after much consideration...
1 Valentino ROSSI because he is fit and well and on a roll nothing can go wrong right now, he has Ago in position and the fireworks are primed, nothing could go wrong could it?
2 Casey STONER because even with a broken scaphoid he will come second – none of this “languishing” rot because you have a band aid on your elbow.
3 Chris VERMEULEN – he’s riding for his contract
4 Shinya NAKANO – the big call – was making great pace in the FP sessions and he is testing the factory Honda on Bridgestone’s. Dani is depending on him.
5 Toni Elias – the “user friendly/ride itself” Ducati conspiracy theorists need this result, despite the fact he will be over 40 seconds behind.
6 Dani PEDROSA - on form and someone has to be the first Michelin man. His minuscule weight will allow the new compound of paper mache that the tyres are constructed from to go the distance. Apparently the confetti flying off the tyres in QP reminded Casey of his wedding day (and night) and he rushed back to the pits to tear off a nervous pre race knee trembler with Adriana setting the pole position time on the way.
7 Andrea DOVIZIOSO – because Dani isn’t that good- he’ll be able to feel Dovi’s hot breath on the back of his neck and "someone" will be getting jealous.
8 Loris CAPIROSSI – looking a bit old this weekend. Dry dream and wet farts do not combine with high speeds and motorcycles. If you turn 100 you get a letter from the Queen but you do not win much else. Chronological milestones are not really a cause for rejoicing. Sorry.
9 Anthony West – apropos to nothing else – why not?
10 Colin Edwards – this is entitlement
Other honourable mentions.
Jorge – will crash because he thinks he is using the same Bridgestone’s Rossi is.
RDP will crash because he is he
Guintoli will watch Stoner AND Elias fade off into the distance and blame Hurricane Gustov
