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Coming this weekend from Jerez in Spain, where they are expecting 250,000 specators at the circuit to witness the spectacle. In pre season testing at the circuit, Rossi and Pedrosa stood out as the guys at the sharp edge, I am expecting much of the same for the coming weekend. Capirossi will be out to make a point after his demise in Qatar, he already has some serious catching up to do on his team mate who won round one. Having witnessed the fiorst round, it would appear that the Dukes have the advantage on grunt but perhaps the Yamahas have the edge on handling. This is not a grunt circuit, so I am not expecting the Dukes to do so well here. Hopkins on the Suzuki should be a better package than in Qatar where he was carrying injuries and still managed to come home fourth.

Its Elias's and Pedrosa's home GP, the partisan crowd will no doubt be baying for a home win.

Ilmor have pulled out leaving just 19 competitors, however, for this round we have a wildcard entry on a Suzuki. Kousuke Akiyoshi will ride on a GSVR as team mates to Hopkins and Vermeulen.

This could turn into an epic battle, really looking forward to seeing testing as well as the race. Don't forget, Rossi came off at turn one last year here, he has managed 4 wins from 6 starts at this circuit while riding in the premier class.