This year is going to be more wide open than '03 and '04. It looks to me that the M1 isn't as strong as it was last year but we all know better than to bet against Rossi. I don't see Gibernau doing any better than last season, his best season thus far but how long will his luck run? When Biaggi is on he is on, but like you all have said he isn't on much anymore and I don't think all the trick HRC parts in the world will save him this year. Testing has proven my point even more so. Tamada should be a contender for race wins this year but not the title, adjusting to the Michelins will take time and he is up and down in testing sessions. Bayliss is in trouble. One of the greatest guys in the paddock but the adjustment to the Honda seems to be taking a mental toll, look for good performaces at Phillip Isle, Laguna Seca, Valencia, and Assen but the rest of the year could be disastrous. This has my own bias in it but I think you have to look to Hayden to step up and snag a couple wins and become an everyday front runner with Rossi, Biaggi, and Gibernau. The same goes for Melandri. Hopkins is going to be a pleasant surprise for everyone, look for him to take home a podium finish or two this year. Like I said before, you can't bet against Rossi. One thing I am disappointed in for this season is the rider selection with Proton KR/KTM. It is heavily rumored that the reason they hired Shakey Byrne is because Dorna helped the team financially to keep a Brit in the series to please the BBC and its viewers. But Byrne hasn't shown much on the premier stage. They tested very positively with Jeremy McWilliams and that is who I think should have piloted the bike. And for good measure I enjoyed watching the father son duo of King Kenny and Kurtis operate but if Kurtis didn't want to stay that is his business. I look forward to the '05 season and debating and dicussing all aspects with everyone. Cheers.