Confederation of Australian Motor Sport's Michael Smith hands Casey Stoner his racing licence during the unveiling of Stoner's Development Series V8 supercar at Southgate Holden in Adelaide yesterday. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
Casey Stoner proved he had lost none of his combative personality as the secondary V8 Supercar series prepares for a showcase opening at this weekend's Clipsal 500.
The dual MotoGP world champion gave a glimpse of the belligerence that unnerved motorcycle superstar Valentino Rossi when he previewed his first run in Red Bull Racing's Holden.
Stoner knows he will have to deal with fans who expect he can do in a car what he did on a bike when he debuts in the Dunlop Series and has been at pains to downplay unrealistic goals.
"It's a little disappointing really because I'd love to come into this sport as an unknown, nobody really knowing what I've done," Stoner said.
"We are going to have a target on our back but personally I've put my own targets on other drivers out there, so we'll see what happens."
But he said the atmosphere in the V8 paddock was pleasantly different to what he encountered on the MotoGP tour.
"It's definitely a lot more friendly. People can be great competitors on Sunday and mates on Monday."
