Before the engines roar into gear for 2009, I thought I’d run the rule over this year’s combatants. I’ve analysed the field and put them into three categories: The Contenders, The Dark Horses, and The Pretenders.

THE CONTENDERS
VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA, FIAT YAMAHA)
The reigning World Champion, who has had his icon status tested in recent seasons by Stoner and Hayden. The only thing that can stop Rossi is the machine he sits on.

Stoner’s Ducati is far superior on the long straights of Qatar and China, where the Ducati can really put the hammer down. But it is the tricky, tight European circuits on which Rossi comes to the fore. Rossi doesn’t make mistakes. He will come first, pipping Stoner by only a handful.

CASEY STONER (AUS, DUCATI MARLBORO)
The 2007 champ, who as mentioned above, is riding a rocket. The Ducati’s are by far the fastest bikes on the grid. This will be evident on the tracks that allow Stoner and Hayden to use the throttle in Qatar, China, and Australia. However, Ducati’s package struggles in corner speed (exiting the corner) and gives Rossi the edge on the tight and twisty European tracks, as shown last season. I think he will finish second, but only just.

DANI PEDROSA (SPA, REPSOL HONDA)
Fast developing a tag Stoner carried for several years of the Crasher, someone who is fast, but can’t seem to stay upright consistently. Pedrosa has run with the big boys in previous years and shown enough potential to win races and claim poles. However, just as it seems as he may be Championship material, he proves us wrong with a big stack that sees Dani miss several races as in 2008. He is fast and has won before. But he needs to find the balance between fast and consistency. If he does, he could shock the world, as Stoner did in 2007.

THE DARK HORSES
JORGE LORENZO (SPA , FIAT YAMAHA)
Another Spaniard who is super quick. However, he learned very quickly last year that you cannot ride a MotoGP bike like a smaller 250 or 125cc. They will wipe you off as fast and as hard as a Spanish Bull. Lorenzo had some massive off’s in his debut year in 08. However so did Stoner, Pedrosa, and even Rossi in their first year in the top class. What the others didn’t do was claim a Moto GP pole in their first ever race, which Lorenzo did, clearly signalling his potential. The experience gained in 2008 makes him one to watch in 09.

ANDREI DOVIZIOSO (ITA , REPSOL HONDA)
Someone that had a lot of success in smaller classes who a lot of people didn’t expect much of when he stepped up to Moto GP in 2008. Some great performances on a satellite bike shocked many and he capped it all off with some podiums to close out the year. Now, with a factory ride and plenty of confidence, he could cause a surprise.

THE PRETENDERS
COLIN EDWARDS (USA , TECH 3 YAMAHA)/JAMES TOSELAND (GB , TECH 3 YAMAHA)
A bit harsh on Edwards and teammate Toseland for having them in this bunch, given both are former World Superbike champions. However, both have been too inconsistent race to race. One week in the top 3, the next closer to the back, then the front. A solid race machine on its day, but sadly a repeat of 2008 I feel.

RANDY DE PUNIET (FRA , LCR HONDA )
May surprise on the odd occasion and knick a good result. But there’s not enough speed or reliability in Lucio Cechinello’s package to stay with the leaders over the course of the season.

TONI ELIAS (SPA , SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI)
Has been a resident in the middle of the field his entire Moto GP career. Again on a satellite bike, ensuring the same for 2009. Handy, but not quick enough.

MARCO MELANDRI (ITA , HAYATE RACING TEAM)
Somehow managed a ride after a disastrous time with Ducati, then received the news that he would not have a ride after Kawasaki (the team he signed with) pulled out. Kawasaki then changed their mind and put Melandri back in the game, however, with minimal factory support and as a sole rider. Behind on development, he really has done nothing for a few seasons. Will be mixing it with Rossi and Stoner – as a backmarker.

MIKA KALLIO ( FIN , PRAMAC DUCATI)
First year in the top class for the flying finn , and on a Satellite Ducati which surprisingly usually dont come anywhere close to being as good as the Factory Ducati’s Stoner & Hayden pocess . A learning year for Kallio , which depending on how quickly he adapts to the Bigger bikes , may see him shock everyone later in the year.

SETE GIBERNAU ( SPA , GRUPO DUCATI )
Back in Moto Gp after two seasons out as a test rider . On a satellite Ducati , winding down his career , dont expect him to be up with the big boys.

LORIS CAPIROSSI ( ITA , RIZLA SUZUKI )
Like Vermeulan , Capirossi is a good rider with a ton of experience . However , Suzuki just dont have the speed to match the top guys and Loris should expect another year with a handfull of podiums and a handful of nothings.

YUKI TAKAHASHI ( JAP , SCOTT RACING)
A resident backmarker who is learning all the time. Simply not on a bike that is quick enough or reliable enough . Expect to see him racing the pace car..at the Back !

NICCOLO CANEPA ( ITA , PRAMAC DUCATI )
To be honest a rider I do not know alot about , has been mid field in pre season testing , and pretty much expected to stay their for season 2009.

So there you go, I have been brutal with some and let some off lightly, but what can’t be mistaken is 2009 is shaping as the closest Moto GP World Championship in a long time.

Rossi and Stoner seem the two to beat, but there is an evergrowing list of Pedrosa, Lorenzo, Dovizioso, Hayden, and De Angelis who may just make the leap to the top.

Strap yourselves in, because we’re in for a cracker!

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.