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Sepang - Freshly crowned MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner said on Thursday he looked forward to riding Honda's new 1000cc bike beginning next year, calling it "a lot more fun".
With MotoGP switching to 1000cc for the 2012 season, Stoner has completed two tests on Honda's new bike and will have another trial run on a prototype Monday at the Sepang circuit following this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.
"Yes, the bigger 1000cc bikes are a lot more fun for me," he told reporters ahead of the penultimate race of the season.
"I do not have any hope or expectation (for the new bike). I will try to get through testing and make sure we have a competitive bike and see how we start the season."
The 26-year-old Australian has previously described the 1000cc bike by saying: "The engine for me is fantastic. It has incredible acceleration."
Stoner clinched the 2011 title on home ground at Phillip Island last Sunday. He has won nine out of 16 races this season since making the switch to Honda from Ducati.
The season-ending race is on November 6 in Spain.
Stoner admitted Sepang will be a challenge due to the heat, humidity and possibility of rain.
"It is going to be a 50-50 race if it rains. Hopefully the (wet) weather stays off a bit. We hope to have a good race," he said.
Italy's Valentino Rossi, who once dominated the sport but has had a poor outing this year with Ducati, said he nonetheless aims for a podium finish in Sepang after winning here last year with Yamaha.
"I lost important points in the last two races due to crashes. It is not over. I will try to improve to fifth position," he said.
Rossi is currently in seventh position.
