And finally the Phillip Island round of MotoGP is here. I'm riding down tomorrow and stayin down there for the weekend and can't wait. I don't really care how close the race is, I just love being there and watching these blokes ride in a manner I can only dream about, particularly Stoner who's as exciting to watch on his own as seeing any Moto2 dogfight. Anyway, I'll give a brief rundown of the MotoGP protagonists for the race.

Casey Stoner - 2011 champion elect and has won the last four races at Phillip Island, it's honestly very difficult to see him being beaten at his home circuit. He can take the title if he wins and Lorenzo finishes 4th or worse though this seems unlikely. Would make a nice birthday present for him though.

Dani Pedrosa - has returned to full fitness and full speed. Will be buoyed after last rounds win buried the demons from Motegi 2010 and a confident Dani should be very competitive. I'd be surprised if he's not on the podium.

Andrea Dovizioso - probably the most determined rider in the paddock at the moment after Honda chose Simoncelli over him for a factory contract in 2012. He's signed for Tech3 Yamaha now for next season and will be keen to show Honda they've made a mistake. A chance for the podium

Marco Simoncelli - now he has a contract for a Factory Honda in 2012, I'm expecting to see the return of a more aggressive Simoncelli til the end of the season. If it is coupled with his seemingly new found maturity of the second half of this season, he could well be a smokey for at least a podium.

Hiroshi Aoyama - the quiet Japanese has had a quiet year, racking up consistent solid finishes to be vying with Colin Edwards for the top genuine privateer. The Island isn't one of his happier hunting grounds so a top 10 is probably all he can hope for.

Toni Elias - 2010's Toni the Tiger has become Toni the Turtle in 2011. His lack of speed this year isn't for lack of trying but his riding style is so distinct that it just doesn't gel with the Bridgestone tires. Likely off to World Superbike in 2012, Elias will probably get a blinder start then fade through the pack or crash trying to keep up.

Jorge Lorenzo - he's hanging on in there for the title race against all hope. Needs to not finish on the podium for Stoner to take the title here but he looks too strong for that. Also, Phillip Island is a circuit that flows so it hides the Yamahas biggest weakness - it's lack of acceleration.

Ben Spies - The Ben has had a slightly disappointing year given the high expectation placed on him to elevate to 'alien' status. However, it must be said that he's had more than his fair share of bad luck to hold him back. Phillip Island is a track that suits him and he's had good results there in the past. A strong chance for a podium - if he's allowed to beat his teammate...

Colin Edwards - ol' Col is nearing the conclusion of his career, heading to a CRT bike next year. Still pretty competitive, if he has a day out he could sneak a top 6 result.

Cal Crutchlow - started the year very impressively but started craching - a lot - and seems to have lost a lot of confidence. Will be eagerly awaiting next years switch to 1000cc machines and softer Bridgestones. I'd expect scraping into the top 10 to be about his limit though it is at least a circuit he knows.

Alvaro Bautista - Alvaro has been quietly impressive this year, improving steadily as the year progressed after busting his femur at the opening round in Qatar. Through the bike away last round trying for a top 5 finish, he'll be pushed to be that far up the field as the Suzuki traditionally struggles at the seaside circuit.

Valentino Rossi - the biggest name of all has been the biggest letdown of all in 2011. The marketing dream of the millenium has become a nightmare. After some very public potshots at his rivals before the season, Rossi has failed to fire at all. Despite multiple heavy revisions to his Desmosedici, all have failed to result in any serious improvement. Made some ergonomic changes to his bike before the last race (similar to Stoner 2010) and a new aluminium frame saw him fourth fastest in warmup at Motegi, will be interesting to see if it translates into genuine improvement of flash-in-the-pan. The successes of 2001-2005 in Australia are a distant memory and I expect him to finish his now customary 7th place.

Nicky Hayden - Nicky has struggled through 2011 manfully and without complaint (publicly). Phillip Island is one of his strongest tracks and being only 16 points behind Rossi in the standings, he'd love nothing more than to beat his teammate to finish top Ducati man for the year.

Loris Capirossi - The 2011 Phillip Island Grand Prix will mark the last time we see Capirossi race down under and the third last race in Grand Prix anywhere. What has been a very successful career is reaching a somewhat sorry end of injury and difficult machinery. Will sadly be a likely tailgunner of the field.

Randy DePuniet - unfortunately the theories of Randy's riding style suiting the Ducati have come to nought. He will be desperate to finish the year competitively and win his seat back at LCR Honda. Probably hover somewhere around 10th place.

Karel Abraham - many questioned the inclusion of Karel Abraham in this years MotoGP lineup. After all, the dude has only had two podiums with one win in the feeder classes and was getting a ride in a team funded by Daddy. However, Karel has been mildly competitive on a difficult bike with a rookie team. If things go real well, a top 10 is not out of the question.

Damien Cudlin - finally we have Damo. An Australian motorcycle racing journeyman, Cudlin got the surprise call up to replace the injured Capirossi at Motegi last round. He rode a respectable pace but crashed out racing with Honda test rider Akiyoshi. This time he's gets the opportunity to race on the back of Hector Barbera's misfortune (busted collarbone). With a weekends riding of the Ducati under his belt, racing at home at a familiar circuit he should be more competitive and will hopefully be able to at least have a bit of a battle with someone else at the back of the field.

So there ya have it. Hopefully the weekend is fine (for my sake as much as anything!) and the racing close. My MotoGP top 5 is as follows:
1. Stoner
2. Pedrosa
3. Dovizioso
4. Lorenzo
5. Spies

Okay, so I'm actually expecting Lorenzo to come second and Dovizioso fifth but that doesn't result in a home town championship for Casey!

So I'm about all typed out now to bother much with Moto2 and 125. Am really hoping that Ant Wests improvement since Warren Willing came on board will continue and he could push for a top 5 and I'd love to see Bradl answer the challenge and win, taking back the championship lead. Hopefully Jack Miller has a good race in 125 and Arthur Sissis too if he gets a gig and a right ol' fist fight battle up front.

Can't wait!