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Casey Stoner says he was pleased to hear of Valentino Rossi's decision to stay in MotoGP as it will give him the chance to once again pit his wits against the Italian.

Rossi would appear to have put an end to speculation about his future by extending his contract with Yamaha until the end of next year and the seven-time world champion has looked on top form during testing ahead of the coming season.

Stoner is the latest rider to welcome Rossi's decision and claimed that, though Honda's Nicky Hayden may be the reigning champion, last year's runner-up remains "the strength in this class until proven otherwise".

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He told Motor Cycle News: "I was definitely happy when I heard he was staying.

"It was pretty nice to know that the class will stay as it is."

The 21-year-old was rewarded for a top ten placement in his first season of top-class racing with a move to Ducati, but if Stoner wants to consistently challenge the likes of Rossi, he will have to add considerably to his solitary podium finish so far in MotoGP.

He is not the only young Australian to have recently professed his admiration for the Yamaha man, with Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen having also described Rossi as "the guy to beat" during an interview with Sportal earlier this month.

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