Former 500cc world champion Michael Doohan is expanding his involvement in motorcycle racing to take on a management role and assist some of Australia's best emerging talent, including grand prix riders Ant West and Casey Stoner.

West, 20, is in his first 500cc season and headed Norick Abe, 2000 world champion Kenny Roberts, and Carlos Checa on works V4 machines on the way to finishing 12th in the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on Sunday, and 15-year-old Stoner filled the same position in the 125cc event.

Doohan, a five-times 500cc world champion who now attends grand prix races as Honda Racing Corporation's General Manager of Racing, said he wanted to utilise his experience and contacts to help Australian riders develop their potential and further their careers.

"I've had a lot of good times with this sport and now I'd like to help some of these young guys out and introduce them to better teams," said Doohan.

"We can't teach them to ride, but we can open the doors for them to meet the right people and help out with sponsorship."

"There's still a great deal of talent in this country, but motorcycling has gone the way of other sports and now, unless you bring funding, it's very hard to get into it. That's why I think we can help."

West finished sixth in the 250cc world championship in 2000, and in his debut 500cc season he has scored points in nine of his 12 grand prix starts, despite riding a two-cylinder Honda V-Twin which has 60-horsepower less than the factory V4s raced by frontrunners in the class.

"Anthony has a great deal of ability and I believe if he was on a good motorcycle he could consistently run in the top six," said Doohan.

West said that Doohan's support would assist him with his aim to remain in the Moto GP category in 2002 and secure more competitive machinery because his current Dutch-based team, Dee Cee Racing, would be involved in the 250cc series next year.

"Mick already helped me behind-the-scenes to get into grand prix racing, and I appreciate having him behind me so I can take the next step forward with my racing," said West.

"I'm sure every bit of help Mick can give me is going to be a great help."

Stoner, from Kurri Kurri, made his 125cc grand prix debut at Donington Park in Britain this year, and Phillip Island was his second world championship start. He has won races in the British and Spanish 125cc championships in 2002.

"Casey, I believe, is going to be a future world champion, and now it's a question of him gathering some experience," said Doohan.