Highlights

Rossi remains the man to beat at MotoGP

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-21 10:46

LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) - Valentino Rossi faces the challenge of new and younger rivals in what could be a watershed season for the charismatic king of MotoGP.

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa makes his debut in front of his home crowd this weekend after winning the 125 and 250cc titles while Italian Marco Melandri is a real contender to end his compatriot's five-year reign.

Pedrosa is just 20 while Melandri, winner of the last two races of 2005, is 23. Both will be riding for Honda in Sunday's season-opening Spanish Grand Prix at the southern Jerez circuit.

Young Australians Casey Stoner (Honda) and Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) are also making their MotoGP debuts.

"This year my main rivals have changed and the average age is much younger, so I will have to work out their strengths and weaknesses," observed Rossi, 27, who was unhappy with his Yamaha in final tests at Jerez.

"I have watched the career of Dani Pedrosa very closely since he was in 125cc and I have always been impressed by him and I expect him to be strong from the first race.

"Besides him, there are many different riders, manufacturers and teams that have been fast at different times throughout the pre-season.

"I hope we can have some really good battles for the fans."

Rossi won 11 times in 2005 to claim his fifth successive title in the top class -- including every MotoGP title since the category replaced 500cc in 2002 -- but his plans beyond 2006 remain a mystery.

FORMULA ONE

Italy's highest paid sportsman has tested repeatedly for the Ferrari Formula One team and is mulling over a switch to four wheels.

Whether that happens remains to be seen, with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher suggesting that the Italian was good enough but others doubting that he really wants to make the considerable leap.