Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) - The young Australian racer showed that he could ride last year on the satellite RC211V Honda. The problem was that he seemed to have a little too much of an "all or nothing" attitude to his racing. This may have been curbed this year, as his older and wiser team leader at Ducati may be able to teach him a thing or two. If he managed to curb his enthusiasm and the Ducati is reliable, he is certainly in with a chance of the title.
Tony Elias (Honda Gresini) - Tony comes from a long line of motorcycle racers. Tony is another rider that has shown genuine speed on occasions, but cannot seem to step up to the plate in every race. If the satellite Honda RC212V is quick, then he could be a fly in the front runners' ointment from time to time.
John Hopkins (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) - John is a good rider, he has shown this fact on many occasions. The Suzuki was considered to be the slowest of the factory teams last year, but John managed to finish fourth on occasion, and managed to set a pole time at Assen in 2006. If the 800cc Suzuki is a little more on the pace, then John could make his English parents proud this year.
Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) - Chris is the second of three Australians on the grid, and another rider that made the move from Superbike to MotoGP. Chris too showed pace last year on a bike that had no right to be quick. He managed to set the pole position in Turkey and Laguna Seca.
Makoto Tamada (Dunlop Yamaha Tech 3) - Makoto is one of two Japanese riders on the grid this year. The Tech 3 Yamaha is the only team running with Dunlop tyres, and due to this are at a disadvantage. Makoto is one of the small numbers of riders to win races in both World Superbike and MotoGP. Although not a championship contender, he could possibly challenge at the front if the tyres improve.
Shinya Nakano (Konica Minolta Honda) - Shinya is the second of the Japanese riders in MotoGP. Shinya has made the move from his long term Kawasaki ride over to Honda. Shinya is a well liked and respected on the circuit. It remains to be seen if he can live up to the challenge of a new team after so many years in the Kawasaki fold.
Article comments
1 - alessandro nicolo
MotoGP deserves some attention. Good stuff.
2 - Ashleigh
That's what I thought :)