Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner is to make a return to competitive motorcycle racing as part of Honda's line-up for the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Stoner topped the MotoGP standings in 2007 and 2011 before retiring from the sport in 2012, claiming he was no longer enjoying himself.
However, the Australian will now team up with Supersport champion Michael van der Mark and Takumi Takahashi as he turns his hand to endurance riding.
"After riding the bike in Sepang a few months ago, I've been speaking closely with Honda about the possibility to take part in Suzuka," he said.
"It's always been an event I wanted to do and something I was never able to consider when I was racing in MotoGP, due to our busy schedules, so I'm really looking forward to taking part.
"The bike is very different to a MotoGP machine, but it will be a new challenge and a chance for me to try something new and unlike what I've been used to in my racing to this point.
"I've been impressed with Michael van der Mark this season and Takumi Takahashi has a lot of experience on this machine, so I'm looking forward to hearing their comments and working together with them in preparation for the July race.
"Now I need to concentrate on my training to be ready for the race!"