The 2004 125cc world champion moves up to MotoGP for the first time this season, and faces the prospect of last season's poor results for the JiR team single-handed.

Aged 21, the Italian is considered by many to be a top talent for the future, and one to watch.

JiR first entered MotoGP in 2005 and rider Makoto Tamada claimed a third place finish in Japan.

But results in the last two years have been poor and big strides forward are required this season.