tragic loss of Marco Simoncelli, but believes it is the best way to honour the Italian.
"It will be difficult to return to racing this weekend after Marco's terrible accident in Sepang but I think it is the best thing we can do to honour him," said Stoner, already crowned the 2011 word champion.
"We know we all play a risky game and, even if compared to the past the safety of our sport is much better, unfortunately these kind of events still occur. My thoughts go out to his family and I hope that they are coping through this period."
Valencia will not only be the final round of the 2011 season, but also of the 800cc era. A two-day test with the new 1000cc bikes will be held early next week.
"The race this weekend is the final round of an incredible season for us, we worked hard all year and after clinching the title in Phillip Island we are starting to look to 2012," said the Repsol Honda rider, winner of nine races this year.
"After the race here in Valencia we will have the two day test on the 1000cc machine and then we can take a well deserved break and reflect on the ups and downs of a very long hard season.
"We will go out there this weekend and try to put on a good show for all the fans and especially in memory of Marco".
Numerous official and unofficial tributes to the much-missed Simoncelli - including a possible 1 minute of noise - are expected throughout the Valencia weekend.
source: crash
