James Toseland will be making his MotoGP debut

Australian sensation Casey Stoner romped to the title last year, leaving five-times world champion Valentino Rossi cursing the performance of his Yamaha and the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden trailing well behind.

From a British perspective, all eyes will be on James Toseland who makes his MotoGP debut after stepping up from World Superbikes.

We quizzed the BBC's MotoGP team of Suzi Perry, Steve Parrish and Matt Roberts before the first race in Qatar on 9 March to find out what they think will happen this season.

Suzi Perry: This is a learning season for James Toseland, he has to learn new tracks, get used to a new bike/tyres and a new paddock so there will be lot to take in.

However, James has not entered this challenge unprepared, actually he has been thinking forward for almost 12 months. He has lost five kilos of muscle to become more streamlined, he has worked really hard throughout all of the tests and has already surpassed a lot of people's expectations. But of course testing is very different to racing and he is very aware of that.

Steve Parrish: I truly believe he can finish in the top seven this year and possibly sneak a podium. Moving from Superbikes to MotoGP is like going from the Championship to the Premier League, but I think he will easily make the transition.

Matt Roberts: On the evidence of testing we can expect him to be challenging for top six finishes in the first half of the season and maybe podiums in the second half. Anything above that would be an incredible achievement.

Suzi: Once again in tests, despite an injury and missing time on the track, the feisty Aussie looks set to be the man to beat. He and his team are now proven and work together like a dream, he still has the fastest missile out there, but of the Ducati riders, he is the only one who can really muscle it around the circuits.

Steve: He has the potential however I believe it's going to become harder and harder to gain multiple championships because of the technology we are encountering at present.

Stoner clinches first world title

Matt: It is impossible to say who is the best of all time and it will be difficult to compare Stoner with Rossi, who effectively won titles in four different categories - including those incredible back-to-back 990cc titles for Honda and Yamaha. But at the moment Casey looks pretty much unbeatable and at 22 I'd say he's got all the potential to be the most successful MotoGP rider ever.

Suzi: Of course you can never rule out Valentino. He is the most popular rider in the world and for good reason. The Rossi phenomena hails from talent, personality and sheer bravery, wherever he goes he is followed by controversy and thousands of fans. This season, the big difference for the Italian will be the tyres, he makes the switch to Bridgestone's and seems as pleased as punch.

Steve Parrish's MotoGP Column

Steve: Never! I believe he has at least one more championship in him.

Matt: No you can't but I think this is the first season since 2001 that he has come into a season without being the favourite, not in my view anyway. He probably rode harder than he ever has last season and he's lost none of his talent but we'll have to wait and see whether the combination of rider, machine and tyres is enough to outpace Stoner and Ducati over 18 races.

Suzi: Nicky Hayden could make a come back after a lacklustre season last year, any of the 250cc boys who have made the step up could have a strong show, as could Randy De Puniet. Hopefully it will be James!

Steve: James Toseland!! and Michelin.

Matt: Hopefully James Toseland will, but to be honest all four rookies have great potential, especially Jorge Lorenzo. If Suzuki could make some major improvements then Chris Vermeulen would be a consistent frontrunner but at the minute that's looking like a big 'if'.

Suzi: It will be pretty chilly I think, it is early in the year and the temp drops right down at night, which will be a concern for the tyres of course for the riders. However, I like the idea of doing something a bit different to kick off the season.

606: DEBATE What are your thoughts on the night race in Qatar?

Steve: Cooler and very spectacular. And from a personal point of view at least I will be able to spend the best part of the day by the pool.

Matt: Hopefully very exciting! I suppose it will be strange at first but it's only like watching a football match under floodlights. And they're always the best games aren't they?!

Suzi: This year the best thing will be having an accomplished Brit in the pack and of course the ongoing question, can Rossi beat Stoner to regain the crown....can't wait!

Steve: Not having a clue who is going to win it and the end, as I will get to ride all the bikes again.

Matt: There are so many things but apart from the obvious ones I love the characters. It is something we always try to relate to our viewers and I think once you start to get to know the personalities under the helmets, even the most sceptical viewer can get hooked by their battles on the track. There's nothing else like it, other than medieval jousting, but they stopped that, right?

The MotoGP team were talking to Paul Birch