MotoGP must not panic following Kawasaki's decision to pull out of the sport because of the global financial crisis, 2007 world champion Casey Stoner said yesterday.

The Japanese team are trying to find an independent buyer to avoid the grid being reduced to just 17 riders. Points are awarded down to 15th place.

"It's shocking to be honest, I really didn't expect it. We are trying to keep as many bikes on the grid as possible. I miss the days when there were 25-30 bikes on the grid," Ducati's Stoner told a news conference at the Italian team's ski retreat in Madonna Di Campiglio.

"But Kawasaki leaving isn't a reason for everyone to start panicking. I think they are leaving not just because of financial reasons."

The Australian doubted whether a pay cut for riders would help MotoGP during the crisis.

"It's not me that needs to give a handout," he said.

"It's not me sapping the sport. Money isn't why I'm in the sport."

The 23-year-old, who finished second last season behind Italian Valentino Rossi, had surgery on a left wrist problem towards the end of last year and was cautious with his progress ahead of this season's first race in Qatar on April 12.

"So far everything is good. The bone is healing perfectly. I have to take it easy for the next month or so. I don't know if I'm behind schedule but I'm not as far on as I thought I would be," he said.

Stoner has been joined at Ducati for this season by American Nicky Hayden, who left Honda after two disappointing years following his 2006 world title.

Last year's Ducati rider Marco Melandri left for Kawasaki but is now searching for a bike for this season following their pullout earlier this month.

Hayden said there was no chance of Ducati quitting the sport and hailed moves to cut costs, including reducing tests.

"We are the lucky ones and have good sponsors," he said.

"MotoGP is strong and has some good people in charge. They are trying to adjust and this year we'll have new rules to save costs and it'll make MotoGP stronger."