While Casey Stoner is gearing up for a hat-trick of wins in Spain this weekend, compatriot Chris Vermeulen is preparing to farewell grand prix racing.

Stoner, who arrives in Valencia on the back of consecutive victories in Australia and Malaysia, scored the first win of his career at the circuit in the 125cc class in 2003.

He was second for Ducati in MotoGP in 2007 and won the following year.

Stoner has an outside chance of grabbing second spot in the championship despite his 10-week absence through illness if he wins and Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo fails to finish.

"Valencia is a circuit I've always liked - it is tight and slow but surprisingly flowing and I think it's a good circuit for a MotoGP bike," Stoner said.

"Apart from anything it is a great viewing spectacle for the fans, who can follow the bikes around practically the whole circuit.

"My Ducati has always run really well there and I've been on the pace for the past couple of seasons - in testing and in the races - so obviously we're hoping that trend continues, even though we will have to make a few small adjustments to the bike.

"We're finally at the end of the season and already looking forward to the next one, so if we can win this race then great, if not we'll try and finish the year with a podium and then start working towards next year."

Vermeulen is leaving the uncompetitive Suzuki team to return to world Superbikes next year, despite being the only rider in the field this season to have scored points in every round.

"This will be my last race in MotoGP for at least a couple of years and I want to make sure it is one that I can be proud of," Vermeulen said.

"My time with the Suzuki team has been great and my crew has worked tirelessly throughout my time here to give me the best bike they can whatever the conditions, so a good result will be as much for them as for myself.

"I have scored points in every race this year and want to make the last one the highest points scoring one.

"I will certainly be going for a podium this weekend, I know that will be tough, but that's the target and one that I would really love to achieve," he said.