 |  He has proven he is the best of all time and has achieved all there is to achieve |
The 2006 MotoGP season has come round so quickly.
Walking down the paddock here in Jerez makes it seem like only yesterday the teams were in Valencia saluting Valentino Rossi's title triumph in November.
I'm really excited by the new season and the circuit here is excellent.
It is quite twisty and it's the perfect track to start the season at.
Testing has been up and down for a lot of the teams and it will be interesting to see what happens when the flag drops on Sunday.
Everyone gets so bored of testing that by the time the race comes round it's almost like a holiday and time for everyone to enjoy themselves.
One team that has been struggling in the latter stages of pre-season is Rossi's Yamaha team.
He was brilliant during early testing but could only manage 10th fastest down here in Jerez.
It's anybody's guess whether it's just a clever ploy by Yamaha or whether the team really does have a major problem.
| Jerez MotoGP
Qualifying: Sat, BBCi, 1255
Race: Sun, BBC Two, 1240
MotoGP Extra, Sun, BBCi, 1400 |
On paper Rossi is unbeatable - but that's just on paper.
MotoGP is a dangerous sport and anyone could break a collarbone on the first corner here so nothing is set in stone as far as predictions go.
However, it's difficult to see the Italian not winning again as it is likely to be his last season in the sport and he will want to go out at the top.
He has proven he is the best of all time and has achieved all there is to achieve.
He's got a magnificent chance to go to Ferrari and drive a car which is considerably safer than the two wheels of MotoGP.
The chasing pack behind are getting stronger and it will get harder for him this season as there is a barrage of people on his tail.
The more times you win the harder it gets and the bigger the target gets on your back.
Marco Melandri got stronger and stronger towards the end of last season and the Ducatis will be extremely competitive amongst themselves and that could help push them along.
And let's not forget the impact Honda's new rider Dani Pedrosa could have.
He is set to be the sport's new superstar but I think he will find it tough this year.
It's the best 20 riders on the best motorbikes at the pinnacle of their sport and that's why I love MotoGP.
It's set to be a brilliant season.
MMIX
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