Reigning MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner has today unveiled the RC213V on which he will be defending his title in 2012. The wraps were pulled off the bike ahead of the first MotoGP test of 2012 which kicks off at Sepang tomorrow.

Stoner, who visited the track at the weekend with his Repsol Honda team to mark the passing of Marco Simoncelli, is very close to becoming a dad for the first time but is focusing on this test to fine tune the 1000cc machine.

"The off season has been really good, we got to go back home and spend some time with family and friends in Australia over Christmas which was great. Then we came back to Switzerland to get everything in order for the baby's arrival, Adriana's due in just a few weeks and so we've been preparing, as best possible," said Stoner.

"After such a strong season in 2011, we remain focused and don't expect to be in top form immediately. I am sure Honda have done a fantastic job with the new 1000cc machine over the winter break and I'm really looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing what we can do, hoping to start strong again."